Visit 4,000 Islands, Laos

Si Phan Don is the Lao way to describe the 4,000 Islands area in Southern Laos.

During the rainy season this is the widest point of the Mekong River, but in the dry season there is so little water around it is said that if all the sandbanks and islets are counted there would be over 4,000 Islands (hence the name).

Three main islands

The three main islands that remain all year round are Don Khong, Don Khone and Don Det and on each of these there are a few colonial villas left over by the French.

Freshwater dolphins

In this area you can spot freshwater dolphins, but the main activity is just sitting back, relaxing and getting used to the slow pace of Lao life.