What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Hoi An to Pakse
There are two ways to travel the distance of 400 km (249 miles) from Hoi An to Pakse: by bus (11 hours) and flight (8hrs 20m). The journey takes between 8h20m - 11h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €13.50 ($16) for the bus.Hoi An to Pakse by Bus
Trips for this route are scarce and not very well-advertised. The easiest way to book a bus from Hoi An to Pakse is to ask your hotel’s staff or go to a reputable local travel agency in Hoi An.
As there are no direct buses you will have to arrange 1 or 2 transfers: One from Hoi An to Ngoc Hoi or Kon Tum and then another from Ngoc Hoi or Kon Tum to Pakse.
It can be quite a hassle, but taking the bus will save you a lot of money compared to flying. The entire journey from Hoi An to Pakse should take about 11 hours if the buses pass through the Bo Y Border.
Expect to pay about $16 for this journey. If in some cases they try to charge you more, your total spending on bus tickets should never exceed $20 for this trip.
Hoi An to Pakse by Flight
As there are no direct flights between Da Nang and Pakse, your journey will take at least 8 hours. The flights will include a layover of at different airports. It’s not really the most practical option since it takes almost the same time as the bus and is more expensive.
Keep in mind that tickets for this route can be quite expensive. Booking a few weeks in advance will be to your advantage as tickets get more expensive closer to the travel date.
A one-way ticket starts at $320 and it takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes for the entire trip.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoi An to Pakse
What is the distance from Hoi An to Pakse?
The distance from Hoi An to Pakse is 400 km (249 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hoi An to Pakse?
The fastest way to get from Hoi An to Pakse is by flight and takes 8hrs 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Pakse?
The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Pakse is by bus with ticket costs starting from €13.50 ($16).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Hoi An 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!
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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.
