Transportation
How do I get there?
There are two possible directions to arrive at Don Det. One approach is from Pakse, which is North of the 4000 islands. The other is from Cambodia in the South.
In Pakse, several transport services (listed below) regularly shuttle people to the islands by bus or VIP van. Any guesthouses, hotels, or even local restaurants can sell you tickets or help direct you to one of these services. Typically, they pick you up at your hotel or guesthouse to leave Pakse around 8 to 9 am, arriving in the port city of Nakasang before noon.
Another way to get from Pakse to the port city of Nakasang is to take a tuk-tuk to the South Bus Station, where men are anxious to assist you in catching your songtaew to Nakasang. A songtaew is a large covered truck with bench-style seating in the back. While not quite as comfortable as a van or bus, it is truly an experience you should take at least once.
After you arrive in Nakasang, a short walk to the river and your right, you will see a boathouse where you can buy a ticket (generally included in your bus or van ticket). If your transport ticket includes the boat to Don Det, you will need to trade your ticket for a boat ticket at the boathouse. Following a short boat ride to the island of Don Det, where your adventure begins!
In Cambodia, similar transport services will take you to the Northern border and connect to transport services on the Laos side. AVT is the best option from Siem Reap (details below). After leaving your Cambodian bus, you will cross through the border control, get stamped out of Cambodia, and a short walk to the Laos border. Once you enter the Laos side, please fill out your paperwork, and pay for the visa, after which the border guards will stamp it on your passport. The visa is $35 to $40 (depending on your passport country), and there is a stamp fee at both Cambodian and Laos borders; it’s the way it is. A bit of advice, don’t argue with the border guards; you will not win! Soon you will be on your subsequent transportation for a short ride to the port city of Nakasang. From there, it is the same as described above.
Green Paradise Tours
To and from Pakse:
A VIP van or a tuk-tuk that will take you to the bus will pick you up at your guesthouse, depending on the number of people to transport that day.
To Cambodia:
https://www.facebook.com/greenparadiselaos/
Bicycles!
Bicycles are still the best way to get around the islands. You get a bit of exercise, and they are ecologically sound! Most guesthouses rent them for about $1 a day.
Nakasang Paradise Travel Sole Co. ,LTD
To Pakse 100,000 Kip
Price excludes the boat from the Islands
Departure is at 9:30 am
Transport service to Cambodia
Price excludes the boat from the Islands
Departure Nakasang is at 9:30 am
Prices:
to the Border $4 USD
Stung Treng $20
Kratie $28
Kamong Cham $30
Pnohm Penh $40
Siem Reap $40
Sihanoukville must book from Pnohm Penh.
Price excludes the boat from the Islands
Departure Nakasang is at 9:30 am
Tuk-tuks
While there are only a couple of Cambodian-style tuk-tuks currently on the islands, I thought it notable for including them on the transport page. With the imminent improvements to the local roads on the island, I worry that we will soon be overrun with tuk-tuks and samlauws.
Mr. Pan Transport
Nakasang, Khinak, Pakse
The most adventurous way…
… to get to or from Pakse is by songthaew. It is a genuinely Laos-style adventure that we highly recommend at least once or more during your travels. For many years this was the only method available. Experience the camaraderie with your fellow Laos travelers and the frantic moments of “chicken ladies” selling grilled chicken (pronounced ‘pink guy’) and other Laos delicacies on a stick.
In Pakse, you can catch it hourly from 7:00 until 14:00 from the Southern Bus Station, a tuk-tuk can get you there.
In Nakasang you can catch it hourly from 7:00 until 12:00 from the Morning Market across from the ATM’s
Roughly the same price as the VIP vans but only goes as far as the Southern Bus Station in Pakse from there you would have to hire a tuk-tuk into town.
Asian Van Transfer
AVT connects Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Don Det (4000 islands, Laos) in a shorter, safer, comfortable, and easy way.
AVT uses a 12-passenger van staffed with professional drivers to provide an excellent service. Wi-fi is available at the agency in Siem Reap, riverside Stung Treng, and the border. The vans are air-conditioned and supply water and free pick-up service from your guesthouse. They try to make it the best van trip you have ever had in S.E. Asia!
Originating and departing from Siem Reap for all their destinations, they use the new asphalt road 64, which saves more than 10 hours on the trip, rather than going by the “old route,” which is almost 800km. Arriving in Stung Treng Riverside, there is a break where you can get a reasonably priced meal and a bathroom break, after which the passengers are transferred to various vans that will take them to their final destinations of Laos, Banloung, and Kratie.
** PLEASE NOTE **