Don Det
Weather :
Tags : Beach
Time Required : 6 to 8 hours
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Don Det, Si Phan Don Overview
Don Det is an island located along the Mekong River in southern Laos. It is a part of Si Phan Don or 4000 thousand islands and is the most popular of all these islands among travelers, especially backpackers who enjoy water activities and river life. It is recommended to visit Don Det on your trip to Laos to experience the countryside and enjoy touring around other islands.
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Best time to visit
The best time to visit Don Det is from October to March. The weather is excellent, the water levels in the Mekong subside after the heavy monsoon, and it is a great time for swimming, spotting dolphins and Kayaking.
Don Det Activities
Don Det itself nothing much to do, and it is one of the places where you can relax and unwind.
Swimming - One of the best ways to do so is swimming in the Mekong River. There are sections along the river famous for swimming, which can be reached by boat for less than 1 USD. There are also some select resorts with a riverfront where swimming is possible for guests.
Tubing - Tubing is another popular activity for people visiting Don Det. You can rent a tube for about 10,000 LAK per hour per person, and float pass bars, relax and enjoy a sunset.
Kayaking - You can also go Kayaking in the Mekong by yourself by renting Kayaks from shops or join a Kayak group tour, which costs about 20 to 23 USD per person for a day.
Visit Don Khon - Don Khon is the nearest and the most famous island close to Don Det. You need to cross a bridge that is located about 4km from the downtown and pay 20,000 LAK to enter Don Khon. Don Khon has a few beaches. There are also Khone Phapheng and Li Phi waterfalls, and boat tours to other islands. You can arrange these trips by directly booking on the spot with the tour operators.
Dolphin Watching - There are dolphin watching tours available for groups and also private ones, which can be booked for about 45,000 LAK. They start at the south pier but note that these tours are seasonal and available based on the Mekong's flow.
Swimming - One of the best ways to do so is swimming in the Mekong River. There are sections along the river famous for swimming, which can be reached by boat for less than 1 USD. There are also some select resorts with a riverfront where swimming is possible for guests.
Tubing - Tubing is another popular activity for people visiting Don Det. You can rent a tube for about 10,000 LAK per hour per person, and float pass bars, relax and enjoy a sunset.
Kayaking - You can also go Kayaking in the Mekong by yourself by renting Kayaks from shops or join a Kayak group tour, which costs about 20 to 23 USD per person for a day.
Visit Don Khon - Don Khon is the nearest and the most famous island close to Don Det. You need to cross a bridge that is located about 4km from the downtown and pay 20,000 LAK to enter Don Khon. Don Khon has a few beaches. There are also Khone Phapheng and Li Phi waterfalls, and boat tours to other islands. You can arrange these trips by directly booking on the spot with the tour operators.
Dolphin Watching - There are dolphin watching tours available for groups and also private ones, which can be booked for about 45,000 LAK. They start at the south pier but note that these tours are seasonal and available based on the Mekong's flow.
Tips
- Don Det and the surrounding islands have very few ATMs in working conditions. It is better to carry enough cash for all transactions.
- Accommodation options are limited and expensive in Don Det. It is better to book in advance. If you are on a tight budget, it is recommended to stay on Don Khon, which has many options for budget stays.
- Carry spare clothes if you are taking part in watersports. Wear a modest swimsuit and avoid bikinis as people are conservative.
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