Just north of the Cambodian border is an area of the Mekong known locally as Si Phan Don (four thousand islands). Don Khong, the largest of these island was the birth place of the current president of Laos.

Muang Khong is the main village on the island and a sensational base to discover the surrounding area from. The islands are a maze of watery passages, full of fishermen in small crafts hoping for a full net. As you pass between the islands you’ll be amazed at the varying bird species, you may even be followed by a school of the rare Irrawaddy fresh water dolphins.

During the French era the islands of Don Det and Don Khon were vital in their supply link between Saigon and Laos. To avoid the nearby rapids and Lipi waterfalls, the French built a narrow-gauge railway linking the islands with a short bridge, which still stands today.