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4,000 Island (Si Phan Don)

Relax in Tranquility of Four Thousand Islands

Si Phan Don, which translates to “four thousand islands”, is a group of islands in the Mekong river in the South of Laos. The area's main attractions are its rural character, the tranquility, the opportunity to watch the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and the Khone Phapheng falls. The pace of life is slow in the rural area where local people live in small wooden houses on stilts and where cows, goats, pigs and other animals roam around free. The relaxed and natural setting have made the islands near the Cambodian border a major backpacker destination.

Experience Type

Relaxation, Nature, Wildlife, Waterfalls

Highlights

Do Nothing!

See the Khone Phapheng Falls

Spot Irrawaddy Dolphins

Relax on the Mekong

Embrace the 'Do Nothing' Philosophy

This is probably the main activity for a successful stay in 4,000 Island. Relax, chill out, and do absolutely nothing. Enjoy the nice weather, the terraces, the guesthouses nestled on the waterfront, and especially the hammocks installed facing the Mekong! You can spend most of your days lying in a hammock, napping, reading books, catching up on some TV shows. Enjoy the sunset over a glass of fruit juice or a nice cold BeerLao and, all in the company of other travelers...

Cycle Around Don Khon and Don Det

Rent a bicycle and explore the interconnected islands of Don Khon and Don Det. Cycle through peaceful villages, past rice paddies, and discover hidden spots along the Mekong River. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local life and enjoy the serene island atmosphere.

Enjoy The 3 Magnificent Waterfalls

This is one of the major assets of the 4000 Islands! Here, the Mekong River turns into many rapids and beautiful waterfalls: Li Phi, Khon Pa Soy and Khone Phapheng. <ul><li>Li Phi - Located on the west coast of Don Khone, theLi Phi Fallsare not very high but very wide!</li><li>Khone Pa Soy - A smaller, harder to reach set of falls accessed via the east coast of Don Khon.</li><li>Khone Phapheng - Nicknamed the 'Niagara Falls of Mekong/Asia', Khone Phapheng Falls (or Pha Pheng) is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.</li></ul>

Khone Phapheng Falls

Li Phi (or Somphamit) Falls

Khone Pa Soy Falls

Kayaking

One popular activity to spend time on the Mekong river to explore its curving waterways, extraordinary waterfalls is to join a kayaking tour! Jumping into a kayak and paddling down the river will allow you to see the lifeblood of Southeast Asia from a perspective like no other. A full tour kayaking tour will include meandered along the river, taking in the scenery of the riverbank, walking to the waterfalls, dipping in river swimming spots, and paddling down mini rapids.

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