Si Pan Don(ສີ ພັນ ດອນ) is an island landscape in the Mekong in the south of Laos.
background
history
landscape
The Mekong accumulates to a 14 km wide lake-like river in which there are supposedly 4000 islands. The Mekong then plunges down over a myriad of waterfalls to Cambodia. The French colonial power installed a train connection that allows heavy goods to be transported past the waterfall. The railway bridge between Don Khon and Don Det is still preserved and is now used for general traffic. Most of the islands do not have tourist accommodation. The nearby waterfall protects people from flooding. There are fish in abundance. At the bottom of the waterfall is an ideal hunting area for river dolphins. There is a sandy beach on Don Khon.
Flora and fauna
Rice fields, countless islands, dolphins, water buffalo, snakes, ...
climate
getting there
Of Pakse or from Stung Treng in Cambodia.
Fees / permits
You have to pay a toll on the bridge between Don Det and Don Khon. This is especially bad because most of the tourists live on Don Det and the sights can be found on Don Khon. The boats to or from Don Det have to pay almost four times the price of a normal ferry. The other islands are connected by ferries that are rather difficult to find.
mobility
Boat: You need a boat between the islands. Boats are everywhere and for the money you can go anywhere and it's a welcome business for the locals.
Bicycle: On Don Det and Don Khon, the bicycle is the best mode of transport. Many of the islands can be visited by bike. It is e.g. possible to go by boat to Don Som and then cycle up to the big island.
Tourist Attractions
- water falls
- Dolphins
activities
to buy
to eat and drink
Sleep
There are a number of bungalow complexes on Don Det which are mostly run by families.
