Nature01
Don Det & Don Khon
ດອນເດດ ແລະ ດອນຄອນ
Twin islands of hammocks, bicycles and rice fields in the braided Mekong near Cambodia.
- Reach them by boat from Nakasang
- Rent a bicycle to link both islands
- Bring enough cash
Mekong islands near Cambodia
Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
Hammocks, bicycles and the mightiest waterfall in Southeast Asia.
Nature02
Khone Phapheng Falls
ນ້ຳຕົກຄອນພະເພັງ
The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume, where the whole Mekong thunders over rock.
- Most powerful from August to October
- Use the viewing platforms
- Combine with lunch nearby
Nature03
Li Phi (Tad Somphamit) Falls
ນ້ຳຕົກຫຼີຜີ (ຕາດສົມພະມິດ)
Churning rapids on Don Khon, where fishermen set traditional bamboo traps.
- Walk the riverside paths
- Watch the fish traps at work
- Don't swim, as the currents are deadly
History04
French colonial railway
ທາງລົດໄຟສະໄໝຝຣັ່ງ
The old bridge and rusting locomotive of a short railway that once portaged boats past the falls.
- Cycle across the Don Det to Don Khon bridge
- See the locomotive on Don Khon
- A small island fee applies
Nature05
Irrawaddy dolphins: an honest note
ປາຂ່າ: ຂໍ້ມູນຕາມຄວາມຈິງ
The last dolphin of the Lao-Cambodian border pool died in 2022. Tours still advertise sightings on the Lao side.
- Don't book 'dolphin tours' on the Lao side
- Surviving groups live further downstream in Cambodia
- Support fishing-net rules that protect the river
Adventure06
Kayaking the islands
ພາຍເຮືອຄາຢັກອ້ອມເກາະ
Guided paddles through the channels and past rapids towards the Cambodian border.
- Always go with a guide
- Full-day trips include lunch
- Wear sun protection
Nightlife & social07
Sunset side of Don Det
ຝັ່ງຕາເວັນຕົກຂອງດອນເດດ
A strip of bungalow bars facing west over the Mekong. It is the islands' social hub.
- Grab a hammock by 5:30 PM
- Meet travellers from everywhere
- Power can be patchy, so bring a torch
Getting around08
Crossing to Cambodia
ການຂ້າມໄປກຳປູເຈຍ
The Nong Nok Khiene border lies just south, with buses on to Stung Treng and Kratie.
- Get a Cambodian e-visa in advance
- Use reputable bus companies
- Carry US dollars for fees
Checked September 2026. Opening hours, prices and boat or train timetables change, so confirm locally before you go. Photo credits
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