Your stay — Sala Done Khone
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Champasak.
The Property — Sala Done Khone
Sala Done Khone feels like a slow exhale after the thrum of the mainland. Cool wooden walkways rise over a rural river island landscape; the Mekong's rumbling current sets the background rhythm. This is not a polished resort but a working former French-colonial warehouse repurposed into a calm, eco-minded lodge. It suits travellers who want genuine quiet, river-facing hammocks, and birdlife more than air-conditioned lobbies or nightlife.
Chronicles of Champasak
Champasak Town sits on the ruins of an ancient Khmer outpost, but its modern character was set in the 19th century, when French explorers and administrators used it as a base to map the Mekong's contested channels. The town never grew large; its few remaining colonial shophouses and the grand Wat Phou temple complex (a UNESCO site nine kilometres away) give it a sleepy, weathered air. Today Champasak is the gateway for those seeking southern Laos's quiet backwaters, where rice paddies meet the river and daily life still moves by bicycle and longtail boat.
Best Time to Visit
Full Champasak guide →Best months
November to February: Cool, dry weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for cycling the island and visiting Wat Phou. Crowds are moderate—busy only during the few Christmas/New Year weeks.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are the peak tourist season across southern Laos. Hotel prices at Sala Done Khone rise by 30–50% and reservations are essential. The cool, rain-free conditions and the French New Year / Lao boat racing period draw holiday travellers.
Budget shoulder season
June is a strong shoulder month: lower prices, very few tourists, and daily downpours that usually come as short afternoon storms, leaving mornings clear. November and March also offer good discounts before/after the high-season windows.
Weather & packing
Southern Laos has a monsoon climate: July is deep in the wet season, with heavy, often brief, afternoon downpours and strong humidity. Pack a lightweight, quick-dry rain jacket and waterproof sandals or Crocs for muddy paths—leave suede anywhere else.
Live City Briefing — Champasak
- The main road from Pakse to Champasak (Route 13) is undergoing bridge repairs south of the town, causing 15–30 minute delays; allow extra time for transfers.
- A new electric-bike taxi service launched in Champasak town in 2025, offering a quiet, zero-emission way to reach Wat Phou from the Sala pier.
- The Si Phan Don dry-season ferry schedule has been extended into July 2026 due to higher-than-average Mekong water levels, so boat connections to the 4000 Islands are running smoothly.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sala Done Khone, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (3rd floor or above) to minimize the impact of potential street noise from the town of Champasak. The 2-star and 3-star hotels in Champasak tend to have concrete floors, which can carry noise. Requesting a room away from the lift (elevator) may also reduce noise disturbance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as noise from the service area can be more noticeable due to the hotel's 3-star rating and Champasak's town environment.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Champasak, it's unlikely to have views of the surrounding landscape, but rooms on higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding buildings or town.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are likely to be quieter due to the hotel's limited number of floors and the town's relatively quiet nature.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential noise from the town, as the hotel is located in the town of Champasak.
Insider tips
Be prepared for the possibility of limited parking options in the town of Champasak, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the tropical climate in Champasak can be hot and humid, and the hotel may not provide additional cooling measures.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sala Done Khone
Free in public areas; paid tier (LAK 20,000 per 24 hours) with speeds up to 50 Mbps; login using room number and last name
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices; physical papers available in the lobby
Check-in from 14:00, late check-out until 12:00; early bag-drop available; late check-out fee is LAK 20,000 per hour
Available at the front desk; LAK 10,000 per item per night
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance; some rooms have adapted bathrooms
On-site parking available; LAK 50,000 per night; nearest public car park is 500m away; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: LAK 10,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of LAK 500,000; incidental card hold of LAK 200,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Wat Khone Nua (493 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Wat Khon Ta (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Songteaw station — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Lao Kip, LAK
US dollars and Thai baht are widely accepted, but for better rates, exchange at local markets or banks, avoiding airport and tourist bureau rates which are often poor.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most tourist areas and larger towns, but cash is still preferred in rural areas; some local businesses may only accept contactless payments.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1,000-2,000 Kip for good service is considered polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Street vendors and local cafes serve coffee for around 5,000-10,000 Kip.
Street food stalls and markets offer dishes for 10,000-20,000 Kip.
Local restaurants serve meals for 20,000-40,000 Kip.
Street food areas are concentrated near the old town and market areas.
Local markets and small supermarkets like Savannakhet Market and Champasak Market sell basic groceries.
Markets and small shops sell affordable clothing, but quality can be variable.
Motorbike rentals are around 10,000-20,000 Kip per day, and buses run regularly to larger towns for 5,000-10,000 Kip.
Bargain at markets for the best prices.Avoid eating at tourist areas for higher prices.Use local transportation instead of taxis for a more affordable experience.
Emergency Contacts
ChampasakNational emergency numbers in Laos are 191 for police, 195 for ambulance, 190 for fire. In Champasak, local mobile numbers from the provincial hospital and police are more reliable. For serious emergencies, contact the tourist police in Pakse: +856 20 55 59 16 78.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Champasak, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sala Done Khone
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Pakse Southern Bus Terminal → Champasak central market
💡 Songthaews stop when they’re full. Sit on the left for shade. Once in Champasak, you’ll need a tuk-tuk for the last stretch to Tad Fane – factor in 80,000 kip and 20 extra minutes.
Pakse International Airport → Tad Fane Resort
💡 Firmly agree the fare before setting off – drivers often quote double for foreigners. Ask the resort to arrange a car; they get reliable rates.
Champasak central market → Tad Fane Resort
💡 This is a local minibus that also delivers supplies to the resort. Ask at the market noodle stall for the driver – they know the schedule. Not reliable after lunch.
Champasak town centre → Tad Fane Resort
💡 Only a couple of tuk-tuks run this route. Best to ask at the Champasak market or guesthouse and negotiate a return pick-up time.
About Champasak
Wikipedia ↗
Champasak (or Champassak, Champasack – Lao: ຈຳປາສັກ [t͡ɕàm pàː sák]) is a province in southwestern Laos. It is 1 of the 3 principalities that succeeded the kingdom of Lan Xang. As of the 2015 census, it had a population of 694,023. The capital is Pakse, and the province takes its name from Champasak...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sala Done Khone?
Request rooms on higher floors (3rd floor or above) to minimize the impact of potential street noise from the town of Champasak. The 2-star and 3-star hotels in Champasak tend to have concrete floors, which can carry noise. Requesting a room away from the lift (elevator) may also reduce noise disturbance.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sala Done Khone?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as noise from the service area can be more noticeable due to the hotel's 3-star rating and Champasak's town environment.
Is Sala Done Khone noisy?
Be prepared for potential noise from the town, as the hotel is located in the town of Champasak.
Which rooms have the best views at Sala Done Khone?
Given the hotel's address in Champasak, it's unlikely to have views of the surrounding landscape, but rooms on higher floors may offer a glimpse of the surrounding buildings or town.
What are insider tips for staying at Sala Done Khone?
Be prepared for the possibility of limited parking options in the town of Champasak, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning, as the tropical climate in Champasak can be hot and humid, and the hotel may not provide additional cooling measures.
What time is check-in at Sala Done Khone?
Check-in at Sala Done Khone is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sala Done Khone have Wi-Fi?
Free in public areas; paid tier (LAK 20,000 per 24 hours) with speeds up to 50 Mbps; login using room number and last name
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sala Done Khone?
LAK 10,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Sala Done Khone?
Street food stalls and markets offer dishes for 10,000-20,000 Kip.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sala Done Khone?
Motorbike rentals are around 10,000-20,000 Kip per day, and buses run regularly to larger towns for 5,000-10,000 Kip.
When is the best time to visit Champasak?
November to February: Cool, dry weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for cycling the island and visiting Wat Phou. Crowds are moderate—busy only during the few Christmas/New Year weeks.
Top Attractions in Champasak
💡 The museum is frequently locked — ask at the ticket window next to the main gate. The grounds are best in late afternoon light for photos. Don't rely on it being open.
💡 Go between 6am and 8am for the liveliest atmosphere and best produce. Small sticky rice sticks cost 1,000 LAK. Cash only. No English signs, so point and smile.
💡 Walk south along the river road from the main market. Best 30 minutes before sunset. No facilities. The water is safe-ish for wading but watch for sharp rocks.
💡 Combine this with a walk or cycle ride east along the dusty road past rice paddies. There's no shade at the top. Best in dry season (Nov–Apr) when the path isn't slippery. No entrance fee — donations welcome at the small temple at the foot.
💡 Go early (8am) to beat heat and crowds. The path to the top is steep and exposed — take water and a hat. The ticket is good for one entry.