Laos forum

4000 Islands

SEQfunbod

backpacker
Posts: 11

I've read that 4000 Islands is great.

But, other than it being an island filled river in a wide valley, I don't know.

What other good things are there that make 4000 islands a place to include on my up coming travel?

#1 Posted: 17/8/2009 - 06:48
seagypsy

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 136

Don Det and Khon are popular amongst the young backpacker crowd as a chilled out place to hangout. Mostly rustic accomodations along the riverside that are inexpensive. Rent a bike and tour the island on your own since there's a bridge to connect them, visit the ole steam train that went nowhere and then ride down to the Khone falls. You can rent a boat to take you out and if you're lucky you might be able to see the Irrawaddy dolphins which would be a treat since they are a threatened species. You have to take a bus or songthaew to Nakasang boatlanding to catch the boats across.

#2 Posted: 17/8/2009 - 14:42
mikethediver

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 192
Located in:

Private message

Hi,
I stayed there a few months ago. It's a chilled out place and wonderfully pretty. From my bungalow window I watch men plouging their their fields with water buffalo. Don't expect great food, no where near as good as Siam Reap or Phomn Penn or great night life.

I found Don Det the better bet; firstly the expensive ferry (no option there) is half price to Don Det (30,000) as opposed to double for Don Kon. The charge to cross the 'bridge' (9,000) is actually charged to walk any further along Don Kon than the end of the village even though you don't cross the bridge at all! This makes D. Kon a bit claustophopic unless you like shelling out 9,000 every day.

Either island can be walked around in a day, but you can get push bikes.
There is a nice little sandy bay at the far end of D Kon which has a few bars and places to eat, and it worth the walk as is the waterfall on the way there.

We spent 10 days there and thought it was 5 days too long! It's whatever you like! It is exceptionally beautiful.

#3 Posted: 27/8/2009 - 17:51

------------------------------
www.smiffystravels.com
mmmmbeerlao

longtail driver
Posts: 8

If you just want to chill out in a hammock and relax don det is a good place to go. Bungalows on the river from 10000 to 30000 kip a night. I would suggest sun set side, but eating on sun rise side. If you want a good dinner, go to King Kongs on sunrise side, on a sunday night. I think the man;s name was "mini" and he hosts the "sunday roast" that was one of my best nights on the island. Let him know you are coming before hand.

#4 Posted: 8/10/2009 - 11:05
tf_geckozy

tout
Posts: 70

In Don Det, guesthouses at west side are comparatively hot in daytime but good for eating dinner watching sun set.
To the contrary, guesthouses at east side are good for staying and taking breakfast watching sun rise every morning with cool wind.

Guesthouses north end of Don Det will be full with new viusitors coming from Pakse & others after 10 o'clock every day, but you never need to worry about your accommdation in Don Det & Don Khone because there are too many guesthouses.

---------------------
maps
*Don Det, Don Khone and Khone Pa Soi(very small island) MAP
http://www.salalao.com/Sala_phae/Content/NewMap.htm
*Google satelite MAP of Don Det & 4000 islands
http://wiki.worldflicks.org/don_det,_laos..html#coords=(13.9758835,%20105.9201765)&z=15
*You-Tube Video of Kayaking in a vally between Don Khone and Khone Pa soi. (it's impossibe Dec～Apr because water leval is too low)
http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/5667_kayaking-in-southern-laos

#5 Posted: 13/10/2009 - 12:54