Laos' 4000 Islands: Is it worth it?

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  • Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
  • Laos, 4000 islands, Don Det & Don Khon: they are the hippie islands of Laos. Don Det is considered a relaxed hippy town found on the Mekong River, and when I got there I had no clue about it. Suddenly I found myself partying with foreign backpackers from all over the planet, and I got offered various things... So I decided to leave all these people and I went exploring Don Det and Don Khon by myself.
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    The term "4000 Islands" refers to an area in southern Laos, specifically in the Mekong River. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty and is characterized by a vast network of islands and islets scattered throughout the Mekong River. The area is also called Si Phan Don in Lao, which translates to "Four Thousand Islands."
    Key features of the 4000 Islands include:
    - Geography: The islands are located in the Mekong River which flows through southern Laos, near the border with Cambodia. This stretch of the river is marked by numerous islands, sandbars, and channels.
    - Islands: While the name suggests 4000 islands, the actual number may vary, and the count includes both small and large land masses. Some of the prominent islands include Don Det, Don Khon, Don Khong, and a multitude of smaller islets.
    - Waterfalls: One of the main attractions in the 4000 Islands region is the Khone Phapheng Falls, a series of waterfalls and rapids that obstruct the Mekong River. These falls are considered the largest in Southeast Asia and serve as a natural barrier for fish migration.
    - Rural Life: The islands are often sparsely populated, and life in this region is characterized by a traditional, rural way of living. Fishing and agriculture are important for the local economy.
    - Tourism: The 4000 Islands have become a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. Visitors often explore the islands by bicycle or on foot, enjoy boat trips along the Mekong, and relax in the laid-back atmosphere of the region.
    - Cultural Attractions: Don Det and Don Khon, two of the larger islands, feature remnants of the French colonial era, including an old railway and bridge. These structures were built to bypass the waterfalls and facilitate transportation.
    - Irrawaddy Dolphins: In the Mekong River around the 4000 Islands, the rare Irrawaddy dolphins could have been spotted. Now unfortunately they are all extinct.
    The 4000 Islands offer a tranquil escape from the bustling urban life, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of southern Laos. It's a unique destination where the Mekong River creates a mosaic of islands, creating a distinctive and picturesque landscape.
    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Intro
    01:09 $12 hotel in Dot Det and buying a hat
    03:00 Renting a bike to explore the 4000 islands
    04:55 I got a strange offer
    05:42 How this island developed
    07:13 Struggling at mini golf
    10:52 Why You Should Retire in Laos
    11:29 Crazy village life
    13:59 You can't date Laos girls
    15:35 He got veeeery lucky
    17:11 The adventure continues
    18:04 lunch on Don Khon island
    19:59 Hidden temple
    21:13 World's Most Dangerous Bridge
    23:35 Outro

КОМЕНТАРІ • 40

  • @MichelePonte
    @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +3

    The term "4000 Islands" refers to an area in southern Laos, specifically in the Mekong River. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty and is characterized by a vast network of islands and islets scattered throughout the Mekong River. The area is also called Si Phan Don in Lao, which translates to "Four Thousand Islands."
    Key features of the 4000 Islands include:
    - Geography: The islands are located in the Mekong River which flows through southern Laos, near the border with Cambodia. This stretch of the river is marked by numerous islands, sandbars, and channels.
    - Islands: While the name suggests 4000 islands, the actual number may vary, and the count includes both small and large land masses. Some of the prominent islands include Don Det, Don Khon, Don Khong, and a multitude of smaller islets.
    - Waterfalls: One of the main attractions in the 4000 Islands region is the Khone Phapheng Falls, a series of waterfalls and rapids that obstruct the Mekong River. These falls are considered the largest in Southeast Asia and serve as a natural barrier for fish migration.
    - Rural Life: The islands are often sparsely populated, and life in this region is characterized by a traditional, rural way of living. Fishing and agriculture are important for the local economy.
    - Tourism: The 4000 Islands have become a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic environment. Visitors often explore the islands by bicycle or on foot, enjoy boat trips along the Mekong, and relax in the laid-back atmosphere of the region.
    - Cultural Attractions: Don Det and Don Khon, two of the larger islands, feature remnants of the French colonial era, including an old railway and bridge. These structures were built to bypass the waterfalls and facilitate transportation.
    - Irrawaddy Dolphins: In the Mekong River around the 4000 Islands, the rare Irrawaddy dolphins could have been spotted. Now unfortunately they are all extinct.
    The 4000 Islands offer a tranquil escape from the bustling urban life, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of southern Laos. It's a unique destination where the Mekong River creates a mosaic of islands, creating a distinctive and picturesque landscape.
    ------------------------------------------
    If you enjoyed this video, please consider supporting the channel via Patreon or PayPal, everything is linked in the description

  • @high16200
    @high16200 6 місяців тому +2

    Hi Michele, the island has a lovely setting like going back in time a very peaceful place to relax. I enjoyed every minute of this episode. Thanks for sharing and be safe my friend.🙏🙏💙💙

  • @marijusofficial
    @marijusofficial 6 місяців тому +4

    Pure awesomeness.I agree that Laos is perfect place for retirement.Just man need to marry before retirement in order to stay in Laos all the time.Laos is simple chilling out place.Bridge was really scary,but nothing impossible for Ponte The King of bridges. Golf was even included and yes Don Det and Don Khon truly wonderful places for retirement.Bicycling is really awesome and healthy way to go around.

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +3

      Ahah, the king of bridges sounds great!
      Many retired people in Laos do visa runs: 1 month gets extended into 2 or 3 and then they head out to Thailand or Vietnam

  • @KenWiggerAnotherAncientGamer
    @KenWiggerAnotherAncientGamer 6 місяців тому +4

    Super cool video Michele! I enjoyed watching.

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it Ken!

    • @KenWiggerAnotherAncientGamer
      @KenWiggerAnotherAncientGamer 6 місяців тому

      @@MichelePonte 🙂

    • @randydergantz
      @randydergantz 6 місяців тому

      @@KenWiggerAnotherAncientGamerI myself would have enjoyed this more, had you been along and crossed the bridge too. I can just picture it in my mind! 🤣

  • @randydergantz
    @randydergantz 6 місяців тому +1

    As promised, I did watch this video (sorry I’m late). This place is truly amazing. Definitely a place to find peace and quiet, and to relax. I would enjoy staying here myself. A nice break from big city living or a fancy top scale resort. Regardless of Ponte and Bridge having the same meaning, you are one brave soul to cross that bridge! Just one cracked board, and you would have become fish food! Incidentally, you never did mention your final score at the miniature golf course. I’ll put my money down that it was high than 33! 🤣. Thank you for sharing this place with use Michele! It was a very entertaining, fun, and educational video! 👏💯😁🇱🇦

  • @BobbyVasquezJr
    @BobbyVasquezJr 6 місяців тому +2

    Great video! Didn't know Laos is so interesting 😂

  • @bojankrstic7684
    @bojankrstic7684 6 місяців тому +3

    Havent been to Laos yet. Looks worthy of visiting

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +1

      It will be a nice experience for sure

  • @mikechin6452
    @mikechin6452 6 місяців тому +3

    Great video, Michele. I love your village bicycle tour on the island. Did the bike guy said you're were too heavy 😂. The scenery is very beautiful on the island. Man, you're really brave to walk across that scary bridge. Great content. I enjoyed watching 👍👍👍.

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +1

      Ahah, I told him I was too heavy, but he kept saying no :)

  • @Trinny256
    @Trinny256 6 місяців тому +1

    Wow. Great work dia♥️💪. Thanks. Sending love from Uganda 🇺🇬 to u lal

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому

      Weebale!

    • @Trinny256
      @Trinny256 6 місяців тому

      @@MichelePonte omg🙄🤭😂. You know Luganda?😂😂 Would love to hear you speak more

  • @oralv.stephenson1427
    @oralv.stephenson1427 3 місяці тому

    2nd Take.
    All ads watched in full. Full video watched.

  • @oralv.stephenson1427
    @oralv.stephenson1427 3 місяці тому

    Like #138.
    All ads watched in full. Full video watched.
    Another great video.

  • @daneedwards2644
    @daneedwards2644 6 місяців тому +1

    Beautiful buddy! Happy New year!

  • @Yo-yo9898
    @Yo-yo9898 6 місяців тому +2

    Ponte awesome 🎉

  • @Neekeri_Topias
    @Neekeri_Topias 6 місяців тому +1

    you met pottukoira i saw on his kick live

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому

      Wow, thank your for telling me his name!

    • @Neekeri_Topias
      @Neekeri_Topias 6 місяців тому

      @@MichelePonteNo problem go watch his live

  • @user-en5of6ol4u
    @user-en5of6ol4u 6 місяців тому

    You were just Pottukoiras live stream in Pattaya

  • @JBwhattodo
    @JBwhattodo 6 місяців тому +1

    I’m rubbish at sport but I would fancy my chances at beating you in crazy golf 🙃🤔 Cool to see patreon names at the end of the video 🍄

    • @MichelePonte
      @MichelePonte  6 місяців тому +1

      Eheh, I wonder who I met in person that kept saying I should add them at the end

  • @joeudo3876
    @joeudo3876 6 місяців тому

    Great content, when will you drop our video ?

  • @1stAmerican
    @1stAmerican Місяць тому

    I am super curious about country of Laos

  • @munachianako4042
    @munachianako4042 6 місяців тому +1

    How old are you plz?