How to Get from Krong Stung Treng to Don Det
How to get from Stung Treng to Don Det: afternoon buses across the Lao border for about $17 to $19, with border hours and visa options.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Contents
Stung Treng to Don Det is the classic overland hop from northeast Cambodia into the Four Thousand Islands of southern Laos. The Lao border is about 50 km from Stung Treng,[1] and you finish the trip with a short boat ride to the islands.
Krong Stung Treng to Don Det by Bus
Buses leave Stung Treng in the early afternoon, at 13:45 and 14:00, for the Champassak side of the border. The ride takes from about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the border queue. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $17 to $19 (November 2026).[2] From the Lao side, a boat takes you across to Don Det.
Crossing the Border
The Lao crossing is Nong Nokkhiane, opposite Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia, and it is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. Visa on arrival and e-visa are both listed for the Lao side.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (35 or 36 seats) | About $17 to $19 | From about 1h 45min to 2h 45min | 13:45, 14:00[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Krong Stung Treng to Don Det
- Arrive before the border closes: The checkpoint closes at 18:00, so the afternoon bus fits the opening hours.[3]
- Keep documents handy: Have your passport ready and keep it, your money and your electronics in a small bag at your side rather than in the luggage hold.
- Book ahead in high season: From November to February the afternoon departures fill up with travelers heading to the islands.
Timetable
| Bus Krong Stung Treng - Champassak $ 17.13–19.03 1h 45m – 2h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krong Stung Treng to Don Det, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the listed option, at about $17 to $19 on booking platforms.
The bus takes from about 1 hour 45 minutes to the Champassak side of the border, depending on the border queue.
The bus takes from about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, plus a short boat ride from the Lao side to Don Det.
Visa on arrival and e-visa are listed for the Lao checkpoint at Nong Nokkhiane, which is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
No. You travel overland by bus to the border and then take a boat to Don Det.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, TourismCambodia.com: Stung Treng Province Travel Guides. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Krong Stung Treng - Champassak. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [3] 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.