How to get from Pakse to Don Det

Why visit Don Det?

Don Det is one of the 4,000 islands in Laos’ Si Phan Don archipelago. Sitting on the Mekong River, it’s a backpacker’s paradise with its hip atmosphere, cheap prices and laidback vibe. Nipa huts line its shores. And with prices starting from $3, these are among the cheapest accommodations you’ll find in Southeast Asia!

The so-called “Mecca of backpackers” is so small, you can explore the island by renting a bike for $1 a day. Or you can walk — it takes just about 2 hours to explore Don Det on foot. Glide along the Mekong River on a boat, kayak, or just a tube and enjoy the raw scenery and occasional sightings of Irrawaddy dolphins and water buffaloes.

There are 3 ways to travel the 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Pakse to Don Det. You can choose between the Combined bus + ferry, Combined minivan + ferry and bus. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by combined bus + ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $7 (152,000 LAK).

Most of the bus tickets from Pakse to Don Det leaving already include a ferry ride. However, if the departure time doesn’t work for you, then you can first take a bus to Nakasang Bus station and book your ferry ticket at the terminal.

You can catch a local bus from Pakse’s Southern Bus Terminal or otherwise known as the 8KM Bus Terminal. This bus terminal is 8 km east of the city centre, hence, the name.

These buses have open windows and are usually crowded with locals travelling with goods, a typical Lao transport.

The local bus heads only to the bus station, about 500 m from the ferry station.

Head straight to the ferry terminal to buy your boat ticket. The ticket price is fixed at $2 (44,000 LAK) per person for the ride that takes 3h to Don Det.

It’s important to note that most of the boats are busy from morning until noon. Boat activities start to dwindle by mid-afternoon. Also, boats require a minimum of 2 passengers to depart. Otherwise, you may have to pay a higher price of $4 (87,000 LAK).

The easiest way to travel from Pakse to Don Det is by booking a combined bus and ferry ticket. The total journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes and tickets cost about $9.60 (209,000 LAK).

Only Green Paradise Travel offers daily trips to Don Det at 09:00 and 12:00.

Departure and arrival station

The bus departs from the Green Paradise Travel office in the city centre, about 5 minutes away from Chipatsong Bus Station.

You will be dropped off at Nakasong Ferry Boat Station, where you will take the ferry to Don Det Ferry Station.

Green Paradise Pakse

Tourist

Dondet 4000 islands

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

12:00

2h 30m

14:30

Green Paradise Travel

From $9.60 (209,000 LAK)

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$9.60 (209,000 LAK)

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

12:00

2h 30m

14:30

Check on BookAway

$11 (240,000 LAK)

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

Check on 12GoAsia

A minivan can take you from Green Paradise Tour and Travel Pakse office to Nakasang Ferry Boat Station. The journey takes about 3 hours costs around $14 (305,000 LAK).

Keep in mind that you need to book a separate ticket for the ferry ride to Don Det.