Don Det is a hidden gem right next to the border with Cambodia, all the way in southern Laos. There is little to do on the island and that is exactly what makes Don Det a relaxing destination. You can escape the hustle and busy life and completely unwind. It is located near the 4000 Islands so you often see a beautiful sunset in the evening.
Content of this blog:
Please note that there are no ATMs at Don Det. The last ATM you will encounter is in Nakasong (before boarding the boat to Don Det). You can, however, withdraw cash at a ridiculous 8% fee. Therefore, make sure you have enough cash with you.
Cycling across Don Det and Don Khon
Seeing the island wake up early in the morning on a bicycle feels like something magical. You can bike all around the island in half an hour. If you also want to go to Don Khon and the Li Phi Somphamit Waterfall, you can cycle to it via the bridge. In that case, count on a bike ride of an hour total.
Be sure to bike further across Don Khon. It is a more beautiful island than Don Det and you will encounter amazing nature and many local people. It’s best to bike early in the morning because the temperature is still pleasant and you can see the locals starting their day. Along the way you will encounter (many) cows, chickens and ducks. It is very nice to cycle among these animals.
Li Phi Somphamit Waterfall
The Li Phi Somphamit Waterfall looks more like several rapids than a waterfall but is still beautiful to visit. It is located in a quiet area where you can relax. It is also possible to swim nearby. Immediately after the entrance and the little bridge you will see a small lake on the left with a sign that says you can swim here. Admission to the Li Phi Somphamit Waterfall costs 30,000 kip (ā¬1.50) per person. If you come early in the morning there is often no one at the ticket office. You can then officially just walk through but you can also deposit cash at the entrance.
Tubing
Because Don Det is part of the 4000 Islands, you can also experience fun water activities. One of these activities is the famous tubing. This is not the tipsy tubing you might know from Vang Vieng or Pai. Because there have been a fair number of accidents while tubing, you should not go tubing completely on your own. You’ll be taken by boat to a spot north of the island after which you’ll quietly float back to Don Det. The boat will continue to sail behind you to make sure everything goes well.
Tip: discover the Thakhek Loop, an amazing multi-day motorbike tour in Laos
Kayak tour across the Mekong
Several kayak tours are offered from Don Det. The most popular is the kayak tour where you are out all day. You alternate kayaking with a hike and a visit to the waterfall.
Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets
Don Det has the most insane sunsets. Being on the 4000 Islands, you have a wide view of the surroundings and can see the sun sinking into the river. Sit back at Oi’s Place, order delicious spring rolls and some drinks and enjoy Mother Nature’s show.
Where should you stay in Don Det?
Because it is still such a relaxed island, few accommodations can be found online. You can easily stop by the accommodations on Don Det on spec and see where you want to sleep. In general, you pay between 70,000 and 150,000 kip (ā¬3.50 – ā¬7.50) for a simple bungalow with a fan.
Would you still prefer to reserve something in advance? We ourselves slept at Mama Leurth’s and liked it very much. It is located in the “center” on the north side and is one of the few accommodations with air conditioning. In the hot season, this is no luxury. The rooms are clean, spacious and the location is perfect downtown. In short: highly recommended!
The best restaurants on Don Det
So Don Det is a super relaxed island. You won’t find culinary restaurants but cozy places where you can also lie down.
- Namfon Sunset Restaurant. This is the cheapest restaurant on the entire island but certainly not the least. It is run by a lovely family, the mother can cook very good food. Especially the potato wedges, pumpkin burger and green curry were our favorites. Most dishes cost as little as 20,000 kip (ā¬1).
- Oi’s Place. The perfect place to watch the sunset or have a nice lunch. The summer rolls (fresh spring rolls) with tofu are very tasty.
- The Garden Riverside. Nice little place near the bridge to Don Khon. The coffee is ground from fresh beans and you can chill out here.
How to get to Don Det?
From Pakse, you are about 3 hours away to Don Det. You first drive 2 hours by minivan to Nakasang, from there you are another 10 minutes on a boat to Don Det. Tickets can be bought anywhere in Pakse for 150,000 kip (ā¬7.50) per person. The ticket for the boat from Nakasong to Don Det is included in this price.
Don Det is located near Cambodia. This also makes it a good place to cross the border. If you are coming from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, you can easily get to Don Det. Do make sure you prepare for a long day of travel, as you will be on the road for about 10 hours. Also make sure you have enough dollars ($45) with you to pay for your visa to Laos and also bring a passport photo. You can buy bus tickets in advance at 12GO.Asia.
0 Comments