Kingfisher Ecolodge

Kingfisher has some really amazing aspects, and I'd love to give a higher score. The setting is lovely and the rooms are gorgeous -- its a great place to relax and unwind. We really enjoyed the canoe trip over the wetlands, coming back as the sun was setting. However, there seemed to constantly be things going wrong over our 2 night stay: - they lost one of our bags when we arrived, putting it in the car of people checking out, so we had 4 hours without a change of clothes. - they couldn't find our room key, so we didn't have one. Not a problem (feels v safe) but when we got back from our trip on day 2 the cleaner had locked us out - the ceiling fan in our room didn't work, and after two requests to fix it they gave us a standing fan instead. Fine, but a shame when the rooms are otherwise so lovely (they didn't charge us for the room upgrade we'd opted for as an apology, which was nice) - when we booked for the canoe trip, they said they would check if it was possible. I asked them to come and tell us if/when it was confirmed, but they never did. Eventually I went to reception and they said the boat man was waiting for us, so I had to dash back and get my partner - at dinner, we ordered chicken with a peppercorn sauce. They brought it out with no sauce, and only when we asked did they say the sauce had gone off. At that point it was too late to change our order (it was v plain) - we borrowed mountain bikes, and the chain on one broke halfway. Was fine and we freewheeled back, but would have been v annoying if it happened earlier. None of these are huge problems, and the staff were generally lovely, but it took away from it feeling like a relaxing treat. There are also some smaller, routine parts which could be improved. The water pressure is v low unless you want a cold shower, and the food is a bit hit-and-miss (the local food is generally better, but even then definitely not the most exciting we've had in Laos). I think, on balance, we're still happy we stayed here because we loved the setting, but don't expect it to feel seamless.

We had a fantastic stay at the ecolodge. Great western standard rooms in a unique wetland setting. Good quality European and Lao food at the restaurant. Also went on local walk to nearby hill temple. ||Most importantly wake up early for the most amazing sunrise on the planet!!!

We were really impressed with our stay here. There is such a very, very nice, clean, huge room with friendly staff. I would recommend that you get up early morning and you will see a stunningly beautiful sunrise with water buffalo swimming across the Wetlands and traditional fisherman out in their canoes. The Lao cuisine in the restaurant overlooking the lake, was a perfect way to end the day.

Stayed here for two nights and really enjoyed my time here. The service is amazing. We went on a hike and went bird watching and both experiences were really good. The food and drinks selection in the hotel is great. The staff are lovely, really helpful and friendly. The view over the wet wand is also incredible.

Beautiful expansive views of wetlands area - the only place like it in six weeks of travel all over Laos. Meticulously built private lodges with spectacular sunrise views. Every detail of the lodges thought out. Adventurous and fun optional day long bike ride to a secretive waterfall and through backroad villages and fields. Very strenuous and totally worth it. Do not miss this amazing lodge.

We stayed 2 nights at Kingfisher Ecolodge which is a wonderful place to get away from everything, appreciate the beautiful Lao scenery, enjoy some wildlife spotting, and understand the rural way of life of Laos.||The lodge itself is set in the beautiful countryside on the Kiat Ngong Wetlands. Ban Kiat Ngong, the local village nearby, is a very traditional rural Lao village, with dirt roads. All the locals were very welcoming and were happy to say hello as you walked round the village so don't hesitate to go there. The wetland boat ride (a must do) was wonderful, with great opportunities to spot wildlife and watching the daily life at the wetlands. ||The rooms are individual stilted bungalows set in the forest with views out onto the wetlands. The Deluxe bungalow was a good size, clean and well presented with a large bed, ceiling fans, air conditioning, private bathroom, and your own balcony with a beautiful view over the wetlands. The pool is very nice too and overlooks the wetlands as well. The restaurant at the lodge provided very delicious food. Wifi works OK in the restaurant. ||A few points - The lodge is maybe a little down at heel, but we heard that it's due to the Elephants which are no longer in the area. Also, room and guided trips offered in the guidebook are a bit too pricy for what it is and needs to be reconsidered to get more guest staying. We were the only guest there and seems this has been like this for quite some time when speaking to locals and business owners in Laos. Overall, a great place with a lot of potential. ||It's definitely worth to stay couple nights to recharge and enjoy the peacefulness.

Amazing location in Xe Pian National Park close to wetlands and an authentic Lao village. Enjoyed the half day trek and dug out canoeing with local guides. Good food and friendly staff. Peace and quiet, sounds of nature and buffaloes grazing. Nice bungalows with soothing views. Kick back and enjoy.

This place was perfect for experiencing a place in rural Laos that is off the beaten path, yet very comfortable and luxurious. Our family of four stayed for two nights. The views are beautiful, the rooms are charming with beautiful views, and service and welcome was very warm and natural. We stayed in the family bungalow, which is quite spacious, a little on the rustic side, but we found it to be charming and a good value. The walk up to to Wat Phou Asa is a few kilometers. The forest is beautiful with very large trees, and the views from the wat are magnificent. We saw no other tourists. There were quite a lot of birds while we were there, and I saw a Crested Serpent Eagle. We enjoyed biking around the village.