In terms of biodiversity and culture, the southern Lao
province of Champasack is one of the country's
richest. Rice yields are high and fish are abundant,
particularly in Khong district. One of ten districts in
Champasack, it is also known as Siphandone (four
thousand islands) and includes the spectacular Khone
Falls. Thanks to its unique geographical and
ecological conditions, Siphandone is not only home to
more than 72,000 people but also farmland and
diverse aquatic habitats. In the dry season from
November to April, most of the islands are used for
growing rice and vegetables. In the wet season from
May to October, more than half the islands are
flooded, providing feeding and spawning grounds for
many fish species.