1. Bus / Van to Don Det
2. Flight + Bus to Don Det
3. FAQ + Travel Tips
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From Vientiane to Don Det you can get by bus, van or plane + bus.
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Don Det – 4000 Islands in Laos is about 850 by land. It is very far, so choose carefully how do you want to travel. There are 2 options how you can get to Don Det from Vientiane – travel by tourist bus/minivan or travel by plaen + bus via Pakse. Travel by train is not possible because there is no railway and there is no airprot in Don Det. The closest airport is in Pakse. The cheapest way how you can reach Don Det is to travel by tourist bus or minibus. Travel by bus from Vientiane to Don Det takes about 16-20 hours hours and bus tickets cost about $38-55/pp. You can use these bus companies to Don Det: Green Paradise or Naga Travel.
- The most comfortable, fastest but a bit an expensive option of transfer to Don Det from Vientiane is to travel by plane + bus via Pakse. There are direct flights from Vientiane to Pakse by Lao Airlines and from Pakse you can travel by bus or minivan to Don Det. Pakse International Airport is about 130 north of Don Det, it is the closest airport. Transfer by plane + bus from Vientiane to Don Det via Pakse takes about 7-8 hours and it costs about $85-170/pp. It is a good option if you want to stay and visit Pakse. From Don Det you can travel by minibus to Cambodia, e.g. to Siem Reap.
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- Don Det and Pakse have no railway stations. But there are plans to open a new railway also to southern Laos. It is a good idea to visit Don Det if you want to travel to Cambodia, because it is close to the border crossing. Don Det is a small island in southern Laos in Si Phan Don. There is a place also called as 4000 Laos Islands (Si Phan Don), located on the Mekong River, right at the border crossing with Cambodia. Don Det Island is one of the most visited by tourists.
- There are cheaper guesthouses, bungalows, cottages and there are also some attractions ready for tourists, such as kayaking, swimming, cycling or boat trips. Read the instructions how you can reach Don Det from Vientiane in Laos below in this article. You can also search and book tickets to Don Det or Pakse in advance online. From Vientiane you can also travel by train or tourist bus to Vang Vieng in Laos or you can go to Bangkok in Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Don Det: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Bus / Minivan + Ferry | 16-20 hours | $38-45/pp |
| Flight + Bus (via Pakse) + Ferry | 8-12 hours | $80-170/pp |
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How do I get from Vientiane to Don Det?
1. BUS / VAN from Vientiane to Don Det
The most used option of transportation from Vientiane to Don Det (4000 Islands) in southern Laos for ordinary solo travelers is a trip by bus, possibly in combination with a minivan and a ferry. Since there is no railway to this place, most travelers will use this route, which often goes through the city of Pakse.
Some private bus companies also provide a private transfer to the bus station in Vientiane and then a subsequent transfer by sleeper intercity bus and comfortable modern minivan and also by ferry to Don Det / Don Khone. On the other hand, some companies will offer a direct transfer up to Don Det.
Companies that operate services from Vientiane to Don Det are Green Paradise, Soutchai Travel, Sarah Transport, Sarah Transport Laos, or other companies via the city of Pakse. This trip usually includes a ferry transfer to Don Det. Travel time by bus/minivan and ferry from Vientiane to Don Det can be between 16-20 hours.
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However, it is better to take into account that buses or minivans may be late in Laos and the exact travel time may not be observed. Transfer by sleeper intercity bus / minivan and ferry from Vientiane to Don Det costs between $38-55/pp, these prices may vary slightly during the year.
Buses or private minibuses and minivans can leave from various places in Vientiane (eg Vientiane Southern Bus Station) or run connections from company branches and usually arrive at the tourist center in Don Det or even at the nearby place of Don Khone. You will always see this information and the exact positions of departures and arrivals when searching and booking tickets on the online platform.
Therefore, read all information and instructions carefully to avoid possible misunderstandings. The bus transfer is long and can be tiring, but Don Det is only accessible by bus, so most travelers will use this mode of transport.
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Vientiane to Don Det
A faster and more convenient but more expensive transport option from Vientiane to Don Det is an air and bus transfer via Pakse. This town is approximately 150 km north of Don Det and is the nearest airport. So this option involves 2 steps, first it is a direct flight from Vientiane to Pakse and then a bus + ferry transfer from Pakse to Don Det or Don Khone.
In total, this method of transport to Don Det, i.e. by air and bus, can take approximately 8-12 hours, so you will save several hours of time. However, it should be emphasized that the flight schedule between Vientiane and Pakse is limited. In total, the price for this mode of transportation can be in the range of $80-170/pp, for air + bus transfer to Don Det.
In the first step, you can use direct flights from Vientiane to Pakse by Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway and Hanh Air Systems, the direct flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Direct flights are operated to Pakse International Airport from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
Pakse International Airport is a short distance from the city center and everything is easily accessible. Direct flights from Vientiane to Pakse can cost you in the range of $75-150/pp, prices can change slightly and vary during the seasons. You can find and buy tickets to Pakse from Vientiane online in advance, which is recommended due to the limited flight schedule.
1. BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Pakse ➜
The second step is then a bus + ferry transfer from Pakse to Don Det, which can take about 3.5-4 hours. Bus transfer from Pakse to Don Det will be offered by Green Paradise or Sarah Transport Laos or other local companies. The offer mainly consists of smaller classic buses with seats or smaller minivans and minibuses for a limited number of passengers.
Transportation by bus or minivan from Pakse to Don Det will cost you around $10-15/pp. You can search and buy bus tickets to Don Det or Don Khone from Pakse online in advance. When booking a ticket to Don Det, always carefully read all transfer conditions and other instructions to avoid possible misunderstandings.
Always follow all the instructions of the transport companies. It is also recommended to arrive at the departure point in Pakse at least 30 minutes before the departure of the bus. Air and bus transfer is the best option to get quickly to Don Det from Vientiane, but due to the limited flight schedule and higher flight prices, it is not suitable for low-cost travelers.
2. BOOK BUS TICKETS to Don Det ➜
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vientiane to Don Det:
1. How to book and buy tickets or flights from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- Book bus tickets or flight + bus from Vientiane to Don Det on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
- You can change your travel route, e.g. Don Det to Pakse, Pakse to Vientiane…
2. What is the travel time from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Vientiane to Don Det takes about 16-20 hours.
- Travel by plane + bus from Vientiane to Don Det (via Pakse) takes about 7-8 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Don Det in southern Laos is about 850 km by land via Pakse.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- Travel by tourist bus/minivan from Vientiane to Don Det costs about $38-55/pp.
- Travel by plane + bus from Vientiane to Don Det (via Pakse) costs about $85-170/pp.
5. What is the best and fast option of transfer from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- The best and fastest way how you can travel to Don Det from Vientiane is to travel by plane and bus/van via Pakse. There are flights from Wattay Airport to Pakse Airport and from Pakse you can travel by tourist bus or minivan to Don Det. Flight schedule to Pakse is very limited.
6. What is the cheapest option of transport from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- The cheapest option of transport from Vientiane to Don Det is to travel by tourist bus. But it is good to know, that this option is not so comfortable, it is better to travel by plane + bus via Pakse.
7. Is there a train from Vientiane to Don Det?
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- No, there is no train from Vientiane to Don Det, there is no railway between these places. There is a railway from Vientiane to Boten via Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in northern Laos.
8. Is there an airport in Don Det?
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- No, Don Det has no airport. The closest airport is Pakse International Airport, about 130 north of Don Det.
9. Where and how you can travel from Don Det or Pakse?
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- From Don Det you can travel to Cambodia. There are some private minibuses from Don Det to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. From Pakse you can also travel by plane to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, there are direct flights to Siem Reap.
10. Accommodation in Pakse, where to stay?
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- Don Det offers mainly various cheap small guesthouses, bungalows at the river or other small hotels or resorts.
11. How to travel solo in Laos?
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- 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 you can buy and bring home from Laos?
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- 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?
13. Is traveling in Laos cheap or expensive?
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- 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.
14. What is the official currency of Laos and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK). Travelers can exchange money at various locations, including banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. While banks might offer better exchange rates, they often have more restricted operating hours. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the current exchange rates and, if possible, conduct larger transactions at banks for potential cost savings. Additionally, some establishments may accept U.S. dollars or Thai baht, especially in larger cities, but it’s generally recommended to have the local currency.
15. What is the food and cuisine in Laos, what to expect?
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- In conclusion, Laotian cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and cultural diversity. With rice as a staple, the dishes reflect a harmonious balance of flavors, influenced by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai culinary elements. From the iconic sticky rice to flavorful salads, grilled meats, and aromatic soups, Laos offers a unique gastronomic journey. The use of local herbs, spices, and the mysterious Padaek sauce adds depth to the culinary experience.
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🎫 Book bus tickets or flights from Vientiane to Don Det + Schedule:
(You can book another tickets, flights… e.g. Vientiane to Pakse, Pakse to Don Det…)