This is Part 2 of the Guide to the 4000 Islands of Laos covering Don Det and Don Khon. Check out Part 1 for information on How to Get to the 4000 Islands and Don Khong Island.
4000 Islands Laos Map (Si Phan Don)
The 4000 islands are a part of Laos where life seems to go by without even knowing it. The peacefulness of the atmosphere and the calmness of the people, injects a virus that lures one into relaxation and a lack of desire to do anything productive. The sleepy islands make a perfect getaway from the sleepless noisy and chaotic cities of SE Asia.
Important Information
- Money: There are no ATM’s on the 4000 islands and guest houses exchange money for horrendous rates. To avoid losing money, bring enough Laos Kip with you to last for the duration of your stay on the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). 1 USD is about 8010 LAK (Kip)
- Internet: Internet is available at a few locations on the island, but is very pricey: 400 Kip ($0.05) per minute – Wow!
About Don Det Island
Don Det is the most popular and most lively island in the river archipelago. If typical backpackers come to the 4000 islands, this is their preferred island. If you are searching for bungalows overlooking the Mekong and a place to soak up the sun with a frenzy of other gap-year backpackers, you might love Don Det.
View from Don Det Island
Places to Stay on Don Det
There are loads of guest houses and bungalows all over the entire island.
Mama Tanon Cafe and Guest House: 40,000 Kip ($5) for room with bathroom inside, great view of the river
Paradise Bungalows: 30,000 Kip ($3.75) for a bungalow overlooking the river
Paradise Bungalows, Don Det, Laos
Restaurants around the island are priced and cooked according to tourists. In my opinion, the food wasn’t great, but maybe if you like Western food there are some good options. Expect to pay 20,000 Kip ($2.50) or more for a decent meal.
Papaya Salad on Don Det
Things to Do on Don Det Island
Actually there’s not much to do on Don Det island apart from chilling out:
- Lay in a hammock all day
- Walk around slowly
- Ride a bicycle around slowly
- Enjoy living
- Go to Don Khon
- Kayaking Experience: Go out for the day on a Kayak tour, cost is from 150,000 to 200,000 Kip ($18.73 – $25.00) per person.
I’ll just say this straight, you don’t really need to have anything to do (nor do you want to have anything to do) while staying on the island of Don Det!
Island Path, Don Det
Bridge From Don Det to Don Khon Island
Bridge between Don Det and Don Khon
About Don Khon Island
If you want to get away from the main drag of stereotypical backpackers, don’t even bother with Don Det, but take the walk straight over to the less tourism-in-your-face Don Khon island. The bridge to Don Khon is about a 4 km walk from the main drop-off of Don Det.
In my opinion, Don Khon is much more appealing than Don Det, as there is less action taking place and a crowd that is there more to enjoy the serenity, than party it away.
Relaxing on Don Khone Island
Note: If your boat drops you off at the main part of Don Det island, it’s about a 4 km walk (beautiful walk) to the strip of accommodation on Don Khon island.
Many travelers opt to bicycle over from Don Det for the day and are charged 20,000 Kip ($2.50) upon crossing the bridge (Note: If you want to stay on Don Khon, you can avoid the 20,000 Kip entrance fee).
Things to Do on Don Khon Island:
- Tat Somphamit Waterfall: A pleasant waterfall where you can do some hiking around
- Swimming beach: Just a small beach where you can take a dip, just past the Tat Somphamit waterfall
- Visit the Temple: Located just before the Tat Somphamit Waterfall
- Freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins: The Southern tip of the island of Don Khon is famous for it’s freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins. There’s a better chance to see the dolphins from a boat in the water (20,000 Kip per person ($2.50)), but there’s still a possibility to see them from the edge of the island. There are all kinds of tours available as well.
Tat Somphamit waterfall
Where to Stay on Don Khon Island
Pan’s Guest House: Nice double rooms for 30,000 Kip ($3.75) per night
Phon Vilay Guest House: Close to the temple on Don Khon, there are bungalows overlooking the river for 30,000 Kip ($3.75), bathroom en-suite
Kham Pheng Guest House: Another decent guest house with similar rates
Sala Done Khon Hotel: Offers maybe the fanciest accommodation on the surrounding islands. There very nice floating rooms that go for $50 per night.
On the Road, Don Khon Hotels
How to Get Off Of the 4000 Islands and to a Destination of Your Choice
There are many tour agencies that offer relatively the same prices to all sorts of destinations from Don Det and Don Khon. The closest city that most people head to is Pakse, Laos, costs 60,000 – 70,000 Kip ($7.50 – $8.74), including boat to Ban Nakasong and tourist oriented bus to Pakse.
Tour agencies can get transportation to all kinds of destinations in the area, better ask for details if you are looking at one of the longer routes.
1 USD = 8010 LAK (Kip)
Getting off of the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
Go to Part 1 for Information on How to Get to the 4000 Islands and Don Khong Island!
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Wow, your two posts are a great guide. I’ve never heard of these 4000 islands, but now I want to explore at least a couple hundred of them.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..The Pros and Cons of Living in an RV
I would’ve never guessed there were so many islands… and so affordable to visit!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Streakers and greenies unite at the World Naked Bike Ride
Yah, for the beauty, relaxation, and price, the 4000 Islands make an incredible place to visit!
Love this review of the islands in Laos. Again, incredibly affordable and a great way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle. I would enjoy walking around and just seeing the waterfalls!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Where in the world am I
Thanks Jeremy – Just walking around (slowly) is one of the beauties of the 4000 Islands!
Having never heard of the 4,000 islands, I think I need to visit! They remind me of what Tahiti must have looked like many years ago. Beautiful, serene and calling me.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Bamberg plus Beer equals Dilemma
Awesome Debbie! Unfortunately (just like any place that becomes popular) is starting to more and more developed, so let’s hope the 4000 Islands can still remain calm and serene!
I would love to stay in a floating room. Gliding slowly up river would be lovely as well.
Yes, those floating rooms do look very nice! From what I saw, it’s about the fanciest place to stay in the area!
$3.75 for a bungalow overlooking the river?! What a steal!! Did you get to stay in one?
Grace recently posted..8 Things I Love & Hate about America
Yup, just for a few nights, but it was great!
Very nice post Mark. The photos brought back some great memories of my stay on Don Det and visits to Don Khon and the Tat Somphamit waterfall.
Great Don, thanks for taking a look!
Wow, I had never heard of these islands. What a place to discover!
Christina recently posted..Visiting Middle Earth- just a hop and a skip from Wellington
Yah, if you are down for some pure relaxation and quietness – the 4000 islands are great!
wow, what a brilliant guide Mark! This and part one as well.. LOVE IT! I really wanna come visit LAOS now!
I went to Don Khone for New Year & this post was very helpful in planning my visit!
Great to hear that Ann, thanks for reading this article! Hope you had a good time and enjoyed your visit to Don Khon!