Laos

How to get from Pakse to Don Det

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Pakse to Don Det. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: November 25, 2024

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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.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Pakse to Don Det?

There are 3 ways to travel the 130 kilometers (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).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h - 6h 30m

From $7 (152,000 LAK)

Combined Bus + Ferry

2h 30m

From $9.60 (209,000 LAK)

Combined Minivan + Ferry

From $14 (304,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Don Det?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Don Det at the bottom of this page.

Pakse to Don Det by Bus

Duration: 5h - 6h 30m

Costs: $7 (152,000 LAK)

Duration: 5h - 6h 30m

Costs: $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.

Step 1: Pakse to Nakasong by Bus

Duration: 2h - 3h 30m

Costs: $5 (109,000 LAK)

Duration: 2h - 3h 30m

Costs: $5 (109,000 LAK)

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.

Pakse

Nakasong ("Nakasong")

Hourly departures from 07:00 to 15:00

Local bus

$5 (109,000 LAK)

No Online Tickets

For local buses, you can buy your tickets at the station.

Step 2: Nakasong to Don Det by Ferry

Duration: 3h

Costs: $2 (43,000 LAK)

Duration: 3h

Costs: $2 (43,000 LAK)

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 (43,000 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).

Pakse to Don Det by Combined Bus + Ferry

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: $9.60 (209,000 LAK)

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: $9.60 (209,000 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.

Combined Bus + Ferry schedule from Pakse to Don Det

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)

Green Paradise Travel gets mixed reviews for the to route. Some travellers are satisfied with their service, while others think it could improve.

Combined Bus + Ferry schedule from Pakse to Don Khone

Green Paradise Pakse

Tourist

Don Khone

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

12:00

2h 30m

14:30

Green Paradise Travel

$9.60 (209,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Pakse to Don Det by Combined Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 3h

Costs: $14 (304,000 LAK)

Duration: 3h

Costs: $14 (304,000 LAK)

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 (304,000 LAK).

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

Combined Minivan + Ferry

Green Paradise Tour and Travel Pakse office

Standard

Green Paradise Tour and Travel Don Det

09:00

12:00

Green Paradise Travel

$14 (304,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Don Det

The Boathouse - Budget Friendly

It’s hard to believe that for only $10 you can enjoy a waterfront bungalow with your own private terrace and hammock! The rooms themselves are simple, but you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outside anyway, it’s that beautiful!

The host is incredibly friendly and cooks delicious food for the onsite restaurant. The grass area right on the river is the perfect spot for yoga and meditation.

Riverfront bungalows
Private balcony with hammock
Bar and restaurant
Amazing host

Private rooms start at $10 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Mama Leurth Sunset Guesthouse - Budget Friendly

Centrally located on Don Det island, this Mama Luerth Sunset is a great choice. The rooms are large, clean and spacious. The guesthouse is within walking distance to plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

You can also rent bicycles nearby to further explore the island. Set in a quiet area, you are guaranteed a peaceful sleep here.

Great location
Large rooms
Walking distance to shops and restaurants
Quiet and peaceful

Private rooms start at $20 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Moon By Night - Mid Range

Moon By Night offers an excellent location with beautiful river views in central Don Det. This hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and garden area on-site for the guest’s enjoyment.

All chalets have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and very comfortable beds. The owner is extremely friendly, often going out of his way to assist guests with their requests. Beautiful garden setting in a quiet area.

Quiet and peaceful area
Great location
Stunning river views
Friendly owner

Private rooms start at $35 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse to Don Det

What is the distance from Pakse to Don Det?

The distance from Pakse to Don Det is 130 kilometers (81 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Don Det?

The fastest way to get from Pakse to Don Det is by combined bus + ferry and takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Don Det?

The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Don Det is by bus with ticket costs starting from $7 (152,000 LAK).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse to Don Det. 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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About the author(s)

Maarten

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.