PhuBaChiang Golf & Resort Pakse

The grounds are beautiful and the pool is nice and large. The rooms are good for the price, and it's a great escape after a few days in town. In my opinion, you'll need a car to stay here. It seems ideal for families.

The sheets were clean, and we got a small bottle of water each day, but there was little else to justify the so-called three-star rating. The food was expensive and portions were small. The pool was being used by all the kids from the nearby school. Nobody spoke English, including the waiter and pool staff. Whatever you asked, they answered “OK,” even if you were asking for a price or a location. After we'd spent $35 on balls and mandatory tips, they charged us an extra 150 000 kip for golf. We also booked a taxi, but the driver was late and didn't know the address we were going to.

The bungalows are pretty decent, with comfortable beds and a great terrace, and the place itself is beautiful. The golf course looked well kept, with plenty of challenging holes, though I didn't play. It was quiet the whole time because the resort was so empty. That emptiness makes me wonder why such a nice place isn't busier. Maybe it's a bit harsh, but I don't think management has properly trained the staff to run a golf resort hotel with attention to detail. There's a lot of potential here that isn't being used.

We stayed at Barchiang for an extended visit and loved the break from city life. We don't golf, but the beautiful views and many lovely walks around the golf course grounds were just what we needed. The staff and manager, Ms. La, were super friendly. Our kids loved the great pool and waterslide, and I was happy the water was a comfortable temperature.