Ban Khon Steam Locomotive

Don Det & Don Khon


Rusting locomotives sit near each end of the main cross-island road, which follows the old railway route. Surrounding them are placards detailing the history of the railway, which the French built in the late 1800s as a way of transporting supplies around the impassable falls. The railway has been out of use since WWII (when the Japanese briefly operated it) as new roads made it redundant, and the track has long since been carted off.

Across the old tracks from the Ban Khon locomotive is a small Christian cemetery.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Don Det & Don Khon attractions

1. Wat Khon Tai

0.22 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…

2. Tat Somphamit

0.82 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…

3. Khon Pa Soi Falls

1.14 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…

4. Xai Kong Nyai Beach

1.21 MILES

If a beach towel is more your style than a hammock, then this little stretch of sand will satisfy. Swimming is possible year-round, but you need to be…

5. Ban Hang Khon Viewpoint

2.36 MILES

Near the old French port in Ban Hang Khon, 150 steps take you up to a good viewpoint of the Mekong.

6. Ban Hang Khon Steam Locomotive

2.41 MILES

The less intact of the two rusting locomotives sitting at opposite ends of the main cross-island road, which follows the old railway route. Placards…

7. Preh Nimith

2.43 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…

8. Khon Phapheng Falls

4.39 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,…