4 Day Yoga, Meditation & Cultural Retreat in Champasak, Laos

The retreat is based at La Folie Lodge, a four-star eco-resort on Don Daeng Island, also known as 'the red island.' The island sits in the Mekong River near the town of Champasak, and the lodge looks out toward the sacred hills of Vat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The property itself is built in a colonial style, with spacious bungalows, a large garden, a pool, and a restaurant that serves local and Western dishes.

Your days follow a gentle rhythm. Each morning starts with meditation and a yoga class led by one of the instructors — either Shanna, who has taught in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Laos, or Ayuri, a somatic yoga coach specializing in Hatha Vinyasa, Wheel, Yin, Yoga Nidra, and chair yoga. Evenings often include restorative sessions like Yoga Nidra, or talks on yoga philosophy and sophrology. The exact schedule is flexible, so if you arrive late or want to skip a session, that's fine.

Beyond yoga, the retreat is designed to introduce you to the culture and landscape of southern Laos. You'll take a guided trip to Vat Phu, the ancient Khmer temple complex that predates Angkor Wat. You'll also have a cooking class, a village lunch, and free time to explore the island by bicycle or on foot. In the evenings, there may be a shadow puppet theatre performance or live music.

What makes this retreat stand out is the combination of a genuinely beautiful, tranquil location with a well-run resort and a small group of guests. The staff are attentive, the food is fresh and plentiful, and the setting — river, rice fields, and temples — is unlike most other yoga retreats in Southeast Asia. It's a good choice if you want a real escape from the usual tourist trail, without giving up comfort.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private bungalow with Mekong view - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with water, tea, and coffee - Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival - Daily yoga classes (morning and evening) - Daily meditation sessions - Guided excursion to Vat Phu temple ruins - Cooking class - 1-hour treatment at the spa - Unlimited boat transfers to/from the island - Free WiFi - Use of the pool, garden, and yoga shala

What's not included

- Flights to Laos - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Transfers from airports (available for an additional fee) - Additional spa treatments or activities not listed - Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.)