Si Phan Don  is a group of islands in the Mekong River in Southern Laos. Si Phan Don literally means “4,000 Islands” in the Lao language. Located on the border with Cambodia, these islands are a welcome surprise in a landlocked country. Some of them are no bigger than a boulder, others offer a paradise getaway in the Mekong River.

The Four Thousand Islands have three main destinations for travellers：Don （Island) Khong is the biggest, but apart from the usual chill & look, a museum and some temples there’s nothing great to do there. Most people head to Don Det or Don Khon, where most accommodation is cheaper, you can walk to one of the big Mekong-Falls by yourself, and biking and walking and swimming in the river is just the same as in Don Khong. Don Som has a guesthouse now as well located in the village Ban Thamakheb and this islands sees very few tourists.

Don Khong History Museum

 Khong History Museum is an ideal place to gain more knowledge about the islands. It is two-storey house which was built in French colonial style by the local government Kou Abhay in 1935. It is called as the Brick House or Sathanavoudthi which means Garden of Eden by some villagers. The first floor is the place where you can get the information about the history of the island, houses and families and see the tradition instruments. The upper one is used to display the original furniture. It’s really interesting and worth your time. 

 Khone Phapheng Waterfall

The Khone Phapheng is one of the Si Phan Don Islands’ largest waterfalls, and its surrounding pool is frequented by fishermen. It’s fascinating to watch fishermen competing to obtain the biggest catch of some of the gigantic and rare species of fish. The force exerted by this waterfall on the Mekong River is immense, hindering boats from traveling to China. Regardless, the Khone Phapheng waterfall offers an unforgettable view. However, access to this waterfall isn’t free. Thankfully, there is a shuttle in the surrounding area, making it easier to reach the waterfall.

The highest fall in Khone Phapheng Falls is just 21 meters, but what makes it largest is the succession of rapids which stretches 9.7km of the river’s length.

Surprisingly, Khone Phapheng Falls is a very popular attraction for foreigners, especially the locals, Thais, and Vietnamese.

You’re not going to find large Korean and Chinese tourist groups here. It’s not a very popular destination for them, yet.

Facilities are very well-maintained, the whole area was clean and neat, and there are free buggy cars to bring you around.

There are English languages on all the information boards and signboards so you’ll not have any problems navigating around.

Pay the entrance fee of 60,000 Kip per person at the counter and you’ll get a sticker for admission.

Yes, it’s probably the most expensive attraction in Laos.

Wat Khon Tai

Don Khon’s main Buddhist temple was built on the site of an ancient Khmer shrine. Hidden behind the old ordination hall, which is itself tucked away behind a modern building, is an old, beautifully decrepit stupa and a Khmer-era shiva lingam. Other ancient stone blocks lie scattered around the grounds. Also take a look at the long racing boats stored nearby.

Xai Kong Nyai Beach

Xai Kong Nyai Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Don Khon and this is the perfect place to spend some time if you want to relax on the Si Phan Don Islands.

You can also swim in the waters off the coast of the beach although you need to be aware that the currents are changeable here and can be strong in places.

Another highlight of the beach is that you will also find a few simple restaurants here which are the ideal spot to grab a drink and some food as you make a day of it at the beach.

There are also a number of traditional long tail boats here that you can hire if you want to take to the waters and explore the area around the beach.

Wat Phu Khao Kaew

About 6.5km northeast of Muang Saen, Wat Phu Khao Kaew was built on the site of some presumed pre-Khmer ruins, making it a holy spot for locals. Nothing of that era is visible; now there is a bright red and gold modern stupa and a large reclining Buddha in the arm-down, ‘Entering Nirvana’ posture. It sits atop some exposed bedrock and the beautiful Mekong-side perch is more of a reason to stop than any of the structures.