35 miles south of Pakse is remarkable Kingfisher Ecolodge – a comfortable eco-lodge in a remarkable setting overlooking a picturesque wetland reserve. This lodge is a family run lodge managed by Massimo from Italy and his wife On, a Lao native. It is an eco-lodge in the truest sense, as they run the business in a sustainable way, setting the example for others to follow.

The “Comfort Bungalows” all have a view over the wetland have been created using traditional materials and workmanship, which have then been adapted with architectural design. Most strikingly, the front wall of the rooms is entirely built by glass, which allows guests to live in the landscape in a sense of spaciousness. The shower room, which uses solar powered hot water, is separated from the toilet area and built to accommodate these same views, the deep greens and blues of the wetland becoming part of the experience.

The entry-level “Eco Rooms” are considerably cheaper, sparser and have shared facilities.

All rooms have a ceiling fan and electrical plugs, but beyond this there is little technology – thankfully there are no televisions or music systems available, although it is possible to connect to the internet and make international phone calls from the reception.

The open two-storey restaurant, where Lao and western dishes prepared mainly with organic food are served, is set up directly over a pond and overlooks the wetland area where you can admire the elephants, birds and locals going about their daily life.