A disused engine from a narrow gauge railway, used in French colonial times, was built to traverse rapids in the Mekong

Southern Laos is usually lopped off most travel itineraries as visitors head back to the comforts of Thailand from Vientiane.

They are missing a truly sensory experience. Although less developed and uncomfortable at times, a trip down south to where the Mekong’s girth relaxes to a vast watery 14 kilometres is worth the effort.

Collectively known as Si Phan Don, some four thousand islands dot the river, creating a surreal landscape of water and sky decorated by floating lush green clumps of vegetation.

Bamboo huts go for a buck and the sunsets which lick this watery world with dragon-breath colours, are priceless.

Endangered pink river dolphins found in this area are also a treat from another world – planet nature.