Near the end of its 1,600 kilometre course through Laos, and just before reaching Cambodia, the Mekong splits into numerous branches to form a labyrinth of small islands. At this point the river is at its widest, at approximately 14 kilometres. It is also here that formidable rapids plunge into Khone Phapheng Waterfall, South East Asia's largest and most spectacular waterfall. Located 161 kilometres from Pakse in Khone District, the waterfall is accessible by road in four hours and by boat in eight hours. The wetlands of Muang Khong are populated by endangered Mekong dolphins (corcaella brevirostris or Irrawaddy dolphin), known in Laos as paa khaa, whose numbers have fallen dramatically in recent years. In 2004 these wetlands were designated a Bio-Diversity Conservation Area with the aim of protecting and conserving aquatic animals, plants and the environment, building the awareness of local people on environmental laws and regulations and creating a sustainable environment, as well as developing communities in the wetlands through the extension of electrification, water supply, school construction, healthcare and training on agriculture.