Sprawling across the wide Mekong river just across the Lao Cambodia border sits the tranquil 4000 islands. Our bus dropped us at the village where the boat runs to Don Det, the most popular destination for backpackers. Dodging a few water pistols and a mild hosepipe soaking, Lao new year still in full swing, we loaded into a longtail and struck out into the current under torch light.
We were greated the other side by a group of 18 something naked british backpackers who had gone for a swim loading their clothes onto a boat which had subsequently departed. Having been in the water for a while we donated one a sarong to go and find some more clothes and we went in search of a hostel.
Along with Nat and Kay, who we had met on the bus we eventually managed to source some rooms from the drunken celebrating backpacker staff, a crazy french lady just about managing to show us a room and agree a price.
We awoke the next morning and decided to move to the quieter Don Khon, me starting to succumb to a throat infection. I assume due to my immune system taking a blasting from the stomach bug. Poor Em was also now well stricken with the stomach thing so our time on the islands was slightly marred by this however it proved a reasonable place to recuperate. Em managing to source me some antibiotics from the 8 year old pharmacists manning a wooden cabinet acting as the village pharmacy which put me right after an unpleasant couple of days.
On a more positive note the islands, aside from the Don Det backpacker area are a relaxed delight. Laid back and friendly people with absolutely no hassles. With various maladies in full swing we didn't manage to make the most of them, kayaking, tubing and mekong dolphin spotting key attractions. We did rent bikes and take a pleasant, and gentle, cycle to the nearby waterfalls. Impressive cascades even in the dry season. Some hefty thunderstorms heralding the upcoming change to wet.
With new year still ongoing we were also treated to a slightly peculiar and popular pastime. Each individual village homestead seemed to take it in turns to fire up a huge and crackly PA system to blast iffy pop and random shouting across the peaceful river setting.
Accommodation was reasonably priced riverside bungalows, with obligatory hammocks in situ, coming in at 60,000 kip per night ($7.5 US).
Difficulties aside however Lao had already revealed a key part of it's attraction, a laid back and friendly people, amidst a beautiful countryside.
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