How to Get from Nong Khiaw to Don Khone
Learn how to travel from Nong Khiaw to Don Khone: the three legs via Luang Prabang and Pakse, with prices and durations.
Contents
Leaving the limestone cliffs of Nong Khiaw for the Mekong islands of Don Khone takes you the whole length of Laos, from the Nam Ou valley in the north to the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in the far south. There is no direct service, so plan the trip in three legs.
Count on at least a day and a half on the road. Many travelers break the journey with a night in Luang Prabang or Pakse and arrive on the islands rested, in time for the sunset over the Mekong.
Leg 1: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang
Minivans leave Nong Khiaw for Luang Prabang at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:00.[1] The ride takes from about 4 hours, and a seat costs from about $9 on booking platforms (November 2026).[2]
Leg 2: Luang Prabang to Pakse
A combined taxi and bus ticket links Luang Prabang with Pakse, the gateway to southern Laos. On booking platforms it costs about $44 (November 2026), and the journey takes from about 27 hours 30 minutes.[3]
Leg 3: Pakse to Don Khone
From Pakse, a combined van and boat ticket takes you to Don Det. It costs from about $8 on booking platforms (November 2026), and the trip takes from about 2 hours 30 minutes.[4] Don Det and Don Khone are neighboring islands, so from Don Det you walk or cycle across the old bridge to Don Khone.
Comparing Your Legs
| Leg | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang (minivan) | from about $9[2] | from 4h[2] |
| Luang Prabang to Pakse (taxi + bus) | about $44[3] | from 27h 30min[3] |
| Pakse to Don Det (van + boat) | from about $8[4] | from 2h 30min[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Nong Khiaw to Don Khone
- Break the Journey: Stay a night in Luang Prabang or Pakse rather than going straight through. The long leg in the middle is easier with a rest on either side.
- Cash is King: Carry enough Lao kip before you reach the islands. You need it for the boat, for snacks at rest stops and for guesthouses.
- Pack Smart: Keep your essentials in a small daypack at your feet and use a rain cover for your backpack, as bags can be strapped to the roof.
- Dress in Layers: Air conditioning on the long bus can be strong, while it stays hot and humid outside.
- Book Ahead: Buy the long Luang Prabang to Pakse leg a day or two before you leave, especially in the cool season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Nong Khiaw to Don Khone, including current prices and schedules.
All three legs go by minivan or bus, together from about $61 on booking platforms (November 2026).
There is no direct service. You take a minivan to Luang Prabang, a taxi and bus to Pakse and a van and boat to Don Det, and the whole trip takes at least a day and a half.
Allow at least a day and a half: from about 4 hours to Luang Prabang, from about 27 hours 30 minutes on to Pakse and from about 2 hours 30 minutes to the islands.
No. Don Khone is an island, so every trip ends with a boat. Go to Don Det first and cross the old bridge to Don Khone on foot or by bike.
Bring a light jacket, water and snacks in a small daypack, and keep your valuables with you.
ATMs are scarce on the islands, so withdraw enough Lao kip in Pakse before you go.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Official Website for Tourism Luang Prabang: Misty Mountains: Nong Khiaw To Muang Ngoi. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Luang Prabang to Pakse. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Pakse to Don Det. Retrieved November 1, 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.