Don Det and Don Khon - Laos

Don Det

Don Det is an island in the middle of the Mekong River in Si Phan Don in Laos.

Don Det used to be a really off the beaten track place only five to ten years ago. While even still today you won't find the same crowds here as in Vang Vieng for example, tens of guesthouses have mushroomed around this once well kept secret. The installation of electricity poles and wires is now completed and Don Det will have 24 hour electrical service. This will most likely lead to increasingly more services and development.

Don khong (Khong Island)

Named for the surrounding river (using the Thai pronunciation 'khong' rather than the Lao 'khawng '), this large island measures 15km along its north-south axis and 8km at its widest point. The island's 55,000 in habitants are for the most part concentrated around two villages on either side of the is land. Munng Khong on the eastern shore and Muang Saen on the west an 5km un- paved road links the two.

Most of the surrounding islands - and parts of the mainland - belong to Don Khong district: As his surname suggests, the current 'president of Laos, Khamtay Siphandone, was born in Si Phan Don - on Don Khong to be exact.