Cambodia to Laos: How to Get from Cambodia to Laos?

Cambodia and Laos are less-traveled parts of Southeast Asia. They are two of the best places to see untouched natural scenery and traditional cultural practices. Their transportation infrastructure is not as developed as other parts of Southeast Asia, but there are several options to travel from Cambodia to Laos.

How Far Are Cambodia and Laos? The Location Map of Cambodia and Laos

As neighboring countries, Cambodia and Laos share cultural and historical ties, as well as a border. Landlocked Laos is to the north, where it stretches up to border Myanmar and China. Its eastern side is a long border with Vietnam, and Thailand is to the west. Cambodia shares the same eastern and western neighbors and has a long coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.

One of the closest points between the two countries is from Pakse, in Laos, to Stung Treng, in Cambodia. They are common stops when crossing the border overland and are 240 km apart. The two capital cities, Phnom Penh and Vientiane, are 480 km apart if you fly. From the popular tourist cities of Siem Reap in Cambodia to Luang Prabang in Laos, it is around 490 kilometers.

Get from Cambodia to Laos by Flight: the Quickest & Easy Way

Direct flights to Laos fly out of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Phnom Penh International Airport has the only direct flights to Vientiane on Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Flights are available daily. Lao Airlines FLight QV552 is the cheaper option. It flies several times a week, departing at 10:50 am. Flying time is 1h 20m to reach Wattay International Airport, and tickets cost 111 USD.

From Siem Reap, you can fly direct to Pakse and Luang Prabang. The flight on Vietnam Airlines takes 1h 30m to fly from Siem Reap International Airport to Luang Prabang International Airport. Tickets are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and cost 177 USD. Flying to Pakse only takes an hour. Lao Airlines flies direct to Pakse International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for 144 USD.

5 Days Laos and Cambodia Glimpse Tour

Luang Prabang – Siem Reap

Get from Cambodia to Laos by Bus: the Cheapest Way

Traveling from Cambodia to Laos by bus passes through the Nong Nok Khiene border crossing. The most popular destinations in Laos to reach by bus are Pakse and the small island of Don Det. It's cheaper than flying and allows you to see the country close up.

The journey from Siem Reap to Don Det takes between 8.5 and 10 hours by minibus. The main bus company is Asia Van Transfer. They operate 12-seat minibusses and offer free pick-up from hotels within the city limits. Buses leave every day at 08:00, and tickets cost 37 USD. Buses from Siem Reap to Pakse also depart at 08:00. The trip takes 11 to 12 hours and costs 45 USD.

Minivan service from Phnom Penh to Pakse and Don Det is available from SRL Transport. The buses leave at 07:30 each day. It takes 12.5 hours to reach Don Det, and tickets cost 32 USD. To Pakse, tickets cost 44 USD and take 15.5 hours.

From Don Det, you'll need to travel to Pakse by bus or car to continue your Laos tour. It takes four hours to make the 150 km trip. The best bus station to reach is Pakse Northern Bus Terminal. It is about 8km from the city center and 4.8km from the airport. A tuk tuk ride will get you to either place in around 15 min for 5-7 USD.

Comfortable minivan in Laos

Get from Cambodia to Laos by Driving: the Exotic Way

The freedom of driving to Laos makes for an exotic trip. Car rentals in Cambodia start from 45 USD per day. You'll need to check with the car rental company to make sure you can take the car across the border. They will provide you with the necessary documents, including the vehicle details and registration. You will also need a copy of your driver's passport and international driving permit.

Plan your route carefully. There are different routes you can take to the most common border crossing from Stung Treng province in Cambodia to Laos. Major highways are generally well-maintained, but it is important to check recent conditions.

Driving gives you the chance to explore along the way. You can stop or take detours to check out anything interesting you come across. Make sure to download maps onto your phone so you can access them offline. Phone signals may not be strong while passing through rural areas. People will usually be helpful if you get lost, but communication outside of major cities can be difficult. 

11 Days Classic Cambodia and Laos Tour

Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Vientiane - Luang Prabang

More Tips for Traveling from Cambodia to Laos

There are things to keep in mind when traveling between Cambodia and Laos to ensure a smooth transfer.

1. Check Laos visa requirements. If you're not eligible for visa-free entry to Laos, the Laos e-visa is the best option when flying. It costs 50 USD. A visa on arrival is available at the land border crossing. It costs 30-35 USD.
2. USD is widely accepted, but prepare local currency in Cambodian riel and Laotian kip for small purchases and transportation.
3. Weather conditions can affect road travel. Double check the the best time to visit Laos before heading out.
4. Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen baggage.

14 Days Best of Cambodia and Laos Tour

Phnom Penh – Battambang – Siem Reap – Pakse – Vientiane – Luang Prabang

Conclusion

Getting from Cambodia to Laos isn't difficult. With flight, bus, and car options available, you'll be able to find something that meets your needs. Flying is the most convenient, but an overland trip lets you see the countryside, meet other travelers, and talk with locals. Contact us for more detailed information about Cambodia Laos tours!