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Pakse is southern Laos's main hub, 128 kilometres (80 miles) up the Mekong from Don Det. It's the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau and the Thai border. Every option starts with a boat off the island. The cheapest way to get from Don Det to Pakse is the local bus at $5.90 (130,000 LAK). The boat and bus combination costs more, and a shared minivan more again.
Distance from Don Det to Pakse
Don Det and Pakse are about 128 km (80 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 30m and 5h.
3 ways to travel from Don Det to Pakse
There are three ways to travel from Don Det to Pakse. You can choose between the boat + bus, boat + shared minivan, and boat + local bus. The journey takes 2h 30m–3h 50m and the quickest way is by boat + shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by boat + local bus with tickets starting at $5.90 (130,000 LAK).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Boat from Don Det to Nakasong20m
- Local Bus from Nakasong to Pakse3h 30m
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Don Det to Pakse by Boat + Bus
The easiest way to travel from to Pakse from Don Det is by booking a combined boat-and-bus ticket. The whole journey takes around 3h 30m - 4h, with ticket prices starting at about $11 (238,000 LAK).
These services are geared towards travellers, so you can expect air-conditioned buses and a much more comfortable ride than local transport.
Some of the companies offering combined boat-and-bus trips from Don Det to Pakse are Airbus, Laos Easy Go Travel and Chanthachone Transportation.
Departure and arrival stations
The meet-up point in Don Det is usually at the headquarters of your chosen bus company. Most of these are just around Don Det Ferry Terminal, from where you will take a 20-minute boat to Nakasong Ferry Boat Station.
And then, you will transfer to a bus that will take you the rest of the way to Chipatsong Bus Station in Pakse city centre.
Boat + Bus schedule from Don Det to Pakse
Boat + Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Don Det to Pakse by Boat + Shared Minivan
There are a few companies offering boat-and-minivan trips from Don Det to Pakse. Some of these are MMB Travel, Green Paradise Travel, Sarah Transport Laos and Chanthachone Transportation.
Minivans are often faster than buses, although not as spacious. If you're on the taller side, consider taking the bus instead.
Prices start from $11 (242,000 LAK), and the journey takes about 2h 30m - 5h.
You can book your ride ahead through your hostel or online via BookAway.
Departure and arrival stations
Minivan companies often ask to meet up at their respective offices in Don Det about an hour before departure time. A staff will then lead you to the boat that will take you from Don Det Port to Nakasong Pier.
At Nakasong, you will take a shared minivan to Pakse. The last stop is usually at your minivan company's headquarters in Pakse city centre.
Boat + Shared Minivan schedule from Don Det to Pakse
Boat + Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Don Det to Pakse by Boat + Local Bus
The cheapest way to reach Pakse from Don Det is by a combined boat and local bus. When we say "local," we really mean the traditional way of travelling around Laos — which is via a big songthaew.
These are slower than tourist buses, often packed to capacity, and have no air conditioning. Even the floor space is usually taken.
With this option, you will take a boat from Don Det to Nakasong and then transfer to a local bus to Pakse.
Combined fares start at $5.90 (130,000 LAK). The journey takes around 3h 50m.
Step 1: Boat from Don Det to Nakasong
From your accommodation, find your way to Don Det Port. Here you'll find the boats heading to Nakasong on the mainland.
Buy a ticket for around $1.40 (30,000 LAK). The boat ride takes about 20 minutes.
Boats usually wait until they have at least two passengers before they set off. But you can hire a private boat for around $6.80 (150,000 LAK).
Step 2: Local Bus from Nakasong to Pakse
The boat docks at Nakasong Ferry Terminal. From here, it's a 500 m walk to Nakasong Bus Station, where you'll find the local buses to Pakse.
A typical Lao transport, these big songthaews have open windows and are usually filled with locals travelling with goods. Expect a cramped but interesting ride.
A ticket costs $4.50 (100,000 LAK) for the journey that takes around 3h 30m.
The local bus will drop you off at 8KM Bus Terminal, 8 km east of Pakse city centre.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Pakse?
Pakse is a transport hub and gateway to southern Laos. Its strategic location, comfortable accommodations and tour offerings make it a convenient basecamp for travellers visiting the nearby Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu.
Admittedly, there is not much to do in this riverside town. But if you're looking for a relaxing yet strategic place to take some time off, then your best choice in the south is Pakse. Walk around town, visit some temples, explore the local markets, or just sample traditional Lao dishes.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Don Det to Pakse, roughly 128 kilometres (80 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $5.90 (130,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 2h 30m.
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 Pakse?
The distance from Don Det to Pakse is 128 kilometres (80 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Don Det to Pakse?
Journey times from Don Det to Pakse overlap: boat + bus 3h 30m - 4h, boat + shared minivan 2h 30m - 5h, boat + local bus 3h 50m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Don Det to Pakse?
The cheapest way to get from Don Det to Pakse is by boat + local bus with ticket costs starting from 130,000 LAK.
About the Authors
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.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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