I think Don Khong island is an excellent example of Laotian life: life is ordered according to the rhythm of the water, no watches and nothing is compulsory. In fact the few days I spent in the 4,000 Islands felt like a time outside time.
On Don Khong you can cycle through the rice paddies and admire the sun set, which I think is one of the most beautiful in the country, or just lie around on the beaches and do nothing. It's an essential break during a trip to Laos.
However, it would be a shame to just stay on this island - there are so many of them! So I went first to Don Det, just a short way away, and then to Don Khône. There you can spend some time at the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, which are very impressive.
Don Khong is a bit more "developed" than its neighbours, Don Khone and Don Det. It has some tarmacked roads and the electricity is less random. The explanation for this is that Khamtay Siphandone, the ex-president of Laos, came from here, which obviously helps... The tranquil atmosphere of Don Khong island makes it a particularly good place to go for those who like a relaxing trip.
Although it is mostly flat, the island does have a few hills and the highest point is at 240 metres above sea level. I especially liked the cycle rides which took me through the small villages of farmers and herders, crossing the rice paddies towards small temples, under the peaceful gaze of the buffaloes grazing in the countryside - a pleasant immersion in rural Laos!