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Travel Pakse Champasak From Pakse to Don Khong
Project gen by hotsia
http://www.hotsia.com > Travel Pakse Champasak > From Pakse to Don Khong After traveling from Ubon, I stayed in Pakse for 3 nights. Today I continued my journey to Don Khong. Don Khong is located south of Pakse, a town where the Mekong River flows on both sides, creating the largest island among the Four Thousand Islands or Si Phan Don. The island is about 16 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, much larger than I expected. Don Khong is right next to Cambodia.
To get to Don Khong, you must take a tuk-tuk or three-wheeled taxi from downtown Pakse to the Pakse Southern Bus Station. The fare is 80 baht or 20,000 kip. When taking the tuk-tuk from Pakse to the bus station, be careful as some drivers may drop you off nearby claiming it's the way to Don Khong. I insisted on going to the bus station because the Southern Bus Station in Pakse is different from the one coming from Chong Mek and is much farther, about 8 kilometers from Pakse town.
From the Pakse Southern Bus Station to Don Khong, there are large shared pickup trucks costing 35,000 kip per person (35x4=140 baht). The trucks run 4 times a day: morning, late morning, afternoon, and evening. The schedule is not fixed; when full, they leave early. When I traveled, the truck left at 9:30 AM and had two afternoon trips I can't recall exactly. The trucks fill up quickly, so I recommend getting on early and sitting on the left side to avoid the heat. To reach Don Khong, the truck crosses the Mekong River by a six-wheeled vehicle on a cable ferry; you don't have to get off. The crossing takes only a short time.
However, most people get off if the ferry timing doesn't match, to use the restroom or get something to eat. The trip from Pakse to Don Khong takes nearly 3 hours over 176 kilometers. It can be tiring with many passengers. After crossing the Mekong here, you arrive at Don Khong. The most developed area of Don Khong is just 3 kilometers from the ferry landing. The scenery is beautiful, I must say. Many people don't know Don Khong, but if you hear the names Khone Phapheng Waterfall or Li Phi, you might recognize them well.
To visit both attractions, you must come through Don Khong. From there, you can take a boat or a vehicle, whichever you prefer. Don Khong borders Cambodia, so the people here share some similarities with Cambodians in skin tone. As for language, I think it is not much different from Lao. Mr.hotsia 2010 recommends hotels in Don Khong near this area. Here is a travel clip from Pakse to Don Khong. Pakse Southern Bus Station coordinates: 15°6'46.733"N, 105°52'34.734"E. You can view the location on the globe.
Inside the shared pickup truck from Pakse to Don Khong. The truck stops at the ferry crossing to Don Khong. Coordinates: 14°5'25.763"N, 105°50'36.839"E. Middle of the Mekong River before reaching Don Khong: 14°7'8.13"N, 105°51'20.741"E. Searching for riverside accommodation: 14°7'2.706"N, 105°51'20.687"E. This is the restaurant where I ate every day, dishes priced at 15 baht. Coordinates: 14°7'2.796"N, 105°51'20.453"E. Having lunch by the Mekong River. Pakse Southern Bus Station. Many vendors selling grilled food like this in Pakse. Coordinates: 15°6'46.733"N, 105°52'34.734"E.
On the truck to Don Khong before departure. Traveling from Thong to Don Khong. Crossing the Mekong River ferry to Don Khong. Waiting for the ferry. Ferry to Don Khong coordinates: 14°5'25.758"N, 105°50'36.666"E. Middle of the Mekong River on the left bank. Saensuk Hotel, 240 baht per night. Coordinates: 14°7'8.13"N, 105°51'20.741"E. Walking along the riverside, there are many accommodations. The bridge looks old, probably built during the French colonial era. Coordinates: 14°7'2.43"N, 105°51'20.747"E. Eating by the river at this restaurant. Riverside atmosphere at Don Khong. Travel Don Khong, Li Phi, Khone Phapheng, Si Phan Don.
And recommended Pakse, Champasak. Motorcycle touring Don Khong. Don Khong traditional long boat racing festival.
