Don Khong History Museum

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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 means 'Garden of Eden' in an old Lao dialect. Level-headed locals just called it 'The Brick House'. In 2010 it was restored and now houses one of Laos' smallest museums. But the musical instruments, animal traps and photos of the Don Khon railway are worth a few minutes of your time.

It is usually kept shut, but go around the back and someone will open it for you.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Khon Phapheng Falls

    Khon Phapheng Falls

    13.88 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,…

  • Tat Somphamit

    Tat Somphamit

    11.78 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…

  • Vulture landing on a cow in Veal Krous Vulture Feeding Station, Cambodia.

    Veal Krous Vulture Feeding Station

    23.8 MILES

    In order to save three critically endangered species – the white-rumped, slender-billed and red-headed vultures – the Wildlife Conservation Society (www…

  • Preh Nimith

    Preh Nimith

    11.53 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…

  • Khon Pa Soi Falls

    Khon Pa Soi Falls

    12.37 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…

  • Tham Phu Khiaw

    Tham Phu Khiaw

    1.32 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…

  • Ban Hin Siew Tai Palm Sugar Trees

    Ban Hin Siew Tai Palm Sugar Trees

    3.06 MILES

    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…

  • Wat Jom Thong

    Wat Jom Thong

    0.62 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)…

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Nearby attractions

1. Muang Khong Market

0.54 MILES

This little morning market, full of both farmed and foraged foods, is a vibrant slice of island life.

2. Wat Jom Thong

0.62 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. Tham Phu Khiaw

1.32 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…

4. Ban Hin Siew Tai Palm Sugar Trees

3.06 MILES

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…

5. Wat Phu Khao Kaew

4.25 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…

6. Ban Khon Steam Locomotive

11.45 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…

7. Wat Khon Tai

11.49 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…

8. Preh Nimith

11.53 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…