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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 400 kilometre distance from Hoi An to Pakse. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from Hoi An to Pakse. You can choose between the bus via da nang, flight, bus via kon tum. The most affordable option is by bus via da nang, starting from $1. The fastest route is by flight (8h 20m).
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8h 20m
$320
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13h
$1
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19h
$27
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Travelling by bus from Hoi An to Pakse is a budget-friendly option, but finding information and booking tickets can be challenging.
Your best bet is to seek help from your hotel staff or a reputable travel agency in Hoi An. They can assist you in arranging the trip since there are no direct buses, and it likely involves one or two transfers.
We recommend taking Da Nang Bus for your trip. It offers a convenient 12-hour direct journey from Da Nang to Pakse, crossing the border at Lao Bao. The bus departs at 6:00 AM and a ticket costs 1,050,000 VND. However, keep in mind that this is not a luxury service, and the bus may occasionally carry cargo onboard. Below, we break down the steps of travelling from Hoi An to Pakse via Da Nang.There are no direct flights between Hoi An and Pakse, but you can fly with a layover in Ho Chi Minh City. This option typically involves flying from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by another flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Pakse.
It's important to note that flying this route, with its layovers, can take at least 8 hours.
Additionally, flights can be more expensive than taking the bus. Booking a few weeks in advance is highly recommended, as prices tend to rise closer to the departure date.
A one-way ticket typically starts at $320 and the total travel time, including layovers, is around 8h 20m.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
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When travelling by bus from Hoi An to Pakse, there is another option via Kon Tum, but we don't recommend this due to its complexity and potential for missed connections. But if you're considering this option, read on for the details.
Kon Tum is located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, bordering Laos to the west. The Bo Y International Border Gate, about 40 km west of Kon Tum City, will be your entry point into Laos.
Travelling from Hoi An to Pakse via Kon Tum requires multiple transfers:
The total travel time from Kon Tum to Pakse is around 12 hours, including the border crossing at Bo Y. Note that this route crosses a different border from the bus via Da Nang.
Expect to pay about 9.4 USD for the ticket from Da Nang to Kon Tum and about 17.7 USD from Kon Tum to Pakse. While this might be the cheapest option, you may need to budget extra for accommodation in case you miss the connecting bus.
IMPORTANT: This option requires more planning and flexibility compared to the bus route via Da Nang. There's a chance you might miss a connection in Kon Tum if the bus doesn't make a stop there.
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Carbon Footprint
This 400 km journey produces approximately 36 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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