Si Phan Don, Laos, which translates as 4000 Islands, is a picturesque group of islands – some no bigger than a boulder while others are habitable, with villages, restaurants and hotels, on the border between Laos and Cambodia in Champasak Province. Experience the best of the Mekong from one of these hotels and guesthouses in Si Phan Don.
Sala Done Khone is a French colonial-style, three-star hotel on Don Khone Island, across the French Bridge from Don Det. This 32-room hotel has a restaurant on the premises, a spa, an outdoor pool, and WiFi. Free continental breakfast is provided daily and bicycle and kayak rentals are just a short walk away. Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset from the restaurant patio.
Little Eden is just across the road from the ferry terminal and beach at the northern end of Don Det. An in-ground pool surrounded by palm trees and chaise lounge chairs can be enjoyed by guests and is available to non-guests for 35,000 kip per day. Try a cappuccino from the pool bar – they are the best on the island. The hotel has WiFi and each air-conditioned room has an en suite bathroom and terrace.
Don Som Riverside Guesthouse is a small, three-bungalow guesthouse run by local Tanoi and her husband Sander. The property is right on the river and offers stunning views of the sunrise. The guesthouse has a swimming spot, hammocks, bikes for rent, and fantastic food. Tanoi can arrange Lao cooking classes and a homestay in the village if you’re interested in seeing Lao life up close. Being one of the few tourists on this island (the guesthouse accommodates six people at a time) makes for easy relaxing.
Mr. Mo’s Restaurant and Guesthouse is on the east side of Don Det, just down from the northern ferry terminal and beach. Book all of your excursions such as kayaking and trips to see the waterfalls and irrawaddy dolphins through their attached tourism operation. Sit on the terrace overlooking the river to enjoy a meal or coffee and stay in an air-conditioned room with attached bathroom.
On the northern tip of Don Det is Mama Leurth Sunset Guesthouse, which has fan-cooled bungalows and spacious, clean, air-conditioned hotel rooms with balconies. From the top floor, guests can see the Mekong River. The rooms have hot water in the attached bathrooms and WiFi throughout the property. This guesthouse is located steps away from bars, restaurants, and a convenient store for easy access any time of day.
The Green Guesthouse is a very clean, professionally run, two-story guesthouse on the sunset side of the island. Green Guesthouse also has a travel booking agency in the lobby that can help guests and other tourists book transportation from the island or book a tour. The spacious balconies overlook a beautiful garden and the rice paddies beyond. You’ll never want to leave.
Villa Muong Khong has 52 guest rooms on Khong Island, the only island accessible by car from the mainland. Their on-site restaurant serves Lao and Western cuisine, including southern Lao specialties. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available as is high-speed internet. The concierge will gladly assist you in booking domestic flights, touring 4000 islands by minibus and boat, hiking, and even organizing a Bacci ceremony before you leave.
Rattanasing Hotel is a two-star hotel on Don Khong that offers 24-hour front desk service and a shuttle service to the Pakse airport. Rooms in the back of the hotel have a mountain view. The hotel restaurant is across the street on the Mekong River and offers Lao and Western food. Rooms have a TV, private bathroom, and refrigerator.