Run by a Lao-Italian family, the Kingfisher Ecolodge is set on 7 hectares at the edge of the wetland, about 700m past Kiet Ngong village. It's a beautiful spot. Sitting on your balcony at dawn and watching birds flit across the wetland is a memorable experience and the two-tiered restaurant-bar could easily be in an East African safari lodge.
The seven comfortable bungalows have a great safari feel, with natural timbers and thatched grass, and huge wooden countertops in the bathrooms, polished hardwood pillars and floors, lovely beds and – the pièce de résistance – large balconies with hammocks. The economy rooms have more modest balconies and share a spotless bathroom. Air-con rooms and a swimming pool were being planned at the time of research.
Most activities offered by the Visitor Information Centre are also offered here, with the addition of full-day guided mountain-bike tours (per person 430,000K with two people) into Se Pian NPA. And it lives up to the 'eco' in its name by supporting the local school, using solar power and promoting conservation within Se Pian NPA.
Wi-fi is available only in the restaurant.