3 Best Sights in Laos

In the middle of the Mekong, opposite Wat Phou, this 9-km (5½-miles) long island has gorgeous views of the river and surrounding countryside. An ecotourism program and a long sandy beach have made it popular with visitors to Wat Phou as an alternative to staying in Pakse or Champasak. Bicycles can be rented on the island, and the Provincial Tourist Office in Pakse can arrange homestays. The upscale hotel, La Folie Lodge is located here.

You can hike or bicycle to the beautiful Liphi waterfall on the island of Don Khon, though an even more stunning one, Khone Phapheng, is just east of Don Khon on the mainland. Day-trip tours that include visits to the Irrawaddy dolphins and the mainland's Phapheng fall set out from Don Khon. Also on Don Khon, and the connected Don Det, are the remains of a French-built railway.

The largest island in the area, Don Khong is inhabited by a fisherfolk living in small villages amid ancient Buddhist temples. The best way to explore is by bicycle—this is a pretty big place. Far less visited than Don Det/Don Khon, it's also a great spot to chill out along the river. A bridge across the Mekong connects Don Khong to the mainland, but it hasn't yet spoiled the quiet pace of the island, which has beautiful rice fields in the interior.