Backpacking Southern Laos Cambodia 18: Don Saleng, the Lao Island in Cambodia

Backpacking Southern Laos Cambodia 18: Don Saleng, the Lao Island in Cambodia

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the opportunity to board a boat crossing the Mekong River heading to “Don Saleng,” a small island hidden within Cambodia’s territory. However, the lifestyle and culture here are still deeply infused with Lao essence. This place is like a “Lao island in Cambodia.” This experience is something I want to share without embellishment because it is full of the raw reality of life along the Mekong in a land many may not know well.

Traveling to Don Saleng was not easy for me. I had to leave the big city of Pakse in southern Laos, then take a boat across the vast and peaceful Mekong River to the Cambodian side at Don Saleng. There, I found a small community that still firmly preserves its traditional way of life. Most locals here speak Lao fluently, and their daily lifestyle is hardly different from the Lao side.

On the day I arrived, Don Saleng was still and quiet but filled with a warm atmosphere from the people. I walked along small dirt roads past simple wooden houses by the river, each roofed with corrugated metal or palm leaves still widely used. The atmosphere reminded me of riverside villages in southern Laos I have visited.Mekong River Cruise Laos 3At Muang Hongsa

The food in Don Saleng was another charm that impressed me greatly. Small roadside shops offered familiar local dishes such as herb-grilled chicken, spicy Lao papaya salad, and freshly steamed sticky rice with a rich flavor. There was also fresh fish from the Mekong River caught by locals, which was a main ingredient in cooking. Many meals I enjoyed included fish curry and fish larb with intense flavors that I will never forget.

The community market in Don Saleng was another place I didn’t miss. People gathered early in the morning to exchange goods and agricultural products. There were local vegetables, seasonal fruits, and fresh items from the Mekong River. I tried some unusual fruits and talked with market vendors who shared touching stories about the Lao people's connection with the Mekong River. It reminded me of the morning market in Chanakham, Laos, that I once visited.Breakfast in Chanakham, LaosThe atmosphere and food flavors were almost identical.

Besides food and markets, life in Don Saleng continues simply. People still use wooden boats as their main transportation and for fishing. Net fishing, called “Pla Pia” by locals, is a daily activity that sustainably supports the community. I had the chance to ride a boat with locals in the morning, witnessing their natural teamwork and enduring love for the Mekong River.Mekong River Cruise Laos 3There were many scenes that reminded me of this close connection.

For anyone interested in visiting Don Saleng, I recommend coming with an open mind. There are no modern conveniences like in big cities, but what you will gain is a feeling of truly “connecting” with Lao life in a completely different environment. This journey is much deeper than ordinary tourism.

One of the last impressions I want to share is the cross-border relationship between southern Laos and Cambodia. Don Saleng is a clear example of cultural and linguistic blending without clear borders. The exchange of culture, food, and lifestyle continues peacefully, and I believe experiences like this are rare in today’s world.

If you enjoy exploring less-visited routes or want to experience Lao life in new dimensions, Don Saleng is a destination I, mr.hotsia, assure is worth every step. To deepen this feeling, I recommend following my Mekong River cruise travel stories, such asMekong River Cruise Laos 3Or if you love authentic Lao local food, try readingMekong River Cruise Laos 17where I delve into the recipe of Gaeng Bok Chak Khamu, another local dish you will surely appreciate.

Finally, traveling to Don Saleng is a discovery of “Lao identity” that crosses borders, and it is an experience I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to try at least once in their lifetime.