Asia

Sabai dee and welcome to this guide to Travel in Laos. Laos is a small country in South-East Asia, somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Thailand and Cambodia, which has managed to develop without becoming tourism-dependent. This doesn’t in any way mean that it’s not worth visiting! Picture a landscape of rice paddies as far as the eye can see, where it’s not unusual to see water buffalo working the land. It’s a country where the beauty of the stormy skies mingles perfectly with the waters of the rivers. The people are unbelievably kind. Buddhism is omnipresent and governs every stage of life. It’s a country where you can switch off from normal life, chill out, take your time and just listen to the rice grow. It’s a country that’s simply a delight to travel in. You’re not imagining it: a stay in Laos is an exquisite and timeless experience. You will be charmed by the sublime Luang Prabang. The former capital houses magnificent temples and monasteries, interspersed with a wonderful natural landscape of hills and the waters of the Mekong. The Mekong, or ‘mother of water’ is sure to be the common thread that runs through your trip to Laos, as you follow its winding course by bus, by car and above all by boat, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants…

Laos

Xiengkhouang

Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.

Champassak

Khong

Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos. 

Muang Sing

Don Khong is the biggest of the Si Phan Don, the 4,000 Islands, in the south of Laos. It is about 18 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide and shouldn't be confused with Don Khone, a little further to the south.

Done Khong

Kazakhstan

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

Don Khong is a bit more "developed" than its neighbours, Don Khone and Don Det. It has some tarmacked roads and the electricity is less random. The explanation for this is that Khamtay Siphandone, the ex-president of Laos, came from here, which obviously helps...
The tranquil atmosphere of Don Khong island makes it a particularly good place to go for those who like a relaxing trip. Although it is mostly flat, the island does have a few hills and the highest point is at 240 metres above sea level. I especially liked the cycle rides which took me through the small villages of farmers and herders, crossing the rice paddies towards small temples, under the peaceful gaze of the buffaloes grazing in the countryside - a pleasant immersion in rural Laos!

I think Don Khong island is an excellent example of Laotian life: life is ordered according to the rhythm of the water, no watches and nothing is compulsory. In fact the few days I spent in the 4,000 Islands felt like a time outside time.  On Don Khong you can cycle through the rice paddies and admire the sun set, which I think is one of the most beautiful in the country, or just lie around on the beaches and do nothing. It's an essential break during a <a href="/laos/">trip to Laos</a>.   However, it would be a shame to just stay on this island - there are so many of them! So I went first to Don Det, just a short way away, and then to Don Khône. There you can spend some time at the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, which are very impressive.

Don Khong is the biggest island in the 4,000 Islands region, which is in the south of Laos, on the frontier with Cambodia. It's a very well known destination among backpackers, but it's also a very calm place during the dry season and perfect for relaxing!

Done Khong Vacations

Done Khong: How to get there?

Done Khong: See when to go ?

Done Khong: For how long?

Done Khong: What to see nearby?