# Laos to Cambodia by Bus: The Only Border Crossing

> Nongnokkhene to Trapeang Kriel is the single legal land crossing between Laos and Cambodia. Real hours (06:00–18:00), visa costs, and the unofficial fees to expect.

**Source:** https://laosbustickets.com/laos-cambodia-border-crossing/  
**Language:** en  
**Last verified:** 4 September 2026  
**Written by:** Laos Bus Tickets, Vientiane, Laos
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## Quick answer

There is exactly one legal land crossing between Laos and Cambodia: Nongnokkhene (Khong District, Champasak Province) to Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng). It opens 06:00–18:00, earlier than most sources claim. Both countries issue visa on arrival here; Cambodia charges US$30. Bring small USD notes: this post has a long-documented pattern of unofficial "stamp fees".

## Border crossings

| Crossing | Connects | Hours | Lao visa on arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | Khong District, Champasak Province to Trapeang Kriel, Stung Treng District, Stung Treng Province, Cambodia | 06:00–18:00 | Yes |

## Routes

| Route | Border crossing | Duration | Bookable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakse to Siem Reap | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | approx 14 hrs | Yes |
| Pakse to Phnom Penh | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | approx 14 hrs | Yes |
| Pakse to Stung Treng | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | approx 6 hrs | Yes |
| 4000 Islands to Siem Reap | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | approx 12 hrs | Yes |
| 4000 Islands to Stung Treng | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | 4–5 hrs | Yes |
| 4000 Islands to Phnom Penh | Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | approx 12 hrs | Yes |

## Common questions

### Where exactly is the crossing?

Nongnokkhene in Khong District, Champasak Province, the 4000 Islands district, facing Trapeang Kriel in Stung Treng. Bus companies, blogs and some maps still call it Veun Kham or Dom Kralor. That is the old post, now local traffic only.

### What time does it close?

18:00. The Lao immigration register gives 06:00–18:00, which is earlier than the 20:00 you will see quoted elsewhere. Build in a buffer. You do not want to arrive at 17:45.

### Do I need a visa in advance?

No. Both countries issue visa on arrival here. Cambodia is US$30; the Lao fee depends on nationality, typically around US$40.

### Can I use a Cambodian e-visa here?

Risky. Cambodia's e-visa costs US$30 plus a US$6 handling fee, but fewer than half of Cambodia's land borders accept it. Visa on arrival paid in cash is the safer default at this crossing.

### Will I be asked for unofficial fees?

Probably. This post has a long, well-documented reputation for it: around US$2 for an exit stamp, up to US$5 on the Lao side, a posted US$2 weekend surcharge, and a "+US$5" on top of the Cambodian visa. Bring small USD notes, know the real price, and never hand your passport to anyone away from the official counter.

### Is there an ATM at the border?

No. Facilities are basic. The nearest reliable ATMs are in Stung Treng on the Cambodian side or back in Pakse. Bring enough cash before you set off.

### Does the Thailand–Cambodia border closure affect this crossing?

Not directly, but it makes this crossing far more important. With every Thailand–Cambodia land border shut since 2025, this is now part of the only overland route between Thailand and Cambodia.

## Sources

- [Lao Department of Immigration](https://immigration.gov.la): checkpoint list, opening hours and visa status
- [Cambodia e-Visa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs](https://www.evisa.gov.kh): Cambodian visa fees
- [Travelfish](https://www.travelfish.org/visas/laos): field reports on visa on arrival in practice

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_Written and maintained from Vientiane. The people behind this site have lived in Laos for two decades and cross these borders themselves. Routes and visa rules get rechecked whenever something changes, not on a fixed schedule that lets stale information sit for months._