Across the Mekong river from Champasak and only accessible by boat, Don Daeng island will delight visitors with its bucolic scenery, languid pace and car-free pathways. The island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage recognised “cultural landscape” that encompasses Wat Phu and Um Tomo. Ten villages and almost just as many temples dot its edges while the centre is largely given over to rice fields. Life here remains traditional and authentic, chiefly revolving around the river, rice and religion. It’s worth stopping at a couple of wats and the ancient stupa in the middle but the main attraction is simply the atmosphere.