Contents
Kracheh is the Khmer name of Kratie, the Mekong town known for its Irrawaddy dolphins. Pakse, in southern Laos, is the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau. The trip crosses the border between Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia and Nongnokkheane in Laos, which lies in Champasak province, opposite Stung Treng province.[1] Vireak Buntham Express lists Pakse and Don Det in Laos among the destinations of its international travel package, together with Ho Chi Minh City.[2]
Kracheh to Pakse by Van
Booking platforms list minivans and standard vans from Kratie to Pakse at about $30 to $50, with journey times of about 5.5 to 7 hours (October 2026).[3] Listed departures are a minivan at 10:45, a combined minivan and minivan ticket at 12:00 and a standard van at 12:30, so you arrive in the afternoon or evening.[3] A separate listing for Kracheh shows a 12-seat van at about $32, leaving at 09:00 and taking about 8 hours.[3] You clear Cambodian exit formalities at the border and continue in the same or a different vehicle on the Lao side.
Kracheh to Pakse by Bus
Booking platforms list a seater bus leaving at 11:30 and a combined sleeping bus and minivan ticket leaving shortly after midnight, at 00:15 or 00:30. Fares are about $30 and journey times range from 6.5 to 15.5 hours, depending on the ticket.[3] The night ticket takes much longer than the day vans, so it mainly suits travelers who want to save a night of accommodation.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan or standard van | $30 to $50[3] | 5h 30m to 8h[3] | 09:00 to 12:30 |
| Seater bus | About $30[3] | About 6h 30m to 15h 30m | 11:30 |
| Sleeping bus and minivan | About $30[3] | Up to about 15h 30m | 00:15 or 00:30 |
Tips for Traveling from Kracheh to Pakse
- Laos entry: The Lao immigration department lists the Nongnokkheane checkpoint with visa on arrival and e-visa, open from 06:00 to 18:00.[1] Laos also runs an official online e-visa service.[4] Check the current fee and your nationality's rules before you travel.
- Cambodian e-visa: Cambodia's official e-visa site lists Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) among the land checkpoints that accept e-Visa entry.[5]
- Booking in advance: Vans carry only a dozen or so passengers, so book a few days ahead in the busy season to avoid a day's delay in Kracheh.
Timetable
| Bus Kratie - Pakse $ 30.23–36.78 6h 30m – 12h 30m | |
|
|
| Van Kratie - Pakse $ 26.33–36.78 6h 30m – 7h | |
|
| Van Kracheh - Pakse $ 30.92–32.18 6h – 8h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kracheh to Pakse, including current prices and schedules.
The seater bus and the combined sleeping bus and minivan ticket are listed at about $30 on booking platforms in October 2026. Vans cost about $30 to $50.
The quickest listed option is a minivan, with journey times from about 5.5 hours. A separate 12-seat van listing is about 8 hours.
Vans take about 5.5 to 8 hours. The bus tickets are listed at 6.5 to 15.5 hours, the longest being the overnight sleeping bus and minivan combination.
Many nationalities need a visa for Laos. The Lao immigration department lists the Nongnokkheane checkpoint with visa on arrival and e-visa, and Laos has an official online e-visa service. Check the current rules for your nationality.
The Lao immigration department lists the Nongnokkheane checkpoint as open from 06:00 to 18:00.
Yes. Booking ahead is a good idea in the busy season, because vans have limited seats.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Nongnokkheane International Border Checkpoint. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vireak Buntham Express: Vireak Buntham Express travel packages. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Kratie - Pakse timetable. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR: Lao Official Online Visa. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia (official government website). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.