Si Phan Don Mekong River

• 'Khan Pa Soi falls' is an extremely beautiful waterfall that meets your eyes after crossing a worn out and rather adventurous wooden bridge
• Remains of the 'Ban Khon Steam Railway' may be visited to know more about the history of this steam engine transport, back in the 1800's, before its operations were put to a stop after World War II
• The small islands may be visited by availing boat facilities on Si Phan Don Islands
•  Although there are only about twenty of the 'Irawaddy Dolphins' left, you can go to the part of the river where they usually are and watch them play around
• Visit the historic Buddhist Temple called, 'Wat Khon Tai' and observe this unique building depicting the culture and historic traditions
• Activities such as 'Tubing' shall enhance the peaceful mood that this place sets. People tend to rent tubes, sit in them and relax for entire afternoons
• Visit the 'Ban Hin Siew Tai Palm Sugar Trees' farms and watch farmers harvest sugar from the trees
• The rapids called, 'Tat Somphamit' are another amazing site you would not want to miss. This site also displays how local fishermen catch fish using nets in these rapids
• If you are in the mood to shop, visit 'Muang Khong Market'

Travelling from Vientiane to Si Phan Don gives you two options:

Option 1:
Bus, Ferry and Walk (13 to 16 hours) ( 28 USD / 252,095 Lao Kip):
Bus plus Ferry; 780 kilometers
Walk; 2 kilometers, 23 minutes

Option 2:
Flight, Taxi, Bus, Boat and walk (7 hours 30 minutes) (51 to 174 USD) (459,173 to 1,566,589 Lao Kip)
Fly from 'Vientiane Airport' to 'Pakse Airport'; 1 hour 15 minutes
Taxi from 'Pakse AIrport' to 'Pakse Southern Bus Terminal'; 11.9 kilometers, 11 minutes
Bus from 'Pakse Southern Bus Terminal' to 'Ban Nakasang'; 3 hours
Walk towards 'Ban Nakasang Boat Pier'; 501 meters, 6 minutes
Ferry ride from 'Ban Nakasang Boat Pier' to 'Don Det'; 10 minutes
Walk toward 'Si Phan Don'; 25 minutes


 

• This area is hardly developed and is considered as a rural area. So do not expect a lot of tourism infrastructure
• Stay prepared for long treks
• 'Khon Pa Soi falls' is not a very crowded spot so you may be able to spend your time here in more peace than other falls
• Look for clear spots in the Mekong River to observe marine life
• If you desire a peaceful trip, you should head up to 'Xai Kong Nyai Beach'
• Since these are islands, there are always boats available for rent anywhere you go. You could rent one and explore the River further
• If you are allergic to seafood, ask for chicken based meals
• Learn a bit of 'Laotian' to greet the locals as most of them do not understand English. This will make your trip more exciting
• The perfect time to see sugar harvesting taking place by the local farmers, is somewhere between November and February
• You can rent a bicycle and travel inside the islands to explore more of this tourist destination
• Look up at the stars at night. You could also do this while sitting in an open-air cinema, located in some areas on the islands
• Buy yourself a souvenir from the 'Muang Khong Market'
• Carry an extra pair of clothes in case you decide to go for a swim in the river

Sunday:        Open 24 hours 
Monday:       Open 24 hours
Tuesday:      Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday:     Open 24 hours
Friday:          Open 24 hours
Saturday:     Open 24 hours

The visiting hours mainly depend on the bus, ferry, taxi and the flight timings