What does the name Si Phan Don mean?
Si Phan Don means four thousand islands in Lao. The name describes a riverine archipelago scattered across the Mekong River in southern Laos.
Questions about Si Phan Don
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where is Si Phan Don located?
Si Phan Don is located in the Mekong River within Khong District, part of Champasak Province in southern Laos. The archipelago borders Cambodia, and Pakse is the closest of Laos's bigger cities to the area.
What are the main islands in Si Phan Don?
The principal islands of Si Phan Don are Don Khong, the largest, Don Som, the second largest, along with Don Det and Don Khon.
Why did the French build a railway at Si Phan Don?
The French built a narrow gauge railway between Don Det and Don Khon to bypass the Khone Phapheng Falls, a stretch of impassable rapids on the Mekong. It let vessels, freight and passengers continue traveling along the river, and it was the first railway built in Laos.
Is logging still allowed on the islands of Si Phan Don?
Logging is now regulated on the islands of Si Phan Don, after timber was once cut there freely. Illegal logging carries stiff penalties.
Which islands in Si Phan Don get the most tourists?
Tourism in Si Phan Don is concentrated on Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khon, with smaller numbers visiting Don Som. Many of the other islands in the archipelago are rarely visited, and local economies remain based mainly on agriculture.