Bus / minivan
Best balance of price, speed, and simplicity
Local bus
Cheapest option but basic comfort
Private car/taxi
Fast and flexible but more expensive
Train
No railway connection available
Quick answer: The main transport option from Pakse (Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) is a tourist bus or minivan crossing the border via Chong Mek/Vang Tao. This is the budget-friendly and most common route; there is no train or direct flight for this segment. It is also possible to travel by private taxi/car with driver. You can book bus ticket or taxi to Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 130 km by road between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~3-4 hours (depending on border-crossing time).
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$9-15 per person.
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus/minivan via Chong Mek border crossing.
- 🚕 Best for comfort: Private taxi/car with driver.
Last updated in March 2026
From Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani you can travel by bus, minivan, taxi.
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- Travel distance from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is about 130 km. You can travel by bus or minivan from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani – this is the most popular and cheap option how to get to Ubon Ratchathani. Bus tickets from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani cost about $9-14/pp. Another way is to book a private taxi/car with a driver, this is another option of transfer. Transfer by private taxi/car from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani costs about $130-165/car. There is no train connection and no flight between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani.
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- Ubon Ratchathani has also the international airport and railway station. From Pakse in Laos to Ubon Ratchathani is another important route how you can enter to Thailand. You can book bus tickets from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand easily online. From Ubon Ratchathani you can travel by train, bus or plane to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand, it is a popular travel route in this part of Thailand.
BOOK TICKETS to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
Ubon Ratchathani – the most eastern province of Thailand.
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- Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand can be your first place to stop if you cross the border in southern Laos to eastern Thailand. Border checkpoint Chong Mek – Vangtao is only about 40 km from Pakse. Ubon Ratchathani is a place of various buddhist festivities, pagodas and temples. Ubon Ratchathani is an important transfer hub of the eastern Thailand and you can travel from there to Bangkok – the most visited place in Thailand. Ubon Ratchathani is not so visited place by foreign tourists, and so it could be a good idea to visit this place if you do not like overcrowded tourists sites. In this place you can visit various buddhist sites, pagodas or temples. Read the instructions how you can reach Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse in Laos below in this article.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
1. BUS / VAN from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
👉 Bus or minivan is the most practical and low-cost way from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and short cross-border trips
- ✔️ Journey time: about 4 hours (may vary slightly)
- ✔️ Ticket price: around $9–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (seated buses or smaller minivans)
- ✅ Recommended: Transfers with companies like Kriangkai Transport or Green Paradise via Chong Mek border
- 💡 Tip: Check whether your ride ends at the border or continues to the city, and book early due to limited daily schedules.
The single most used and cheap way to travel from Pakse in Laos to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is by bus or smaller minivan or minibus. All buses and minivans departing from Pakse go through the Chong Mek border crossing, which is approximately 85 km from Ubon Ratchathani city center.
Some buses and minivans go all the way to Ubon Ratchathani and some can go to this border crossing, mostly smaller minivans go to the border crossing. You will always see this information about departures and arrivals when searching and booking tickets online, so read everything carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.
Companies that will offer you transfer buses or minivans with seats to Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse are Kriangkai Transport or Green Paradise. The bus schedule between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani (or Chong Mek Border) is relatively limited, so it is advisable to search for connections and tickets well in advance.
BOOK TICKETS to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
The travel time by bus or minivan from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani is approximately 4 hours, but this time may vary slightly and buses may also be late at departure. Buses and minivans can depart from various locations or stops in Pakse and usually arrive at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal.
You will see this information again when booking tickets, together with the location of these stations. A bus transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani costs between $9-15/pp, depending on the company and type of bus you choose. You can easily search and buy bus tickets to Ubon Ratchathani online even in advance.
When booking, read all transfer information and instructions and follow the instructions of the transport companies. Since there is virtually no other mode of transportation here, most travelers will use a bus transfer to Ubon Ratchathani via the Chong Mek border crossing.
| Bus Operator | Departure from Pakse | Arrival in Ubon Ratchathani |
|---|---|---|
| Green Paradise | 08:30 | 12:30 |
| Green Paradise | 14:30 | 18:30 |
| Kriangkai Trans. | 09:30 | 13:30 |
| Kriangkai Trans. | 15:00 | 18:30 |
2. TAXI / CAR from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
👉 Private car or taxi offers the most flexible and comfortable transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers seeking convenience and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel duration: about 3–4 hours depending on border crossing time
- ✔️ Cost: around $130–170 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private vehicles with driver, adjustable to group size)
- ✅ Recommended: Private transfers with providers like RD Adventure
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost with others to make it more affordable and arrange pickup/drop-off locations in advance.
A more expensive and comfortable option for a transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is a private car/taxi with a driver. The advantage of this option is that you can choose your departure point in Pakse and your arrival point in Ubon Ratchathani, which can save you some time. The disadvantage is the higher price of transport, a private taxi with a driver transfer from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani costs between 130-170 USD per car.
BOOK TAXI to Ubon Ratchathani ➜
The price varies depending on the type of car, a smaller classic car is cheaper than a minivan for several people, but you can always calculate the fare for individual passengers. Private cars with a driver to Ubon Ratchathani will be offered by RD Adventure and these cars can be searched, viewed and booked online well in advance.
Transport by private car/taxi with a driver to Ubon Ratchathani is suitable for travelers who have a larger budget for travel, but it will probably not be a suitable option for low-cost travelers.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani:
1. How to book bus tickets from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- You can book bus tickets from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani on 12go.asia ➜.
- You can change your travel route, e.g. Pakse > Don Det, Don Det > Siem Reap…
2. What is the travel time from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- Travel by bus/van from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani takes about 3-4 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani takes about 1.5-2 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- Travel distance from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is about 130 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to get from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- Travel by bus/van from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani costs about $9-15/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani costs about $130-165/car.
5. What is the best way of transport from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- The best and fast way of getting from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is to travel by tourist bus.
6. What is the cheapest way of transfer to Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse?
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- The cheapest option of transfer to Ubon Ratchathani from Pakse is to travel by tourist bus.
7. Is there a train from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- No, there is no train from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand because there is no railway between these cities.
8. Is it possible to travel by boat from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by boat from Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani, there is no boat connection.
9. Where you can travel from Ubon Ratchathani?
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- From Ubon Ratchathani you can travel by train, tourist bus or plane to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand.
10. How and where to book hotel in Ubon Ratchathani?
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- Ubon Ratchathani offers mainly cheap guesthouses, hotels and resorts for tourists. Search and book your hotel, bungalow or resort in Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand online here > Book hotel in Ubon Ratchathani ➜.
11. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
12. What are the most interesting things and facts about Thailand?
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- In summary, Thailand is a multifaceted gem that captivates visitors with its unique blend of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality. From the enchanting traditions of its classical arts like Khon to the exhilarating water festivities of Songkran, the country offers a sensory feast. Thailand’s diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical islands to mountainous regions, contribute to its allure, making it a destination that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. The symphony of flavors in Thai cuisine and the welcoming smiles of its people further enrich the tapestry of experiences. Read this article: 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani
The road journey from Pakse in southern Laos to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand is a short but international connection of about 130 km that typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by bus or van. Because you’ll cross the Chong Mek border and move between two transport systems, these practical tips help make the trip smoother and less stressful.
1. Align Bus Times With Border Opening Hours
Buses and minivans usually depart mid-morning and mid-afternoon and include a stop at the Chong Mek/Vang Tao border crossing. Leaving early helps you clear immigration before peak queues and gives you more flexibility if the vehicle waits for slower passengers.
2. Have Your Documents Ready Before Arrival
When you reach the border, you’ll need your passport and entry documentation for Thailand. Having these ready with small passport photos and any required fees easily accessible means you can move through Lao exit and Thai entry procedures faster.
3. Book Your Seat in Advance
Although there are a few daily departures, seats on popular companies can fill up — especially during weekends or Thai holidays when local travel increases. Booking online ahead of time gives you better choices for preferred departure times and seat location.
4. Know Where You’ll Be Dropped in Ubon
Buses from Pakse usually arrive at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal. From there you can continue to other parts of Thailand by train, bus or plane, so having an idea of your onward plan helps you avoid confusion on arrival.
5. Small Cash Makes Stops Easier
Many roadside stops between Pakse and the border, and even near the crossing itself, are local and cash-only. Carry small denominations of Lao kip and Thai baht for snacks, toilets, and minor services without needing ATMs on the way.
6. Expect Light Language Barriers
Ubon Ratchathani and the border region are not heavy with foreign tourism, and English may be limited. Simple phrases, a translation app, or showing addresses in Thai script helps with taxi or tuk-tuk transfers once you arrive.
Tip: Bus and minivan tickets between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani can be searched and booked online in advance to secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially helpful during peak travel periods.