The Great Flood of the Thousand Islands in the Rainy Season

The vast Mekong River in the rainy season

A nine-hour journey from the capital of Thailand to the village of Hang Khone, located on Don Khong Island in the southern part of Champasak Province in Laos.

This area, known as Si Phan Don, is a vast expanse of water dotted with over four thousand islands. Ban Hang Kon is a village bordering Cambodia, separated only by the Mekong River. The Mekong River in this area is a deep pool, known as a rapid, and flows swiftly during the rainy season.

This area is home to the last remaining population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in Laos. The Irrawaddy dolphin is a rare species of air-breathing mammal found in the Mekong River. We are here to observe the lives of the "Pla Ka" (as the Irrawaddy dolphin is known by the local people), a critically endangered species in this stretch of the Mekong River. We wait with hope and anticipation.

We did not have to wait long before an Irrawaddy dolphin surfaced for air in the middle of the Mekong River. Its curved dorsal fin sliced through the water's surface, and its short, rounded snout dipped below the water. Soon, another Irrawaddy dolphin surfaced to breathe again on the left side of the first one. The appearance of freshwater dolphins in this part of the Mekong River was a thrilling sight for us, as we had read and heard from various news sources on the internet that they were extinct in this area. Throughout the day, we counted three individuals, which matched the information we had received from local villagers that only three dolphins remained in the area.

The use of fine nylon mesh nets by local fishermen, which are nearly invisible underwater, is another factor contributing to the rapid decline in dolphin populations.

After witnessing the Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat in the Mekong River, we boarded a boat and sailed along the vast waterway. We navigated the swift currents, observing the daily lives of local communities whose primary livelihood is fishing. We explored the islands and sandbanks at the mouth of the river, where the Mekong cascades from higher to lower elevations.

This area is a gathering point for fishermen who risk their lives, riding boats or swimming against the strong current of the Mekong River to catch fish to sell and make a living. "For many years now, we have been catching less fish than before. Since China built the Mekong River dam, the water level has not been the same," said a fisherman from the area.

Of course, when a dam is built, the natural cycle will change accordingly. The water flow will also change, which will definitely affect the lives of fish in the water and the lives of people in the area.

After savoring the freshly grilled, tender fish prepared by the skilled fishermen, we felt completely satisfied.

We took a boat to the Cambodian shore opposite Hang Kon village, rented a motorbike, and drove to see the Kaeng Li Phi waterfall on the Cambodian side.

According to our guide, Ai Kaek, the rapids are more beautiful and larger than those on the Lao side of the Mekong River. The roar of the Mekong River crashing against the rock formations echoed throughout the area. During this time of year, the Mekong River is in flood season, with the water level high and the current much stronger than usual.

The view from the camera's viewfinder reveals the Mekong River flowing swiftly and powerfully, while hot clouds drift slowly and silently by.

Transportation:

- Morning flights from Don Mueang to Ubon Ratchathani

- Take a van from Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal to Chong Mek.

- Rent a car from the Mekong River to the main bus station 8 in Pakse

- Take a songthaew from Pakse to Nakasang.

• Take a boat from Nakasang to Don Khone Island.

• Take a tuk-tuk to Ban Han Kon, where you'll find our accommodation, Pomelo Guesthouse & Restaurant, right on the banks of the Mekong River. The view is stunning.

• To hire a local boat, contact the Guesthouse. You can explore the island and see dolphins, or cross the border to Cambodia to visit the beautiful ruins of Koh Ker.

Laos, 4000 Islands, Mekong River, Southern Laos, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Pakse, Don Khong, Li Phi, Si Phan Don, Rainy Season, Wildlife

Southern Laos, 4000 Islands, Mekong River

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Pakse, Don Khong, Li Phi, Si Phan Don

Rainy Season

Wildlife