Contents
From the Mekong and the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau to Kampot, a riverside town of pepper farms, salt fields and faded French shophouses: Pakse to Kampot is one long push across the border. You travel a day and a night, and the landscape flattens and opens up as you head south into Cambodia.
Pakse to Kampot by minivan and sleeper bus
One combined ticket covers the trip. A minivan takes you from Pakse towards the border, and a sleeper bus carries you on through the night. The journey takes from about 22 hours, longer with border queues, traffic or delays.[1]
On booking platforms, tickets cost about $50 (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 | About $50[1] | From about 22h[1] |
Tips for traveling from Pakse 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: Roadside stops have limited choice, so bring your own for the long stretches.
- Charge a power bank: USB ports on sleeper buses do not always work.
Timetable
| Van Pakse - Kampot $ 49.78 22h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Pakse to Kampot, including current prices and schedules.
The combined minivan and sleeper bus ticket is the standard way to do the trip, at about $50 on booking platforms.
Plan for at least 22 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 Pakse.
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: Pakse 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.