4000 islands 2 days 1 night
Si Pan Don (Lao language and means “4000 Islands”) is a unique landscape made of several thousand little islands and sandbars, spread out over 100 km down the Mekong river in the Southern most part of Laos. Larger islands like Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khone have become famous tourist destinations, with their laidback, sleepy charm and the amazing waterfalls created by the mighty Mekong. Many of the smaller ones are flooded during rainy season, the best time for a visit is from October to May.
DAY 1: PAKSE - 4000 ISLANDS
Departure: 08.00 hrs
08.00 hrs – 10.30 hrs
Drive by minivan through beautiful landscape to Ban Nakasang, where you change to ferry boat.
Ban Nakasang or Nakasang, it is one of the main stations for boat and bus services into and out of Don Det and Don Kon, the two most popular of the "4,000 Islands".
Passing numerous small islands and sandbars your boat will take you to Don Khone pier, where history and nature meet.
11.10 hrs – 11.40 hrs
Arrive at the pier of Ban Don Khone near the old colonial bridge connecting Don Khone and Don Det. Built in the 1800s by the French colonialists it was part of the railway trying to circumvent the impassable rapids and cascades around Don Khone. There is an old rusty locomotive with a detailed historic explanation just 100 meters down from the bridge.
12.30 hrs – 13.30 hrs
A Lao style lunch will be served at Khamkhong restaurant in Ban Don Khone near the concrete bridge connecting Don Khone and Don Det.
13.35 hrs – 14.00 hrs
Check-in at Seng Ahloune resort.
Afterwards, a three wheeler takes you to the entrance of Somphamit Waterfall Park, passing through rice fields and bamboo forest.
14.20 hrs – 15.40 hrs
Crossing the wooden bridge over a small tributary you discover that this park has much more to offer than just gazing at the cataracts of the Liphi Falls. The absolute highlight is the Zipline crisscrossing the turbulent water gushing down the rocks (Optional). There are also two small sandy beaches down from the falls, a vast bamboo garden and a beautiful restaurant with good views of the rapids.
15.50 hrs – 16.20 hrs
Three wheeler returns you to your hotel.
The resort situated on river right and just 2-minute walk to old French railway bridge.
Overnight at Seng Ahloune resort.
DAY 2: 4000 ISLANDS - PAKSE
Departure: 08.30 hrs
09.00 hrs – 13.15 hrs
River life experience including boat to Don Sang, where local fisherman teaches you how to fish with the throwing net, carry on by boat to Don Loppardee to observe and learn how to make sticky rice basket, Lao whiskey and fishing net. This experience will conclude with a picnic at a beautiful sandy beach.
13.20 hrs – 13.40 hrs
After lunch, the boat will be transfer back to Ban Nakasang.
14.00 hrs – 15.00 hrs
Continue to visit thundering Khonephapeng waterfall, the largest one by water volume in south-east Asia. Wandering along a meandering boardwalk under a canopy of trees on the edge of the roaring falls is an impressive sight to remember.
15.30 hrs – 15.50 hrs
After a half hour drive through agricultural landscape of Southern Laos, we arrive at the ancient ruins of Wat Hatsaikhoune. Built on top of a hill amidst the jungle one has a great view overlooking the surroundings.
16.00 hrs – 18.30 hrs
Drive back to Pakse.
TOTAL COVERED DISTANCE: around 304 Kilometers.