Mekong, islands, waterfalls and dolphins

One of the larger permanently inhabited islands is Don Khong, located about 120 kilometres (75 miles) downstream from Wat Phu. Taking the public passenger ferry is for the hardy; depending on the passenger and cargo load, as well as intermediate stops made, the trip from Baan Wat Thong can take from seven to nine hours. Charters can be arranged from either Pakse or Baan Wat Thong. The journey can also be made by road, along Route 13 on the east bank of the Mekong, which takes about 3 hours in a public bus from Baan Muang across the river from Baan Wat Thong. Direct buses from Pakse also reach Hat Xai Khun, a riverside village East of Don Khong.

Don Khong offers no sites of great historical significance, but compensates by giving the visitor a glimpse of Southern Lao life on the river. Being the largest and most "developed" island, it has decent accommodation in restored old French villas from the colonial era and even a Chinese restaurant in a breezy pavilion on the river. Don Khong is best explored by bicycle; a reasonable dirt road circumvents the island. Many interesting villages dot the periphery of the island.

Since all overnight visitors will stay in Muang Khong, an exploration logically begins here. Wat Phuang Gaew, located directly behind the Sala Auberge Don Khong, greets visitors with a massive and gaudy stucco Buddha image. Heading North, one will find the oldest temple on the island, Wat Jom Thong, which is need of some restoration work. Interesting village temples can also be found at the Southern tip of the island in Baan Huai and Baan Hang Khong, where the eponymous Wat Hang Khong temple is especially peaceful and attractive. Aside from the temples, Muang Khong is best enjoyed for its pleasant atmosphere and as a staging point for the islands further South.