4000 islands

Si Phan Don (ສີ່ ພັນ ດອນ, is also known as 4,000 islands) is a group of islands located in Champasak province in southern Laos.

Si Phan Don is a riverside archipelago in the Mekong River. Si Phan Don is part of Khong district, with a unique scene of thousands of scattered islands emerging from the river, half of which were submerged when the level of the Mekong increases during the rainy season. The main islands of Si Phan Don are Don Khong (largest), Don Som (second largest), Don Det, and Don Khon. Si Phan Don borders Cambodia and the historical and cultural ties unite people on both sides of the border. Don Khong attracts travelers looking for better lodgings while Don Det has become one of Southeast Asia’s backpacker magnets, with all that entails; Don Khon falls somewhere in between.

The Mekong River flows through the province and just before entering the border with Cambodia, its heart in the rainy season can extend to 14 km and is blocked by Khone Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, It includes many rapids and makes the area nearly impassable by boats. During the French colonial period, a narrow-gauge railway was built to transport through the rapids here. Today, its ruins remain a tourist attraction.

Certainly, a beautiful area, daily sunsets, and sunrises are equally stunning. Due to its special topography, there are dozens of adventurous activities, such as waterfalls exploring, boat trips, cycling trips, hiking, camping, and extended hammock laying - with which you can busy yourself for days or weeks.

The Mekong River under the Khone Falls has an increasing population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Pakse is the closest to Lao major cities in the region.

If you're looking for an authentic cultural experience, do not hesitate to contact Travel Authentic Asia to choose a Laos tour, Southeast Asia tour package or to customize your own style tour to South East Asia.