By tighttravellers, May 2026
Don Det in the South of Laos is the backpacker’s ‘promised land,’ famous for sunset mojitos and tube-floating. But just a short, shaky boat ride away lies Don Som; an island where ATMs don’t exist, the locals outnumber the tourists 100-to-1, and the only ‘nightlife’ is the sound of the Mekong lapping against your riverside bungalow.
While Don Det is getting louder and pricier, Don Som remains the ultimate ‘tight traveller‘ hideout. If you want to experience what Laos felt like twenty years ago, do not skip Don Som Island.
Everything you need to know
Don Som is easy enough to get to and your host can even sort this out for you so you don’t have to do anything – apart from arrive at the meeting point on time and wait for your boat to show up 5 minutes later!
It’s easy enough to flag down a local and ask where you can get a boat from, and if you head down to the pier looking confused chances are that there will be someone to help – the people are just that friendly!
But where’s the best place to stay? (You ask).
Where to stay
We stayed at Don Som Riverside Guesthouse, and you will too.
Why? Because it’s the only accommodation on the island. Simple. You don’t actually have a choice – between budget or luxury, shared room or private room.
We stayed in the riverside room with a private bathroom which cost us £15 per night. Our room was super cozy, the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing in a hammock next to the Mekong river!
There are other rooms available:
- Riverside room with shared bathroom (3 beds) £13 per night
- Garden view with shared bathroom £9 per night
Where to eat
Believe it or not, the restaurant options are extremely limited on this local island!
And by limited, I mean that there is only 1 – and it is where you are staying. Great for when you don’t want to venture far right?
Good food, views, and great company. Just make sure you stock up at the local shop before you venture to Don Som! There were a few locals selling items at their homes when we were having a gander round the island, but as you can imagine options were limited!
Good to know
There is no WiFi at the guesthouse so if you want to stay connected make sure to buy a sim! Compare prices here on Trip.com
There are no ATM’s on the island, so bring cash!
Electricity is available, but there may be power outages (especially during rainy season).
There are no “must see” tourist spots or oodles of activities to do. You will 100% have to entertain yourselves! We spent 2 nights here relaxing, reading, scrapbooking, playing games and walking around the island.
Get involved!
Although the guesthouse is a business, the hosts have also started non-profit organisations on the island. This includes the nearby Activity Centre for the local children where they can find and express new interests while also aiding learning.
The hosts offer volunteering opportunities so this is the perfect place to slow down and spend time with the locals!
Jobs include things like: general cleaning and maintenance, prepare activities for the children, help with social media and growth etc.
This is a 2 week minimum stay, and has a cost of about £12.50 per day. This includes access to a shared room and bathroom, use of the kitchen, 3 meals and laundry.
Interested?
Here is a link to their Insta page.
How to get to Don Som
From Pakse
You’ll have to get a mini van Nakasong before getting a boat. If you want ease, I would ask the host on Don Som to help organise you a boat!
From the Cambodian Border
You’ll have to walk across the Cambodia – Laos border (that’s what we did after we were dumped there by our driver) and hop on a different mini bus! Head to Nakasong and get a boat over!
From the 4000 Islands
Once on the 4000 Islands, it’s proper easy! If you’re already on the popular Don Det or Don Khone, get a local boat to take you. These are so easy to organise at the pier or with the help of the host.
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