Forget Boracay, Koh Phi Phi, or Bali, Southeast Asia has a whole lot more potential Island destinations left undiscovered. If you opt for a less-touristy island destination with a more tranquil atmosphere far from the bustling crowds, then 4000 Islands in Laos is the place you’re looking for.
4000 Islands may slip under the radar of tourists, but its scenic rivers, waterfalls, and aquatic life definitely deserves more recognition. Compiled from sources like the Experience Travel Group and Backpack Adventures, this article will further unravel the appeal of Laos’ 4000 Islands that makes this hidden archipelago worth visiting.
About Laos 4000 Islands
Laos 4000 Islands or popularly known as Si Phan Don among locals, is located in the Champasak province of Southern Laos, adjacent to the Cambodian border on Mekong River. Exactly like its name, Si Phan Don is a riverine archipelago consisting of numerous islands. Many of which are accessible by foot, bicycle, and motorcycle.
The biggest islands in the area include Don Det, Don Som, Don Khone, and Don Khong. Considering the number of Islands it has, only a few islands are named, and some of the smaller ones submerged during the monsoon season from May to October.
Top 3 most visited islands in Laos’ 4000 Islands
According to Migrationology, these are the top 3 most visited islands by tourists among all the other islands in this archipelago:
1. Don Det
Most travelers—especially youngsters and backpackers—prefer to stay at Don Det when visiting Laos 4000 Islands, mainly because there are plenty of lodgings, restaurants, and cafes available. Although many people hangout in this Island, it surprisingly still has a quite calming side.
2. Don Khone
Situated in the south of Don Det, Don Khone and Don Det can be described as sister islands. Considering their proximity, tourists can come to Don Khone from Don Det by foot bridge and motorbike.
3. Don Khong
Don Khone and Don Khong may sound similar, but they are actually two different islands. Compared to the two islands mentioned before, Don Khong is less crowded and is much larger than the two. It is even considered as the largest island in the archipelago. Unfortunately, there is only one hotel and few restaurants available in Muang Khong, which is the biggest city that connects with the mainland.
Access to Laos 4000 Islands
Pakse is the nearest major town to Don Det, about 130 kilometers away. Below is the detailed route to get to 4000 Islands from Pakse and Cambodia:
| Transportation method | Route | Directions |
| Bus or minivan | Pakse to Don Det | Take the bus or minivan to a port town named Nakasong and catch the ferry bound for Don Det with a fare of 10,000 Lao Kip or $1 USD and travel time around 15–20 minutes. |
| Bus | Cambodia to Don Det | Take the bus from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to the Laos-Cambodia border town of Stung Treng. Then, take the local bus to Nakasong and continue by ferry to Don Det. |
Recommended activities to do in Laos’ 4000 Islands
1. Visit the refreshing waterfalls of Don Khone
4000 Islands is packed with captivating waterfall spots. Just a 25 minute walk or 10 minute cycle away from the Don Det bridge, you can already see the Li Phi waterfalls. Crossing to the other side of the island, you can also enjoy the Khon Pa Soy and Khane Paksey waterfall which requires no entrance fee at all.
If you’re up for challenges, another waterfall option to visit is the Khone Phapheng falls. Spanning more than 10 kilometers, this falls is believed to be the largest one in Southeast Asia. Since it’s relatively more difficult to reach, visitors are advised to go to this falls with a tuk tuk or kayak tour from Nakasong.
2. Go to Buddhist temples
Known as a country with a Buddhist majority, it is no wonder that there are several temples located in 4000 Islands, one of them is the Wat Khon Tai Buddhist temple.
This simple village Buddhist temple offers a moment of peace and relaxation. It’s also easy to reach, just a 5-minute walk from Don Det bridge.
3. Chasing sunsets
Sunset chasing is a must for opacarophiles or sunset lovers to experience when visiting Laos’ 4000 Islands. Grab a cool beverage and prepare to witness the stunning sunset view over the vast flowing river.
4. Take a dip at Khong Yai Beach
As an archipelagic tourist attraction, a trip to Laos’ 4000 Islands wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its aquatic outdoor activities. With its river and sandy shores, Khong Yai beach is the perfect place to go on a fun swim or boat trip.
5. Fishing or kayaking at Mekong River
Another alternative spot for doing outdoor activities in Laos’ 4000 Islands is at the Mekong River. Besides being a hotspot for kayaking, Mekong River is home to almost 1,148 species of fish, offering an exciting fishing experience for fishing enthusiasts.
6. Stroll around Don Khone Villages
Taking a stroll or cycling around Don Khone is the best way to get a glimpse of the rural life of Laos’ 4000 Islands. The village people in Don Khone are also very welcoming to visitors, since they are already accustomed to tourists passing by their village.
7. Try some Laotian cuisine
The highlight of Laos’ 4000 Islands is not merely its scenery, but also its local cuisine. From sticky rice, zesty spiced soups, marinated grilled meats, to softly steamed fresh fish, trying Laotian cuisine is mandatory when visiting the Islands.
When is the best time to visit Laos 4000 Islands?
Since the majority of activities in this Island takes place outside, the best time to travel to Don Det in Laos 4000 Islands is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures around 25-30 C.
However, this is also the peak season, which can result in crowded conditions and higher accommodation rates. Despite more unpredictable weather and occasional rain, the shoulder season from May to October offers a quieter stay and lower prices.
