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Round the World Travel Guide

Photo Essay: The 4,000 Islands of Laos

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In southern Laos, near the border of Cambodia, is a region along the Mekong River collectively referred to as 4,000 Islands.  As the name implies, there are thousands of little islands dotting the river.

Among the most popular for backpackers is Don Det, due to its laid back atmosphere (and electricity!).

Approaching the Mekong River for the short boat ride to Don Det (island).
Approaching the Mekong River for the short boat ride to Don Det (island).
A cold beerlao is enjoyed alongside the slow-moving Mekong waters.
A cold beerlao is enjoyed alongside the slow-moving Mekong waters.
Lap Chicken: Minced chicken is mixed with fresh herbs and served over rice.
Lap Chicken: Minced chicken is mixed with fresh herbs and served over rice.
A large waterfall rages alongside the island of Don Khone.
A large waterfall rages alongside the island of Don Khone.
Walking amongst the rice paddies of Don Det.
Walking amongst the rice paddies of Don Det.
Exploring the island of Don Khone while enjoying a brief break in the clouds.
Exploring the island of Don Khone while enjoying a brief break in the clouds.
Kids at play.
Kids at play.
School kids cross the an old bridge built by the French to connect Don Det and Don Khone (islands).
School kids cross the an old bridge built by the French to connect Don Det and Don Khone (islands).
A local boy goes for a ride.
A local boy goes for a ride.

Inexpensive accommodations line the edges of Don Det, with porches perfect for lounging around in hammocks.
Inexpensive accommodations line the edges of Don Det, with porches perfect for lounging around in hammocks.

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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Comments

  1. James Clark says

    July 1, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Great photos! I was there in the dry season so I didn't see that raging torrent of a waterfall or beautiful green rice fields like that.

  2. Giulia says

    July 1, 2010 at 5:33 pm

    Wow… amazing photos and amazing places! this area has been in my wishlist for too long! Thank you!!!

  3. Dave says

    July 1, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    Yea, that was cool to see, but in exchange, we had rain and clouds. Very muddy!

  5. backpackingmatt says

    July 2, 2010 at 2:50 am

    Excellent photos – looks like a terrific place, even with the clouds.

  6. GlobalButterfly says

    July 4, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    What a cool place! I love the shot of the waterfall and the boy riding the donkey (?)!

  7. Aaron says

    July 10, 2010 at 6:28 am

    I loved 4,000 Islands so much! Absolute bliss. Though FYI, Don Det and Don Khone now have electricity 24/7, which led to some very loud local karaoke nights on Don Khone!

  10. SID says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Grreat relaxing place but watch what u eat like the happy food or happy shake cause i didn t find out till it was to late, it contains marijuana i was pretty wasted after i ate the food.

    • Dave says

      July 31, 2012 at 5:05 pm

      That sucks, I’m surprised the staff didn’t warn you, or at least confirm what you ordered was “happy” food.

  11. Shannon @ Life, Other Than says

    March 16, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Amazing photos! Good comment also about the “happy food.” That’s awesome.

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