Don Det, Laos truly is a backpacker’s paradise. Located in the south of Laos, Don Det is one of 3 habitable islands in an area known as the 4,000 islands. We heard that the 4,000 islands was a nice place to kick-back and relax so we hurried our way across the entire country of Laos in just 3 days so we could experience it for ourselves.
Don Det Island is approximately 8km in length and biking is the main mode of transportation as the roads weren’t wide enough for cars. We spend a total of 7 days there and it quickly began to feel like home. The locals were welcoming and very helpful, the street cats and dogs were the friendlyist we’ve encountered yet and the beer was always cold. What’s not to fall in love with?! We spent most of time eating, reading and biking around.
Matt in his natural habitat. This was hands down one of the best accommodations on the island. It’s called Mr.Tho’s guesthouse and it was clean, spacious, quiet (as it’s set back off the main walking path), included breakfast, A/C and a queen sized bed for 150000kip ($23) a night.
On our first night, after we chose a guest house and got settled, we found a bar on the West side of the island to catch our first Don Det sunset
The sunset definitely did not disappointThis is also where we made first friend! We suspect he was more interested in the games on Matt’s phone than he was in us but hey, we’ll take itMmm Beer Laos. It was under $2 a big bottle
Highlights from our week on Don Det include:
Discovering the coffee shakes.
Laos-style coffee more closely resembles the consistency of tar and the taste of jet fuel. Not a nice way to start the day. The coffee shakes were made with lots of ice and condensed milk which made the coffee actually enjoyable.
Catching a local boat racing tournament.
The village gathered in the East side of the island to cheer on their local athletes.I was pleasantly surprised to see some women’s boat races!
Going on a full-day kayaking trip
Our first stop involved a short hike to Khone Pa Soi Waterfall on Don Khon Island (the neighbouring island to Don Det) Then we paddled to another area of Don Khon and were taken to a small village to whiteness a mourning ceremony. When there is a death, this village gathers to share food and celebrate the life that was lost.From there we paddled to the top of Don Khon island where there was a boat waiting for us. We had a lovely vegetarian lunch on the boat- egg fried rice, grilled veg on a baggutte and fresh pineapple and watermelon for dessert. The boat took us up river to a protected area of the river where we caught a glimpse of a endangered dolphin species Irrawaddy dolphins are known for their purple/pink colouring. This is the only picture I got of them. Matt sitting on the boarder between Laos and Cambodia. The shoreline behind him is in Cambodia. Perched and on the look out for my Irrawaddy homies On our paddle back to Don Det we sprung a leak and almost sunk the kayak. We got to shore just in time and drained our water logged boat for about 10 minutes. Even more comical was our guides didn’t notice our absence…Our last stop of the day was the largest waterfall in Laos, Khonephapheng waterfall
Timelapse of the Khonephapheng waterfall. Pretty impressive!
Our first pumpkin burger experience
$1 for padthai, $1.50 for the spring roll and $4 for the pumpkin burger
Indian food at our favourite restaurant on the island, Jasmine’s. We ate here 4 times!
Jasmine’s had great food and great views.
And of course…the kitties. Sorry Pete!
Our final sunset
Don Det was exactly what we were looking for – a relaxing place to unwind. It was a great week.
Wow you two have really been on the move! So happy to read about your adventures! The last week sounds like a dream. So glad you got to relax for a bit! Looking forward to hearing more as always….xoxo
Matt and Ky Travel Thai (+) 
Wow you two have really been on the move! So happy to read about your adventures! The last week sounds like a dream. So glad you got to relax for a bit! Looking forward to hearing more as always….xoxo
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I love the kitties!! Great pics of a beautiful place!!
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Everything is so cheap there! Can’t believe the guide didn’t notice you were gone … ha ha!!!
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