4,000 Islands and I Only Needed One
After seeing Angkor Wat and spending six fun nights in Siem Reap, I went to the airport to fly to Pakse, Laos. Most people would probably go overland, but I was already sick of long bus trips, and the visa on arrival just seemed like an easier option for me. When I booked the flight, there was a morning and an afternoon option. Always one to sleep in, I chose the afternoon flight.
It turns out most people take the morning flight because it continues on, whereas the afternoon flight does not. So I ended up being one of two passengers. It was one of the oddest flights ever. Luckily the other passenger was an interesting traveler from Australia, so I enjoyed talking to him for our one hour flight. The taxi drivers at the Pakse Airport joked that we must be rich to have our own personal plane take us there.
My only reason for flying into Pakse in southern Laos was to get to the 4,000 Islands, which are in the Mekong River. It’s more remote than northern Laos and supposed to be beautiful. The most popular are Don Khon and Don Det. I decided to go to Don Khon because it’s known as the quieter of the two, and I wasn’t up for a party island.
It turns out even the party island of Don Det is still really relaxed and laid back. I ended up hanging out with a lot of couples and people traveling in pairs, so maybe Don Det would’ve been better for meeting other solo travelers, but who knows.
I didn’t do too much while I was there. You can take a boat trip to see the rare and almost extinct Irrawaddy dolphins, but the couple staying in the bungalow next to me said it was a huge letdown, so I didn’t bother. I spent most of my time reading, catching up on my blog, walking around the island, watching the river flow, and thinking. Lots of thinking.
As gorgeous as it was there, it’s when I really started feeling lonely. It’s when I started asking myself why I was on this trip. Traveling by myself was great when I was single, but now with Andy waiting for me at home, it wasn’t so much fun anymore. I wanted to be traveling with him, not on my own.
I relaxed during the day and had dinner almost every night with other travelers I met on the island, oddly almost all from Switzerland. It was definitely enjoyable, but it wasn’t enough to pull me out of my funk. It was the start of my trying to like Laos since everyone speaks so highly of this serene country, but I never did really absorb as much as I had hoped.
As nice as the relaxing atmosphere was, I probably needed more action to keep my mind off of missing Andy. But I tried to make the best of my four days in the 4,000 Islands and took lots of pictures of one of my favorite things, the sunset.
You might also enjoy:
- How Much We Spent Traveling in Southeast Asia for Two Months
- How Much We Spent Traveling in Thailand
- How Much I Spent in Laos
December 29, 2011 @ 12:15 AM
Now I understand why you had to go back to Germany to be with your husband. It was a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think I would feel the same way if I were in the same position as you.
Laos seems from all accounts seems to be a beautiful country. In a documentary I have seen called Journeys Through Buddhism they show an island in the middle of the Mekong in Laos that is packed full of Buddhist relics dating back right to the beginning of Buddhism in the area. The people of Laos from all the accounts I’ve heard are really friendly and beer at $1 a pop is really cheap. The best of both worlds 🙂
I wish you a safe and happy new year and many happy travels during 2012.
December 29, 2011 @ 10:45 AM
What I saw was definitely gorgeous, and yes, some of the most friendly people I’ve ever met. Thanks for the well wishes, I hope you have a happy new year as well!
December 29, 2011 @ 12:50 PM
It seems to me your solo trip did exactly what it was supposed to do, relax you, rejuvenate you and remind you of the blessings waiting for you back home. I have enjoyed these posts since I have been researching Cambodia for my own solo trip. Maybe I will follow in your footsteps and add Laos. I am married too, with 2 kids, but once in a while I need to do something for myself and wake myself up with a solo trip. Thanks for sharing your trip!
December 30, 2011 @ 6:14 AM
Thanks Rachelle! It has definitely done me some good, despite the stress and difficulties. No regrets. I really enjoyed Cambodia, and Laos was gorgeous. Let me know if you have any questions!
December 29, 2011 @ 2:27 PM
My new job has me traveling a bunch, which means racking up the frequent flier miles. Reading your blog is giving me a great wish list of where to travel. Love the obsure places and not the typical tourist places to visit. Good chance I’ll be in Germany this year. Will defintely let you know! Safe (and fun) travels!
December 30, 2011 @ 6:16 AM
Thanks, glad you’re enjoying my blog! I love frequent flier miles! Yes, definitely let me know if you end up in Germany, we’re in Freiburg, which is the southwest corner.
December 30, 2011 @ 6:43 AM
This place has intrigued me, for sure. The whole “tubing” scene is not for me, and when looking at what to do in Laos next year, I think the 4000 Islands would be perfectly peaceful in a crazy and busy area of the world.
December 30, 2011 @ 10:38 PM
I did actually end up going to Vang Vieng (post going up on Sunday) and yes, definitely not my scene either. Laos is a gorgeous country. If you’re planning on being in SE Asia, it’s easy enough to add in with Cambodia & Vietnam.
December 31, 2011 @ 5:57 PM
Hi Ali, it’s nice to have time to think at least, and know you have a place to go home to and someone that loves you! Beautiful photos as well. Hope you and Andy have a wonderful 2012.
December 31, 2011 @ 11:19 PM
Thanks Kim! I hope you have a great 2012 too!
January 11, 2012 @ 11:25 AM
Oh I so wanna visit this place while I am in Laos… but will def make sure I am someone. I hate it to when you arrive somewhere alone or with another person and no one is there… it just kills the spirit right away. Love the photos.
January 11, 2012 @ 10:56 PM
Thanks! Well, there were people there, just no other solo travelers. I probably would’ve been better off going to the other island.
February 3, 2012 @ 7:02 AM
This place looks really peaceful and relaxing – but I can completely understand how you feel. I couldn’t imagine travelling without my husband now that we’ve visited so many places together.
February 3, 2012 @ 7:47 AM
I definitely don’t plan on traveling without Andy again if I can help it. It’s just better with him!