Don Sao Island is among the best known places of interest in the Golden Triangle, the place where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers Don Sao is downstream on the Laotian side and needs no visa to enter. The island can be reached by long tailed boats leaving from Sop Ruak on the Thai side which are reached down a steep flight of steps indicating the enormous variation of water levels in the river during seasons. The boat ride is also the best way to take in the magnificence of the Mekong which is a really enormous water way even during low flows.
Don Sao Island is one of 38 islands on the great river and its name indicates that it is the 20th island. Its claim to fame is that it is a ‘duty free’ shopping destination practically in the middle of the jungle. Visitors pass a long mountainous and wooded stretch of Laos along the river with sandy beaches in some places on the approach to Don Sao. They also pass scenes of everyday life along the Laotian side of the river where women doing their laundry on the river bank and naked children playing in the water is very much a part of the passing scenery. Don Sao itself has a lot of kapok trees among which can be discerned thatched traditional houses. On reaching the island a small tax has to be paid to an official after which visitors can wander around. The small shopping area features dusty, narrow unpaved streets lined with informal structures serving as cafes and shops. Wares on offer include their most well known product, venomous creatures such as snakes and scorpions pickled in cheap whiskey supposed to give extraordinary physical powers to those who drink it. Fake antiques, counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes bearing the names of famous brands, handicrafts, post cards, food and clothing and Viagra salesmen are found in this extraordinary shopping destination. There is a small post office for those who wish to send a postcard home bearing a Laotian postmark. Since it is not expensive to hire a boat for a group of people many make the trip just to satisfy their curiosity and to say that they have set foot in Laos.
Stay at Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand not only to enjoy the mysterious air of a once notorious area but also to experience lush tropical jungles, fabulous views far into neighbouring countries and the unforgettable experience of interacting with elephants at the hotel’s own elephant camp. As one of popular Chiang Rai hotels guests are offered spacious contemporary accommodation, a range of top quality facilities and amenities and truly Thai experiences that makes a stay at this hotel Chiang Rai an exceptional experience.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
