Contents
From a sleepy island in the Mekong to a riverside town of old French shophouses and pepper country: Don Det to Kampot is a long haul with a boat, a minivan, a border crossing and a sleeper bus. You spend a day and a night on the road and see the quiet back roads of southern Laos and Cambodia.
Don Det to Kampot by minivan and sleeper bus
One combined ticket covers the whole trip. After the boat to the mainland, a minivan takes you to the border, and a sleeper bus and a second minivan carry you on to Kampot. The journey takes from about 23 hours, longer with border queues, traffic or delays.[1]
On booking platforms, tickets start at about $37 (November 2026).[1]
The road crossing is Nong Nokkhian in Laos and Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia. The Lao checkpoint is open from 06:00 to 18:00.[2] Cambodia's e-visa works only at some checkpoints, and visa on arrival covers the rest, so check the list before you apply online.[3]
Comparing your options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan + sleeper bus + minivan | From about $37[1] | From about 23h[1] |
Tips for traveling from Don Det to Kampot
- Keep documents handy: Carry your passport, visa and a pen in your daypack, not in the luggage hold, so the border goes smoothly.
- Dress in layers: Air conditioning on night buses is strong. A light jacket or a sarong keeps you warm.
- Pack water and snacks: Meal stops are hard to predict on a trip this long.
- Charge a power bank: USB ports on sleeper buses do not always work, and you will want your phone for maps.
Timetable
| Van Don Det - Kampot $ 36.54–45.32 23h – 23h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Don Det to Kampot, including current prices and schedules.
The combined minivan and sleeper bus ticket is the standard way to do the trip, with prices starting at about $37 on booking platforms.
Plan for at least 23 hours, including the border crossing and vehicle changes. Traffic and border queues can add to that.
No. The trip goes overland by minivan and sleeper bus.
Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia. The e-visa is not valid at every border checkpoint, and visa on arrival is available at the others. Check the rules for your passport before you leave Don Det.
The road crossing is Nong Nokkhian on the Lao side and Trapeang Kriel on the Cambodian side. The Lao checkpoint is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Don Det to Kampot timetable. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [2] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Nongnokkheane International Border Checkpoint. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved November 2, 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.