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Exploring Don Det, Laos: An Undiscovered Paradise

When you think of Laos, places like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang usually spring to mind.
Don Det is one of the most underrated places in South East Asia and a place where time slows right down. It is part of what is known as The 4 000 Islands near the Laos-Cambodian border, surrounded by the Mekong River. In 2015, during my travels, I met a British backpacker named Alex at Kuang Si Waterfalls. We spent the following day riding paddle bikes and getting lost around Luang Prabang. While trading stories and tips, he told me of a magical place where swinging the day away in hammocks, finding an adventure, gazing at the most amazing sunsets and devouring homemade shakshukas were a daily occurrence. This place just so happened to be Don Det.

Don Det – off the beaten path in Laos

Since this place wasn’t on my radar, I went with minimal expectation and thought I’d check it out for a few days before moving on. While there isn’t an endless list of things to do, I was stuck there for over a week. I have no regrets, this island holds a very special place in my heart and whenever I think about it, I get the warm fuzzies. Here are a couple of reasons why everyone should make their journey down to pay this island a visit.

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The sunsets are to die for

After hopping off the boat, you search for accommodation and find yourself torn between two sides of the island: Sunrise and Sunset. Spots along the riverbanks await, offering you the chance to watch the beautiful sunrise or sunset. It may come in the form of a hammock; cushions on the floor, moon chairs or proper tables, the options are endless.

Tip: My two favourite spots to catch the sunset are from Happy Bar and from Oi’s Place. Grab a couple of beers, sit back, relax and enjoy as time passes.
If you’re feeling hungry at Oi’s, definitely try her shakshuka.

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Slow down

Throughout the years, I’ve noticed a majority of people (myself included) rushing through the region or any one of its many countries. A lot of people have to deal with time constraints and most have no idea when they may come back so naturally jam packing their schedules seems like an obvious solution – but in all honesty is extremely exhausting.
Sometimes it is nice to be able to take a break from endlessly moving around. That’s the best thing about Don Det, it isn’t difficult to stop and smell the roses. Throughout the country Laos implements an 11pm curfew so there isn’t any crazy partying until the wee hours. The entire day can be used exploring neighbouring islands and you’ll still have time to spend your days swinging on a hammock. The island is a great place to recharge before heading on your next fast paced adventure.

Tip: During my stay on the island, I rented out a private bungalow for USD$5 from Oi’s Place. It came with a hammock right on my porch with a view of the rice fields.

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Chasing waterfalls

Has anyone actually taken TLC’s advice and NOT chased waterfalls? There’s an abundant supply of bike rentals around the island, hop on one and you’re on your way.

Tip: It’s almost impossible to get lost if you decide to rent a bike, there’s one main path around the island.

On the south side of Don Det, there is a bridge leading to the next island over, Don Khon. Here, there are signs leading you on your adventure but be warned, these aren’t you average waterfalls. Khone Phapheng Falls is the largest and one of the most powerful falls in South East Asia. It probably isn’t the best idea to attempt going for a swim.

What I found interesting about the waterfalls was the fishing method of the locals. A massive contraption is placed on the rocks at the bottom of the falls and the fishes naturally get thrown in by the force of the falls. It’s quite amazing watching the locals balance on the slippery rocks while gathering their catch of the day.

Bon fire and good times

On the sunset side, keep a look out for Happy Bar. Some days, they do trips out to a “beach”, which in reality is a small island in the middle of the Mekong and get a bon fire going. Hop on a little boat and ride about 15 minutes or so upstream and viola, a nice plot to start the sunset festivities. Manni (a British backpacker who has been living on Don Det for the last few years) runs it and he’s such a great laugh. Your impeccable bonfire skills guarantee you’ll have a great time. The best bit of the day is when he pits everyone up against each other with a stack of friendly yet competitive games. Turns out intoxicated me is very competitive.

Tip: If you walk further upstream, you can jump in and the currents will carry you down, almost like a natural slide.

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Laotian BBQ

Throughout my travels through Laos, I never came across the concept of a traditional Laotian BBQ. I’m not even sure how I managed to remain so ignorant. Luckily for me, I was on Don Det so I didn’t have to look far to experience it.

Gather around a table with a sizable group, and enjoy drinks and the meal together. Place the pot atop burning coal, let the surrounding “moat” contain the flavorful broth, and place a metallic dome in the center to let the meat sizzle. I personally think it’s got elements of both Korean BBQ (BBQing your food on a grill at your table) and Japanese shabu-shabu (boiling off your ingredients).

If you’ve ever had to cook your own meal in a hot-pot, you’ll kind of know the drill. First goes in the vegetables as they cook the longest. Instead of using oil, they place a couple of slabs of pork lard on the highest part of the dome. The fats drip down the dome, cooking off your assortment of meats and preventing them from sticking. Dipping sauces add extra flavor, even though the meats already soak in a delicious marinade.

Tip: I can’t quite recall how we ended up having a Lao BBQ but I recall that it wasn’t on the menu. Ask around and suss out where you can get your hands on this because you definitely need to try it.

Kayaking along the Mekong

There’s one tour that I’d recommend you should do and that is kayaking along the Mighty Mekong.
Your day starts off reasonably early and goes for the entire day. While you mostly explore Don Det and its neighboring islands in the kayak, you also visit some waterfalls, cross a questionable bridge, join local kids during their playtime at the local market, and enjoy lunch in Cambodia! Since you’re extremely close to the Laos-Cambodian border, the best spot to have lunch is on the Cambodian side of town.

In case you didn’t know, there are dolphins inhabiting this part of the Mekong. My guide told me about the Irrawaddy Dolphins, revealing that only five remain in the wild in this section. This situation is tragic since they are critically endangered. Although I couldn’t capture a photo of the dolphins playing, witnessing them was truly remarkable before they disappear for good.

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Being such a small island, everyone ends up crossing paths multiple times (especially if you stay on one side of the island) and it is really a tight-knit community. During the time I spent there, I met heaps of expats/backpackers living in Don Det and absolutely loved the island. It’s really not hard to see why. At the end of the day, almost everyone knows each other and it’s incredibly hard to leave this amazing bunch of people. Regrettably, my time on the island ended when I accepted admission into my master’s program and moved my entire life to the other side of the world.

Nonetheless, I will be back soon Don Det. You haven’t seen the last of me!

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Peace, love and good vibes

This Post Has 23 Comments

  1. The Travel Ninjas

    Your trip to Don Det Laos sounds really fun. It’s too bad you got accepted into your master’s program and had to leave. Where are your priorities? It seems like a great place to relax, have a bit of adventure, and enjoy some delicious food. Khone Phapheng waterfalls look very powerful and impressive.

  2. Gareth

    Wow, this really does look like a beautiful part of the world and that is saying something as Laos is undeniably one of the most stunning places I’ve been. Although, as you state, places like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are really established backpacking spots and it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that really dos feel uncharted. Don Det certainly seems to tick all those boxes. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to check it out once I manage to make it back to Laos

  3. Ana

    Don Det is amazing! I would love to try it too once we got the chance to visit Laos Cambodia. I think that you really had a great fun during your trips. The photos tell it all. Aside from seeing such good places, you also met interesting backpackers. Two thumbs up for such a great experience!

  4. Anthony Jury

    Don Det looks amazing. I don’t how far it is from the capital, Vientiane, but I am certainly going to find out as I will be there next year. The photos are stunning and kayaking the Mekong,wow, that is on my list. Great post.

  5. kallsy

    Don Det truly sounds like it has many of my favorite things, or at least you highlighted them quite a bit. Catching the sunset from one of the bars you mentioned sounds like the perfect way to end EVERY night while there, while I also found myself aching to see those waterfalls and kayak with you! Very helpful tips. Thank you!

  6. Suz

    I love getting advice from fellow travellers! It usually leads to the best adventures!

    Your photos are incredible, and Don Det looks like a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a few days or a week. The idea of enjoying Laotian BBQ with a group of people sounds like a great time, and catching the sunsets would have to happen. Kicking back with a drink and watching the sun fade over the horizon is one of my favorite things to do! Thank you for sharing such an informative post!

  7. Erica

    Thank you for sharing your story! I hadn’t heard of Don Det before, so I’m so happy to have learned a bit about it. I love your story about meeting the British guy – it’s always so great to make friends like that while traveling.

  8. annette

    I was just in Thailand and heard such great things about Laos. I don’t know much about the country so this post was very helpful. Thanks!

  9. val

    I agree, amazing sunsets..wow! I would love to visit Asia…never been anywhere over seas, all my travel has been in Canada, US and Mexico..

    Happy Travels…gorgeous pics!

    Valerie

  10. Thanks for introducing me to a new destination! It sounds and looks like you had an amazing experience. I’ve never traveled in Laos but really would love to some day. Thanks for the information!

  11. Jen Ambrose

    I was just reading a book (A Thousand New Beginnings) that talked about Don Det, and it sounded like a laid-back paradise – this post made me want to go there even more!

  12. Alice Cardy

    That looks like an amazing place I had never heard of before ! Thank you so much for sharing, thanks to you I’m adding this to my list of places to see in Asia ! Could be a nice respite from HK (just arrived there)!!! Love the kayaking, hammocking and biking, perfect place for me !!

  13. Melissa

    Kayaking on the river sounds like so much fun! I had no idea there were dolphins there! I’ve never been to Laos. In fact, this summer will be our first time to visit any country in Asia. I wish we had time to visit Laos, too!

  14. Sophie

    Okay, those sky lines are just SO gorgeous; I don’t think I’d be able to stop taking photos on my camera haha! Kayaking along the Mekong must have been such an incredible experience- feeling a little jealous 😛

  15. Clare

    I loved Don Det it’s a great place. I was staying on the sunset side, but I got up early to go and watch sunrise though!! I loved the kayaking too and seeing the dolphins, and I was got a bike and cycled to the waterfalls. On the way back we stopped at a pool and sunbathed for a bit. This was my first stop in Laos and I have great memories of that time 🙂

  16. stephanie

    I was in Laos this summer and enjoyed kayakking around Don Det a lot 🙂
    x

  17. Sheena

    I never got to Don Det when I visited Laos 10 years ago, I’m hoping to put it on the list when I head back to Asia next year. I just have to try that hot pot BBQ!

  18. Brown Gal Trekker

    The bbq sounds amazing. For $5 a night and being surrounded by nature? I’d take it. I have yet to venture into Laos and this is making me want to do it sooner, than later.

  19. Sarah

    This sounds like such a great spot! I’m guilty of traveling quickly and loading my itinerary as much as I can. I’m not a full time traveler, so I try to see as much as I can with the time that I have, but often times I miss experiences like you’ve described here. This sounds so relaxing and fun & like a complete immersion in the culture. So cool!

  20. Sarah

    Also, forgot to mention how much I love a pun! Great title! 🙂

  21. Gel

    What makes your article so interesting is the raw and surreal writing you have about your experience in Don Det. Laotian barbecue, good times with new found friends, chill nights over bon fire and endless laughters is my kind of trip too! Hope to meet you on the road. 🙂

  22. This place looks so beautiful! I never really heard of it during my travels but I’ve seen loads about it since, so I hope that’s not a sign it’s going to become another overcrowded destination!

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