How to Get from Krong Stung Treng to Pakse
Stung Treng to Pakse takes about 4 to 6 hours by van or bus for about $19 to $28. See the Trapeang Kriel and Nong Nokkheane border crossing.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Contents
Stung Treng sits on the San River, where the Mekong joins on the northeastern outskirts, and the Lao border is about 50 km away.[1] The overland route to Pakse is a favorite with backpackers, who cross into southern Laos and head on to the 4,000 Islands or the Bolaven Plateau.
Krong Stung Treng to Pakse by Van
Standard vans, shared 13-seat vans and minivans all run this route. They take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on how long the border formalities take, and cost about $19 to $28 on booking platforms (October 2026).[2] Vans are smaller than buses and tend to move through traffic and the border quickly, though space for big backpacks can be tight.
Krong Stung Treng to Pakse by Bus
The 35 or 36-seat bus takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours and costs about $22 on booking platforms (October 2026).[2] It offers more room than a van and suits you if you want to meet other travelers heading to southern Laos.
The Border Crossing
Vehicles cross at Trapeang Kriel on the Cambodian side and Nong Nokkheane on the Lao side. Nong Nokkheane issues visas on arrival.[3] Keep your passport and visa money within reach, and bring some Lao kip for Pakse, where money changers in town usually give better rates than the border.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van | About $19 to $28[2] | 4h to 6h[2] |
| Bus | About $22[2] | 4h 15min to 5h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Krong Stung Treng to Pakse
- Book ahead: Book early, since cross-border seats are limited.
- Snacks and water: Stalls at the border and the bus stations offer a limited choice, so stock up in Stung Treng.
- Luggage: Shared vans have little room, so arrive early if you carry a large pack.
Timetable
| Bus Krong Stung Treng - Pakse $ 22.06 4h 15m – 5h | |
|
|
| Van Krong Stung Treng - Pakse $ 19.37–27.78 4h – 6h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krong Stung Treng to Pakse, including current prices and schedules.
Vans start at about $19 on booking platforms (October 2026), and the bus costs about $22.
Vans and the bus take about 4 hours at best, but border formalities can stretch the trip.
About 4 to 6 hours, including the border crossing.
Yes. Nong Nokkheane, the Lao side of the crossing, issues visas on arrival.
Booking ahead is recommended on a cross-border route, because seats are limited.
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 to Pakse. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [3] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Lao - Cambodia Border Crossing: Nong Nokkheane international border checkpoint. Retrieved October 25, 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.