The 4000 Island Chain runs from the middle of Cambodia along the Mekong River into Southern Laos. It is a remote and stunningly beautiful stretch of islands dotted with small towns, rice fields, and beautiful scenery.
The town of Kratie on the Cambodian side is a surprisingly busy hub seemingly in the middle of no where. There are a couple of streets with tourist friendly restaurants, a couple of comfortable hotels with patchy wifi, and tour operators who run river boats taking tourists out onto the Mekong river for some dolphin spotting.
The boat tours stop on a couple of the deserted sandy islands, giving everyone a chance to take so many great photos, and sit on the beach with a beer or two.
If you’re lucky enough to have a clear day, the sunset over the river is pristine and enchanting.
Continuing north from Kratie, you leave Cambodia and enter Laos. Stilt houses, road side food stalls and friendly locals greet you with a smile, especially if you stop by their stalls for some sticky rice.
A ferry crossing or two will await you, and if like me you make that ferry crossing during a thunder and lightening storm, it’s more thrilling than it seems at first.
While waiting for the ferry to leave, you can snack on some fruit sold by local women, and watch local children swimming around the ferry you’re about to board, pondering if the ferry is actually going to make it to the other side.
Once safely over, head toward Don Khong island. This extremely remote one street town is incredibly picturesque and peaceful. Spend a night or two relaxing by the river, enjoying some regional Laos food, and a few drinks and laughs with your fellow travelers.
This is a truly magnificent part of the world, much of which seems untouched. Those areas that have been developed are quaint, welcoming and home to beautiful people.
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