This peaceful island in the middle of the gently flowing Mekong River in southern Lao PDR is located inside the Vat Phou – Champassak Heritage Landscape – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island offers a tranquil environment with sandy beaches and is the perfect starting off point for historical discovery of pre-Angkorian ruins while enjoying the warm hospitality and friendly smiles of the local communities.

Don Dang is a large island with approximately 3,000 people - yet not one car! It is ideal for walks and bicycle rides along pleasant country paths meandering between the clean and friendly villages. Trees provide shade for tourists wishing to enjoy the sweet taste of coconut or sugar cane juice and plentiful delicious fruits while sharing some laughs with the locals. Sights to see include traditional Buddhist temples, an ancient forest stupa, basket weaving villages and a protected community forest.

Enjoy a bike ride through friendly villages and spread the local smiles!

Don Dang also has a rich heritage of culturally important sites; including an ancient brick stupa and collection of stone Buddha images located in the center of the island and the ruins of Tomo Temple located on the east bank of the Mekong River. The main attraction though is Vat Phou Temple Complex on the west bank of the river.

Monks on their daily alms rounds

Vat Phou dates to the 7th -8th centuries AD and is a rare form of hilltop Khmer temple planning, developed to take full advantage of the topography of the site. It stretches 1,400 meters along an east-west axis and was built on the slope of Phou Kao Mountains as a place for the ancient Khmers to make offerings to the gods that would hopefully provide some harmony in their lives.

Today the main shrine houses a statue of Lord Buddha. However, in ancient times a Shiva linga was worshiped. Water flowing from the spring at the top of Phou Kao Mountain was considered sacred and was diverted into the sanctuary to flow over the Shiva linga, and from there into the rice fields before overflowing into the Mekong River.

Ancient Khmer ruins of Vat Phou pre-date Angkor

Tomo Temple, on the opposite side of the Mekong, is said to have been the female counterpart to the Temple of Shiva at Vat Phou.

In the evening, at the end of a day full of exploration, as you sit and relax on the sandy beaches of Don Dang Island and watch the sun set over Phou Kao Mountains and the Mekong River, you will know why this island is indeed one of the treasures of the Mekong.

Explore with your local guide to find the hidden treasures of the island

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Don Daeng is home to traditional Lao villages. To ensure it remains a beautiful and peaceful spot where visitors are welcomed with warm smiles, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts (provided by the Lao National Tourism Authority as requested from villagers)

Dress modestly: Please wear shirts that cover shoulders and pants or skirts that cover your knees. Shorts with a low neckline are not appropriate.

Photographs: Please ask before taking close-ups or portraits. Respect those who choose not to be photographed

Gifts: Please do not give anything to children as this practice encourages begging.

Body Language: In Laos your head is ‘high’ and your feet ‘low’ – don’t gesture with your feet or put them on furniture. Also do not touch someone else’s head. Kissing and hugging in public is impolite – please be discrete.

Environment: Do not litter on land or in water; take all your garbage with you. Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products.

Purchasing Local Crafts: Please support local producers by purchasing newly made, quality handicrafts. Do not purchase antiques or family heirlooms that are irreplaceable.

For more information and travel tips contact:

Provincial Tourism office in Pakse
Tel: +856 (0) 31 212 021
Web: www.ecotourismlaos.com

or

North by North-East Travel
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3572
Fax:+66 (0) 4251 3573
e-mail: info@ north-by-north-east.com
Web site: www.north-by-north-east.com