Don Det or 4000 islands, is simply spectacular. Perhaps the best scenery in Asia so far. Small Islands of incalculable numbers and in varying sizes litter the blue Mekong like green lilies on the world’s biggest pond. Unbelievably the Mekong is clear here and not it’s usual brown self – a sandy bed making for beaches and mud free waters! But the most amazing thing is simply the sheer width of this beast of a water conduit. It stretches as far as I can see and beyond. I find it impossible to realise that it isn’t an ocean or vast lake – easily the biggest river I have ever seen.
The scene on Det is as unusual as the landscape. People come here to chill, to recover after too many mad nights on the beach maybe: or more likely, after too many happy shakes in a row. There are bars, but they blend with the farms and dwellings, made of wood and bamboo and playing mellow tunes and good vibes. Accomodation is as abundant and cheap as the Bob Marley tune slightly drifting through the air. We land a spot with sunset views and shared cold showers for around $5.
We mostly just chill out and relax here: hiring bikes and exploring the islands in the day is also a good call. There are 2 waterfalls on the big island (don Khet) but don’t be fooled into just visiting the one closest and easiest to find. It’s more elusive counterpart is grander and less touristy, and the rickety Indiana Jones style bridge across the river is worth the trip alone.
We also float a mile or so down the Mekong in a big rubber tyre. Not many people can say they’ve done that now can they!
In a nutshell Don Det is a sleepy little island where everything closes at 11, don’t come here to party, but if you want to see some real Lao people doing some real Lao stuff and you want some quiet time to recoup and relax, this is a must do spot. Maybe the best place in Asia for me, just a shame we have to rush off so fast! 2 days is not enough.
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