Don Sao Island (Golden Triangle)

Don Sao Island is located within the Golden Triangle, on the Laos side of the Mekong River. Little more than a market, it is possible to visit from Thailand without a visa or any entry/exit formalities.

It is possible to take a short boat ride across to Don Sao – no visa is required, and your passport is held in safety on the Thai side of the Mekong river. On the other side there is a small market of minor interest, but the boat ride itself is quite fun and provides a good view of the banks on both sides as well as passing cargo boats.

Watch this video on YouTube

The market itself is regularly rated as underwhelming, but you have the novelty of saying you have been to Laos, and the boat ride on the Mekong river is enjoyable.

We don’t recommend ingesting any of the pickled wildlife. Likewise we can’t vouch for the alcohol or tabacco. Enjoy the spectacle and retreat to Thailand for markets with better consumer protections in place!

Your passport is held in safekeeping by the boat company, so make sure you collect it before returning to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.