Don Det

城市概覽

Don Det used to be really off the beaten track, and while most of the island is still very chill, certain parts are so touristy you might forget you are in Laos! While you won't find the same crowds here as in Vang Vieng for example, most of the island's shore is now covered in lines of guesthouses and tourist restaurants. Don Det even has 24 hour electricity now, but power outages do sometimes occur. Don Det is somewhat of an attraction for backpackers and is often compared with the much less relaxing Vang Vieng. Backpackers, mostly in their 20s and 30s come to this island to relax. Some stay a day or two, some for weeks and a few have decided to stay for good. Despite the growing tourist presence and infrastructure building, life on Don Det is still very laid back.

如何抵達

By boat Ban Nakasang is 2½ hours by mini bus or around 3½ hours by local transport from Pakse. Local public transport leaves from the southern bus station in Pakse. From Nakasang town, one can reach Don Det on a local tiny boat. As of 2023, the official one-way price for immediate departure is 40,000 kip if alone, 20,000 kip per person if there are at least 2 passengers (usually you're welcome to wait for a second passenger to show up); bicycles and motorbikes not included. Fares go up 5,000 kip after 17:30, and there are no boats after 20:00. If considering buying a round-trip ticket, keep in mind that you may end up booking a boat-included bus ticket to your next destination from one of the agents on the islands.

Cambodia: The prices are more expensive for the local transport than they are for the chicken bus. Many visitors like the local style transport but if price is an issue then shop around.

當地交通

Don Det is a small island. The walking path around the island is 7.2 km, and takes about two hours. A bicycle will make it a lot quicker. The road (think footpath-width) on the sunrise side is paved, the sunset side is not, but is in good condition and rideable. It is possible to rent bicycles for 10,000 kip from guesthouses and restaurants. Mountain bikes with 21 gears go for about twice that. Most tourists who do this cycle over the old railway bridge to Don Khon. The cost of crossing the bridge is 20,000 for a day pass. There are also motorcycles for rent but the island is so small these are unnecessary.

必看景點

There are few temples or culturally important sites to see on Don Det, but the island and tranquil surroundings are the real gems. Anywhere you walk you will be greeted by smiling locals, stunning islands and scenery and a new experience. There are lots of small farms scattered around the island. You can cross the historic bridge to Don Khon. The temple on Don Khon is interesting enough and has a very old stupa that is not typical for the region. It is also on the way to the waterfall. Much online content regarding Laos is out of date, and this includes trips to see the Irrawaddy dolphin. The last river dolphin in Laos died in 2022. You can still see them over the border in Kratie.

體驗活動

If laying in a hammock in front of your bungalow isn't enough for you, there are some other very relaxing things to do in Don Det:

Swim in the Mekong River. There is a little beach where boats drop people off, or it's possible to swim in the waters in front of most of the guesthouses. There are even little fish in the water, which nibble off dead foot skin, if you keep still enough. Be careful! Currents can be very strong, and jumping in the river is not recommended if you are not a confident swimmer. Just like in the ocean, if you do get caught in a current that's difficult to swim against, don't fight it, but turn 90 degrees and swim out of it. You may end up some way downstream, but it's better to have to walk back to where you started, or even wade back through the shallows, then to be caught in the middle of the river with no energy left to swim. At Don Det there's almost guaranteed to be an easy place to get out of the water and back up to the ring road further downstream. Tubing. Rent a tube and float in the Mekong river for a few hours. 10k for a tube, and another 15,000 kip if you want to be driven out a bit by boat. Bring some drinks and have fun. 10,000 kip. Waterfalls. Go see waterfalls on Don Khon island. Hang out at the "beach". Have a drink at the Garden of Nang, a small sandy private beach open to anyone who makes a purchase at the friendly locally-run restaurant across the street. Located on the southwest shore of the island near the bridge to Don Khon. Take any one of the numerous scenic tours to outlying islands. The sunset barbeque tours offered going north of the island to pristine sand beaches are also quite good. The people in this region are the main asset and do not hesitate to mingle with them. Even if the language is a barrier they will be more than nice. Go on one of the numerous kayaking trips available.

購物

There are no ATMs on Don Det as of February 2025. Many shops in the tourist village at the north end of the island offer money exchange and "ATM service": for example, you can get US dollars or kip from 4000 Island Bar, Adam's Rogue or Little Eden. They charge your Visa or MasterCard for a commission of 6-10%. The nearest banks, Lao Development Bank and BCEL, are on the mainland at Ban Nakasang, where there are two ATMs. They also provide Western Union services in emergencies. Best to use before going to the island. Most guesthouses will provide boat trips there and back for about 50,000 Kip, waiting for you while you do your banking. This is cheaper than paying fees for your credit card cash advance on the island. Banking hours are between 08:30-15:00.

美食

The food situation is always changing, but service is often slow, with food often taking an hour to appear. This is Lao PDR: Please Don't Rush! Most restaurants have wifi.

Rib Shack. Now serves hamburgers, not ribs. Mr Mans restaurant (opposite Mr Mans accommodation) has an excellent and inexpensive menu. Try their lentil curry and rice soup. Adam's Bar and Restaurant is located at the main Northern tip of Don Det. Has a variety of Asian and Western food, and a variety of shakes and cocktails. Hosts open mic acoustic sets, late night parties and barbecues at an hours notice. Can get the latest films, music and TV series uploaded onto your laptop. Also has a free DVD lounge, plunge pool, darts, Wi-Fi and a Nintendo Wii. The Happy Bar, 4000 Islands, located on the main sunrise strip by the beach is an excellent restaurant serving Asian and Western food. Stunning views of the Mekong along with the islands best pool table and the latest DVDs. English speaking staff. Has WiFi. Paradise Restaurant, located about 10 minutes south of town. Serves island cuisine and is noted for its lentil curry/pumpkin, pumpkin burgers and chicken burgers. The French rave about the crêpes and the Israelis about the shakshuka. The menu has a wide variety of foods with large portions at low prices. The menu includes the 'Don Det Manual' with information about the island