How to Get from Pakse to Krong Stung Treng

Leaving the cooling mists of the Bolaven Plateau and the sleepy riverside charm of Pakse behind feels like turning a page in a Southeast Asian diary. The way south is more than transit: you move from the laid-back pace of southern Laos into the river-fed landscapes of northern Cambodia, crossing a land border on the way.

Stung Treng is a base on the Mekong and a gateway to the wilder provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Most travelers cross by bus or minivan, and the operators handle the border logistics for you.

Pakse to Krong Stung Treng by Bus

The bus is the most common way to travel this route. Journeys take from about 4 hours 30 minutes and can run to 5 hours 30 minutes, depending on how quickly your group clears immigration. On booking platforms, seats cost about $21 to $30 depending on operator and vehicle (October 2026).^[1]

Pakse to Krong Stung Treng by Van

A minibus is the smaller alternative. Booking platforms list it at about $28 (October 2026) and a journey of around 5 hours, including the border formalities.^[1] With fewer passengers, there is a little more flexibility at the border, though luggage space is tighter, so keep your passport, money and valuables in a small daypack at your feet.

The Border Crossing

The Lao checkpoint is Nongnokkheane in Khong District, Champasak, opposite the Cambodian crossing at Trapeang Kriel. It is open from 06:00 to 18:00.^[2]

Check your Cambodian entry requirements before you travel. The Cambodian tourist visa (Visa T) costs $30, allows a stay of 1 month, and can be applied for online. Not every border checkpoint supports the e-Visa, and where it does not, a visa on arrival can be applied for at the checkpoint. Citizens of Laos are exempt from the visa.^[3] All travelers can also submit the free Cambodia e-Arrival form within 7 days before arrival, and you receive a v-Pass by email, which replaces the inked stamp in the passport.^[4]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Pakse to Krong Stung Treng

• Prepare for the Border: This is an international crossing. Have your passport and your visa or e-Arrival details ready, and keep them within reach.
• Spend Your Kip: Spend or convert your Lao kip in Pakse, because it will be harder to exchange once you cross into Cambodia.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Carry water and something light for the wait at the border.
• Book Ahead: This is a main artery for travelers between Laos and Cambodia, so book your seat a few days ahead in peak months.
• Arrival in Stung Treng: From the drop-off point in town it is easy to find a ride to your guesthouse or to the riverfront for a sunset over the Mekong.