Don Khon
Don Khon (ດອນຄອນ) is an island in Si Phan Don with cheap accommodation and a more relaxed feeling than Don Det.
Understand
[edit]This is a small island next to Don Det, but more upmarket and more quiet with fewer party-goers. Note that this is not the same island as Don Khong (ດອນໂຂງ).
Get in
[edit]From Ban Nakasang on the mainland you can reach Don Khon in 25 minutes by longtail boat.
A bridge formerly used for the French railway connects the island to Don Det. The bridge is free (February 2024).
Get around
[edit]By foot or rent a small bike for 15.000-20,0000 kip (February 2024) a day.
See
[edit]- Visit Li Phi falls (30,000 Kip) which are 2 km south of the French railway bridge that connects Don Det and Don Khon.
- Relax at Khon Tai, a small stretch of sand optimistically called a "beach". Visitors can climb rocks and jump into the river, and there's a small restaurant-cafe.
- The trail following the former railway (starting from the bridge) showcases the old steam locomotives previously used by the French. The southern end of the trail offers the Old French Port with a beautiful panorama on the Mekong from an elevated platform.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Many guesthouses exchange foreign currencies (mainly EUR, USD and THB). There are a couple of small shops along the road, that sell drinks and snacks.
Eat
[edit]Most restaurants are along the main road/tourist strip in Ban Khon village. Just as on Don Det, expect significantly inferior food quality compared to the rest of the country; food is more often than not bland, too salty or has way too much spices added to it. All places have nearly identical menus featuring Western dishes such as burgers and pasta, basic Asian dishes like fried rice/noodles and a few Lao ones such as laap (minced meat salad with herbs). Prices hover around 30,000 - 50,000 Kip (February 2024). If you found a dish you enjoy at a particular place, it's probably best to stick to it for the duration of your stay.
A few shops sell fruits, baguettes and sometimes a small selection of other groceries (canned tuna, yogurt, etc.) but expect these to be more expensive than on "the mainland".
- Seng Ahloune Restaurant. Pretty extensive menu at good prices. Food is fine. 20,000 to 50,000 Kip.
- Nong Sack Restaurant. Good massamam curry and breakfast fare. Reasonable prices. 10,000 to 40,000 Kip.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Most guesthouses are along the main road/tourist strip in Ban Khon village. Accommodation facing the river here, especially northeast of the boat landing, receives a lot of loud noise from the longtail boats, particularly in the mornings. As absurd as it may sound, the quietest places to stay may well be in the south of Don Det's sunset side rather than Don Khon - although you don't have to worry about late night parties on the latter.
- Pa Kha Guesthouse (Walk 500 m to the left on the path from the boat pier). Rooms with fan or aircon, facing the river or behind. Clean, comfortable, well maintained, good ventilation, attached bathrooms. French and English-speaking owner. Restaurant, free wifi, tours, money changer. 50,000-120,000 Kip.
- Seng Ahloune Guesthouse (Next to the French railway bridge). Spacious two in one bungalows with great river view. Due to the thin walls your neighbors noise can be quite disturbing. The owner can exchange Kip and Baht to US dollars. $15-25.
- Somphamit Guesthouse (Approx. 200 m to the left on the path from the boat pier). Like most or all places here, pricier bungalows face the river, while the fan ones are a bit set back. Stable WiFi with decent speeds, free water refills (a rarity on Don Khon), one hammock in front of each bungalow, hot water. The owners can organise onward transport or tours. A small restaurant is on-site, usually open for breakfast and lunch, but not always for dinner. Double bungalow with fan 80,000, with A/C 120,000 Kip.
Connect
[edit]Free Wi-Fi is widely available in the guesthouses and restaurants.
Go next
[edit]See the get out article of Si Phan Don