Don Khon Island

Don Khon is one of the Si Phan Don islands on the Mekong River in Champasak province, southern Laos, noted for its colonial-era transport remains.

A small island with a relaxed, low-density visitor scene, it offers short walks, river viewpoints and easy boat trips. The island is linked to nearby Don Det by a bridge; visitors also come to see the French-built narrow-gauge railway remnants and to visit nearby river falls and rapids.

The French colonial administration built a bypass railway around the Mekong rapids and falls in the late 19th century; parts of that system and a few locomotives remain on Don Khon as historical relics.

Don Khon sits in the Mekong close to the Cambodian border, roughly 130 km south of the city of Pakse, surrounded by the channels and islands of the Si Phan Don river system.

• Location note: Part of the Si Phan Don archipelago in southern Laos, the island lies close to the Cambodian border and is administered from Champasak province.
• When to go: Best visited in the dry season when river levels are lower and boat trips are more reliable, and local guesthouses provide basic accommodation.

What to See#

• Access: Located on the Mekong River within the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) area, connected to nearby Don Det by a short bridge and accessible by river ferry.
• French railway remains: Remnants of the French-era narrow-gauge railway and several preserved steam locomotives are on the island and visible to visitors.
• Waterfalls and viewpoints: Nearby river rapids and falls, including viewpoints for the Li Phi/Khone Phapheng section of the Mekong, are within short boat or land trips from the island.

Don Khon is reached from the larger island of Don Khong by a short bridge or ferry; most travelers base in nearby Pakse (approx. 60-80 km) and travel by minivan or private taxi to the 4,000 Islands area. Bicycles and small boats are commonly rented on the islands.

• Rent a bicycle on Don Khong and cycle across the Khone Phapheng area to reach Don Khon-the best way to see the old colonial-era railroad relics.
• Visit late afternoon for light on the Mekong and to watch fishing boats return.
• Take a boat upstream to see the tiny rapids and freshwater dolphins in the wider 4,000 Islands area; guides from Don Khon can arrange short trips.