Updated October 18, 2026
Bus terminals in Pakse
- Southern Bus Terminal (Lak 8) — for Champasak town / Ban Muang, Nakasang (4,000 Islands) and Attapeu.
- Northern Bus Terminal (Lak 7) — for Savannakhet, Vientiane and Salavan.
- VIP bus station near Daoheuang market — VIP sleepers and many tourist vans.
- Both main terminals are outside town, 20–30 minutes by tuk-tuk.
Popular routes (sample)
| Destination | How | Sample price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champasak town / Wat Phou | Songthaew from Lak 8 or van | 30,000–50,000 LAK/person | 1–1.5 h |
| Nakasang (for Don Det) | Combined van + boat ticket | 120,000–180,000 LAK/person | 3–3.5 h |
| Paksong (Bolaven) | Songthaew / local bus | 30,000–50,000 LAK/person | 1.5–2 h |
| Tad Fane / Tad Yeung falls | Return taxi charter | 500,000–800,000 LAK/car | half to full day |
Boats
- Nakasang → Don Det / Don Khon — scheduled longtails until late afternoon.
- Ban Hat Xai Khoun → Don Khong — a short ferry hop.
- Ban Muang ↔ the Champasak bank — a Mekong car and motorbike ferry.
Motorbike rental
- Plenty of rental shops in Pakse; sample price 120,000–250,000 LAK per day (automatic scooters / dirt bikes).
- The Bolaven Loop (Pakse – Paksong – Tha Teng – Sekong / Tad Lo) takes 2–4 days.
- You need a valid licence and a helmet, and should check the bike before you take it. Avoid leaving your passport as a deposit — offer a cash deposit instead if you can.
On the islands
Don Det and Don Khon have few cars. Walking or renting a bicycle (sample 10,000–20,000 LAK per day) is easiest.
Tips
- Most public transport leaves in the morning — plan to travel before noon.
- Use this site's Fare Calculator and Driver Card to agree on a price.
Prices and times are sample data — please verify with local operators.