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Don Khon

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City
—°4
Don Khon (Laos)
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Practical info — Don Khon

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Don Khon is the more tranquil and culturally rich neighbor to Don Det within the 4,000 Islands. It is famous for its colonial history, housing the remnants of a French railway intended to bypass the Mekong's impassable rapids. The island's standout natural feature is the Li Phi Falls (Somphamit), a dramatic series of crashing rapids where the river carves through jagged rocks with incredible force. The best way to see the island is by bike, pedaling through dense jungle paths and past sleepy villages. From the southern tip of the island, visitors can take small boats to spot the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in the deeper stretches of the Mekong. Accommodations here tend to be slightly more upscale and quieter than on Don Det, making it good for couples and families. You can reach Don Khon by crossing the historic bridge from Don Det or by direct boat from the mainland. The best time for a visit is from November to March, during the dry season when the waterfalls are most pretty and the trails are easy to navigate.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262830313029282727282726
Rain mm33214210815823726219881177

Geography

Coordinates
13.95518, 105.92601

Facts

  • Quieter than neighboring Don Det
  • Home to Li Phi (Somphamit) Falls
  • Historic French railway ruins
  • Prime spot for dolphin watching
  • Connected by a colonial bridge
  • Rich in coconut and rice farming
  • Great jungle cycling trails
  • Requires a small entrance fee

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Don DetDon Det<1 km · SWExplore →
Muang KhongMuang Khong10 km · SWExplore →
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)10 km · SExplore →
Stung TrengStung Treng14 km · EExplore →
Tonle SrepokTonle Srepok16 km · NEExplore →
Xe Pian National ParkXe Pian National Park20 km · NWExplore →
Oum Muong TempleOum Muong Temple29 km · SWExplore →
ChampasakChampasak29 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Don Khon (4)

Tad Khone Pa Soi Waterfall📍 landmark

Accessed via a rickety suspension bridge, this dramatic set of rapids and cascades cuts through the rugged islands of the Mekong River.

Mekong Dolphins🌿 nature

This scenic riverbank vantage point provides a rare opportunity to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins swimming in the Mekong waters.

Small roof🌿 nature

A modest, sheltered observation deck providing panoramic views over the cascading waters and rocky channels of the mighty Mekong.

Baignade interdite🎡 recreation

Marked by warning signs, this sandy riverbank section forbids swimming due to the treacherous undercurrents of the Mekong rapids.

Frequently asked questions

Don Khon: where is it located?
Don Khon is located in Laos.
Don Khon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tad Khone Pa Soi Waterfall, Mekong Dolphins, Small roof.
Don Khon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Don Khon: why is it worth visiting?
Don Khon is the more tranquil and culturally rich neighbor to Don Det within the 4,000 Islands.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Pakse — Don Khon (Laos)
Pakse
Pakse is the capital of Champasak Province and a major commercial center.
Muang Khong — Don Khon (Laos)
Muang Khong
Muang Khong is the main town on the island of Don Khong in the 4000 Islands region.
Champasak — Don Khon (Laos)
Champasak
Champasak is a historic town in southern Laos.
Don Det — Don Khon (Laos)
Don Det
A relaxed island popular with travelers, known for its spectacular sunsets and simple riverside wooden bungalows.
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) — Don Khon (Laos)
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
An idyllic archipelago in the Mekong River, famous for its thundering waterfalls and an extremely laid-back lifestyle.
Tad Fane — Don Khon (Laos)
Tad Fane
Spectacular twin waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau, plunging over 100 meters into a jungle-clad gorge.
Tad Yuang — Don Khon (Laos)
Tad Yuang
A picturesque and easily accessible waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau, perfect for picnicking and relaxing.

History & landmarks

Vat Phou — Don Khon (Laos)
Vat Phou
A ruined Khmer temple complex in southern Laos, located at the base of Mount Phou Kao.

More places

🗺️
Xe Pian National Park
An extensive protected area in the far south, encompassing vast wetlands and dense forests, bordering Cambodia.
Oum Muong Temple — Don Khon (Laos)
Oum Muong Temple
A remote and atmospheric Khmer ruin hidden in a forested area near the Mekong River in southern Laos.
Vat Phou — Don Khon (Laos)
Vat Phou
An ancient Khmer temple complex at the base of Mount Phu Kao, older than Angkor Wat.
Dong Hua Sao National Park — Don Khon (Laos)
Dong Hua Sao National Park
A protected area descending from the cool heights of the Bolaven Plateau down into the hot lowlands of the Mekong Valley.
Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area — Don Khon (Laos)
Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area
A nature reserve in the south where steep cliffs and deep forests provide habitat for wild Asian elephants and hornbills.
🗺️
Xe Pian National Protected Area
An extensive protected area with wetlands and forests, housing an immense diversity of bird species.
Pakse Japan SME SEZ — Don Khon (Laos)
Pakse Japan SME SEZ
A specialized economic zone in the south focusing on Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in labor-intensive manufac…
Bolaven Plateau — Don Khon (Laos)
Bolaven Plateau
A plateau in southern Laos, famous for its scenic waterfalls, lush landscapes, and coffee plantations.