Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Si Phan Don is located in the south of Laos, where the Mekong River breaks down into multiple rivers and channels, and form into a big and small islands.

According to the statistic there are about 4000 islands scattering in this area.

Si Phan Don

When the Mekong river flows through here and just before entering Cambodia it's transformed into magnificent scenic waterfalls called Khone Phapheng Waterfall which today become one of the most visited attraction in the south of Laos.

Beside the Khone Phapheng Waterfall tourist can watch the Irrawaddy Dolphins, explore Don Khong the biggest of all the islands about 18km long and 8km wide and has the best tourist infrastructure compare to Don Det and Don Khon where they are popular with backpackers and tourist too.

Khone Phapheng Waterfall

Since this waterfalls makes this section of the Mekong River almost impossible to navigate between Laos and Cambodia by boat, therefore, during French's colonial times a narrow-gauge railway was once built for transportation across the rapids but never completed.

train engine

This is the only remains of railway built around 1917 by the French in Laos.This was an essential link for colonial France's trade and travel between southern Vietnam and Laos, which included Pakse, Savannakhet and Vientiane. The railway also allowed the French to export, timber, Lao coffee beans, which bring them a good prices in Paris.

Don Det Bridge

The now-walkable bridge is part of the abandoned 14-kilometer railway line which crosses and connects Don Det and Don Khon.

Don Khong hotel has a nice accommodation for visitors and travelers, you will enjoy your stay while you explore the beauty of the islands. Don Khong hotel is highly recommend to anyone planning to visit the island and it is available for booking online before you leave home.

khong

In recent years the region has become a tourist destination for backpackers. The three main islands that have been developed to cater for tourists are Don Det, Don Kon and Don Kong. Most of the lodging available is comprised of simple, family run bungalows as you can see in the above pictures.

Lao's proverb describes this beautiful province

Si Phan Don Proverb

The map:

View SPD or (4000 islands) in a larger map

How to get there

Take the bus from Southern Bus Station

Pakse Khong Island Bus

Southern bus station in Pakse ( KM 8 )

Southern bus station is situated in KM8 south of Pakse, from here there are buses going to Si Phan Don or (Khong Island). You can catch the following buses to get there.

Pakse to Si Phan Don

Bus or SongTheo leave from this terminal between 8:30am-3.00pm several times per day.Fare to Muong Khong including ferry (US$3.50).
Three hours journey of 120km.

Pakse to Nakasan

Bus or Mini-vans leave Pakse daily at 8:30 am. They arrived Nakasan at 11:30 am where you can catch the ferry to either Don Dhet or Don Khon

Note:

Thailand provides an easy access to the 4,000 Islands via the city of Ubon Ratchathani. Buses to and from Ubon cross the Thai-Lao border, near the southern Lao city of Pakse. From there, they run south via Highway 13 toward the islands.

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