Explore Don Khone, One of the Four Thousand Islands – Si Phan Don, Laos

You read everywhere that you really shouldn’t miss this area, Four Thousand Islands ; or Si Phan Don in Laos. I had had some long travel days as I had gone from Phonsavan to Pakse in 2 days. Once in Si Phan Don, I had to refuel….

Surrounded by the waters of the Mekong River, the different islets are all somewhat different with their own little cultures. Which one will you choose?

Visit one of the Four Thousand Islands

Si Phan Don – 4000 islands

It is a unique wetland with what the name says as four thousand islands, which the name says of course. Indeed, it is a river archipelago in the Mekong in southern Laos and against the border of Cambodia.

Which island will you choose?

The largest islands are Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khon. Don logically means ‘island’. These largest islands are also good places for tourists to stay. Not everywhere is 24-hour electricity but in the small-scale guesthouses this is no problem at all. They will help you get through the dark hours just fine.

The islands are relaxed to visit and you can easily explore the area by bike!

Because I wasn’t feeling fine, I had trouble with my kidneys because I hadn’t drunk enough water on the two long travel days. I had made a trip of over 20 hours and a trip of over 10 hours… When I finally found a place on one of the Four Thousand Islands, Don Khong, I only booked a trip on the back of a scooter across the island. I have to say that it didn’t feel good on the back of the scooter because I had such a problem with my kidneys….

Exploring four thousand islands on the back of a scooter – Don Khong

Irriwaddy Dolphin

We set out on a boat trip in search of the Irriwaddy dolphin. This is a freshwater dolphin and you can find it in the coastal waters and mangroves of Southeast Asia. It is called a dolphin but is actually a whale most closely related to an orca or beluga. Okay, nice and confusing. It certainly looks like a dolphin but it has a bulkier head and a bigger body.

Some time spend on the waters of the Four Thousand Islands area and enjoying the view was very welcoming. I had rented the boat on my own so I had all the space and time for myself. It took half an hour before we were far enough and the boat boy pointed out to me an Irriwaddy dolphin in the distance.

I didn’t see them up close but they are easy to recognize because they have quite a bulky body compared to the dolphins we all know!

Irriwaddy Dolphin – 4000 Islands – Si Phan Don

Khone Phapheng Waterfalls

After this I was taken to the entrance of an enclosed nature reserve. I was told that if I would walk for about 10 minutes I would reach a waterfall. If I walked further there was a beach where I could sit down and enjoy the sun. The weather was unpredictable and it looked like it was going to rain…

Also in this nature reserve on Don Khone are the Li Phi Somphamit Waterfalls. Both very impressive to see, the amount of water is overwhelming!

I really liked the area I was walking in!

Four Thousand Islands – Si Phan Don, Laos

The rocks are really super rough and that gives the whole area a beautiful sight. I saw ropes hanging along the rocks and inventive stairs. There is a lot of fishing going on in these places…with all the dangers that comes with it. If you fall it’s over.. You will not survive! For us tourists the area is forbidden and so you stand behind a fence watching this amazing waterfall!

But look at that swirling mass of water!
With those threatening dark clouds in the background you do have a super cool picture, I think 🙂

The 4000 Islands area is super relaxed so if you’re looking for a place to unwind in a laid back way…this is the place to be. In 2012 when I was here, I didn’t encounter a huge number of tourists and the electricity wasn’t there 24 hours a day.

So you could easily withdraw from everyday life and spend your day in a nice environment.

I was not feeling very well and thought I needed good, hearty food. When I ordered a pizza I got a small flat thing which was not really the food I was looking for. The local food was delicious and you won’t hear me complain about that but I needed something different at that moment.

So after visiting these highlights and 2 nights of rest I continued. I was still far from from feeling good and searched for a lovely resort near Siem Reap, and so near Angkor Wat,  where I hydrated myself and indulges myself in good food to become the old happy one again. Read about those next days Visiting Angkor Wat – Cambodia

Stay on 4000 Islands?

Looking for a nice guesthouse to stay at on Don Khone? Check out this Dokchampa Guesthouse, overlooking the river Mekong of course!

Or are you more the party-goer and thus prefer to stay on Don Det island? Then check out the fun Moon by Night guesthouse

Did you like this tip? Do share it!

Want to read more?

Tubing in Vang Vieng? Laos

Travel Guide Pakse – Laos / What to do near Pakse – Bolaven Plateau

Visit the Mysterious Plain of Jars – Phonsavan, Laos

Travel Guide Luang Prabang & Best Sunset in Luang Prabang

Visit the Bright Blue Kuang Si Waterfall – Luang Prabang, Laos