Although sugar palms can be seen across the island, Ban Hin Siew Tai is southern Laos' sugar capital. Many farmers here climb the trees twice a day to collect the juice and then boil it down to sugar, and if you see them working you are welcome to pop in for a visit. The sugar season is from November to February and early morning is the best time to go.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.21 MILES
More a glorified set of rapids than a waterfall, but oh, how glorious it is. The largest and by far the most awesome waterfall anywhere along the Mekong,…
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11.08 MILES
Now billing itself as the Don Khone Somphamit Waterfalls Park, vast Tat Somphamit (also called Li Phi) is a gorgeous set of raging rapids. Recent…
Veal Krous Vulture Feeding Station
20.87 MILES
In order to save three critically endangered species – the white-rumped, slender-billed and red-headed vultures – the Wildlife Conservation Society (www…
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10.4 MILES
The most impressive and easily accessible cascade from Preah Rumkel (US$5 by motorcycle taxi). There is a hiking path, some food stands and an out-of…
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12.03 MILES
Although it's not the largest waterfall on the islands, Khon Pa Soi Falls is still pretty impressive, and it never gets crowded due to its isolated…
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3.85 MILES
Two kilometres north of Muang Khong a trail leads to Green Mountain Cave, a small, shallow shelter in the middle of the forest. It holds some fairly crude…
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3.06 MILES
When the local governor built this two-storey French colonial–style home in 1935, he was so proud of himself that he christened it Sathanavoudthi, which…
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3.59 MILES
At the northern end of Muang Khong is Wat Jom Thong, the oldest temple on the island, dating from the Chao Anou period (1805–28). The wihăhn (temple hall)…
Nearby attractions
3.06 MILES
When the local governor built this two-storey French colonial–style home in 1935, he was so proud of himself that he christened it Sathanavoudthi, which…
3.37 MILES
This little morning market, full of both farmed and foraged foods, is a vibrant slice of island life.
3.5 MILES
About 6.5km northeast of Muang Saen, Wat Phu Khao Kaew was built on the site of some presumed pre-Khmer ruins, making it a holy spot for locals. Nothing…
3.59 MILES
At the northern end of Muang Khong is Wat Jom Thong, the oldest temple on the island, dating from the Chao Anou period (1805–28). The wihăhn (temple hall)…
3.85 MILES
Two kilometres north of Muang Khong a trail leads to Green Mountain Cave, a small, shallow shelter in the middle of the forest. It holds some fairly crude…
10.4 MILES
The most impressive and easily accessible cascade from Preah Rumkel (US$5 by motorcycle taxi). There is a hiking path, some food stands and an out-of…
10.95 MILES
Don Khon's main Buddhist temple was built on the site of an ancient Khmer shrine. Hidden behind the old ordination hall, which is itself tucked away…
10.97 MILES
Rusting locomotives sit near each end of the main cross-island road, which follows the old railway route. Surrounding them are placards detailing the…