How to go → PAKSE to DON DET? ☀️

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How do you get from Pakse to Don Det/Si Phan Don (Laos)? You can go to Don Det by bus, minivan or private car.

1. Bus / Van to Don Det
2. FAQ + Travel Tips
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From Pakse to Don Det in Laos you can travel by bus/van or taxi.

    • Travel distance from Pakse to Don Det is about 150 km by bus/taxi. From Pakse to Don Det in Laos you can travel by bus/van or minivan or private taxi (if you do not have your private transfer). Travel by bus/van from Pakse to Don Det takes about 3.5 hours with a ferry transfer from Nakason Ferry Boat Station at the Don Det Island. Bus tickets cost about $10-15/pp. Another way is to travel by private taxi/car. You can take a taxi from Pakse town or from Pakse International Airport, private taxi cost about $70-150. Travel by train to Don Det is not possible, there is no railway. Don Det also has no airport, so transport by plane is not possible. From Don Det you can also travel to Cambodia, you can book e.g. bus/van to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. You can book bus tickets from Pakse to Don Det easily online.

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Don Det Island is a part of the 4000 islands in southern Laos.

    • Pakse to Don Det – it is a popular travel route in southern Laos. Don Det is a small island at the border with Cambodia. If you will be traveling from Pakse to Don Det you will see the largest river in Laos – Mekong. This river, this river flows to Cambodia and Vietnam. Don Det attracts tourists every year and lots of tourists continue to travel to Cambodia. There are bus and van transfer between Laos and Cambodia and you can continue e.g. to Siem Reap. There is no train and no flight between Pakse and Don Det. Don Det is not so touristy like another places in Laos, e.g. Vang vieng. Don Det is located near the pier and the main beach where the boats come from/go to Nakasong Ferry Boat Station. So, there are 2 ways of transport how to reach Don Det from Pakse. Read the instructions how you can reach Don Det in southern Laos from Pakse below in this article. From Pakse you can also travel to Vientiane.
Transfer Mode – Pakse to Don Det: Travel Time Cost Range
Bus / Minivan / Van + Ferry 3.5 hours $10-15/pp
Private Taxi + Ferry 3 hours $70-100/pp

How do I get from Pakse to Don Det?


1. BUS / MINIVAN from Pakse to Don Det

The most popular, cheapest and practically the best way to get from Pakse to Don Det in southern Laos is by private minibus or minivan. Since there is no railway here and a private transfer or taxi is significantly more expensive, this is the only way for solo low-cost travelers to go to Don Det.

These minivans and minibuses are usually comfortable and the driving time from Pakse to Don Det is approximately 3.5-4 hours. It may happen that there will be a delay in traffic, due to the situation on the roads, or that it will leave a little later and arrive later than sometimes indicated in the timetables.

The private company that offers these minibus services from Pakse to Don Det is Green Paradise or Sarah Transport Laos and tickets for these minibuses cost around $10-15/pp. Sometimes a boat transfer in Don Det is included in the price. However, connections are also offered by other local companies and/or various private travel agencies for their customers.

Minivans and minibuses depart from the stations indicated when ordering tickets and mostly arrive at places like Don Khone and Don Det 4000 Islands, these are the main and more frequented tourist spots in the Don Det area. Here are various hostels, bungalows and other services for all visitors and travelers.

You can find and book tickets for some private minibuses or minivans from Pakse to Don Det in southern Laos easily online and in advance. Always read carefully all additional instructions and conditions that apply to minivan transfers to Don Det 4000 Islands and that you must comply with. Come to the departure station about 60 minutes before departure.

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Van/Minivan and bus from Pakse to Don Det by Green Paradise (photo: 12go.asia).


2. TAXI / CAR / MOTORBIKE from Pakse to Don Det

A private taxi or a car with a driver is another way you can travel from Pakse to Don Det. However, you have to arrange this method of transport directly in the city of Pakse and possibly use a local taxi service. A private car/taxi with driver from Pakse and/or Pakse International Airport to Don Det can take around 2-3 hours and the transfer can cost around $70-100/pp. It depends on what type of car you will choose.

Transport by private car with driver is the most convenient way to travel from Pakse to Don Det, but you have to arrange it in person in Pakse. It is also possible to rent a motorbike in Pakse and ride your own route. However, you must have an International Motorcycle Driving Permit with a valid motorcycle rental license.

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The best cheap hotels and guesthouses in Don Det – Laos. The Boathouse in Don Det (photo: Agoda).


FAQ – Travel route from Pakse to Don Det in Laos:

1. How to book and buy bus tickets from Pakse to Don Det?

    • Book bus tickets from Pakse to Don Det easily online on 12go.asia ➜.
    • You can also book another tickets and travel route, e.g. Pakse > Siem Reap, Vientiane > Don Det…

2. How long does it take to get from Pakse to Don Det in Laos?

    • Travel by bus/minivan/van from Pakse to Don Det takes about 3.5 hours.
    • Travel by private taxi from Pakse to Don Det takes about 2-3 hours.

3. What is the travel distance from Pakse to Don Det?

    • Travel distance from Pakse to Don Det in Laos is about 150 km by bus + ferry.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Pakse to Don Det?

    • Travel by bus/minivan/van from Pakse to Don Det costs about $10-15/pp.
    • Travel by private taxi from Pakse to Don Det costs about $70-150/pp.

5. Is it possible to travel from Pakse to Don Det by train?

    • No, there is no train from Pakse to Don Det, there is no railway between these sites. But in December 2021, there was opened a new railway from Vientiane to Boten in the north of Laos, you can check Laos Railway Map.

6. Is there a direct flight from Pakse to Don Det?

    • No, there are no flights from Pakse to Don Det, the only way is to travel by bus/van/taxi.

7. Is it possible to take a private taxi from Pakse Airport to Don Det?

    • Yes, you can travel from Pakse International Airport or Pakse town to Don Det by private taxi. Taxi costs about $80-150car.

8. What to see and visit in Don Det?

    • Dolphin Watching (home to the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin), Khon Phapeng Waterfall, Somphamit – Liphi Waterfalls (Don Khone), Old French Railway Bridge.

9. How to travel from Don Det to Cambodia?

    • From Don Det to Cambodia you can travel by bus or van. There is a popular travel route from Don Det to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat Temple Complex). You can book bus/van tickets from Don Det to Siem Reap on Baolau or 12go.asia. You can also travel from Pakse to Siem Reap by bus/minivan.

10. How to explore Laos, what are the options?

    • Laos offers various types of transportation. There are tourist buses / minivans, train, flights, boats or you can rent a motorbike / bicycle. Read this article: Transportation in Laos.

11. How to travel solo in Laos?

    • Embark on a solo journey through Laos by navigating diverse transportation options, opting for budget-friendly lodgings, and delving into local markets, all while fostering cultural connections and respecting the traditions of this enchanting destination. Laos has a lot of activities also for solo travelers.

12. What are the most interesting things and facts about Laos?

    • Laos is a cultural tapestry enriched by Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm, the vital Mekong River, and the enigmatic Plain of Jars. Traditional Lao cuisine tantalizes taste buds, the Baci ceremony weaves spiritual ties, and Vieng Xai Caves harbor hidden histories. Bolaven Plateau is a coffee paradise, while Wat Phou echoes ancient spirituality, Pak Ou Caves cradle abundant Buddhas. Read also this full article: 15 Interesting Things of Laos.

13. What is the weather and climate in Laos?

    • Weather in Laos varies between distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, prevailing from May to October, brings heavy rainfall and heightened humidity, contributing to lush landscapes and abundant rivers. In contrast, the dry season, spanning from November to April, features lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for travel with clear skies and enjoyable outdoor activities.

14. What you can buy and bring home from Laos?

    • Laos presents a diverse range of souvenirs and original gifts or toys that capture its cultural richness. Traditional clay jars, silk scarves, woven baskets, silver jewelry, coffee, and a coffee maker offer a blend of artistry and functionality. Traditional fabrics, rice papers, embroidered book covers, and ceramics reflect the country’s storytelling heritage and artistic traditions. Toys, puppets, and essential oils contribute to a varied collection that echoes the cultural tapestry of Laos. Read more: What to bring from Laos?

15. Is traveling in Laos cheap or expensive?

    • In summary, traveling in Laos is a cost-effective and budget-friendly experience. From affordable accommodations, local street food, and transportation to reasonably priced cultural and adventure activities, Laos caters to the needs of budget-conscious travelers. Entrance fees to historical sites and healthcare services are generally economical. While Laos provides an inexpensive travel environment, it’s advisable to allocate a contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Read this article: Prices in Laos.

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🎫 Book and buy bus tickets from Pakse to Don Det + Schedule:

(You can change your travel route, e.g. Pakse > Vientiane, Don Det > Siem Reap…)

Siem Reap to Don Det ➔

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