How to Get From Pakse to Don Det
Combined Bus + Boat · Combined Minivan + Boat · Local Bus + Boat
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Don Det is one of the Four Thousand Islands in the Mekong, near the Cambodian border. It's a sleepy place of hammocks, bicycles and river sunsets. The local bus and boat combination is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Don Det. It costs $5.90 (130,000 LAK) and the trip takes 3h 50m. A through-ticket bus or minivan costs more and includes the boat crossing.
Distance from Pakse to Don Det
Pakse and Don Det are about 128 km (80 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 5h.
3 ways to travel from Pakse to Don Det
There are three ways to travel from Pakse to Don Det. You can choose between the combined bus + boat, combined minivan + boat, and local bus + boat. The journey takes 2h–3h 50m and the quickest way is by combined minivan + boat. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by local bus + boat with tickets starting at $5.90 (130,000 LAK).
Reach out to our Community
1Hi Gecko Routes
Thank you for the travel information for Pakse to Don Det. I have a couple of questions:
1. May I know if there are ferries from Nakasong to Don Khone? If so, are there tickets that combine bus and ferry from Pakse to Don Khone?
2. I would like to drop off at Muang Champasak on the way back from Nakasong to Pakse. What is the best way to get there?
Are there private transfers from Nakasong to Muang Champasak that I could hire?
Many thanks for your help.
Hi Gillian, there are boats from Nakasong going to Don Khon. Public boat tickets are about 20,000 kip ($1) per person.
If you prefer a bus + ferry package from Pakse to Don Khon (12go.asia), you can take Green Paradise Pakse that costs $12 per person. There are departures at 09:00 and 12:00, and travel time takes 3 hours.
For the way back, the same company offers bus trips from Don Det to Champassak Terminal West (12go.asia) for $10. You can just head to the pick-up point in Don Det if you're staying in Don Khon. For private transfers, you can ask your accommodation if they can arrange one for you. Hope this helps!
Our favourite places to stay in Don Det
Here are our favourite places to stay in Don Det for every budget.
The Boathouse
It's hard to believe that for only $10 (222,000 LAK) 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 (222,000 LAK) per night.
Mama Leurth Sunset Guesthouse
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 (445,000 LAK) per night.
Moon By Night
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 (780,000 LAK) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Pakse to Don Det, 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.
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 Pakse to Don Det?
The distance from Pakse to Don Det is 128 kilometres (80 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Don Det?
Journey times from Pakse to Don Det overlap: combined bus + boat 2h 45m - 4h, combined minivan + boat 2-5h, local bus + boat 3h 50m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Don Det?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Don Det is by local bus + boat with ticket costs starting from 130,000 LAK.
About the Author
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.
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