Si Phan Don or 4000 Islands, is where the Mekong river is split into smaller waterways. Numerous islets create a stunning archipelago. After nearly one month of traveling through Laos, I chose to end my adventures on the island of Don Det. Indulging in sweet nothingness on Don Det island was the only plan.

INDULGING IN SWEET NOTHINGNESS ON DON DET ISLAND

DAY 1: RELAXING WITH A DASH OF EXPLORING

After checking into my bungalow complete with gingerbread trim and white picket fence, I was ready to explore Don Det. It didn't take me long to realize that the main hub of Don Det, a cluster of mismatched shacks, was just a few hundred meters long.

These shacks were a mix of tour agencies, shabby restaurants/bars catered to tourists and less than a handful of convenience stores. Some of the restaurants were decorated with funky floor cushions, exuding quintessential hippie style. Enticing, rhythmic reggae music echoed off the river. The vibe on Don Det was undeniably free-spirited, a far stretch from the more conservative culture of Laos.

I don't usually like places that are completely stripped of local culture, existing primarily to attract young party-inclined backpackers all wearing the same harem pants travelers but I came here to indulge in the best Don Det had to offer. That is, sweet nothingness. I was ecstatic to finally wear my flip flops again, toes sprinkled with grains of warm sand.

DAY 2: CYCLING AROUND DON KHONE

On my second day, I decided to rent a bicycle ($1/day). I crossed the bridge over to the twin island of Don Khone. Don Khone was different from Don Det. The vibe was also chilled but Don Khone was more 'sophisticated' (as far as dusty, fairly undeveloped islands go).

As I cycled through dried-out rice fields and quaint villages, I came across a sign indicating waterfalls nearby. Without a second thought, I took the small dirt path leading to the waterfalls. Within a few minutes, I arrived at Khonepasoi and Khane Pa Sy Waterfalls - a series of waterfalls connected by flimsy wooden bridges. Entrance to both waterfalls was free. Of course, I had to go.

The Somphamit waterfall is the most popular waterfalls on Don Khone. The entrance fee is 35,000 kips so I decided to skip it.

Although life on Don Khone was very chilled, there was always something interesting to see. For example, this ambulant vendor gave a whole new meaning to 'at-home shopping'. I loved cycling through the villages while simply taking in the scenery.

DAY 3: INDULGING IN SWEET NOTHINGNESS

This picture. End of day 3. Don't judge me.

Strangely, my day of indulging in sweet nothingness lead up to a night of partying Lao-style. That night a huge party was organized in the dried-out rice field smack in the middle of Don Det. Hundreds of locals from every other island came to take in the festivities and to let loose. That meant drinking way too many Lao beers.

On the stage were singers bellowing out lyrics through a screechy microphone. A traditional dance show took place on another stage. Stalls selling toys and trinkets were haphazardly set up. Other vendors were selling cigarettes or offering a choice of grilled skewers.

I certainly never expected to attend a party on Don Det Island but mingling with the locals was a lot of fun!

Read also: Traveling Isn't Always Pretty - Mishaps of my Trip in Southeast Asia

DAY 4: HOT ON DON DET

With the incessant heat not letting up, I decided to do like the four-legged locals. I hung out on the porch in the shade all day shamelessly indulging in sweet nothingness yet again - tsk, tsk.

DAY 5: CAPTURING THE REAL DON DET

After two days of doing only the bare necessities (you know like eating), the fifth and final day came along. It was time to get up off my lazy ass to capture a few more memories of my time on Don Det Island.

I encountered an inebriated-looking buffalo sporting a funky hair piece.

I got stuck in a traffic jam (no cars on Don Det meant this was as bad as it got).

I spotted some funky art.

I came across men playing a game of pétanque (similar to bocce). This game of balls is a remnant from the French colonization.

I did some window-shopping.

I watched kids playing soccer/football on a dusty field.

And I took a few other random pictures depicting the real Don Det.