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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).
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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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