4000 Islands
(Si Phan Don)
Currency
Laotian Kip
Language
Lao/English
Best Time To VISIT
October - February
Getting around
Walk/Bike/Boat
What 4000 Islands Can offer you
Things to do?
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1. Explore the island by bicycle
Cycling from Don Det to Don Khon on a rented bicycle is one of the greatest ways to explore the island. The majority of guesthouses will allow you to hire bikes for a reasonable price.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
2. Don Det Island
Don Det is undoubtedly the most well known of the region’s main islands. This tiny island can be easily looped by bicycle in a couple of hours.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
3. Don Khon Island
A ancient bridge built by the French in 1910 attaches Don Khon and Don Det Island. An old locomotive, one of the railway’s last relics, sits next to the bridge.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
4. Old French Railway Bridge
It was built historically since the French colonial system wished to use the Mekong river to link various parts. The railway is no longer in operation, but the bridge is still valuable. Locals use it to travel throughout the region.
- Sightseeing
- Architecture
5. Steam Locomotive at Don Khon
A trip here will reveal a number of vintage locomotives that have not been in service for many years. The tracks would have connected Don Khon and Don Det back then.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
6. Khon Phapheng Waterfalls
The Khon Phapheng Falls (or “big falls”), close to the border with Cambodia are the largest in Southeast Asia. The highest falls are 21m high and the rapids stretch 9. km down the river.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
7. Irawaddy Dolphins
To view one of the world’s most beautiful dolphin species, the Irrawaddy dolphins. There is no baiting or feeding involved. Don’t be too disappointed if you go and don’t find one! It all comes down to luck.
- Sightseeing
- Activity
8. Wat Khon Tai
Wat Khon Tai is positioned on Don Khon which is one of the island’s main attractions. This is a Buddhist temple that’s been placed on top of a prior Khmer shrine.
- Sightseeing
- Architecture
9. Go on a boat ride
- Sightseeing
- Activity
10. Floating Restaurants
Given that 4000 Island are on the water, it makes good sense that there would be a lot of floating restaurants nearby. They typically feature a broader variety of foods such classic Lao sausages, salads and curries.
- Sightseeing
- Food
10 Top Attractions in Laos
4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
- Explore the island by bicycle
- Don Det Island
- Don Khon Island
- Old French Railway Bridge
- Steam Locomotive at Don Khon
- Khon Phapheng Waterfalls
- Irawaddy Dolphins
- Wat Khon Tai
- Go on a boat ride
- Floating Restaurants