🚤 Crossing the Mekong: A Glimpse of Laos from Thailand

We had the chance to cross over from Thailand into Laos via boat, boarding at the ท่าเรือเอ็นจอย ริเวอร์ (Enjoy River Pier). It was a short but memorable ride across the legendary Mekong River—gentle ripples under the boat, views of lush greenery on both banks, and the feeling that we were truly crossing into another world.

Our boat brought us to Donxao Island (ສວນວັດທະນະທຳບໍ່ແກ້ວ), a small spot on the Laos side that’s part market, part cultural curiosity. We didn’t wander far—mostly loitered around the pier for about an hour—but even that short time was eye-opening.

The place felt raw and rustic. The shops were wooden stalls with zinc roofs, looking like they were assembled with whatever materials were at hand. The merchandise was… unexpected, to say the least. There were jars of snake wine, strange herbal liquors, and preserved animals in bottles. It was fascinating but also unsettling—a true culture shock.

It became immediately clear that we were in a far less developed environment. The infrastructure was rudimentary. Facilities were basic, and cleanliness standards weren’t exactly high. Still, this made the experience feel raw and real—like stepping decades back in time.

Though we didn’t venture far inland, the brief taste of Laos left a lasting impression. It was more of a glimpse than a full visit—but one that highlighted just how much things can change with just one river crossing.

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Post by Crumpled Nomad | Jul 5, 2025