Contents
- 1. Don Det to Kratie by Van
- 1.1 VIP Minivan and Boat
- 1.2 Changing Vehicles
- 2. Don Det to Kratie by Bus
- 2.1 Sleeper Bus
- 2.2 Bus and Van
- 3. Don Det to Kratie by Ferry and Minivan
- 4. Comparing Your Options
- 5. Tips for Traveling from Don Det to Kratie
- 6. Timetable
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. Sources and background
Leaving the slow life of Si Phan Don for the riverside town of Kratie is one of the classic border crossings in Southeast Asia. You go from the car-free paths of Don Det across the Mekong and through the Veun Kham and Dong Kralor border into Cambodia, from the waterfalls of the 4,000 Islands to the deep pools near Kratie where Irrawaddy dolphins live.
The journey has several steps: a boat from the island, a van to the border and usually a change of vehicle in Cambodia. You can compare and book tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Don Det to Kratie by Van
The minivan is the most common way. Most tickets are combined and include the boat from the Don Det pier to the mainland at Nakasong, where the road part begins. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $19 to $28 (November 2026) and the journey takes from about 5 hours, up to about 7 hours depending on the operator and the wait at the border.[1]
VIP Minivan and Boat
The VIP Minivan + Boat leaves in the morning and is the shortest option, from about 5 hours. On booking platforms it costs about $20 (November 2026).[1]
Changing Vehicles
Some services use two minivans: the first takes you to the border, you walk across with your luggage, and a Cambodian van takes you on to Kratie.
Don Det to Kratie by Bus
Sleeper Bus
A sleeper bus leaves very early, at 03:00, and takes about 8 hours. On booking platforms it costs about $26 (November 2026).[1] You arrive around midday and have to get off at the border like everyone else.
Bus and Van
Combined tickets with a larger bus and a minivan transfer cost about $24 to $34 on booking platforms (November 2026) and take from about 5 hours 45 minutes, up to 12 hours with long layovers.[1] Check the duration when you book.
Don Det to Kratie by Ferry and Minivan
Boats cannot take you all the way to Kratie, but some tickets combine a ferry from the islands with a minivan. On booking platforms they cost about $23 (November 2026) and take from about 7 hours.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Minivan + Boat | About $20[1] | From about 5h | High |
| Minivan | About $19 to $28[1] | From about 5h | Medium |
| Sleeper Bus | About $26[1] | About 8h | Medium |
| Ferry + Minivan | About $23[1] | From about 7h | Medium |
| Bus + Van | About $24 to $34[1] | From about 5h 45m | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Don Det to Kratie
- E-visa: The crossing from Laos at Trapeang Kreal / Dong Krolar in Stung Treng province accepts the Cambodian e-visa for entry.[2]
- Cash: Carry small US dollar notes and some riel. Both are used in Cambodia.
- Book ahead: The boat and van connections are timed, so book at least a day ahead in high season.
- Luggage: Minivans have little space. Tell the operator in advance if you carry bulky gear such as a surfboard.
- Snacks and water: The border can take a while, so carry water and snacks from Don Det.
Timetable
| Bus Champassak - Kratie $ 23.78–34.11 5h 45m – 12h | |
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| Ferry Champassak - Kratie $ 22.68 7h | |
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| Van Champassak - Kratie $ 29.50 7h | |
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| Bus Don Det - Kratie $ 25.81 8h | |
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| Van Don Det - Kratie $ 18.44–27.65 5h – 7h | |
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| Van Champassak - Kracheh $ 23.04 7h 30m | |
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| Van Don Det - Kracheh $ 19.47 5h | |
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| Van Nakasong - Kratie $ 25.93–27.10 6h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Don Det to Kratie, including current prices and schedules.
A minivan. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $19 (November 2026) and often include the boat from Don Det to the mainland.
The VIP Minivan + Boat, which takes from about 5 hours including the border crossing.
From about 5 hours by minivan. The sleeper bus takes about 8 hours, and some bus and van combinations up to 12 hours.
Many nationalities need a visa for Cambodia. If you use an e-visa, it is accepted at the Trapeang Kreal / Dong Krolar crossing in Stung Treng province.
Usually not. You take a boat to the mainland, a van to the border and often switch to a Cambodian vehicle after the checks.
Yes. The route follows the Mekong, and the boat ride from Don Det gives views of the 4,000 Islands.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Don Det to Kratie. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [2] Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin: Cambodia border entry points and e-Visa status. Retrieved November 5, 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.