Overview

General Infomation

How to get there: Si Phan Don is on the opposite side of Laos to all the other popular tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, which is also why many travellers skip it. You must take a bus across the country to Pakse and from Pakse there are tourist buses or vans leaving every morning. You can book a bus at any tourist office or hostel in Pakse for around 60,000 kip which also includes a boat to your chosen island.
NOTE: It is also possible to book the entire bus journey from Vientiane – in this case you will take the overnight bus from Vientiane to Pakse, arrive in Pakse around 7am, then take another three-hour van leaving at 8am for the 4000 islands. Personally I am glad I stayed in Pakse for one night before continuing south. Be prepared for a very long ride if you don’t since the overnight bus journey is super uncomfortable (like all journeys in Laos are).

Accommodation: You have plenty of accommodation options on each of the three islands.
ATMs: I saw two ATMs on Don Khong which may just be the only ones in the 4000 islands. I would still recommend having enough cash for your entire stay in Si Phan Don! In case you run out of cash, there are some places you can exchange money on the islands but don’t expect favourable rates. Another option is to pay for a boat to take you to Nakasong, which is the closest place on mainland with ATMs.
Wi-Fi: Times are changing and you can find plenty of Wi-Fi in the 4000 islands these days. Most accommodations and restaurants will have it, just don’t expect a super fast or reliable connection.
Things to Do: Boat tours, waterfalls, cycling around, but mainly relax! 4000 islands is a very chilled place that will definitely make you slow down.

As you can see from the map, Don Khong is the biggest island in the north, while Don Det and Don Khon are smaller, more south and next to each other, only connected by a bridge.

Siphandone

Overview

HIGHLIGHTS:

Spotlight Destination

Featured tour

QUINTESSENTIAL LAOS IN DEPTH 14 DAYS