Distance between Pakse,Laos to Si Phan Don,Laos: 119 Kms.The 4000 Islands of LaosSi Phan Don, Laos
Laos, the landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is usually not mentioned in the same sentence as “islands.†The Mekong River is the only major body of water in the country. However, the area known as Si Phan Don does, in fact, have islands. Several thousand of them. The islands are surrounded by the mighty Mekong as it flows through southern Laos. A spectacular waterfall punctuates the unique geography of this region. Like the rest of Laos, this area is quiet, quaint, and a great place to relax.
Si Phan Don is easily reached from Cambodia. Travelers heading overland from Cambodia can catch a ferry or speedboat to the islands. The roads are notoriously bad in southern Laos, so it is best to travel via the Mekong. The same route also works in reverse, for those who wish to enter Cambodia.
While it lacks the appeal of The Plain of Jars or the temples of Luang Prabang, Si Phan Don is a great place to relax and appreciate nature. It is quite possible to find a basic guesthouse on the banks of the river. These accommodations are legendary for their low prices. Even the backpacker set will find little reason to complain. A few dollars a day would be a sufficient budget. For that reason, some tourists make Si Phan Don a long-term base. (Or at least the site of their rehabilitation after bumping along the roads of Cambodia or southern Laos).
Aside from sitting on the banks of the Mekong with a beer in your hand, the main reason to visit Si Phan Don is to see the spectacular waterfalls. Khone Falls is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The area is also surrounded by rapids, which boil at a fantastic pace, making river travel impossible along certain stretches. It takes a mere 30 minutes to reach this spot from most of the area’s accommodations.
Renting a bicycle is a cheap and convenient way to transport yourself around the area. Most places can be reached with a half hour of leisurely pedaling or less. Another option is to hire a motorcycle driver to act as transportation, and also as a guide.
The famous Irrawaddy Dolphins inhabit the Mekong below the Khone Falls. Some tours promise to take you to see them, but most never get very close. It is better to simply hire a boat and cruise around the river, stopping at islands and generally engaging in aimless exploration.
Si Phan Don is a good place to relax. For travelers, however, that seems to be the whole point of the place. Aside from the falls, there are no major sights.
Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/The_4000_Islands_of_Laos
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