Bus / minivan
Most common, direct routes to Pakse or Don Det
Flight
Fastest, easiest via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
Mekong boat
Scenic route near 4000 Islands
Route via Thailand
Long detour, multiple transfers
Quick answer: Travelling from Cambodia to Laos offers a few reliable routes: tourist bus/minivan and direct flights. The bus/minivan option is budget-friendly; flights give you the fastest way across the border. You can book tickets and flights from Cambodia to Laos easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 400–550 km by land depending on route (e.g., Siem Reap → Don Det or Siem Reap → Pakse).
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~8.5–12 hours (Siem Reap → Don Det) | ~11–12 hours (Siem Reap → Pakse) | Flight ~1 hr 15 min (Siem Reap → Pakse).
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$ 35–50 pp (Siem Reap → Don Det) | US$ 38–55 pp (Siem Reap → Pakse) | Flight US$ 100-150 pp (Siem Reap → Pakse).
- 🚍 Bus/Minivan: Frequent connections from cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh into Laos via the Nong Nok Khiene border crossing.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flight from Siem Reap to Pakse gives you the fastest route into Laos.
Last updated in April 2026
From Cambodia to Laos you can go via Nong Nok Khiene border crossing.
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- Laos shares a border with Cambodia and can be reached by bus, minivan, flight, motorbike or private car. Most overland travelers use the Nong Nok Khiene border crossing near Don Det in southern Laos. Before your trip, read also about the Weather in Laos.
- The most popular route is by tourist bus or minivan to Don Det or Pakse. Direct flights from Siem Reap to Pakse are faster but more expensive. There is currently no railway connection between Cambodia and Laos. From Laos you can also travel to Vietnam.
Traveling from Cambodia to Laos: You can use Several Options
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- The fastest option is a direct flight from Siem Reap to Pakse in southern Laos. Flight time is about 1.5 hours and tickets cost around $100–120/pp. From Pakse to Don Det, you can continue by bus or minivan.
- A cheaper option is traveling by bus or minivan from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Don Det or Pakse. Travel time from Siem Reap to Don Det is about 8.5–10 hours. From Pakse or Don Det you can also continue to Luang Prabang.
| Travel Route to Laos | Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap to Don Det | About 8.5–10 hours by minibus | $35–50 per person |
| Siem Reap to Pakse | About 11–12 hours by minibus or about 1.5 hours by direct flight | $38–55 per person |
| Phnom Penh to Don Det or Pakse | About 12–15 hours by minibus | $40–70 per person |
How do I get from Cambodia to Laos?
1. BUS / VAN from Cambodia to Laos:
A) BUS or MINIVAN from Siem Reap to Don Det
One of the most used land routes from Cambodia to Laos is from the city of Siem Reap to Don Det. Don Det is a popular tourist spot by the Mekong River in southern Laos and is only accessible by minivan or minibus or other private transfer. You cannot get here by train, there is no railway. The travel distance from Siem Reap to Don Det, Laos is approximately 400 km by road and the route goes through the Trapaingkriel Border Checkpoint Stung Treng.
Don Det is the closest popular place to this border crossing. On this route, you can mainly use minivans or minibuses of Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel, SRL Transport, and the journey time is approximately 8.5-10 hours. These minivans with seats are mostly for 12-16 people in the vehicle, so if you are traveling in a group of more people, you can also use this, but solo travelers also use them.
Tickets from Siem Reap to Don Det in Laos cost an average of $35-50/pp, depending on the company and type of vehicle you choose. You can search and book tickets from Siem Reap to Don Det for the above mentioned minibuses and minivans easily online and in advance. Always read carefully all additional information related to transfers and tickets to avoid complications. It is also necessary to take into account that the exact times of departure and arrival may not be observed, this can sometimes happen in Cambodia and Laos.
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- Book and buy van / bus tickets from Siem Reap to Don Det on 12go.asia ➜
B) BUS or MINIVAN from Siem Reap to Pakse
Another popular land route from Cambodia to Laos is the route from Siem Reap to Pakse. The city of Pakse is approximately 150 km north of Don Det and you can use buses, minibuses or other private transfers. Again, it is not possible to travel by train, as there is no railway leading here.
This is a similar land route, which is operated by minivans / minibuses or several private transport companies and also passes through the Trapaingkriel Border Checkpoint Stung Treng. The minibus travel route from Siem Reap to Pakse, via Don Det in southern Laos, is approximately 530 km.
There are minibuses from several companies on this route, similar to Don Det, they are Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Khmer Prestige, Namo Angkor Travel, Rally Tour and Travel, Trans Passion, Angkor Pro Travel, Sarah Transport, Airbus, Go Ho Travel and SRL Transport. These companies offer minibuses or minivans with seats and tickets to Pakse from Siem Reap cost an average of $27-65/pp. Again, this is a long route and the minibus ride from Siem Reap to Pakse takes approximately 11-12 hours.
It may happen that some companies and connections offer this route even with a transfer to another minibus. It is recommended to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the departure of the minibus. You can find and book tickets to Pakse from Siem Reap easily online and in advance. It is recommended for these smaller minibuses, they may be sold out. Again, always carefully read all instructions related to the transfer.
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- Book and buy bus tickets from Siem Reap to Pakse on 12go.asia ➜
C) BUS or MINIVAN from Phnom Penh to Pakse
Another popular travel route from Cambodia to Laos is the route from the capital Phnom Penh to Pakse (or Don Det). This route is longer than the routes from Siem Reap and the distance from Phnom Penh to Pakse in Laos is approximately 600 km by land via Don Det.
Again, this route goes through the Trapaingkriel Border Checkpoint Stung Treng and there are several companies operating connections with various minibuses or minivans. Again, you can use the offers from Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Lana Express, Trans Passion, Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel, SRL Transport, which mainly offer minivans and minibuses with seats from Phnom Penh to Pakse.
Transfer by minivan or minibus from Phnom Penh to Pakse is approximately 12-15 hours and fares are approximately $40-70/pp. Again, this is a low-cost transport option between Cambodia and Laos and is used by solo travelers as well as groups of people.
You can search and book minivan tickets from Phnom Penh to Pakse easily online and in advance. Always read all transfer instructions and follow the operating company’s instructions. Please arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the minibus departs in Phnom Penh.
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- Book and buy bus tickets from Phnom Penh to Pakse on 12go.asia ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Cambodia to Laos:
A) DIRECT FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Pakse
The most popular air route is from Siem Reap to Pakse in southern Laos. Siem Reap Airport is about 45 km from the city center and Pakse Airport is only 5 km from the city.
Flights are operated mainly by Lao Airlines. Flight time is about 1 hour 15 minutes and tickets cost around $100–150/pp. Pakse is also a good gateway to Don Det in southern Laos.
B) DIRECT FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang
Another popular route is the direct flight to Luang Prabang, one of the top tourist destinations in Laos.
Luang Prabang Airport is only 3 km from the city center. Flights take about 1.5 hours and cost around $100–300/pp.
C) FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Vientiane (via Pakse)
Flights from Siem Reap to Vientiane are available with transfers, usually in Bangkok or Pakse. Airlines include Lao Airlines and Thai AirAsia.
Total travel time with a transfer is usually around 6–10 hours and tickets cost about $150–250/pp. Wattay International Airport is about 5 km from central Vientiane.
D) FLIGHT from Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang (via Bangkok)
Another option is a flight from Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang with a transfer in Bangkok. Airlines include Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways or Bangkok Air.
The total travel time is usually about 7–10 hours depending on the transfer. Prices range from $130–400/pp, mostly for Economy class flights.
❓ FAQ + Tips — Travel route from Cambodia to Laos:
How to book tickets or flights from Cambodia to Laos?
You can book buses, minivans and flights on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
What are the most popular routes from Cambodia to Laos?
Popular routes are Siem Reap to Don Det, Siem Reap to Pakse and Phnom Penh to Pakse or Don Det.
What is the travel time from Cambodia to Laos?
Travel by bus or minivan from Siem Reap to Don Det takes about 8.5–10 hours. Direct flights to Pakse take about 1.5 hour.
What is the travel distance from Cambodia to Laos?
The distance from Siem Reap to Don Det is about 400 km and to Pakse about 550 km.
How much does transport from Cambodia to Laos cost?
Bus and minivan tickets usually cost about $35–70/pp depending on the route and company.
What is the fastest way to get to Laos?
The fastest option is a direct flight from Siem Reap to Pakse in southern Laos.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually traveling by tourist bus, minivan or minibus.
Is there a direct train from Cambodia to Laos?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Cambodia and Laos.
Is there a railway in Laos?
Yes, Laos has the Lao-China Railway connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. See the Laos Railway Map.
What is the main border crossing between Cambodia and Laos?
The main border crossing is Nong Nok Khiene border crossing.
What are the transport options in Laos?
In Laos you can travel by train, bus, minivan, boat, domestic flight or private taxi. Read more: Transport options in Laos.
Where can you travel from Don Det or Pakse?
From Pakse or Don Det you can continue to Savannakhet, Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
What is the weather like in Laos?
Weather in Laos has dry and rainy seasons. The best travel period is usually from November to April.
Is traveling in Laos cheap or expensive?
Laos is generally a budget-friendly country with affordable food, accommodation and transport. Read more: Prices in Laos.
2 Ways of Transfer from Cambodia to Laos:
| 1. BUS / VAN from Cambodia to Laos | |
|---|---|
| A) BUS or MINIVAN from Siem Reap to Don Det | |
| Transport Option | Tourist Bus or Minivan |
| Estimated Travel Time | About 9-10 hours |
| Bus Company | Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel, SRL Transport |
| B) BUS or MINIVAN from Siem Reap to Pakse | |
| Transport Option | Regular Bus or Minivan |
| Route | Siem Reap to Pakse |
| Estimated Travel Time | Approximately 12-13 hours (including stopovers) |
| Bus Company | Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel, SRL Transport |
| C) BUS or MINIVAN from Phnom Penh to Pakse | |
| Transport Option | Regular Bus or Minivan |
| Estimated Travel Time | About 13-15 hours |
| Bus Company | Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Sarah Transport, Go Ho Travel, SRL Transport (AVT) |
| 2. FLIGHTS from Cambodia to Laos | |
| A) DIRECT FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Pakse | |
| Transport Option | Non-stop Flight |
| Airlines | Lao Airlines |
| Estimated Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Flight Cost | Approximately $100-120 |
| B) DIRECT FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang | |
| Transport Option | Non-stop Flight |
| Airlines | Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines |
| Estimated Travel Time | About 2 hours |
| Flight Cost | Approximately $85-300 |
| C) FLIGHT from Siem Reap to Vientiane (via Pakse) | |
| Transport Option | Flight with Layover |
| Route | Siem Reap to Vientiane (with a layover in Pakse) |
| Estimated Travel Time | About 7-15 hours |
| Flight Cost | Approximately $180-300 |
| D) FLIGHT from Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang (via Bangkok) | |
| Transport Option | Flight with Layover |
| Route | Phnom Penh to Luang Prabang (with a layover in Bangkok) |
| Estimated Travel Time | About 10-15 hours |
| Flight Cost | Approximately $100-250 |
