Don Det
(Si Phan Don), Southern Laos

"A Travel Guide on Don Det Island"

"Don Det" was last updated on Oct 10, 2010


In this article you'll find:



Time stops at Si Phan Don!

It's a peaceful and charming island where the point is to kick off your sandals, and do nothing!

This island in Southern Laos is part of 4000 islands, and is a good place to stay for a couple of nights, to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in a hammock, and the beautiful view of Mekong River.

The island is so remote that it doesn't have electricity 24-7, and no sewer system.

Just walk around the island, and it's dotted with rice fields, lazy buffaloes and rural village homes.

Most backpackers stop by this island or Don Khong before they head south to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Or if you're coming from Cambodia, the island is a stopover before heading for Pakse.

This island and Don Khong are one of the 4000 islands, a collection of islands in the Mekong River, located in the far south Laos.

When you get there, you'll see that many of these 'islands' are very petite and have one or two trees on top of it. That's it - those are the 'islands' :-) It's a special sight, that's for sure!

Should you choose to stay at Don Det or Don Khong?

In my opinion, Don Det is a lot more relaxed than Don Khong. Don Khong is more crowded, while serenity can be found on the neighboring island. It's crowded on Don Khong because of the tourists. Few tourists make it to Don Det (as in staying there for the night).

There's a younger crowd on the island compared to Don Khong. It has a reputation of being a party island, but I totally disagree. I think it was just relaxed.

How to get there

Nakasang is the main port of entry to Don Det.

By air: The closest airport is in Pakse. Get to downtown Pakse and buy a ticket for a minivan ride to Nakasang. The ferry ride from Nakasang to the island is included in the ticket.

By bus: There's no problem getting to 4000 islands from Cambodia or from Pakse. The boats to the island leave a boat landing a couple of km outside the town of Nakasang.

For local buses to Nakasang, go to Pakse's Southern bus terminal. There are frequent departures and the trip cost 40,000 kip. I've already covered how to get from Pakse to 4000 islands.

Click here for more information (opens in a new window)

From Stung Treng in Cambodia, the most common way of traveling to Nakasang is by minivan. Book a seat at one of the travel agencies in Stung Treng. In Nakasang, you pay 15,000 kip per person for the ferry ride to Don Det.


Vis større kart

Important places to know about:

  • There is no police station, hospital or post office on the island. You have to go to the neighbouring island Don Khong.
  • No ATMs here either, so you should exchange money in Pakse or in Phnom Penh. You can exchange money here, but at a very bad rate.
  • To get a hold of a post office, you have to go to Don Khong Island. It's located above the ferry landing, south of the bridge in Muang Khong.
  • Internet is expensive on Don Det, and a sloooow connection. So, if you're impatient, you'd better e-mail your friends and family before you get there (like in Pakse). Price: 1000 Kip per minute




Don Det Articles

Where to sleep




my bungalow on don det island 4000 islands laos travel backpacking tips asia

So, how's the accommodation on the island?

Nowadays you'll find a combination of dirt cheap bungalows and comfortable AC-bungalows.

Click here to find out more! :-)

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Where to eat and drink




laos food mok pa laotian food cuisine culture backpacking tips asia

Looking for a place to eat and grab a drink on the island?

Here's a short introduction to the Laos food on Si Phan Don, and reviews of restaurants I tried on the island.

Welcome to Laos food!

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Activities on 4000 islands




local children don det island 4000 islands laos backpacking tips asia

So, what are things to do on the islands, including Don Khong?

Apart from dozing off and getting lazy, there are couple of things to do on 4000 islands!

Welcome to Activities on 4000 islands

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So, where do you want to go next?

Try the popular caving and tubing in Vang Vieng.

Stop by Luang Prabang Laos

Visiting the capital of Laos -- Vientiane?

Heading for Phnom Penh?

Going South to visit the Angkor Temples in Cambodia? Go to Siem Reap Cambodia

Return to Backpacking Tips Asia homepage.





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