Đảo Chè Thanh Chương - Homestay Gió Lào

Landscape is beautiful. Hot shower but you're warned to take no more than 10 minutes as it's one heater to two showers. Dirt paths to get there so if it has been raining--be warned/choose a different property. Mosquito nets for the beds.

This stay was very disappointing from the start. It had been raining and was dark when I arrived. While trying to drive my motorbike up the steep slippery cement I slipped and fell sideways--trapping my foot under the bike. The owner eventually found me and helped lift the bike off the ground with me. It was dark so I couldn't see well but it looked like a shadow of a person had seen me and just went back inside the house when it happened. I was stuck under the bike for at least 10 minutes working on getting out from under it and taking my luggage off. Owner never asked if I was ok or offer tea to warm up--just wanted my booking/passport info and to know if I was going to eat because they were closing the kitchen. The bedding was damp/moldy and smelled like mouse pee. No sheets are used so be sure to use your own liner. The walk to the bathroom is thru mud. Another group of foreigners were terrorizing the place--up late shouting, singing, getting into our room, locking people into their rooms since the doors have latches on both sides--they were too drunk. When I messaged him that they were getting into other people's rooms and not turning off music -- he did nothing. The owner shared he tried to get them to be quiet 3 times but when I myself went to ask them to be quiet--he was just standing there near them. They quieted for a few minutes after I talked to them then ramped it back up. If he had asked, I never heard them try to be quiet like they did after I had asked. Once they finally passed out, the dogs started barking through the night. Not a restful sleep. In the morning the owner offered a small apology and tea but I wanted to get out of there and not give any more money than I had to. There are not many reviews, I have a sense that maybe they re-listed the place to wipe old reviews as this property appears to have been around for some time.

beautiful location, building, delicious food, lovely staff and dogs

This is a genuine homestay experience! The property is on a beautiful farm with a lake view, there are fantastic home cooked meals available, free breakfast, and the dorm is built in the style of a house of the local Thai ethnic group. The owners will offer you tea grown on their farm all day long, you will drink so much! The beds are futons on the ground but it is quite clean, comfortable and worth it for the experience.

The first night I arrived, there was a dinner with all the guests. As soon as I arrived by motorbike, the host introduced me to all the surrounding guests, making me feel really welcome. Everyone is friendly and the food is delicious. The rooms are quiet and super clean. The next morning, the host introduced me to a very useful and beautiful tea island cruise. I love the energy in this place and the comfort. Delicious breakfast.

It may be a bit far from town and you can't pay by swiping a credit card, so you need to withdraw cash in advance to pay. but it's nice and safe to walk everywhere watching the lake at sunset and the green tea plantations.