Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Laos | Lượt xem: 1325
Si Phan Don, also known as the 4,000 Islands in Laos, is a stunning place in Champasak province that gives rise to a magical atmosphere with fascinating sunrises and sunsets. True to its name, this area is made up of 4,000 islands of all sizes that are beautifully scattered across the vast Mekong River. It’s considered an unmissable destination in any Southern Laos itinerary, and also a must-see during most Laos adventure tours.
Si Phan Don, which literally means 4,000 islands, is an area of Southern Laos near the Cambodian border where 14 km of the Mekong River is broken by countless islands and sandbars. In reality, many of these islands are little more than bushes and are submerged when the river is full, but this does not detract from the extraordinary nature of Si Phan Don both in terms of landscape and atmosphere.
Despite the high number of islands, there are basically three main ones: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon. Even though these places are very popular among travelers, they have managed to maintain a truly authentic look and feel with a simple, secluded and placid life. In other words, they are naturally perfect for a few days of total relaxation.
Dubbed the quietest island in Laos, Don Khong is a very pleasant place to spend a couple of days wandering on foot or by bicycle among the fishermen's nets. You can go out on a boat at sunset or, more simply, relax on the banks of the Mekong River. With rice paddies and low hills in the central part and vegetable gardens along the coast, Don Khong is, in fact, a very beautiful island.
The whole island measures 18 km in length and 8 km in width and is the largest of the three, as well as the best equipped for accommodations with electricity and roads. There are not many things to discover on Don Khong, but it is a great place to stay overnight and rest after the tour. Compared to other islands, Don Khong is the most modern and most comfortable.
Don Det is the land of pure mental repose and the ideal solution for those who want to choose the right middle ground between tranquility and social life. This island is preferred by young backpackers, as it makes visitors feel they’re going back in time. In Don Det, there are only dirt paths along the river and no cars. Buffaloes, chickens and pigs roam freely around the island. There are no ATMs and electricity has only recently arrived.
The main area here is the one that develops around the two docks for mooring boats, but you can also find structures and some small places along the only road that leads inside the island or in the one that runs along the river and leads to Don Khon. Life in Don Det is also very quiet and peaceful. Just walk 50 m and leave the main village, and you are once again enveloped in silence, interrupted only by the small boats that roam the river and the noise of the animals.
Don Khon is the twin island of Don Det, they are linked together by a bridge so you can easily travel between these two. Despite being the smallest of the three, Don Khon is considered the main island to travel in Si Phan Don and also the most attractive for outdoor activities enthusiasts. Most of the attractions are concentrated in Don Khon, making it the ideal place for those who love astonishing natural spectacles and a diverse ecosystem.
Just like Don Det, Don Khon has no fancy restaurants or paved roads, but the amazing nature will make it up to you. Here, apart from lazing peacefully in a hammock, you can go cycling, float on the river with an inner tube, or watch the lively acrobatics of the Irrawaddy dolphins. Another must-visit attraction in Don Khon is the 7-km-long Don Det – Don Khon railway, which was built by the French colonial administration of Indochina in 1893 and was the only railway operated in Laos until 2009.
Like most parts of Laos, Si Phan Don is characterized by a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round, ranging from 30 – 35°C during the day. The rainy season in Si Phan Don is from May to September when the speed of the water increases and floods may occur, so you shouldn’t visit it during this period.
From October to April next year is the dry season when you can organize a 4,000 Islands Laos tour at any time you wish, but the period with the most tourist arrivals goes from November to March with sunny days, fresh air, and not-too-high temperatures.
No matter which island you choose to visit first, your starting point is almost always Pakse – the capital of Champasak province and also the largest town in the region. Pakse is about 130 km from Si Phan Don so the journey won’t be short, but the good news is it’s usually laid-back and easy.
From Paske, the cheapest method to reach 4,000 Islands is catching a 3-hour bus to Nakasang Ferry Boat Station in Nakasong, and then taking a local ferry to the island you want to set foot on. A combined bus-ferry ticket should cost around $11, and the total travel time is about 3 hours and a half. You can also book a bus and a ferry separately at a cheaper price, as the bus ticket costs only $6 and the ferry ticket is $2 – $4, but make sure to manage your schedule wisely.
Several hours biking the leafy, dusty country trails of Don Det and Don Khon will be a thrilling ride to keep in your memory. The rustic rural view is ever present on every road you pass by, with green rice fields and charming palm trees along the way. Besides the majestic Mekong River, the picturesque scenery of these lands is also one of the factors that make 4,000 Islands a paradise for shutterbugs around the world.
Another spectacular waterfall in the 4,000 Islands Laos travel map is Khone Falls – the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia with 9,500,000 liters per second (which is nearly double Niagara Falls’ volume). This waterfall possesses impressive rocky hills and massive water that spills over a large area. Water flowing in different terrains creates smaller waterfalls, forming an enthralling landscape that’s considered among the wildest in the world.
4,000 Islands is one of the few remaining places where freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins live. The fact is quite sad, but for this reason, these lovely creatures have been protected in very good conditions here. The most common means of transport to get close to the Irrawaddy are local wooden boats and kayaks. While floating on the boat, you will also be able to enjoy a striking view that comes with a relaxing atmosphere.
Contemplating the sunset on the river is always a fantastic experience to share with your loved ones. The best method to get the most out of a bewitching sunset in 4,000 Islands is getting on a leisurely boat, which costs around $15 for a short 2-hour trip. But to make it cheaper, you can also choose a coffee shop with a nice view by the river and take delight in a cup of coffee with your friends.
Don Det is the cheapest one when it comes to food and you can also find many Western-style dishes there, but if you are more interested in traditional Laos food, just head straight to Don Khon. Fish is the staple here and you can taste dozens of recipes with fish on this island, but don’t forget to try Mok Pa (fish steamed in banana leaves) at least once, it’s incredibly great.
Another highlight of 4,000 Islands gastronomy is the world-famous Beerlao, which is brewed from local rice and the finest malt. You can see Beerlao literally everywhere in this country, and Si Phan Don is of course no exception.
Essentials Tours - 8 days 7 nights
Culture - History - 8 days 7 nights
Active & Adventure - 6 days 5 nights
