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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.
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.
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!
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 buffalo swimming in the river.
And, I got stuck in a traffic jam. There aren’t any cars on Don Det so this was as bad as it got.
READ MORE ON LAOS:
- Visiting the Pak Ou Caves in Laos
- The Waterfalls of Paksong
- Kuang Si Waterfalls: The Most Beautiful in Laos
- Vientiane: The Capital City People Love to Hate
- The Day Luang Prabang Cast a Spell on Me
- Riding Through the Countryside in Vang Vieng
- Monks, Wats, Shopping, Eating & Sweating in Luang Prabang
- Xieng Khuan: The Weird and Wonderful Buddha Park in Laos
TRAVEL RESOURCES
- Verify visa requirements for Laos on the official website
- Book flights to Laos via Skyscanner
- Compare hotel prices in Laos on Booking.com & Agoda
- Check hostel prices on HostelWorld
- Stay connected using an Airalo E-sim for Laos
- Search for tours & excursions in Laos
- Shop for affordable travel insurance with SafetWing
- Save on conversion fees while traveling with Wise
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I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.
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29 Responses
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Sorry for some reason I only saw your comment today. Thank you for reading and I’m so glad you enjoy my posts! Have a great time in Cancun!
Syam
Great place to explore. The sunset is super lovely!
http://randomclicks.in/
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It was really nice to just chill out and enjoy the surroundings! 🙂
Tania Mukherjee
I would love to cycle my way to a waterfalls someday. All the pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for adding one more destination in my bucket list! 🙂
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This bicycle ride was so much fun – the waterfalls were just a bonus! Glad you added Laos to your bucket list. 🙂
Cat Lin
I love the way you explored Don Det. So relaxing and simply indulging in the nature. It’s so cheap to rent a bike there! And so funny to get stuck in a traffic jam with those farm animals 😛
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Don Det was exactly what we needed after traveling for one month! Haha….it was impossible to get mad at that traffic jam! 😉
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Lydia,
I have heard many awesome things about the 4000 islands. Those dogs and cats sure get how the flow of life should be. Do some stuff then sleep away the rest LOL. Loving these images and your stories! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ryan
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Glad you enjoyed it! Visiting the 4000 Islands is well worth it. The saying “It’s a dog’s life” had a much more positive connotation on Don Det! 🙂
Firdaus Ysf
This is really a great village to be at.Si Phan Don let you understand how the Asian countries are. It is really a good experience for someone who live in the western countries and do not know much about the Asian countries.Aside from that,it is a worthwhile trip and affordable.
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Yes 4000 Islands is definitely worth a few days if not for some well-deserved R&R! 🙂
Mike C
Don Det looks like a fun place to hang out for a few days. It’s nice when you are travelling to have days when you do nothing. I’ve flipped this post into my Best of Travel Bloggers board on Flipboard.
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for flipping! We were definitely in need of some well-deserved farniente and Don Det was perfect for that!
Paige Brown
Don Det is definitely the place to have some ultimate relaxation. Unfortunately, I have bad memories there because I was so ill. Like, flu-ill the whole time I was there, then got bronchitis that I carried around with me for three more months which scarred my lungs and gave me asthma. I tried several times to get the right antibiotics, but couldn’t. So I should’ve just gone to the doctor, but I always joke that Don Det gave me asthma. haha! I have to say it was one of the best places for sunset though!
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Ugh that really sucks but I guess there are worse places to be sick than on Don Det. At least you had those stunning sunsets to console you! I had pneumonia a few years ago and also got occasional asthma until I went to India and consulted an ayuverdic doctor who prescribed some natural remedies. I haven’t had any breathing problems since then. 🙂
Paige Brown
That’s seriously great to know! I’m going to India next year and I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for the tip!
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You’re very welcome! Unfortunately, I didn’t take note (nor keep the prescription) of the products but I remember one looked like black tar and tasted awful but it worked! With all the air pollution in India I was worried I would have a hard time breathing but I started the treatment in Kerala (Southern India which is much tamer than Northern India) so by the time I got to the worst parts of the country I was fine and still am till this day. Oh and everything was really cheap! The appointment was free and the medicine only cost about $18USD. 🙂
Stella
I love your photos of the animals! That adorable cuddly cat photo is my favorite. Don Det seems like a wonderful place to relax in the sunshine. I think it’s great that you did nothing when you felt like it. And you still got to party with the locals!
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I was only there for a few days but I was slightly jealous of those animals who lived like that all the time….lol!
Iuliana Marchian
This place is so authentic. I really enjoyed your post about Don Det Island. And the pictures are great. However, I am not sure what it meant that small house on the tree which had oranges in front of it. Were locals offering fruit to the birds?
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Hi Iuliana! Glad you enjoyed my post! Laos is a very Buddhist country so that tiny house you’re referring to is actually an altar with offerings (oranges) to Buddha.
Vyjay Rao
Wow! You seem to have thoroughly enjoyed every moment at Don Det. I too would love to just relax and slowly get to know the locals. It is a different feeling altogether. Loved reading about the bicycle ride, the traffic jam due to ducks crossing, eating of sugar cane and the wooden bridges. 🙂
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Don Det is a perfect place to just relax and take in the scenery while meeting locals! 🙂