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On the boat to Don Det
After our marathon journey from Vientiane to Pakse and then Pakse down to Don Det we are still smiling! Not really sure if there is precisely 4 thousand islands, but this place is right at the bottom of Laos where the Mekong River spilts breaks up the land and is one of the places you can see the rare Irrawady Dolphins.
After the bus journey from Vientiane we stopped in Pakse for some breakfast, seemed like an alright place but you wouldnt want to spend too long here, more of a base for day trips or a stop over if you have to.
From Pakse we negotiated our own minivan which was luxurious until we picked up 3 others near Champasak. There were so many touts selling bus tickets and tuktuk drivers trying to get your business that I was so glad im travelling with a largish group as this could have been scary, definately more power in numbers too! Much more likely to listen to you as dont want to lose your business.
We arrived on Don Det via boat from the mainland. So basic down here, no electric apart from a few hours in the evening. 2 internet cafes that charge 600kip a minute, compared to 100kip everywhere else in Laos. We stayed in
Me and My Hammock
...loved hanging out in my hammock! the Mamas Guesthouse on the Sunrise side of the island 3$ per room, which seemed the most sociable as the rooms are all joined and you share the terrace which has hammocks. However if anyone goes to Don Det, my advice is to keep walking and you'll get your own Bungalow for a 1$ which is about 50p - if you share thats only 25p per night (unbelievable I know!!), just doesnt have a bathroom or any electric. So chilled out down here, and very quiet as its low season, but enough people to talk to. Reggae bar is the place where most peopl hang out and get happy!
We discovered this amazing bakery which is ran by and Ozzie guy who travelled there a couple of years ago and decided to stay and set up his own business. The bread and cakes were to die for, especially after not having any for so long. Its on the Sunrise side and is part of a restaurant, sorry cant remember name but just around.
We did a day trip to the large waterfall on the mainland and over to do some dolphin watching. Amazing day out only 8$! We
Where we stayed
..pretty basic, but a great way to relax and live the simple life! also hired bikes to ride around Don Det and then over to Don Khong where there are waterfalls and beaches. We cycled through villages and farmland with some spectacular scenery.
Don Det is definately a place to escape civilisation and just chill while reading a book in your hammock.
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