Don Khong, Don Det, Don Khon

Time hasn't stopped here in southern Laos, but it has certainly slowed down. We spent a couple of days on the larger island of Don Khong in the Mekong. We lazed around because unlike the north it is hot here - very hot and humid in the afternoons. But we left to go even further away from civilization to the smaller islands of Don Det and Don Khon. These are only three of the 4000 Islands, as they are called, although some of the islands are merely mangrove-like trees in the river. 

On the way we boated under this bridge, another of China's contributions to Laos. 

Near our destination we ran a very small rapid. 

We met this ferry heading across the Mekong.  It's just like the one that we used to get to Don Khong from the mainland. 

Of course there is always something interesting to see on the river.  Like these young monks preparing to bathe. 

And the water buffalo. 

We landed at Don Khon and had to walk across the former railway bridge to get to our guest house. No, Geordie is not carrying a pole in his back pack. 

Along the way we saw a sign that offered some services.

That's our guest house across the river. Our hut is the larger one with the red roof - there were two rooms here. Ours had a hot shower but no basin so I haven't shaved for three days. We are sitting in the restaurant area you see on the riverside as I write. 

Transportation here is on foot, on bicycle or on motorbike, and on the river by boat. This is the path that goes past our guest house. 

As it was in the old days still it is today. This fish trap is still used. 

But there are gorgeous orchids. 

And the night time riverscape is lovely.

As is sunrise. 

Yesterday we walked to the prime destination on Don Khon.  It goes along the abandoned railway - the only railway ever built in Laos, it was five km long. This railroad bridge is now the road connection between the two islands. 

A few bits of track can be find along the side of the path in a couple of places and this locomotive was found covered in overgrowth near the track. 

The railway was built by the French who were looking for a way to get goods to China past the rapids which cascade down the Mekong at the end of the island. They did finally get the railroad built and it was used for a short while, although it has been out of use since WWII. 

And this is why. These rapids and waterfalls are more than half a km wide and there is no way a boat could traverse the route. 

And here is where the falls end. 

We enjoyed a cool drink at "The Beach" at the end of the falls, and a swing in a very unusual hammock.  The main body is made from a single length of bamboo, split and then spread so that the bed could be woven. 

On the way back we found this woman selling something to eat.  It may have been black rice which is actually purple. 

This old colonial building is next the local primary school in Don Det. Anyone want a fixer upper?

And another lovely sunrise. When one goes to bed early one can be up before the sun. 

This is our last day in Laos. Tomorrow we set forth for a new country. A boat ride will take us to the town of Nagasang across the Mekong and from there we will catch a bus that will take us to the border and into Cambodia. We expect to spend about three weeks there. You'll be hearing from us.