Si Phan Don Travel Guide

Si Phan Don is a selection of islands set in the south of Laos and its name literally translates to '4,000 islands'. There are two main destinations in Si Phan Don, both of which are quiet and peaceful.

Worth It?
Si Phan Don is definitely worth a visit as the whole landscape is stunning.
What to Do
relaxing on the beaches, seeing the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, exploring the smaller waterfalls, spotting the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin, admiring the abundance of colorful butterflies and lizards, looking for eagles and kingfishers and there are a few French colonial houses to explore.
Best Time to Go
November to February is the coolest and most pleasant time to visit if you want to do more than relax on the beach.
How Long?
A week is certainly long enough to spend on one island and most people prefer to stay for about four to five days.

Don Khong is the most visited island but it still only offers basic accommodation and a handful of bars and restaurants. Don Det is the second most popular island and has the same beautiful beaches and inland greenery but even fewer choices of guest house and leisure facilities and is similar to Don Khon.

The main reason for visiting Si Phan Don is to relax and soak up some sun before taking in some of the wonderful sights on a bike ride or a hike. Set on the banks of the Mekong River, these pretty islands are perfect for chilling out before visiting busier cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Electricity generally runs from 06:00 to 22:00 and the guest houses are extremely cheap and cheerful, with the only variety between each one being the comfort of the mattress or the size of the mosquito net.

Travel to Si Phan Don - Getting There

Visitors from Cambodia are likely to arrive by bus (1 hour) then boat (2 to 3 hours) but they should be sure to book through a reputable travel agent as many people pay over the odds for travel to and from Si Phan Don. Mini vans are another popular way of arriving and there is a boat direct from Stung Treng, Cambodia that arrives daily.

Si Phan Don Things to Do

Si Phan Don Attractions

Khon Phapheng Falls
the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia is a great place to take photographs and bathe in the pools.
Renting a bicycle
for less than US$2 tourists you get the chance to cycle between Don Khon and Don Det, which are linked by a bridge.
Boat trips
the islands themselves are an attraction and boat trips are the best way to take in all the tropical sights on offer.
Biking and hiking
there are many wild birds and animals to marvel at as you travel.
Don Khon's Somphamit Falls
these falls are almost as splendid as the larger ones of Khon Phapheng and they boast some Jacuzzi type pools to splash around in.
Irrawaddy dolphin spotting
the famous and elusive freshwater dolphin can be spotted here and there are many tours to choose from when attempting to spot the rare creature.
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