Roaring rapids
White water.
Basile Morin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basile Morin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basile Morin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basile Morin — CC BY-SA 4.0
A chain of roaring rapids and falls on the western tip of Don Khon island, also called Somphamit, where a branch of the Mekong surges between jagged black rocks in winding channels of boiling white water. The name means spirit trap, as islanders believed the falls caught the evil spirits carried down the river. A path and platforms run along the falls, from which the water can be seen pouring over several levels between rocks, islets and trees, loveliest at sunset when it turns orange. On some rocks fishermen set bamboo traps in the current with age-old skill. You reach the falls by bike or on foot from Don Det, over the old French railway bridge linking the two islands, past quiet villages and rice fields. The site has food and juice stalls and a shady area. The entry fee is small and sources differ on it. Keep away from the water's edge, as the current is very strong.
White water.
Old fishing ways.
On the way.
Don Khon island, Si Phan Don
Spirit trap, as islanders believed the falls caught the evil spirits carried by the river.