Tracking a warlord and drug baron: The CIA's cruel killer in its Secret War in Laos. Documentary by Swiss entrepreneur living in Laos:
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Is Laos really counteracting its Online Scam Industry?
Full of online fraud activities: The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone at Mekong river in the north of Laos
David Hutt, a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), analyzes on rfa.org, what happened lately in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in the north of Laos. Since August hundreds of people have been arrested due to their involvement in online fraud activities. Hutt writes that in Cambodia and Myanmar scamming tends to be geographically dispersed with compounds across the country and controlled by different syndicates. In Laos the industry was, until very recently, almost entirely centered in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, an autonomous area long notorious for organized crime and run by the Chinese casino mogul Zhao Wei and his Kings Roman Group, which has close ties to organized crime.
David Hutt argues, that Zhao Wei and his associates had established laundering trails to China and Myanmar years earlier, it meant that, unlike in Cambodia, most of the revenue from the scam industry immediately left Laos. This limited the amount of money needing to be recycled or laundered through local conglomerates, thus reducing the sums needed to corrupt Laotian officials, politicians, and tycoons. Hutt thinks that officials, especially those outside Bokeo province where the SEZ is located, weren’t contaminated by scam money, so they were not interested in protecting the racket. This makes it easier to conteract the scam industry. In May, the Lao government reshuffled the leadership of Bokeo province, according to Hutt ostensibly to clean out officials who had been bought off.
Then there is the Chinese Communist Party, which wants to crack down on the scam industry in Southeast Asia after many Chinese people have been victims of fraud activities. The Laotian government, which relies almost entirely on Chinese investment for economic growth and on Chinese debt, "cannot say no when Beijing orders it to move on the scammers", Hutt comments. The raids on the Golden Triangle SEZ came just weeks after Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited Vientiane.
But Hutt thinks, that the Laotian government wants to push Zhao Wei and his associates enough for some smaller operators to flee the country, but not enough that the Golden Triangle SEZ collapses. Hutt points to the fact, that in Laos the online scam sector could be worth as much as the equivalent of 40 percent of the formal economy (according to a United States Institute of Peace report earlier this year). It is estimated that criminal gangs could be holding as many as 85,000 workers in slave-like conditions in compounds in Laos.
Monday, October 7, 2024
Major Crackdown against Online Fraud in Golden Triangle SEZ in Laos - Many Buildings empty now - Online Scammers moving to other Countries
In a coordinated operation, authorities have dismantled telecommunications fraud operations within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ), arresting 771 individuals. The action was carried out on 12 August, as The Laotian Times reported. Security forces from Laos and China were involved. Among those detained were 282 women and 489 men from 15 different nationalities. The group comprised 275 Lao nationals, 231 people from Myanmar, and 106 Chinese nationals. Additionally, the detainees included 73 people from the Philippines, 29 from India and 20 from Indonesia. There were also six individuals from Mozambique, 11 from Ethiopia, and six from Uganda. The remaining detainees were from Vietnam, Tunisia, Colombia, Georgia, and Burundi, among others. The operation was led by Anousin Sackpaseuth, head of Bokeo Public Security.
Also in August Laos authorities issued an ultimatum to Golden Triangle Scam Operators to vacate the Special Economic Zone, as The Diplomat reports. According to Radio Free Asia the issue was discussed at an August 9 meeting between the governor of Bokeo province, high-ranking officials from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, and Zhao Wei, the chairman of the GTSEZ. Under the eyes of Zhao Weis security the fraud acitivites at the Special Economic Zone had been developped. The order to evacuate came a week after Lao authorities raided several call centers in the Golden Triangle SEZ, detaining and deporting 154 Vietnamese and 29 Chinese for their alleged involvement in the scams.
In late 2022, the South China Morning Post had reported that the GTSEZ contained “a number of prison-like call centers for online scams.” According to RFA a Lao official now said that “as many as 400 call centers were operating in the Golden Triangle SEZ, up from 305 a year earlier.” The scam centers have mostly targeted Chinese people, what led authorities in China to pressure their counterparts in Laos to act against these acitvitities. And according to Chinese officials the problem is even bigger: Police in Zhejiang investigated online fraud cases and traced perpetrators to GTSEZ. "In investigating Hongyu, police found numerous other fraud parks in the area, identifying 40,000+ ppl engaged in fraud in the area involving 1,029 companies", CyberScamMonitor reported on X.
The two years since the revelations in Soth China Morning post have brought many reports about foreign nationals being rescued from the GTSEZ after being trafficked there on false promises of legitimate work, and about raids with participation of Chiense officials. In November 2023, Lao authorities arrested more than 430 Chinese nationals who appeared to be involved in fraudulent call center operations in the SEZ, and handed them over to their Chinese counterparts for deportation. In January, Laos repatriated 268 Chinese citizens suspected of scamming while living or working at the SEZ.
When the deadline this august hat passed, Lao authorities raided more Golden Triangle scam centers, as RFA reports, arresting 60 Lao and Chinese nationals
How a Vietnamese man escaped from a Scam gang operating in a highrise building in GTSEZ.
What happens now at the Golden Triangle Special Econmic Zone? The owner of a guesthouse said to RFA: “The SEZ will be empty – the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants will have no customers.” Zhao Weis Kings Romans Casino remained open. But nearby buildings appeares to be empty, according to a Lao worker. “It looks very quiet these days, since the beginning of the operation,” he said. “The police force has checked all the buildings.”
And where did the online fraudsters go? Some fled to Chiang Rai, a Thai border security source said according to Bangkok Post. Many online scam gangs also moved their base to Myanmar and Cambodia, the source added. And Jason Tower, Myanmar Country Director at United States Institute of Peace, states on X, that the criminal kingpins were tipped off in advance, many moving to Myawaddy in Myanmar.
Read also:
Inside Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone: A Chinese Zone in Laos, where Americans are not allowed in
Will the Chinese Scam Networks relocate their Operations from Myanmar to Laos?
Macao at Mekong: How Chinese money flows into the Golden Triangle
Also in August Laos authorities issued an ultimatum to Golden Triangle Scam Operators to vacate the Special Economic Zone, as The Diplomat reports. According to Radio Free Asia the issue was discussed at an August 9 meeting between the governor of Bokeo province, high-ranking officials from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, and Zhao Wei, the chairman of the GTSEZ. Under the eyes of Zhao Weis security the fraud acitivites at the Special Economic Zone had been developped. The order to evacuate came a week after Lao authorities raided several call centers in the Golden Triangle SEZ, detaining and deporting 154 Vietnamese and 29 Chinese for their alleged involvement in the scams.
In late 2022, the South China Morning Post had reported that the GTSEZ contained “a number of prison-like call centers for online scams.” According to RFA a Lao official now said that “as many as 400 call centers were operating in the Golden Triangle SEZ, up from 305 a year earlier.” The scam centers have mostly targeted Chinese people, what led authorities in China to pressure their counterparts in Laos to act against these acitvitities. And according to Chinese officials the problem is even bigger: Police in Zhejiang investigated online fraud cases and traced perpetrators to GTSEZ. "In investigating Hongyu, police found numerous other fraud parks in the area, identifying 40,000+ ppl engaged in fraud in the area involving 1,029 companies", CyberScamMonitor reported on X.
The two years since the revelations in Soth China Morning post have brought many reports about foreign nationals being rescued from the GTSEZ after being trafficked there on false promises of legitimate work, and about raids with participation of Chiense officials. In November 2023, Lao authorities arrested more than 430 Chinese nationals who appeared to be involved in fraudulent call center operations in the SEZ, and handed them over to their Chinese counterparts for deportation. In January, Laos repatriated 268 Chinese citizens suspected of scamming while living or working at the SEZ.
When the deadline this august hat passed, Lao authorities raided more Golden Triangle scam centers, as RFA reports, arresting 60 Lao and Chinese nationals
LAOS: Authorities raid more scam operations in Golden Triangle SEZ, arresting 60 Lao & Chinese nationals one day after government-imposed deadline for illegal call centers to close. 250 police officers & officials participated in raids on 16 locations. https://t.co/kT7NC4yb0p
— CyberScamMonitor (@CyberScamWatch) August 30, 2024
How a Vietnamese man escaped from a Scam gang operating in a highrise building in GTSEZ.
What happens now at the Golden Triangle Special Econmic Zone? The owner of a guesthouse said to RFA: “The SEZ will be empty – the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants will have no customers.” Zhao Weis Kings Romans Casino remained open. But nearby buildings appeares to be empty, according to a Lao worker. “It looks very quiet these days, since the beginning of the operation,” he said. “The police force has checked all the buildings.”
And where did the online fraudsters go? Some fled to Chiang Rai, a Thai border security source said according to Bangkok Post. Many online scam gangs also moved their base to Myanmar and Cambodia, the source added. And Jason Tower, Myanmar Country Director at United States Institute of Peace, states on X, that the criminal kingpins were tipped off in advance, many moving to Myawaddy in Myanmar.
Read also:
Inside Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone: A Chinese Zone in Laos, where Americans are not allowed in
Will the Chinese Scam Networks relocate their Operations from Myanmar to Laos?
Macao at Mekong: How Chinese money flows into the Golden Triangle
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
4000 Islands in Mekong: From laid back Area to international Hotspot for Tourists
See the locations on Si Phan Don Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
Screenshot Youtube Kinoy Channel
A new city in Si Phan Don area: Two twin towers and two hotels in the shape of tip khao, a Lao traditional container used for keeping steamed sticky rice
A massive development project in the Four Thousand Islands Mekong area is on the way with Chinese investors in the South of Laos and near the Cambodian border. The construction of the so called "Sticky Rice Basket" hotel is progressing in the Sithandone Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located in Khong district in Champasak Province, as Laotian Times reports.
Si Phan Don is an archipelago of islands in the Mekong River, near the Laos-Cambodia border. Mekong River is very broad at this area and has formed many channels, creating islets and rapids. It used to be a quiet, sleepy, rural area, visited by backpackers and nature lovers. But in 2018 a massive transformation has been started by the Lao government and Chinese investors. Hotels, a casino, a 36-hole golf course, a hospital, an airport and a new town are planned near Southeast Asia's largest waterfall Khone Phapheng. The project is spread across a total of 9,846 hectares. The aim is to attract 10 million tourists, generating approximately 240 million USD per year, by 2050.
The Laos Mahanathy Siphandone (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd. (老撾四千美島(香港)投資有限公司), also known as Laos Maha Nathi Sithandone (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd., in 2018 received a 50-year concession for the land on which the Sithandone Special Economic Zone will sit, together with the road bridge construction, architecture and irrigation company LTV (president: Laty Sysouphannavong). It is providing 80 percent of the funding for the development, while the Lao government is supplying the rest according to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Behind the investment company seems to be China’s GuangDong Yellow River Industrial Group. Today the company operates under the name Sithandone Joint Development Co., Ltd (四千美岛联合开发有限公司, president: Li Xiang).
Residents of some villages have been forced to give up their land and relocate. A report by a Human rights organisation named Ban Hinsiu, Ban Phon, Ban Hang Khong, Ban Don Khong, Ban Muang Sen, Ban Phon Kao, Ban Thakhob, and Ban Houakhok.
So far the construction of basic infrastructure – electricity, water systems and a ring road around Don Khong – have been completed. In September 2023, the Laos Mahanathy Siphandone Investment Co. Ltd, paid compensation for farmland to 35 families as they sought to begin work on the golf course, reports rfa.org.
Near Khone Phapheng waterfall a large hotel has been built already. Mon Mon Boutique Hotel has been opened, the hotel is on Facebook. The hotel with 122 rooms has been opened with a ceremony in the presence of Jheng Jia Feng, Chairman of GuangDong Yellow River Industrial Group.
The hotel operates also under the name of Melsweldon.
The investment company has also cooperated with Lao Airlines with an aircraft lease agreement to start a Pakse-Guangzhou charter flights, aiming at Chinese tourists. And it tries to attract investors from Singapore for the further development of the Special Economic Zone named Siphandon New Economic Zone (ເຂດເສດຖະກິດໃຫ່ມສີພັນດອນ, on Facebook).
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 22 in 2024 for Khaen twin towers in the presence of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The 63-floor-towers (248.9 m high each) will be located at Thakho village, around 2 km from Khone Phapheng waterfall and are designed in the shape of Khaen, a Lao musical instrument. The twin towers will house five-star hotels, commercial offices, entertainment and convention facilities according to the investing company. Two hotels with 13 floors (62 m high), in the shape of tip khao, a Lao traditional container used for keeping steamed sticky rice, will be also built in phase one of the project. According to the Lao Government News Agency 130 million US dollars should be invested over the next three years.
In june 2023 the foundation stone laying of Laos Four Thousand Islands Golf Town was held, attended by Huang Dongsheng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yinfu International Group. The total area of the project is about 366 hectares. The project consists of two parts: Part I: 36-hole golf courses and golf clubs, divided into 18-hole forest area and 18-hole riverside area, designed by Greg Norman; Part II: Other commercial and real estate and service facilities.
For the moment questions remain: Will the Lao Government be able to control the development in Sithandone Special Economic Zone? Or will the new city develop the same way as the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone with money laundering in the casinos, prostitution and online fraud facilities by organized crime? And where will all the money come for this development?
The project homepage you find here: 四千美岛新 4000 islands; Sithandone Joint Development Co., Ltd
#treasuresoflaos #SithandoneSpecialEconomicZone #Champasak #Laos
A new city in Si Phan Don area: Two twin towers and two hotels in the shape of tip khao, a Lao traditional container used for keeping steamed sticky rice
A massive development project in the Four Thousand Islands Mekong area is on the way with Chinese investors in the South of Laos and near the Cambodian border. The construction of the so called "Sticky Rice Basket" hotel is progressing in the Sithandone Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located in Khong district in Champasak Province, as Laotian Times reports.
Si Phan Don is an archipelago of islands in the Mekong River, near the Laos-Cambodia border. Mekong River is very broad at this area and has formed many channels, creating islets and rapids. It used to be a quiet, sleepy, rural area, visited by backpackers and nature lovers. But in 2018 a massive transformation has been started by the Lao government and Chinese investors. Hotels, a casino, a 36-hole golf course, a hospital, an airport and a new town are planned near Southeast Asia's largest waterfall Khone Phapheng. The project is spread across a total of 9,846 hectares. The aim is to attract 10 million tourists, generating approximately 240 million USD per year, by 2050.
The Laos Mahanathy Siphandone (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd. (老撾四千美島(香港)投資有限公司), also known as Laos Maha Nathi Sithandone (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd., in 2018 received a 50-year concession for the land on which the Sithandone Special Economic Zone will sit, together with the road bridge construction, architecture and irrigation company LTV (president: Laty Sysouphannavong). It is providing 80 percent of the funding for the development, while the Lao government is supplying the rest according to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Behind the investment company seems to be China’s GuangDong Yellow River Industrial Group. Today the company operates under the name Sithandone Joint Development Co., Ltd (四千美岛联合开发有限公司, president: Li Xiang).
Residents of some villages have been forced to give up their land and relocate. A report by a Human rights organisation named Ban Hinsiu, Ban Phon, Ban Hang Khong, Ban Don Khong, Ban Muang Sen, Ban Phon Kao, Ban Thakhob, and Ban Houakhok.
So far the construction of basic infrastructure – electricity, water systems and a ring road around Don Khong – have been completed. In September 2023, the Laos Mahanathy Siphandone Investment Co. Ltd, paid compensation for farmland to 35 families as they sought to begin work on the golf course, reports rfa.org.
Near Khone Phapheng waterfall a large hotel has been built already. Mon Mon Boutique Hotel has been opened, the hotel is on Facebook. The hotel with 122 rooms has been opened with a ceremony in the presence of Jheng Jia Feng, Chairman of GuangDong Yellow River Industrial Group.
The hotel operates also under the name of Melsweldon.
The investment company has also cooperated with Lao Airlines with an aircraft lease agreement to start a Pakse-Guangzhou charter flights, aiming at Chinese tourists. And it tries to attract investors from Singapore for the further development of the Special Economic Zone named Siphandon New Economic Zone (ເຂດເສດຖະກິດໃຫ່ມສີພັນດອນ, on Facebook).
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 22 in 2024 for Khaen twin towers in the presence of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The 63-floor-towers (248.9 m high each) will be located at Thakho village, around 2 km from Khone Phapheng waterfall and are designed in the shape of Khaen, a Lao musical instrument. The twin towers will house five-star hotels, commercial offices, entertainment and convention facilities according to the investing company. Two hotels with 13 floors (62 m high), in the shape of tip khao, a Lao traditional container used for keeping steamed sticky rice, will be also built in phase one of the project. According to the Lao Government News Agency 130 million US dollars should be invested over the next three years.
Four Thousand Islands New Area is a new urban development in Khong district, Champasak province, Laos near the Laos-Cambodia border. This special economic zone will cover an area of more than 9,846 hectares and it will have its own airport by Chinese investment. pic.twitter.com/KXZZLTtQOQ
— PHETSIAM PN. (@PHETSIAM) June 14, 2024
In june 2023 the foundation stone laying of Laos Four Thousand Islands Golf Town was held, attended by Huang Dongsheng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yinfu International Group. The total area of the project is about 366 hectares. The project consists of two parts: Part I: 36-hole golf courses and golf clubs, divided into 18-hole forest area and 18-hole riverside area, designed by Greg Norman; Part II: Other commercial and real estate and service facilities.
“[At the Sithandone Special Economic Zone in Laos,] foreign investors have started to develop the land and brought their people, technicians and workers with them to build the big buildings that will be opened in September this year. pic.twitter.com/AdWlYpBxWW
— Mekong Eye (@MekongEye) September 21, 2023
For the moment questions remain: Will the Lao Government be able to control the development in Sithandone Special Economic Zone? Or will the new city develop the same way as the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone with money laundering in the casinos, prostitution and online fraud facilities by organized crime? And where will all the money come for this development?
Despite its inability to control the GTSEZ, the Lao government, desperate for FDI, is planning dozens more zones. Sithandone SEZ, on the south border with Cambodia, is perhaps the most concerning. @jdouglasSEA told me the mega-casino has the potential to be a new Golden Triangle pic.twitter.com/vWl9rx0GkG
— Alastair McCready (@AlMcCready1) October 10, 2023
The project homepage you find here: 四千美岛新 4000 islands; Sithandone Joint Development Co., Ltd
#treasuresoflaos #SithandoneSpecialEconomicZone #Champasak #Laos
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Si Phan Don ສີ່ພັນດອນ - 4000 islands in the Mekong
See the locations on Si Phan Don Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
See the Pakse Weather Forecast
Picture magical-world
Boats in the evening sun
"Si Phan Don" in Lao means "4000 islands". Around 110 to 60 kilometres down from Pakse the Mekong River forms different streams and these form hunders of islands. More than 60 000 people are living here, mainly from fishing. And here you find also the Irrawaddy Dolphins. See a picture by WWF. The best time to see the Irrawaddy dolphins is in the morning or in the late afternoon. But: Be aware: The Mekong Dolphin is endangered. Read: Is there a future for the Mekong Dolphin?
The best time to visit Si Phan Don is between November and January when the weather is cool and dry.
Picture Pretre
Mekong River at Si Phan Don
Picture takwing.kwong
How to arrive
By bus:
Pakse-Don Khong: From Southern Bus Terminal in Pakse buses or Songthaews leave several times between 10 am and 3 pm. After 120 km (three hours) you arrive by ferry in Muang Khong.
Pakse-Don Khon/Don Det: From Southern Bus Terminal in Pakse buses or Songthaews for Ban Nakasang leave several times between 7.30 am and 3 pm (three to four hours), then you take the longtailboat to Don Khon or Don Det.
Ubon Ratchathani-Pakse-Khon Phapeng Waterfalls: Air-conditioned buses operate on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The bus leaves Ubon Ratchathani at 0730 and arrives at the waterfall in southern Laos around noon. From Khone Phapheng it departs at 1400 and arrives in Ubon Ratchathani around 1830. The bus stops in Pakse for people who want to overnight there. For more information call Ubon Ratchathani’s bus station (045 314 299) or the Transport Company at 1490.
By car: There is a car ferry from Ban Hat to Ban Na on Don Khong island.
Don Khong ດອນ ໂຂງ - the big island
See the locations on Don Khong Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
Picture mypfuffin
Rice field
Don Khong is the main island, the big one, as lokal people say, when they want to prevent you from mistaking it with Don Khon, which lies near the Mekong waterfalls. Don Khong is 18 km long and 8 km wide. The island can easily discovered by bicycles, which can be rented from a woman on the street near the pier of Muang Khong or also in the guesthouses. On the bike you will discover a quiet rural life. But don't forget a hat, to protect your head from the strong sun.
Muang Khong
Muang Khong is the main village - a former French settlement. A large gold Buddha in the subduing Mara pose is overlooking the Mekong at Vat Phuang Kaew, also known as Vat Kan Khong:
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Vat Chom Thong at the upstream end of the village dates from the Chao Anou period (1805-1828). You find a Khmer-influenced sim with an unusual cruciform floor plan and carved wooden window shutters:
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Khmer influenced door
The naga heads on the roof of the main sim spill water from their mouths during raintime. Coconut and betel palms and Mango trees give the temple grounds some shade.
View across the Mekong towards Hat Xai Khun and its temple:
Picture by marhas
Muang Saen
Muang Saen is a little village with view to the Cambodian boarder across the Mekong.
By bicycle it's about 45 minutes from Muang Khong. About 6 km north of Ban Muang Saen Nua you arrive at Wat Phou Khao Kaew (Glass Hill Monastery.
Picture patrikmioeff
See the Pakse Weather Forecast
Picture magical-worldBoats in the evening sun
"Si Phan Don" in Lao means "4000 islands". Around 110 to 60 kilometres down from Pakse the Mekong River forms different streams and these form hunders of islands. More than 60 000 people are living here, mainly from fishing. And here you find also the Irrawaddy Dolphins. See a picture by WWF. The best time to see the Irrawaddy dolphins is in the morning or in the late afternoon. But: Be aware: The Mekong Dolphin is endangered. Read: Is there a future for the Mekong Dolphin?
The best time to visit Si Phan Don is between November and January when the weather is cool and dry.
Picture PretreMekong River at Si Phan Don
Picture takwing.kwongHow to arrive
By bus:
Pakse-Don Khong: From Southern Bus Terminal in Pakse buses or Songthaews leave several times between 10 am and 3 pm. After 120 km (three hours) you arrive by ferry in Muang Khong.
Pakse-Don Khon/Don Det: From Southern Bus Terminal in Pakse buses or Songthaews for Ban Nakasang leave several times between 7.30 am and 3 pm (three to four hours), then you take the longtailboat to Don Khon or Don Det.
Ubon Ratchathani-Pakse-Khon Phapeng Waterfalls: Air-conditioned buses operate on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The bus leaves Ubon Ratchathani at 0730 and arrives at the waterfall in southern Laos around noon. From Khone Phapheng it departs at 1400 and arrives in Ubon Ratchathani around 1830. The bus stops in Pakse for people who want to overnight there. For more information call Ubon Ratchathani’s bus station (045 314 299) or the Transport Company at 1490.
By car: There is a car ferry from Ban Hat to Ban Na on Don Khong island.
Don Khong ດອນ ໂຂງ - the big island
See the locations on Don Khong Google Map by #treasuresoflaos
Picture mypfuffinRice field
Don Khong is the main island, the big one, as lokal people say, when they want to prevent you from mistaking it with Don Khon, which lies near the Mekong waterfalls. Don Khong is 18 km long and 8 km wide. The island can easily discovered by bicycles, which can be rented from a woman on the street near the pier of Muang Khong or also in the guesthouses. On the bike you will discover a quiet rural life. But don't forget a hat, to protect your head from the strong sun.
Muang Khong
Muang Khong is the main village - a former French settlement. A large gold Buddha in the subduing Mara pose is overlooking the Mekong at Vat Phuang Kaew, also known as Vat Kan Khong:
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasVat Chom Thong at the upstream end of the village dates from the Chao Anou period (1805-1828). You find a Khmer-influenced sim with an unusual cruciform floor plan and carved wooden window shutters:
Picture by marhas 
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas Khmer influenced door
The naga heads on the roof of the main sim spill water from their mouths during raintime. Coconut and betel palms and Mango trees give the temple grounds some shade.
View across the Mekong towards Hat Xai Khun and its temple:
Picture by marhasMuang Saen
Muang Saen is a little village with view to the Cambodian boarder across the Mekong.
By bicycle it's about 45 minutes from Muang Khong. About 6 km north of Ban Muang Saen Nua you arrive at Wat Phou Khao Kaew (Glass Hill Monastery.
Picture patrikmioeff
Wat Phouang Keo
An entrance leads to the underground location of the nagas (Muang Nak). The legend says, the nagas will come to the surface to protect the Lao poeple when the country is in danger.
Ban Hua Khong
Ban Hua Khong at the north-western end of Don Khong was in 1924 the birthplace 0r Khamtay Siphandone, who became a postman and later the president of Laos. He has renovated Wat Hua Khong Pha Nyai with a cement seated Buddha image in the main sim.
At the southern tip of the island you discover two small villages: Ban Huay and Ban Hang Khong. Here Wat Thepsulin Phudin Hang Khong, also known as Wat Hang Khong, has spacious grounds and a small sim. Nearby is a carved and painted wooden Buddha sanctuary and the dharma sermon hall. Then there is Wat Sllimangkhalaham in Ban Huay.
Where to stay on Don Khong:
In Muang Khong:
Don Khong Guesthouse 1: Choice of rooms with fan or aircon (upstairs). Upstairs you find a balcony with reclining chairs and you overlook the Mekong River. The guesthouse rents bikes and you can book transportation to Pakse and Si Phan Don.
Picture by marhas
Picture by Don Khong Guesthouse
Mali Guesthouse: 30 USD. Ban Kangkhong.
Mekong Inn: Ban Kangkong. 250m south of the boat landing. Fan rooms with shared bath are on the wooden second floor, air-con rooms with attached bath on the concrete first floor. Good review on travelfish.org. Read also the review by Free Pants.
Picture by marhas
Villa Muong Khong Hotel: 22 rooms in bungalows with air-con and bathrooms with hot showers. Bicycles can be rented here. Good reviews on holidaycheck
Picture Muong Khong Villa
Pon Arena Hotel and Pon's River Guest House: "It feels more like a small hotel than a guesthouse", comments travelfish.org. In fact a hotel has been added not far from the guesthouse.
Picture marhas
Pon's Guest House with the small road along the Mekong
Picture marhas
Pon's Arena Hotel
Picture marhas
Picture Pon's Arena Hotel
Souk Sabay Don Khong: Next door to Pon's guesthouse. "The rooms here are nothing special", comments travelfish.org.
Picture by marhas
Senesothxuen Hotel: From 50 USD.
Picture Senesothxuen Hotel
Souksan Guesthouse: From 35 USD. One kilometer from the boat landing. With air-con and hot-water bath. The former dorm-style accommodation was replaced with a new building. There are also bungalows and a restaurant with Chinese, Lao and Thai food at the river. Critical review on travelfish.org
Villa Kang Khong: From 15 USD. Aircon from 15 USD. Resembles a traditional Lao wooden house, 12 rooms. They rent bikes. Good review on tripadvisor.com. "Try for an upstairs room though as the downstairs ones are a bit dark and cellar-like", is the advise of travelfish.org.
Picture marhas1
See also pictures by Ben and mypuffin
On Mekong River from Don Khong to Don Det
Picture by marhas
Leavinmg from Don Khong
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
One of 4000 islands
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Car ferry to Don Khong
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Another of the 4000 islands...
Picture by Naomi
...and more of them
Picture by marhas
French Bridge between Don Khon and Don Det, with mountains in Cambodia
Picture by marhas
Arriving at Ban Nakasong
Don Det
See the locations on Don Det Google Map
Picture by Tozbee
Picture patrikmioeff
Picture katiew
Picture by marhas
The French Pier on Don Det - the end of a railway, that started on Don Khon, to move goods from the lower side of the Mekong Falls to the upper side, because ships could not get trough.
Don Det can be quite full of backpackers you may have met before on Khao San Road in Bangkok. It's no longer the quiet spot you may be looking for. "The northern tip of Don Dhet - where the boats set down - has become very heavily developed towards backpacking tourism. Cafes, restaurants, pseudo-bars, tour and travel agents and (slooooooow) internet cafes", notes Stevie_Wes on travelbuddy.com. But he adds, that it's relative here: "It is quiet. Super-relaxed. And not over-hustled or bustled by either touts or tourists. Yes ‘happy’ food stuffs and drinks and ‘buckets’ are available but not shoved down your throat."
A guide for Don Det you find on travelfish.org
Where to stay on Don Det:
Little Eden: See their homepage. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read how the Belgian Mathieu started the guesthouse and see pictures of Little Eden on Jenni & Michael's Blog
Mr. Mo Guest House:
Mr. Thos Bungalow: Read about on booking.com
King Kong Bungalows:
Picture by marhas
King Kong Restaurant
Nouphit Guest House: See picture by fritz_da_kat
River Garden Guesthouse:
Picture by marhas
Santiphab Guesthouse:
Souksan Guesthouse:
Picture by marhas
Thawan Daeng Guesthouse:
Don Khone
See the locations on Don Khon Google Map
Picture goflashbacker
Mekong sunset, seen from Salaphae.
Picture Veigo
Sunset in Don Khon
Picture Naomi
French colonial railway bridge between Don Khon and Don Det
Picture by marhas>
What's left of the French railway
Picture marhas
French school on Don Khon
Picture by marhas
Chan Thouma Restaurant
Picture by marhas
Wat Khon Tai
Picture mypuffin
Wat Khon Tai
Where to stay on Don Khon:
Kampheng Guesthouse: Wood and bamboo bungalow, no electricity, cold shower.
Pakha Guesthouse: Read reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Pan's Guesthouse: From 18 USD. Bungalows with river or garden view, at the riverfront, facing Don Det. Here you can book tours in and around Si Phan Don and rent bicycles or motorbikes and hire minivans and boats with drivers. Internet is available. See picture by planettreasures
Picture by marhas
Sala Done Khone: From 22 USD. Spacious, nicely decorated rooms in an old teak house in French colonial style and three floating studios. All of the rooms have air-con plus private bath with hot showers. "The main building has been refurbished without interfering with its historic character", adds travelfish.org. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com - except for one complaning about a house party all night long om opposite Don Det. Can arrange boat trips for Khonephapheng waterfall.
Picture by saladonekone
Seng Ahloune Guesthouse: Fro, 34 USD. Wooden bungalows are raised on stilts, set around the garden and on the river front.
Picture Seng Ahloune
Somphamit Guesthouse: 10 USD. Six guestrooms in three wooden buildings on stilts with communal balconies. Simple fan rooms with mosquito net. Next door to Sala Dhone Khone. Go for one of the new bungalows, is the advise of travelfish.org.
Picture Somphanit Guesthouse
Xaymontri Residence: From 09 USD. Good option off the river according to travelfish.org
Picture by marhas
Khone Phapheng Falls
Picture Veigo
Picture Pretre
Picture patrikmloeff
How to arrive here: Take a boat to Ban Nakasong. (20 minutes from Don Khon, 5 minutes from Don Det). Take a Tuktuk to the falls, ask for at least two hours staying at the falls.
Somphamit Falls, also called Li Phi Falls
Picture by marhas
Picture Tozbee
Picture Pretre
Li Phi means "spirit trap" in local words. Many Lao people believe the falls catch ghosts and spirits. But there is also another explanation for the name: During the Indochina-war dead bodies were dumped in the Mekong and carried into the fish traps near the falls. This story was reported by The Nation
Si Phan Don by boat-tour:
Picture melomelo
What's more funny?
Read more:
Trekking around Kiet Ngong and Phapho wetlands - in Xe Pian National Protected Area
Champasak, Vat Phou and Lingaparvata
Is there a Future for the Mekong Dolphins?
Don Sahon Dam project threatens Mekong Dolphins
An entrance leads to the underground location of the nagas (Muang Nak). The legend says, the nagas will come to the surface to protect the Lao poeple when the country is in danger.
Ban Hua Khong
Ban Hua Khong at the north-western end of Don Khong was in 1924 the birthplace 0r Khamtay Siphandone, who became a postman and later the president of Laos. He has renovated Wat Hua Khong Pha Nyai with a cement seated Buddha image in the main sim.
At the southern tip of the island you discover two small villages: Ban Huay and Ban Hang Khong. Here Wat Thepsulin Phudin Hang Khong, also known as Wat Hang Khong, has spacious grounds and a small sim. Nearby is a carved and painted wooden Buddha sanctuary and the dharma sermon hall. Then there is Wat Sllimangkhalaham in Ban Huay.
Where to stay on Don Khong:
In Muang Khong:
Don Khong Guesthouse 1: Choice of rooms with fan or aircon (upstairs). Upstairs you find a balcony with reclining chairs and you overlook the Mekong River. The guesthouse rents bikes and you can book transportation to Pakse and Si Phan Don.
Picture by marhas
Picture by Don Khong GuesthouseMali Guesthouse: 30 USD. Ban Kangkhong.
Mekong Inn: Ban Kangkong. 250m south of the boat landing. Fan rooms with shared bath are on the wooden second floor, air-con rooms with attached bath on the concrete first floor. Good review on travelfish.org. Read also the review by Free Pants.
Picture by marhasVilla Muong Khong Hotel: 22 rooms in bungalows with air-con and bathrooms with hot showers. Bicycles can be rented here. Good reviews on holidaycheck
Picture Muong Khong VillaPon Arena Hotel and Pon's River Guest House: "It feels more like a small hotel than a guesthouse", comments travelfish.org. In fact a hotel has been added not far from the guesthouse.
Picture marhasPon's Guest House with the small road along the Mekong
Picture marhasPon's Arena Hotel
Picture marhas
Picture Pon's Arena HotelSouk Sabay Don Khong: Next door to Pon's guesthouse. "The rooms here are nothing special", comments travelfish.org.
Picture by marhas Senesothxuen Hotel: From 50 USD.
Picture Senesothxuen HotelSouksan Guesthouse: From 35 USD. One kilometer from the boat landing. With air-con and hot-water bath. The former dorm-style accommodation was replaced with a new building. There are also bungalows and a restaurant with Chinese, Lao and Thai food at the river. Critical review on travelfish.org
Villa Kang Khong: From 15 USD. Aircon from 15 USD. Resembles a traditional Lao wooden house, 12 rooms. They rent bikes. Good review on tripadvisor.com. "Try for an upstairs room though as the downstairs ones are a bit dark and cellar-like", is the advise of travelfish.org.
Picture marhas1See also pictures by Ben and mypuffin
On Mekong River from Don Khong to Don Det
Picture by marhas Leavinmg from Don Khong
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasOne of 4000 islands
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasCar ferry to Don Khong
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasAnother of the 4000 islands...
Picture by Naomi...and more of them
Picture by marhasFrench Bridge between Don Khon and Don Det, with mountains in Cambodia
Picture by marhasArriving at Ban Nakasong
Don Det
See the locations on Don Det Google Map
Picture by TozbeePicture patrikmioeffPicture katiew
Picture by marhasThe French Pier on Don Det - the end of a railway, that started on Don Khon, to move goods from the lower side of the Mekong Falls to the upper side, because ships could not get trough.
Don Det can be quite full of backpackers you may have met before on Khao San Road in Bangkok. It's no longer the quiet spot you may be looking for. "The northern tip of Don Dhet - where the boats set down - has become very heavily developed towards backpacking tourism. Cafes, restaurants, pseudo-bars, tour and travel agents and (slooooooow) internet cafes", notes Stevie_Wes on travelbuddy.com. But he adds, that it's relative here: "It is quiet. Super-relaxed. And not over-hustled or bustled by either touts or tourists. Yes ‘happy’ food stuffs and drinks and ‘buckets’ are available but not shoved down your throat."
A guide for Don Det you find on travelfish.org
Where to stay on Don Det:
Little Eden: See their homepage. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read how the Belgian Mathieu started the guesthouse and see pictures of Little Eden on Jenni & Michael's Blog
Mr. Mo Guest House:
Mr. Thos Bungalow: Read about on booking.com
King Kong Bungalows:
Picture by marhasKing Kong Restaurant
Nouphit Guest House: See picture by fritz_da_kat
River Garden Guesthouse:
Picture by marhasSantiphab Guesthouse:
Souksan Guesthouse:
Picture by marhasThawan Daeng Guesthouse:
Don Khone
See the locations on Don Khon Google Map
Picture goflashbackerMekong sunset, seen from Salaphae.
Picture VeigoSunset in Don Khon
Picture NaomiFrench colonial railway bridge between Don Khon and Don Det
Picture by marhas>What's left of the French railway
Picture marhasFrench school on Don Khon
Picture by marhasChan Thouma Restaurant
Picture by marhasWat Khon Tai
Picture mypuffinWat Khon Tai
Where to stay on Don Khon:
Kampheng Guesthouse: Wood and bamboo bungalow, no electricity, cold shower.
Pakha Guesthouse: Read reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Pan's Guesthouse: From 18 USD. Bungalows with river or garden view, at the riverfront, facing Don Det. Here you can book tours in and around Si Phan Don and rent bicycles or motorbikes and hire minivans and boats with drivers. Internet is available. See picture by planettreasures
Picture by marhasSala Done Khone: From 22 USD. Spacious, nicely decorated rooms in an old teak house in French colonial style and three floating studios. All of the rooms have air-con plus private bath with hot showers. "The main building has been refurbished without interfering with its historic character", adds travelfish.org. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com - except for one complaning about a house party all night long om opposite Don Det. Can arrange boat trips for Khonephapheng waterfall.
Picture by saladonekoneSeng Ahloune Guesthouse: Fro, 34 USD. Wooden bungalows are raised on stilts, set around the garden and on the river front.
Picture Seng AhlouneSomphamit Guesthouse: 10 USD. Six guestrooms in three wooden buildings on stilts with communal balconies. Simple fan rooms with mosquito net. Next door to Sala Dhone Khone. Go for one of the new bungalows, is the advise of travelfish.org.
Picture Somphanit GuesthouseXaymontri Residence: From 09 USD. Good option off the river according to travelfish.org
Picture by marhasKhone Phapheng Falls
Picture Veigo
Picture Pretre
Picture patrikmloeffHow to arrive here: Take a boat to Ban Nakasong. (20 minutes from Don Khon, 5 minutes from Don Det). Take a Tuktuk to the falls, ask for at least two hours staying at the falls.
Somphamit Falls, also called Li Phi Falls
Picture by marhasPicture Tozbee
Picture PretreLi Phi means "spirit trap" in local words. Many Lao people believe the falls catch ghosts and spirits. But there is also another explanation for the name: During the Indochina-war dead bodies were dumped in the Mekong and carried into the fish traps near the falls. This story was reported by The Nation
Si Phan Don by boat-tour:
Picture melomeloWhat's more funny?
Read more:
Trekking around Kiet Ngong and Phapho wetlands - in Xe Pian National Protected Area
Champasak, Vat Phou and Lingaparvata
Is there a Future for the Mekong Dolphins?
Don Sahon Dam project threatens Mekong Dolphins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)