How to Get from Krong Stung Treng to Don Khon
Explore the best ways to travel from Krong Stung Treng to Don Khon. Compare van prices and durations for a smooth border crossing.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Contents
Leaving Krong Stung Treng for the car-free islands of the Mekong is one of the most rewarding border crossings in Southeast Asia. You leave Cambodia's northern frontier for the Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) region of Laos, where life moves at the speed of the river. The route crosses at Trapeang Kriel (Cambodia) and Nong Nokkhiane (Laos), so allow time for immigration. You can book your seat through GoAsia.cc.
Krong Stung Treng to Don Khon by Van
A shared 13-seat van leaves Stung Treng at 08:30 and 14:30, and the ride to the islands takes about 4 hours including the border. On booking platforms, the seat costs about $21 (November 2026).[1]
You leave Cambodia at the Trapeang Kriel checkpoint, walk across and enter Laos at Nong Nokkhiane. The van carries on to the riverbank, where a longtail boat takes you across the water to Don Khon.
Krong Stung Treng to Champassak by Van
To see more of southern Laos first, a minivan and ferry combination leaves at 14:00 for Champassak, the gateway to the ancient Wat Phou temple complex. It also takes about 4 hours and costs about $21 on booking platforms (November 2026).[1] Champassak is further north than the islands, so this suits you if Khmer ruins and colonial architecture matter more than river life.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Van to Don Khon | $21 | 4h[1] | Standard |
| Minivan and ferry to Champassak | $21 | 4h[1] | Standard |
Tips for Traveling from Krong Stung Treng to Don Khon
- Border Preparations: The Nong Nokkhiane checkpoint lists visa on arrival and e-visa, and it is open from 06:00 to 18:00.[2] Bring your passport and US dollars for the visa fee.
- Currency: US dollars work at the border, but you will want Lao kip on Don Khon. Exchange some money in Stung Treng or at the border before you reach the islands.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy at the border. Download offline maps of Don Khon and save your accommodation details before you leave Stung Treng.
- Hydration: The immigration buildings can be hot, so carry water and light snacks.
- Arrival at Don Khon: You may have a short walk from the boat to your guesthouse. If you have heavy luggage, arrange a pickup with your host.
Timetable
| Van Krong Stung Treng - Don Khon $ 21.37 4h | |
|
| Van Krong Stung Treng - Champassak $ 20.58 4h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krong Stung Treng to Don Khon, including current prices and schedules.
The shared van is the direct option, at about $21 on booking platforms (November 2026). The price covers the van to the pier and the boat to the island.
The shared van is the fastest, at about 4 hours including border processing.
The journey takes about 4 hours. The exact time depends on the queue at the border and on the boat connection.
Most nationalities need a visa for Laos. The Nong Nokkhiane checkpoint lists visa on arrival and e-visa, so check your own nationality's rules and bring US dollars for the fee.
Yes. The ticket for Don Khon covers the van to the pier and the boat trip to the island.
ATMs on the islands are scarce. Withdraw or exchange enough Lao kip or US dollars before you start your journey.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Krong Stung Treng - Don Khon and Champassak. Retrieved November 2, 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.