Laos is a country in Southeast Asia’s interior. On its northwest is Burma and China, east is Vietnam, south Cambodia and west, Thailand. Its untouched nature, forests and rugged mountains are densely green. The Mekong River is not only a great part of the border, but is of prime importance in trade, transportation and communication in Laos. This valuable river is shared by the country with neighboring Thailand and Cambodia.
To start your Laos exploration, head south, and you will find in the mighty Mekong, Si Phan Don, which means four thousand islands. It is an archipelago of many small islands but only three are mostly populated and visited – Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khon.
Don Khong
The largest of the islands in Si Phan Don, Don Khong has that calm, rustic setting. When exploring the area don’t miss Wat Phuang Kaew in the island’s capital Muang Khong. Here you will see a large gold Buddha that faces east, looking past the Mekong River. Upstream, you will find Wat Jom Thong, the oldest temple on the island. Check out the cruciform floor arrangement and window shutters of carved wood, Khmer doors and Naga head on the roof.
About forty-five minutes from Muang Khong will lead you to Wat Phou Khao Kaew or the Glass Hill Monastery. This monastery has a gigantic golden Buddha at the entrance which leads to an underground area where ancient tribal people called the Nagas, were believed to have lived.
Don Det
Don Det is a tropical paradise spruced up with coconut trees. There is really not much to do here except relax and sip fresh coconut juice. Bungalows or guest houses on stilts by the Mekong River abound. Accommodation is extremely cheap so it has quickly become a backpacker’s haven. What can be seen in this island is the French pier which is the end of the railway from neighboring Don Khon. Take a tuktuk ( a local public transport) and head to the largest waterfall in Asia, the Khon Phapeng Falls and bask in its grandeur.
Don Khon
From Don Det, you may cross over to Don Khon through the French colonial railway bridge (even by bike) that connects the two islands. In Don Khon, you will find what is left of the French railway, an antiquated French school, and the beautiful white, gold and red temple called Wat Khon Tai. From Don Khon dock, walk a good 30 minutes to the magnificent Li Phi falls, which translates to “spirit trap”. Locals believe that the falls catch spirits and ghosts. For relaxation, sit at the balcony of your guesthouse or bungalow on stilts and watch the sunset.
Besides exploring these three islands, you may also try riding the rapids, swim or book a tour to see the rare pink dolphins of the Mekong.
