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Cambodia

How to Get from Kratie to Pakse

Kratie to Pakse by van or bus from about $30. Compare travel times and see how the Cambodia to Laos border crossing works.

CambodiaLaos

Last updated: November 5, 2026

How to Get from Kratie to Pakse
Contents

Kratie's Mekong promenade and rare Irrawaddy dolphins give way to Pakse and the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau. The route follows the river north and crosses one of the quietest borders between Cambodia and Laos.

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Kratie to Pakse by Van

Booking platforms list minivans for about $30 to $50 (November 2026), and the trip takes from about 5 hours 30 minutes, longer with border queues.[1] Some tickets use a minivan-to-minivan change at the border.

Kratie to Pakse by Bus

Daytime seater buses start at about $30 and take from about 6 hours 30 minutes. Overnight sleeper bus and minivan combinations take up to about 15 hours 30 minutes.[1]

Crossing the Border

The route crosses at Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia and Nong Nokkheane in Laos. The Lao checkpoint is open from 06:00 to 18:00 and offers visa on arrival.[2] Plan to reach it well before closing time.

The Lao border checkpoint at Nong Nokkheane
The Lao border checkpoint at Nong NokkheanePhoto: Pierre André / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Comparing Your Options

ModePrice (USD)Duration
VanAbout $30 - $50[1]From about 5h 30min
Seater busFrom about $30[1]From about 6h 30min
Sleeper bus and minivanFrom about $30[1]Up to about 15h 30min

Tips for Traveling from Kratie to Pakse

  • Border formalities: Keep your passport, passport photos and visa money in a small daypack so you can reach them quickly.
  • Currency: Laos uses the kip. Change a small amount in Pakse or at the border to cover your first day.
  • Pack snacks and water: Food choices at the border are limited, so bring supplies from Kratie.
  • Luggage: Minivans have limited space, so a soft bag fits better than a large suitcase.

Timetable

Kratie - Pakse More info / Tickets
Bus Kratie - Pakse $ 29.70–30.22 6h 30m – 15h 30m
  • →  Seater 35 11:30
  • →  Sleeping Bus + Mini Van 00:15, 00:30
Van Kratie - Pakse $ 30.22–49.34 5h 30m – 7h
  • →  Minivan + Minivan 12:00
  • →  Standard 12:30
  • →  Minivan 10:45
Kracheh - Pakse More info / Tickets
Van Kracheh - Pakse $ 31.66 8h
  • →  Van 12pax 09:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Kratie to Pakse?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kratie to Pakse, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Kratie to Pakse?

Booking platforms list both buses and vans from about $30 (November 2026).

How long does it take to get from Kratie to Pakse?

A van takes from about 5 hours 30 minutes and a daytime bus from about 6 hours 30 minutes. Overnight sleeper bus and minivan combinations take up to about 15 hours 30 minutes.

Do I need a visa to cross from Cambodia to Laos at this border?

Visa on arrival is offered at the Nong Nokkheane checkpoint, which is open from 06:00 to 18:00. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.

Is there a lot of luggage space on the vans?

No. Minivans have limited space, so travel with a soft bag if you can.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
  2. [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.