Simple form of transport adds colour to island experience
Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles to mark Visit Laos Year 2024

Attaching a simple motorbike to the body of a large tuk-tuk creates a handy open-air vehicle to take passengers around bucolic Don Khon island, one of the largest islands in the Mekong River in southern Laos.

A woman rides a motorbike with an attached trailer to take visitors to Liphi waterfall.

These easy-to-operate vehicles are an innovative creation and have become an iconic sight on the island.
Locals operating tourism-related businesses—such as guesthouses, bungalows, and restaurants—on Don Khon, one of the 4,000 islands in Champassak province, are using them to transport four to six passengers. Some people assemble the vehicles themselves while others order them from Cambodia.
Motorbikes, which have always been the traditional mode of transport on the island, can carry only two people, but when attached to the passenger component of a tuk-tuk, which has two benches, they can conveniently convey up to six passengers. Each bench is equipped with a soft, comfortable backrest.
Being open-air, these ingenious conveyances allow tourists to feel the wind in their hair and an immediate connection with the scenic beauty around them. Tourists can easily take photos and videos along the way, capturing the beauty of the island and sharing their experiences with friends on social media platforms. On Don Khon, there are no cars or trucks, so motorbikes, bicycles, ordinary tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles), and these newly introduced vehicles are essential for transportation. Visitors can either explore the island on foot or rent bicycles and motorbikes for a self-guided tour.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, guesthouse and bungalow managers can arrange for a driver to take them on trips around the island.
Mr Le Sangasy, who owns Nongsak Bungalow Riverside, said that in addition to providing accommodation, his family organises boat trips and hires out a range of vehicles. When there is a high demand for tuk-tuks and motorbike tours, Mr Sangasy and his wife act as drivers. After dropping tourists off at their destination, they wait to return them to their accommodation. Tour prices range from 100,000 to 300,000 kip, depending on the duration of the trip.
One of the main reasons tourists enjoy riding in the motorbike-powered tuk-tuks is that they can travel in a group. The driver goes at a slow and comfortable pace, allowing visitors to take in the river views, rice fields, buffaloes, and the local lifestyle as they pass by houses, shops and farms.

These vehicles are a popular option that add colour to the tourism experience, helping to generate additional income for island residents and contributing to the success of the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign.
As the number of tourists increases, local businesses and communities see a direct benefit. The peak tourist season on Don Khon runs from October to March. During these months, accommodation and tourist services are often fully booked as many people flee the cold winter weather in the northern hemisphere to soak up the warmth of the tropics.
The island is particularly popular with the French, who like to trace the footprints of their forefathers left from the colonial era and their attempts to navigate the Mekong.
Don Khon Island is home to about 13 hotels, guesthouses and bungalow operations, offering more than 200 rooms, with most being family-run businesses. The island also boasts around 16 restaurants serving local dishes as well as some international options.
Notable attractions on Don Khon include historical landmarks such as old buildings and the remnants of a train which the French used as an alternative method of transport to the Mekong River. It’s also possible to see Cambodia on the western side of the Mekong.
The island is known for its natural wonders, including Liphi, the largest waterfall on the Mekong River. The waterfall is a breathtaking sight, offering visitors expansive views of the cascading water, and is at its most dramatic after the rainy season.
For those seeking adventure, a zip line and cable bridge allow visitors to cross the strong river currents and reach a scenic viewpoint, where they can enjoy the cascade and watch birds soar over the rocks.
Don Khon is renowned for its peace and tranquility. Most residents rely on farming, fishing and tourism-related services for their livelihoods. Visitors can take boat trips to explore nearby islands where locals engage in farming and fishing. German tourist Mr Johannes Grune, who recently visited Don Khon for the second time, shared his thoughts with the Vientiane Times.
Having previously visited the island 20 years ago, he remarked on the island’s transformation, noting the presence of many more guesthouses and bungalows. He enjoys the island’s calm atmosphere and local food. His next stop is Cambodia, where he plans to travel by minibus.
To reach Don Khon from Pakxe city, visitors can expect a two-and-a-half-hour drive covering about 247 kilometres.
Upon arriving at Nakasang village in Khong district, tourists transfer to a boat for a 30-minute journey down the Mekong to Don Khon. The boat service is operated by a local association, and life jackets are provided for passenger safety. The boat ride offers views of the islands and riverside villages.
According to the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism in Champassak province, more than 219,000 visitors spent time in the province in the first 10 months of this year, indicating the growing popularity of rural destinations like Don Khon.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 29, 2024)