Don Det and the 4000 Islands: The Greatest Destination in Laos (2025)

Last Updated on September 22, 2024

Set on the very Southern tip of Laos, Don Det is part of the 4000 Islands chain on the border of Cambodia. Sleepy, breezy, palm tree-lined Don Det – we have so much to say about you.

Somehow still a “secret” destination, Don Det in Southern Laos is the island getaway you didn’t know you needed. Nestled alongside the Mekong river, Don Det and the 4000 Islands offer a peaceful spot to begin or end your journey in Laos.

Don Det is the most popular of the 4000 Islands for travelers, with plenty of accommodation options and good food available. An easy fifteen minute longboat ride from Nakasong, you’ll be transported to a sun-soaked paradise.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Don Det – how to get there, where to stay, and what to do while you’re there.

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How to Get to Don Det

Pakse to Don Det

This is a short, hassle-free journey by bus and boat. There are lots of booking agents around Pakse town for you to book your trip from Pakse to Don Det. We recommend booking with Miss Ngoy (the same place we hired a motorbike for the Bolaven Loop).

You can also book the bus and boat tickets through your guesthouse in Pakse if you’re staying there on your trip to Laos.

READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TRANSPORT IN LAOS HERE

TOP TIP: When booking your boat from Nakasong (mainland Laos) to the 4000 Islands, you can ask to be dropped at a different location, depending on where your guesthouse is. For example, we stayed in the South of Don Det, so asked the boat driver to take us to Taka Pan (The Old French Pier).

Siem Reap to Don Det

This is a long, tiresome journey with a few transfers and a busy border to cross between Cambodia and Laos. It is possible to conquer this transit without assistance, but for ease consider using Asia Van Transfer.

They are a reputable Cambodian company who ensure your border crossing is stress-free. We traveled the reverse route, from Don Det to Siem Reap, and had a painless experience. It’s worth noting the price difference between doing it yourself or with Asia Van Transfer is a few US dollars.

The Best Time to Visit Don Det and the 4000 Islands

The weather in Southern Laos is much warmer than destinations in the North – especially in the dry season! When we were staying on Don Det in March 2024, temperatures were around 39 degrees, hot hot hot!

Even though the weather is hot, the best time to visit Don Det is the dry season – between December and April/May. Luckily there are plenty of ways to cool off, so we just tried to avoid the sun during peak heat.

Like much of Southeast Asia, travel in Don Det and the 4000 Islands is impacted by the monsoon season. Much of the island is flat and can be susceptible to flooding when the rains come, so try to avoid visiting between May and October!

Where to Stay in Don Det

The beauty of Don Det and its surrounds is that there are multiple options for where to stay and different parts of the 4000 Islands to explore.

TOP TIP: Regardless of the island you choose, there are no ATMs. If you need cash, make sure to use an ATM in Naksong, or at your previous stop before leaving for Don Det. You can exchange money on the island via the Money Exchange shops near the main port, but expect a weaker exchange rate and a high fee.

Budget Options

The Boathouse – Set in a quiet location in the South of the island, The Boathouse has clean and cool bungalows, all installed with fans. It’s worth noting in some places on the 4000 Islands, a fan is seen as luxury!

Easy Go Backpackers – The first hostel that opened on Don Det, you’re going to get a laid-back, social vibe from both owners and guests. The hostel also offer free bicycles – the perfect way to explore Don Det.

Mid-Range Options

Mama Leuah Guesthouse – WE STAYED HERE! The owner Lutz and his family run a great operation. You’ll be treated to very comfortable bungalow beds, sunrise views, and a fast laundry service. FYI, regardless of where you stay in Don Det, be prepared for a few little bugs that might keep you company at night.

Namknong View – Only a short 8-minute walk to the main pier, this guesthouse offers insane sunset views and is owned by a super accommodating family. You’d do well to find unfriendly owners in Laos!

TOP TIP: Waste disposal services seem pretty limited on the island, resulting in locals burning their trash instead. Bear this in mind when doing laundry on the island because your clothes will be hand washed in the river and hung out to dry. We found our clothes smelt of smoke afterwards. This isn’t that big a deal – just something to consider if you can wait an extra couple of days before a laundry day.

Luxury Option

Baba Guesthouse – Treat yourself to air conditioned hotel rooms, with fast, reliable WiFi. Baba Guesthouse has a good location in the North of the island, making all the “main tourist attractions” easily accessible.

TOP TIP: Regardless of where you stay on Don Det, expect the water in your bathroom to come directly from the river. As we are sure you know already, don’t drink the water. Moreover don’t expect hot water in your accommodation – not that you’ll need it!

What To Do in Don Det and the 4000 Islands

Cycling Around the Island

Your guesthouse will likely have bikes to hire. If you’d rather not put in the leg work, motorbike hire is also available all around the 4000 Islands. Whichever mode of transport you choose, be sure to explore every inch of the islands, finding waterfalls and swimming spots on your way.

Khon Pha Pheng waterfalls is a standout for many visitors, however we chose not to check it out due to the entry fee. It’s only a small fee and other travelers highly recommended stopping here.

TOP TIP: A popular spot is the Old French Port where you can see Cambodia across the Mekong. Many blogs write about the rare Irrawaddy dolphin breed that can be seen here. Sadly, the dolphins can no longer be found as they are now extinct.

Kayaking at Sunset

A classic activity anywhere in Southeast Asia with a river, Don Det is no exception. Book a kayak excursion through your guesthouse or with any tour provider on the island. The tour offices are mostly clustered around the main pier and offer similar prices.

We didn’t partake in a kayak tour ourselves, but we did watch a couple groups float by while enjoying a beer at a riverside bar. Don Det is HOT during the day, but the sunset kayak trip looked like a perfect evening.

If you enjoy kayaking at sunset, you may also like: 7 Interesting Things to Do in Nong Khiaw

Tubing on the River

To hire a tube, just ask at your guesthouse and if they don’t have one available, they will direct you to the closest place. Float down the Mekong River making sure to stop for drinks as you pass nearby bars and restaurants.

Live your Best Hammock Life

When choosing a spot to stay, without a doubt it needs to include a hammock. If you haven’t taken a time out in a hammock during your stay, you definitely haven’t done it right. Keep your eyes peeled for water buffalo grazing on the shore before they go for an afternoon soak.

Swim and Sip at Mango Bar

Also called Wrap and Roll, this place became our local during our stay in Don Det. It has the perfect combination of refreshing drinks, cheap meals, chill tunes and river access for swimming. The bamboo huts provide a respite from the heat of the sun and comfortable furnishings to make you never want to leave.

Try the Local Pumpkin Burger

Even before we arrived in Don Det, we heard rumors of the island’s notorious pumpkin burgers. We finally tried one on our last night and let us tell you – we are still talking about it months later! Flavorful with just the right amount of spicy mustard, we absolutely recommend the pumpkin burger at Mama Leuah Guesthouse.

We heard Kea’s Backpackers Paradise Restaurant Bar has great pumpkin burgers as well, but they were unfortunately closed both evenings we tried to visit for dinner.

Night Spearfishing

Have you ever been spearfishing? Have you ever been spearfishing at sunset then cooked the fish over a fire for dinner? No? Neither had we – but you can change that when you’re staying on Don Det!

Take a walk or bike ride along the sunrise side of the island and look out for signs offering activities run by guesthouses. We saw multiple ads for spearfishing – just pick the one that stands out to you!

Go for a Massage

As with most destinations in Southeast Asia, massages are readily available and usually affordable. A massage on Don Det may cost a bit more than on the mainland (island prices, ya know) but we can’t think of a better way to keep in line with the relaxed vibe of Don Det than with a massage by the river.

Where to Eat in Don Det

Mama Leuah Guesthouse – The local and western options here are to the highest standard. Do not miss French toast for breakfast, chicken schnitzel sandwich for lunch, and the local specialty pumpkin burger for dinner. Be sure to try the chocolate sticky rice for dessert!

Mango Bar (Wrap and Roll on Google Maps)– Aside from the chill vibes, the food and smoothies are not to be turned down. We had the vegetable fried rice and pineapple smoothies multiple times for a tasty, cheap lunch. The kebabs are also highly rated!

Mama Piang Restaurant – The owner here offers a warm welcome along with some excellent dishes. We recommend trying the pumpkin curry, coconut veggie soup, and the mango sticky rice.

TOP TIP: There’s a small place on the river side of the road, between Mr Vai restaurant and Mr Tho’s Bungalows where we ate breakfast one morning. The potato omelette and lemon pancakes are delicious and very affordable.

Is Don Det and the 4000 Islands Worth the Visit?

A visit to Don Det will not disappoint. Although often overlooked by travelers who instead head to the islands off of Thailand or Cambodia, Don Det is a unique riverside island oasis that is not to be missed.

It is still truly a lived-in tourist spot. The locals go on with their day as you explore the surroundings and for us, this certainly adds to the charm. The islands leave you pondering what a joy a life growing up there must be.

Short on time in Laos? Read our two week itinerary for Southern Laos that includes the 4000 Islands!

As we meet other travelers, we cannot stop recommending Don Det and the 4000 Islands. A special place in a special country. It’s worth the extra time on a bus, the cash counting, and the extra time you may spend in Laos. Go to Don Det – you won’t regret it!

Explore Laos Further

If you enjoyed this guide to Don Det, then check out our additional guides on Laos:

• 3-Day Bolaven Loop Itinerary From Pakse: Is It Worth It?
• Kong Lor Cave, Laos: Visiting by Bus on a Budget (2024)
• 7 Interesting Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
• A Beginner’s Guide to Luang Namtha, Laos: Trekking, Saunas and More
• Transport in Laos: A Comprehensive Guide from North to South