The 4000 Islands or Si Phan Don

A district in the province of Champassak, the 4000 Islands are nestled in a magical landscape of land and water. It is the last stop before Cambodia, with the border marked by the powerful Khone Phapheng Falls, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, stretching for nearly 10 km. This destination has become a must-see for travelers seeking a corner of peace, tranquility, and rest.

4000 Islands (Si Phan Don): ສີພັນດອນ

4000 Islands

What to do in the 4000 Islands?

The largest island in the archipelago is Don Khong, home to two villages: Muang Saen and Muang Khong. Life moves slowly here and the setting invites you to unwind. There are few motor vehicles on the island, and the best way to get around and make the most of it is to rent a bicycle. For just a few euros you can explore the surroundings and discover local life, watch the fishermen’s boats on the Mekong, drop in on the small local market at Muang Sen, and wander past the rice paddies along the river or through the wooded areas that cover the island. You will also come across a few lovely temples, among them Wat Kan Khong with its golden Buddha, and Wat Chom Thong.

From Don Khong, head further south, through the 4000 Islands, to reach the islands of Don Det and Don Khone. Here the Mekong changes character, stretching several kilometres wide. In these little havens of peace the mood is all about relaxing and doing very little. The landscapes are superb and the people extremely welcoming. At the end of the day, enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Mekong. On Don Khone you can still find a few remnants of the colonial era, such as the old railway line that once linked it to Don Det. A bridge connects Don Khone to Don Det, the smallest inhabitable island in the archipelago at just four kilometres long. This is where you will find the most restaurants, bars and places to stay, which takes nothing away from the island’s peaceful charm.

At the southern end of the island lies the site of the Ly Phy falls, also known as the “Devil’s Falls”. You may be lucky enough to spot a few acrobatic fishermen at work! Once you have taken in the spectacle, board a dugout canoe or a kayak to explore this maze of islets and rapids. Please note: the last Irrawaddy dolphins in the Lao stretch of the Mekong disappeared a few years ago; they can still be seen not far away, in Cambodia. This destination in southern Laos is ideal before continuing your journey towards the Cambodian border, just a few kilometres away.

4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands
4000 Islands

Where to Stay in the 4000 Islands?

Here is our recommendation for a charming hotel in the 4000 Islands: located on Don Khone island, surrounded by the waters of the Mekong, the Sala Done Khone offers a charming stay experience. Its natural environment and riverside gardens make it a very pleasant and peaceful establishment. The building captivates with its architecture from the French colonial era. It is a small paradise where it is good to relax and enjoy the soothing rhythm of southern Laos. Do not hesitate to contact us to book your charming hotel in the 4000 Islands. If your chosen hotel is not listed on your Laos itinerary, please let us know. Your satisfaction and desires are our priority, and we tailor the accommodations for your trip to Laos according to your specific wishes.

What to See Around the 4000 Islands?

Further north in the Champassak region is the second most populous city in Laos: Pakse. It is the ideal starting point for visiting the Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its superb waterfalls and tea and coffee plantations. You can also embark on a Mekong cruise from Pakse to the 4000 Islands, passing through the peaceful village of Champassak and its famous pre-Angkorian temple, Vat Phou. The journey will end at the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, also called the “Niagara Falls” of Laos. These are indeed the most significant waterfalls in all of Southeast Asia. With a height exceeding 14 meters, the Mekong thus reminds us of its power and prevents any river connection between Laos and Cambodia. Finally, you can cross the border at Don Kralor to continue your journey to Cambodia or take your flight by crossing the Thai border at Ubon Ratchathani airport.

Visit the 4000 Islands with Asia Safari Laos

Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of local travel advisors is at your disposal to organize your stay in the 4000 Islands. We assist you in choosing your accommodations, transportation, and activities that best meet your expectations. Our services allow you to experience the true southern Laotian region and discover Si Phan Don differently, off the beaten path.

4000 Islands: Our Tailor-Made Travel Ideas

Southern Laos Essentials Tour

Southern Laos Essentials
(6 days)

Mekong River Cruise Tour

Mekong River Cruise
(12 days)

Comfortable Essentials Tour

Comfortable Essentials
(18 days)

Laos-Cambodia: The Essential Tour

Laos – Cambodia: The Essential
(15 days)

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    Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

    With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

    • Local English-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
    • Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
    • Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
    • Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.

    How does our tailor-made service work?

    1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
    2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
    3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
    4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.

    When to visit Laos?

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The cost depends on the length of your trip, the season, the number of travellers, your accommodation and the services you choose. We prepare a personalised quote based on your wishes and budget, specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Entry requirements depend on your nationality, the length of your stay and your point of entry. Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The tourist e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days and can only be used at designated entry points. We help you check which procedures apply to your trip.

    Yes. We adapt the pace, destinations, accommodation and activities to your children’s ages and your family’s wishes. We focus on a balanced itinerary, with time to rest and suitable journeys between stops.

    Yes. You can plan your trip in English with our local team. Depending on your itinerary, we arrange visits with English-speaking guides and the support you need during your stay.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, or 15 to 18 days to include southern Laos. We adapt the itinerary and journeys to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

    Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

    Our travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries

    Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
    Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
    Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
    Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

    Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

    Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
    Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
    Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
    Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    We can combine Laos with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand or Yunnan in China. We design the itinerary around your dates, interests and arrival point, then select connections suited to the route and each country’s entry requirements.

    To explore several regions in Laos and either Vietnam or Cambodia, allow around 15 to 18 days. A shorter combined trip is possible with fewer stops. Allow several weeks for a grand tour of multiple countries. We adapt the route to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Yes. We arrange the transport included in your itinerary: airport transfers, road journeys, trains, boats and domestic flights, depending on the programme. Your quote specifies the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Absolutely. Asia Safari welcomes solo travelers as well as couples, families, or small groups of friends. Each trip is designed for you.

    Yes. Whether you prefer an active trip or a more leisurely pace, we design your itinerary with you, based on your interests, mobility and preferred level of comfort.

    Our Story

    Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.

    What sets us apart

    A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
    We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
    Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
    Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.

    Our commitment

    We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.

    Asia Safari is a local agency based in Vientiane, Laos. Founded in 2002 by Jean-Paul Duvergé, it has a French-Lao team that plans and coordinates your trip on the ground.

    You can contact us through the questionnaire on our website, by email or by phone. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information.

    Yes. We design tailor-made trips for families and groups of friends, adapting the itinerary to the number of travellers, their shared interests and budget. For larger groups, we review your plans on request.

    Asia Safari accepts international bank transfers. Payment terms (deposit, balance) are specified in your personalized quote.

    Our local team can be contacted seven days a week during your stay. If anything unexpected happens, we assess the situation with you and coordinate any necessary adjustments with our partners on the ground.

    Laos in figures

    Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.

    Laos must-sees

    Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
    Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
    Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
    Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

    Lao culture

    Theravada Buddhism has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.

    Nature and biodiversity

    The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.

    We plan your itinerary with local conditions in mind and explain the precautions relevant to your planned journeys and activities. Before departure, also consult official travel advice, which outlines the risks in different regions.

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The official currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Bring cash in kip for everyday expenses and stays in rural areas. ATMs are available in the main towns and cities; card acceptance varies by establishment.

    Before departure, check that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Additional vaccinations, including hepatitis A, and any preventive malaria medication should be discussed with your doctor or a travel vaccination centre, based on your health and itinerary. Also take precautions against mosquito bites.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. A more extensive itinerary into central and southern Laos requires more time: we adjust its length to your interests and preferred pace.