Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
Wandering Journal
  • Start Here
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • North America
      • California
    • Oceania
      • New Zealand
  • Series
    • Cities on a Budget
    • Through My Eyes Series • Story Behind A Photo
      • New Zealand
      • USA California
      • Singapore
  • Discover More
    • Travel Tips & Resources
      • Saving Tips
      • Recommended Gears
      • Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20
      • Travel Inspirations
    • Blogging Resources
      • Start Your Travel Blog
    • Travel Product Reviews
  • For Malaysians
    • Work & Travel USA Guide
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa for Malaysian
    • NZ Working Holiday Visa Application
    • What I Learnt From NZ Working Holiday
    • How It’s Like Working in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
  • Search

7 Reasons Why You Must Visit 4000 Islands in Laos

Yen
·
June 9, 2019
·
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Get Your Free
"Ultimate Travel Bucket List" eBook!

It’s my first ever e-book, and I want to share it with you! 

Everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. 
Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox! 

4000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don is becoming one of the best backpackers’ paradises in Laos. Located at Southern Laos facing the border of Laos-Cambodia, Si Phan Don is often used as a transit point for backpackers who’re enjoying their travel slowly. It’s location also makes it the best place to chill and relax in Laos in my opinion. So, if you’re planning a backpacking trip in Laos, read on to see why you shouldn’t miss 4000 Islands!

First of all, a quick introduction to this group of islands. Si Phan Don is a riverine archipelago located in Mekong River in the Champasak Province, Southern Laos. In fact, you can literally see Cambodia from some of these islands, but there are only two main islands in which travelers are visiting and staying in – Don Det and Don Khon.

Before early 2009, there was no electricity inside these two islands. You could probably imagine how life is in the islands, even though it’s not that primitive as you might imagine. But there are plenty of backpacker hostels, bungalows, bars, lots of local restaurants, and of course, plenty of amazing things to do in 4000 Islands!

Now, let’s jump into the main topic and see why you shouldn’t leave Si Phan Don out from your Laos backpacking itinerary!

sunset in don khon 4000 islands beach

Contents

  • 1 Primitive Way of Life
  • 2 You Can Literally Walk Around the Islands On Foot
  • 3 Staying in Bungalow For A Cheap Price
  • 4 You’ll See The Youngest Tuk-tuk Rider Ever
  • 5 Sit Back and Relax
  • 6 Tourism is Rising
  • 7 There’s Not Really A Complete Map

Primitive Way of Life

Yep, I said their way of life are not as primitive, but if you compare it to other cities in Laos, like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Vang Vieng, and other small towns, 4000 Islands are just some small villages on small islands.

Kids are spending most of their day outdoors, even though most of them are not particularly working on the farm or so. Chasing dogs, riding bicycles, fishing are some of the activities you see Laotian kids in Si Phan Don doing. You really don’t see any kids staring at their cell phones here.

Blending into the communities like these makes you want to get out of the bungalow more and spend your day under the sunlight too. Even having a drink on the hammock hanging outside of your bungalow door is one of the best things to do in 4000 Islands.

the main street in don khon

You Can Literally Walk Around the Islands On Foot

Si Phan Don is a place where you will want to explore around on a bicycle or on foot, simply because of the amazing sceneries around the islands.

And for the islands, I’m talking about Don Det and Don Khon. Both of the islands are interconnected through a bridge. It was said that they used to collect toll fees for every crossing, but it’s abolished and not enforced anymore. That means you can travel freely between the islands as you like.

The main port is at the northern tip of Don Det, so if you’ve booked a bungalow in Don Khon, which is located at the south of Don Det, you might need to walk 40 minutes south.

I did that and it was pretty fun because the sceneries in these islands were completely different from what I’ve experienced in other parts of Laos.

Walking around the islands also exposes you to the way of lives of the local Laotian people here. Opens your mind in some way.

If you’re interested in visiting one of the world’s largest waterfalls, check out this post on Khone Phapheng Falls, which is also one of the most unique waterfalls in Laos!

wooden hut in don khon in si phan don

Staying in Bungalow For A Cheap Price

Let’s admit it, who doesn’t want to stay in a bungalow in an off-coast island at less than $8 a night? In Si Phan Don, it’s actually quite easy to find yourself a great deal on bungalows, because there are plenty of them there.

Use some hostel booking apps like Booking.com and you’ll find yourself a good deal without moving an inch from your seat. Scroll all the way down and you’ll find the Booking widget.

Most of the bungalows will concentrate on a single spot. For example in Don Det, they’re mostly located near the port. But there are also some bungalows scattered around the islands. So, if you’re looking for a more quiet and peaceful accommodation, try not to book online, and book it there instead.

To be honest, the bungalows don’t offer great housekeeping as you might anticipate. Hot showers might not be working (from some reviews I read online), but let’s embrace whatever issues that might arise from the islands!

outside of my bungalow in don khon si phan don hammock

Check out these amazing things to do in Vang Vieng if you’re backpacking Laos!

You’ll See The Youngest Tuk-tuk Rider Ever

No joke, I once met a young girl in 4000 Islands driving a tuk-tuk motorbike, and she’s probably not even 1.2 meters tall. Looks just like a 10-years-old to me.

The legal issue comes later, but is it even safe for her to drive a tuk-tuk, which is way bigger than her?

Carrying foreigners, does she knows how to speak English? I kept the questions to myself, and simply finds it fascinating and a little… mind-blowing.

Sit Back and Relax

Si Phan Don makes a perfect destination if you’ve been spending weeks traveling around with a backpack. The isolated location surrounded by one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River makes it far from all the hustle and bustle in the cities.

Not to mention that the living cost here is on par with the living cost in other Laos cities. Dishes and beers cost the same, making it budget-friendly for all types of travelers.

Waking up to the crowings of the roosters outside your bungalows, there isn’t a more “natural” way of waking up. Some hosts also organize parties and campfires, some bring their guests out for fishing and more. There are a lot of ways to interact with the locals here, as long as you take the first step.

Take everything in slowly and easily, there’s no such thing as ‘rush’ here!

cycling around paddy fields in si phan don

Tourism is Rising

During my trip to Si Phan Don, I thought that these islands have escaped the terror of tourism. Because all foreigners I see here are backpackers, who are not a part of organized tours or anything.

But just before I’m leaving, I stumbled upon a tourist group from Hong Kong dining in a restaurant with unmatched speech volume. They’re probably not an organized tourist group, but instead, led by a “frequent-traveler” friend.

That certainly makes me slightly uncomfortable but I have to admit it, beautiful places attract visitors. So there’s nothing crazy if there will be more organized tours visiting the islands.

So it’s now or never! Don’t leave 4000 Islands out from your Laos bucket list!

sunset in paddy fields in don khon 4000 islands buffaloes

There’s Not Really A Complete Map

Google Maps is not complete in Don Det and Don Khon. Even though I used it for most of my navigation there, I noticed some routes and roads are not plotted inside the map.

Also, the map shows that you can reach the southern tip of Don Khon, but in fact, you couldn’t because the bridge connecting the two cliffs are broken last year.

The maps you get from your hostel or restaurants aren’t the best either, because all they show you is the location of attractions in a not-up-to-scale map. For most parts of your trip in 4000 Islands, you’ll need to navigate by yourself and ask the locals for direction.

Like most parts of Laos, people don’t speak much English here. That adds another interesting challenge to your trip!

Riding a bicycle without direction around the islands can also take you to some less popular attractions and otherworldly paddy fields during sunset hours. Who knows what you’ll discover?

roads around don khon in 4000 islands

Find out what to do in Luang Prabang in this post!

Ready to Visit 4000 Islands in Laos?

What do you think about this article? Has it inspired you to at least consider adding Si Phan Don into your Laos itinerary? Let me know in the comment section below! Hope you have fun traveling in Laos. Til next time.

Would You Pin This?

7 Reasons You Should Never Miss Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) Laos pin

Tweet
Pin
Share

Written by

Yen

Yen is a university student from Malaysia and a huge fan of Blues music and photography. His passion for travel can be traced back to 2016 when he spent 6 months traveling New Zealand. By blending into the locals and traveling long-term, he shares all the comprehensive and detailed travel ideas and guides for the countries with his footprints.

Related Posts:

7 Best Waterfalls in Laos - A Paradise for Waterfall Lovers
Yen
//
January 18, 2020
Laos is the home of some of the most picturesque waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Check out these 7 best waterfalls in Laos and get your camera ready! The...
9 Epic Things to do in 4000 Islands - Chillest Place in Laos
Yen
//
December 28, 2019
Si Phan Don is an unmissable destination in Laos. Surrounded by the Mekong River, the landscapes are unmatched. Check out these amazing things to do in 4000 Islands...
3 Days Vang Vieng Itinerary - The Coolest Place in Laos!
Yen
//
December 1, 2019
Is Vang Vieng the best town in Laos? I can't speak for others, but you'll surely enjoy this adventure town of Laos. Check out this comprehensive 3 days...
The Perfect Vientiane Itinerary - Things to Do in 24 Hours
Yen
//
October 26, 2019
Most travelers use Vientiane as a transit point to another city. Since there are not many things to do here, I'd say one day is pretty sufficient to...
My Laos Sleeper Bus Experience - Is It Really That Bad?
Yen
//
August 3, 2019
Sleeper buses had always lived up to its notorious fame. But are they really that bad? Take a deeper look into the sleeper buses in Laos, see how...
Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon 1 & Blue Lagoon 3 - Which One Is For You?
Yen
//
June 29, 2019
Traveling to Vang Vieng, Laos but couldn't decide between Blue Lagoon 1 and Blue Lagoon 3? Psst... I'd go for Blue Lagoon 3, why? Check out the detailed...
How to Get From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng? (It's Easy!)
Yen
//
June 16, 2019
Wondering how to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Laos? Check out this guide and do it yourself like a backpacker! Also gives you an insight on...
3 Days in Luang Prabang Itinerary - The Best Town in Laos?
Yen
//
May 18, 2019
Luang Prabang has been described as one of the best towns in Laos. Visiting Luang Prabang soon? Check out this 3 Days Luang Prabang Itinerary, which includes ways...
Laos Backpacking Guide - Crafting Your Perfect Laos Itinerary
Yen
//
April 14, 2019
Everything you need to know for backpacking Laos, one of the most underrated countries in Asia - Visas, Getting Around, Languages, Things to Do & See, Safety Tips...
Visiting Khone Phapheng Falls in Laos [A Do-It-Yourself Guide]
Yen
//
February 24, 2019
Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia is not easily accessible due to its remote location. Let's see how you can get there and visit everything...

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About The Blog

swing abroad blog

Greetings! It’s Yen here, the guy behind this blog. Currently a university student who takes advantages of holidays for life-changing experiences abroad. Loves adventurous outdoor sports as much as street foods. Feel free to explore around!

Travel Together?

Popular Posts

things to do in new zealand
New Zealand

27 Remarkable Things To Do In New Zealand South Island

melaka street arts
Malaysia

17 Best Things To Do In Melaka – Never Miss Out No. 4!

things to see in santa cruz
USA California

21 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Cruz California in Summer!

Fun and adventurous Things to do in vang vieng laos
Laos

17 Adventurous Things To Do in Vang Vieng – Not Just Tubing!

For Backpackers

backpacking nepal

Backpacking Nepal – Explore More With This Detailed Guide!

woman on mountain peak vietnam

Backpacking Vietnam – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need!

laos backpacking laos itinerary

Laos Backpacking Guide – Crafting Your Perfect Laos Itinerary

Travel Resources

save money while traveling

10 Legit Ways to Save Money While Traveling

swing abroad recommended gears

Recommended Gears

nikon d3500 for travel photography

Nikon D3500 For Travel Photography? Great Choice or Not?

Amazon's Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Amazon’s Best Travel Accessories Under $20

Let's Meet Elsewhere

It would be lovely to meet you at social media platforms!

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Wandering Journal eBook Cover

Would You Join Me On My Adventures?

I’m giving away my first ever eBook, which I know you will love it. Subscribe and let’s explore the world bit by bit together!

Now, I know everyone hates spammy emails, so do I. Rest assured, I will never spam your inbox in any way.

Travel Together?

Join me on my travels and get the latest travel ideas, guides and tips. Grab your ebook as freebie now!

More Resources:

Recommended Gears

Amazon's Travel Accessories Under $20

Start Your Own Travel Blog

Disclaimer: WanderingJournal.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. We only link to products & services we personally use or trust.
Scroll to Top
Tweet
Pin
Share