Don Khon French Railway & Bridge

In the late 19th century the French hoped to use the Mekong as a trade route to China, but the Khone falls in Si Phan Don made the river impassable. From the 1890s they built a narrow-gauge railway across Don Khon (later extended onto Don Det) to haul steamboats and cargo around the falls. It ran until around the 1940s and is regarded as the first railway in Laos.

Still visible today are the long concrete arched railway bridge between Don Det and Don Khon, an old steam locomotive displayed near Don Khon village, the remains of a loading pier and crane at the island’s southern end, and the former trackbed, now a dirt path for walking and cycling. Information boards explain the history along the way.

The best way to see it is to rent a bicycle on Don Det, ride across the bridge, visit the locomotive, continue to Li Phi falls and loop down to the southern tip of Don Khon — an easy half day. Go in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentler.

The Don Khon entry fee is collected at the bridge or the pier; keep your ticket all day as it may be checked again. Parts of the bridge have no railings, so take care when passing motorbikes.

Opening hours, fees and transport prices are sample data — please verify before visiting.