How to get from Don Det to Pakse
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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Don Det to Pakse?
There are 3 ways to travel the 140 kilometre (87 miles) distance from Don Det to Pakse. You can choose between the boat + bus, boat + shared minivan and boat + Local bus. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 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 130,000 LAK ($5.90).
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 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, with ticket prices starting at about 234,000 LAK ($10.70).
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.
Bus schedule from Don Det to Pakse
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 239,000 LAK ($10.90), and the journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
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.
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 130,000 LAK ($5.90). The journey takes around 3 hours 50 minutes.
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 30,000 LAK ($1.40). 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 150,000 LAK ($6.90).
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 100,000 LAK ($4.60) 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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Don Det to Pakse. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Don Det to Pakse
What is the distance from Don Det to Pakse?
The distance from Don Det to Pakse is 140 kilometre (87 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Don Det to Pakse?
The fastest way to get from Don Det to Pakse is by boat + shared minivan and takes 2 hours 30 minutes.
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 ($5.90).
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.
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.
