The 4000 Islands: Top things to do and see

Stopover on the 4000 Islands archipelago, Si Phan Don in Laotian, in the far South of Laos and you will spend happy hours. Stroll through the beautiful countryside, observe the freshwater dolphins, admire the spectacular waterfalls and end your day by contemplating the glowing sunset on the mythical Mekong River.

Which island to stay on?

Of the thousands of islands and islets of this true haven of peace and Laotian authenticity, only three islands have the infrastructure to accommodate travelers. Each of these three islands has its ambiance and atmosphere and it is up to you to decide, depending on your mood, which one to stay on.

Don Det Island is the smallest of the three but also the liveliest and most festive. This is where the vast majority of young backpackers from all over the world come to stay. It has cheap accommodation, and restaurants and bars follow one another, especially on the Eastern side of the island, which can be annoying. However, if you decide to stay there, we advise you to favor the South and the Western side of the island which are quieter.

Don Khone Island is calmer and more family-oriented than its neighbor Don Det. We appreciate its quiet atmosphere marked by Laotian sweetness. There are fewer tourist infrastructures but they are of better quality and we appreciate being more in contact with the local life that flows at the slow pace imposed by this indolent island.

The Don Khong Island, the largest in the archipelago, is located North of Don Det and Don Khong, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. It is by far the most preserved of the three. It’s a picturesque island where life is good and which will offer you an authentic cultural experience.

Kayaking between the islands and islets of the archipelago

This is a great way to discover the natural wonders of the 4000 islands. Half-day or full-day trips are organized to get lost in the maze of islands and islets of the archipelago. Kayaking offers unique viewpoints and allows you to reach secret places. Kayak trips are punctuated by stops to discover the famous waterfalls and those who have chosen the full-day option will go to the Cambodian border to try to observe the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins.

Discover the spectacular waterfalls

It is during your trip to the 4000 islands that you will have the opportunity to admire some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Laos and even in Southeast Asia.

- The Li Phi Falls, located on Don Khone Island, amaze the tourists with the overpowering profusion of its waters that crash against the steep walls of the rocks in a formidable roar. Also called Somphamit, these falls are the subject of a myth with more historical than legendary features. It is at the Li Phi Falls that local tightrope-walking fishermen take all the risks to try to catch the famous giant catfish of the Mekong.

- The Khong Phapheng Falls are the widest in Southeast Asia, forming a set of rapids, more or less violent, over more than 10 kilometers. Measuring approximately 21 meters high and with a flow that is one of the most powerful in the world, the Khong Phapheng Falls show the power of nature and offer a grandiose spectacle.

Observe the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins

Observing the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins is one of the great activities of the 4000 islands. On the Cambodian border, in a picture-postcard setting, families of Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins swim peacefully in the café au lait waters of the Mekong River. The Irrawaddy dolphin is considered the most famous animal of the river but also a sacred animal in Laos and also in neighboring Cambodia. This endangered species does not look much like its cousin of the seas, it has a blue-gray color like a normal dolphin but its head is on the other hand very rounded, its rostrum does not appear separate from the body and its dorsal fin is short, not very pointed and triangular.

Cycling in the beautiful countryside

To discover the islands, cycling is one of the best options. A multitude of trails run through the islands and will make you discover the small hamlets and their wooden houses on stilts, the Buddhist temples and their pretty glazed tile roofs, the agricultural activities mainly focused on rice growing, the small country markets and the remains of the French presence.

>> Read more: 6 Best ideas for cycling in Laos

Discover the remains of the French presence

To develop river trade on the Mekong, the French colonial authorities decided to build a seven-kilometer portion of a railway line to bypass the insurmountable obstacle that was the Khong Phapheng Falls. Inaugurated in 1897 by Paul Doumer, then Governor General of Indochina, the railway line was extended further North in 1910, across Don Det Island to open up access to Khone Nord, by building a bridge. During the Second World War the line was abandoned and today you can see this bridge that connects Don Det and Don Khone and some remains of this railway adventure, including an old steam locomotive. On Don Khone Island, you can admire old colonial buildings.

Best season to visit the 4000 islands

It is best to go to the 4000 islands in the dry season, between November and April.

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