VientianePakse
The overnight route south, ending near Wat Phou's Khmer ruins and the Bolaven Plateau's coffee country.
Southern Laos · Verified 23 September 2026
Pakse Bus Tickets: Getting There, and the Bolaven Loop
The overnight bus from Vientiane to Pakse takes about 10 hours. Pakse itself is the gateway to Wat Phou, the 4000 Islands and the Bolaven Plateau, and runs on three separate bus stations depending on which way you are headed next.
- Vientiane–Pakse, approx 10 hrs
- 3 bus stations, by direction
- Wat Phou approx 43 km
- 4000 Islands approx 3–4 hrs
Search Vientiane to Pakse routes
How do I actually get to Pakse, and onward from there?
The overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane to Pakse takes about 10 hours, from roughly 613,000 kip. Pakse itself runs on three separate bus stations depending on direction, and is the gateway to Wat Phou, the 4000 Islands and the Bolaven Plateau.
Getting to Pakse
An overnight sleeper bus runs Vientiane to Pakse, about 10 hours, departing from the VIP bus station in town, near the Champasak Shopping Centre.
| Station | Distance | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| VIP station | In town, near the Champasak Shopping Centre | Vientiane, and the Cambodia border at Nongnokkhene |
| Northern Station | approx 10 km out, on Route 13 | Savannakhet, Thakhek, and the Vietnam border at Dansavanh |
| Southern ("Km 8") Station | approx 8 km south, on Route 13 | The Bolaven Plateau towns (Paksong, Saravan) and the 4000 Islands |
Pakse International Airport is about 5 km northwest of town, roughly US$3 to 5 by tuk tuk. Green SM ride-hailing also operates in Pakse, with a fixed fare shown before you book, for any of the three stations or the airport. InDrive does not work anywhere in Laos: it has been blocked since May 2025.
Onward to Wat Phou and Champasak
Wat Phou, the pre-Angkorian Khmer temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits about 43 km south of Pakse near Champasak town, on the opposite bank of the Mekong. Public buses run there from Dao Huang market in Pakse, departing in the morning. Most travellers go by rented motorbike, a day tour booked in Pakse, or a bus to Champasak town followed by a tuk tuk or bicycle for the last stretch.
Onward to the 4000 Islands
The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) are about 150 km south of Pakse. Buses and minivans from the Southern (Km 8) station run to Nakasong, about 3 to 4 hours, followed by a short boat crossing to Don Det or Don Khon.
The Bolaven Plateau: the Pakse Loop
The Bolaven Plateau begins a short distance southeast of Pakse and is best explored by motorbike on the Pakse Loop. The small loop runs about 200 km, a minimum of 2 days, through Tad Lo, Thateng and Paksong. The big loop adds Sekong and Houay Kong, over 300 km and at least 4 days. Waterfalls along the way include Tad Yuang, Tad Fane, Tad Phasouam and Tad Katamtok, and the plateau's coffee plantations line much of the route. Not keen on riding it yourself? Bolaven Tours runs guided motorbike and van trips around the loop.
Common questions
Is there a direct bus from Vientiane?
Yes, an overnight sleeper, about 10 hours, from roughly 613,000 kip, from the VIP station in town.
Which bus station do I need?
VIP station (town) for Vientiane and Cambodia. Northern for Savannakhet, Thakhek and Vietnam. Southern (Km 8) for the Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands.
How far is Wat Phou?
About 43 km south, near Champasak town. Public buses leave Dao Huang market in the morning; otherwise motorbike, tour or bus plus tuk tuk.
How do I reach the 4000 Islands?
About 150 km, 3 to 4 hours by bus or minivan to Nakasong, then a boat across.
What is the Pakse Loop?
A Bolaven Plateau motorbike loop, 200 km minimum (2 days) or 300+ km (4 days) on the bigger version.
Can I use a ride-hailing app in Pakse?
Green SM, fixed fare up front. InDrive is blocked across Laos.
Laos Bus Tickets
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.
Sources for this page
- Lao Department of Immigration: checkpoint list, opening hours and visa status
- Wikivoyage: Pakse: bus station locations, the airport transfer, and distances to Wat Phou and the Bolaven Plateau
- Radio Free Asia: Laos's block on the InDrive ride-hailing app