How to Get From Don Det to Siem Reap
Bus · Shared Minivan · Flight + Bus
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Siem Reap is the base for exploring the temples of Angkor. It sits across the border in Cambodia from the Laos river island of Don Det. Flying is the quickest way, taking 5h 45m - 6h 30m. Overland, the shared minivan is the cheapest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap at $23 (90,000 KHR), with a ride of 7-11h.
Distance from Don Det to Siem Reap
Don Det and Siem Reap are about 233 km (145 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 379 km by road. The quickest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap is by taking the flight + bus, which takes around 5h 45m - 6h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Don Det to Siem Reap
There are three ways to travel from Don Det to Siem Reap. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and flight. The journey takes 5h 45m–7h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $23 (90,000 KHR).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Don Det to Pakse International Airport by Bus4h
- Pakse to Siem Reap by Flight1h
- Siem Reap Airport to the city centre1h 30m
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Don Det to Siem Reap by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap. Bus fares start from $27 (108,000 KHR), and the journey takes around 7-10h.
You can choose from four bus companies operating on this route: Garuda Transport & Travel, AVT - Asia Van Transfer, Lana Express and Airbus.
We recommend booking with Asia Van Travel. Their company gets great feedback because they have very friendly staff who give good instructions on how to cross the border and where they will make stopovers.
Just note that they run only one direct trip per day from Don Det to Siem Reap. If you miss it and have a slightly bigger budget, you can book with Airbus instead.
Most bus companies include the ticket for the short boat ride from Don Det to Nakasong Pier (mainland). If it’s not included, expect to pay an extra $13 (50,000 KHR) total for 1–2 people, or $5.00 (20,000 KHR) per person for groups of 3–5.
Bus schedule from Don Det to Siem Reap
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
In Cambodia, transport companies often adjust the vehicle type based on how many people are travelling. You might book a bus but end up in a minivan, or the other way around, depending on demand.
Tip: For those who need a visa to enter Cambodia, it’s best to get one before the trip. Travellers are usually overcharged for visas at the border.Don Det to Siem Reap by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Don Det to Siem Reap costs around $23 (90,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 7-11h, depending on traffic.
You can choose from nine companies operating on this route.
A minivan ticket is usually cheaper than a bus ticket, which makes it a good choice if you’re travelling on a budget. That said, for a long journey like this one, keep in mind that minivans can feel quite cramped, especially when every seat is taken.
Note that some operators include the boat ride ticket from Don Det to Nakasong, so it’s worth checking what’s covered before you book.
Shared Minivan schedule from Don Det to Siem Reap
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Don Det to Siem Reap by Flight + Bus
Flying from Don Det to Siem Reap is a bit faster, but expect to pay at least $195 (780,000 KHR) - $230 (928,000 KHR) — and that’s only if you book early. Flight fares rise quickly as your travel date gets closer. Plus, you’ll miss the experience of crossing the border on foot!
The flight itself takes just 1 hour, but the total travel Time is around 5h 45m - 6h 30m.
That’s because the closest airport to Don Det is in Pakse, about 4 hours away by land. Once you add transfers and airport waiting Time, flying isn’t quite as fast as it first seems.
Still thinking about taking a flight? Check out the step-by-step guide below.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Don Det to Pakse International Airport by Bus
You can take the bus from Don Det to Pakse for around $8.00 (32,000 KHR) when you book through BookAway.
From Pakse town, you’ll still need a short taxi ride to Pakse Airport, with fares starting from $9.00 (36,000 KHR).
For more details, read our article on how to travel from Don Det to Pakse.
Step 2: Pakse to Siem Reap by Flight
There is only one direct flight from Pakse to Siem Reap daily, and it is operated by Lao Airlines.
Flight fares start at $140 (560,000 KHR), but it’s more common to pay around $170 (680,000 KHR).
The good thing is that the flight only takes one hour.
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 km east of the city centre. Since replacing the old airport in 2023, it now takes longer to reach town — around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport choice.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with fares from $8.00 (32,000 KHR). It drops you off along 7 Makara Street, about 2 km from the tourist centre. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Private transfers are the most comfortable and fastest option, though they’re also the most expensive. You can choose between airport taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, or pre-booked cars through BookAway. Prices range from $25 (100,000 KHR) to $45 (180,000 KHR).
There are also tuk-tuks from the airport, but they’re slower and not ideal in bad weather. You can read more about all the transport options on our Siem Reap airport page.
Flight + Bus tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Don Det to Siem Reap, roughly 233 kilometres (145 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $23 (90,000 KHR). The quickest trip takes 5h 45m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The distance from Don Det to Siem Reap is 233 kilometres (145 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The fastest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap is by flight and takes 5h 45m - 6h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The cheapest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 90,000 KHR.
About the Author
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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