How to Get from Kratie to Don Khone
Kratie to Don Khone by van or overnight bus: from about 4 hours and about $22. Border hours, visa and boat tips for the 4,000 Islands.
Contents
Leaving the Irrawaddy dolphins of Kratie for the waterfalls and sleepy islands of the 4,000 Islands takes you across one of the most laid-back border crossings in Southeast Asia. The route runs from the dusty, charming Mekong riverside of Cambodia into the tranquil water world of southern Laos, where the pace of life slows to a crawl.
You cross the border between Trapeang Kriel (Cambodia) and Nong Nokkhiane (Laos). Most tickets bundle the vehicle changes at the border, so you are not left stranded in no-man's-land.
Kratie to Don Khone by Van
Vans are the quickest way to reach the islands. A standard van leaves at 12:30 and a minivan with a change of vehicle at 12:00. Vans take from about 4 to 6 hours and cost about $22 to $37 on booking platforms (October 2026).[1] At the border you get out with your luggage, clear Cambodian immigration, walk across to the Lao side and board the next vehicle.
Kratie to Don Khone by Bus
The overnight sleeping bus plus minivan leaves at 00:15 and takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. It costs about $22 on booking platforms (October 2026).[1] It is the slowest option, and it suits travelers who are not in a hurry and want to save a night of accommodation.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Departures | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van | 12:00, 12:30 | $22 to $37 | From about 4h to 6h[1] |
| Sleeping bus + minivan | 00:15 | About $22 | About 15h 30min[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Kratie to Don Khone
- The Border: The Trapeang Kriel and Nong Nokkhiane checkpoint is open from 06:00 to 18:00, and the Lao side offers visas on arrival.[2]
- Cash: Carry some US dollars in small notes for the visa and for the boat from the mainland pier to the islands if it is not in your ticket.
- The Boat: The islands lie in the Mekong, so the last stretch is a short boat ride. Ask when you book whether it is included.
- Luggage: Space in a minivan is tight, so keep your main bag compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kratie to Don Khone, including current prices and schedules.
The sleeping bus plus minivan and the cheapest vans cost about $22 on booking platforms (October 2026).
A van is the fastest option and takes from about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the border.
A van takes from about 4 to 6 hours. The overnight sleeping bus plus minivan takes about 15 hours 30 minutes.
Book a day or two ahead, especially in the dry season, because the vans are small and there are only a few departures a day.
That depends on the ticket. Ask when you book whether the boat from the mainland pier to the islands is included.
Yes. The Nong Nokkhiane checkpoint offers visas on arrival and is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Kratie - Don Khon timetable. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Nongnokkheane International Border Checkpoint. Retrieved October 31, 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.