My journey through Indochina wouldn’t be complete without exploring Laos, full of stunning mountain landscapes carved by peaceful waterfalls enveloped by lush valleys leading down into the majestic Mekong River that creates most of the western border. The river is widest at the Si Phan Don region in southern Laos near the Cambodia border. This region is better known as the 4,000 Islands. The name is appropriately given to the area as the Mekong River drops in elevation flowing through hundreds of cascading waterways thus carving the land to create thousands of small islands.
WHY GO TO THE 4,000 ISLANDS REGION?
This area is often referred to as a backpackers paradise. A visit to this region will make you understand why life here ebbs at a slow and relaxed pace. The small dirt paths meander through sleepy groupings of homes all positioned along the peaceful, Mekong river. The sunsets are stunning with the river in the foreground and mountains off in the distance making your mind, body and soul feel as present as ever.
I wouldn’t suggest you plan your entire vacation around visiting the 4,000 Islands region but it is certainly worth a stop along the Cambodia – Laos travel route.
WHERE TO STAY
DON DET
The northern end of Don Det is where the boat dock is connecting the islands to the mainland (to Nakasong). Many guest houses, hostels, restaurants and small shops are located in this area. This is the more popular area to stay.
I stayed at the Souksan Sunset Bungalows at the northern tip along the river. This property features hostel options as well as private cottages for a bit more money. The owners are extremely friendly, the cost was budget-friendly and the location was quiet. The outdoor dining area has great views of the river!
The southern part of Don Det has less accommodations. If you stay here, your dining choices will be limited (you would most likely need to cross the bridge to go into northern Don Khon Island) but it will be extremely peaceful and remote.
DON KHON
The northern tip of Don Khon Island has some decent accommodations and more dining options than across the river in southern Don Det. I believe you can also reach this island via boat from Nakasong on the mainland
WHAT TO DO AROUND IN THE 4000 ISLANDS
1. RELAX
Yes, relax. To stop and be present. To take in the chill vibe of the area. This is the perfect place to just do nothing after you have been traveling for a while. Life will slow down.
2. BIKE AROUND
The best way to experience the islands of Don Det and Don Khon is to rent a bike ($1 for all day) and roam around the dirt paths.
3. WATERFALLS
While these aren’t the most impressive waterfalls that you have ever seen, they still are fascinating. They are more like large cascades as the water drops in elevation. The three best waterfalls to see are:
- Khon Phapheng Falls (largest in region – must go to Nakasong and take a tuk tuk on the mainland to visit these falls)
- Li Phi Falls (Don Khon Island – west side)
- Khon Pa Soi Falls (Don Khon Island – east side)
4. GET LOST, LITERALLY
While I don’t recommend getting lost on purpose, you should just bike or walk around the island without too much of a plan. I ended up getting lost by accident because the path I was taking to find the Khon Pa Soi Falls (down the old railroad line on Don Khon Island) led to two fallen bridges. And this led me off the beaten path (literally) trying to find a way around the bridges to get to the Falls. I ended up lost in the forest that created one of my most memorable adventures of my journey. Check out our my video “Lost in Laos” below
HOW TO GET TO THE 4000 ISLANDS REGION
- From Pakse. Many buses will take you directly from Pakse to Nakasong where you will need to transfer to a boat to cross the Mekong River.
- From Cambodia. Check out my post of my journey from Cambodia to Don Det.
Have you been to the 4000 Islands? Share with everyone about where you stayed and what you loved best.
