Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACTIVITIES IN DON KHON AND DON DET
One of Don Khon's most popular activities is a boat trip in search of the
Irrawaddy dol-
phins
that can occasionally be spotted off the southern side of the island. Take the railroad
trail for 4km through rice paddies and thick forest to the village of
Ban Hang Khon
, the
jumping-off point for dolphin-spotting excursions. The April-May dry season, when the
Mekong is at its lowest, is the best time of year to catch a glimpse of this highly endangered
species. The dolphins tend to congregate in a deep-water pool, and boats can be chartered
from the village to see them (60,000K for a one-hour trip), depending on the number of
people, and you're obliged to pay for the boat regardless of whether you see any dolphins).
During the rest of the year, chances of seeing the dolphins decrease, as deeper water allows
them more range. Recent efforts to protect the
dolphins
have seen the number in this region
increase from thirty in 1993 to around 75 today, but their future here is still uncertain.
Following the success of
tubing
in Vang Vieng, enterprising islanders on the northern
side of Don Det have started renting out tubes (15,000K/day). The sandy beach at the is-
land's northern tip is the favoured jumping off point, but you should be aware of the strong
currents - and parasites - found in these waters.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: DON KHON AND DON DET
By public transport
Unusually for Laos, using public transport to get from Don Khong to
Don Khon and Don Det isn't significantly cheaper than going with a direct boat service aimed
at tourists. By the time you've paid to get across the river to Ban Hat Xai Khoun (15,000K),
waited for a bus to Nakasang, and then paid for the boat to Don Khon or Don Det, you'll be
struggling to justify the extra hassle.
Onatour
It is possible to visit Don Khon and Don Det plus the waterfall at Khon Phapheng
as a day-trip from Don Khong, although Don Khon alone is worth a few days' visit. Muang
Khong's guesthouses and restaurants offer boat trips (60,000K/person) that take you to see
the waterfalls and the defunct railroad. A more costly one-day tour (150,000K) includes
transport to Khon Phapeng Falls and a shot at seeing
Irrawaddy dolphins
.
OntoCambodia
Although buses run to the border, the easiest way to get into Cambodia via
the Veun Kham crossing is to take a direct
bus
(daily; 5hr; $17-18) that leaves either from
the islands or from Pakse to Stung Treng - minibuses are usually your best option, and direct
tickets are also available to Siem Reap (1 daily; 14hr) and Phnom Penh (1 daily; 11hr). Cam-
bodian and Lao visas are available on arrival. Immigration officials on both sides ask for a
$1-2 fee to stamp your passport, in addition to a visa fee.
