Irrawaddy Dolphin Pool (Hang Khon)
ບ້ານຫາງຄອນ
A deep pool reached by longtail boat from the southern tip of Don Khon, near the Laos–Cambodia border, where you can spot the critically endangered Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin.
The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin is critically endangered and has nearly disappeared from Laos, but a few still live in deep pools near the border. From the jetty at Hang Khon village on the southern tip of Don Khon, a longtail boat takes about 10–15 minutes to reach the deep pool in the river. The boatman cuts the engine and waits quietly for the dolphins to surface and breathe. Usually you can only see their dorsal fins and rounded heads. A boat costs about 70,000–80,000 kip per trip (seats 3–4 people) and the outing takes about 1 hour. You can also join a kayaking group departing from Don Det. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the odds are better early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Please do not ask boatmen to chase the dolphins.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Old Steam Locomotive of Don Khon
- Khone Pasoi Falls
- Don Khon
- Wat Khon Tai
- Li Phi Falls (Tat Somphamit)
- Don Det–Don Khon Railway Bridge
- Don Det
- Khone Phapheng Falls