Laos to Cambodia – Land Border Crossing – TREKwithBECK

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Crossing the Laos/Cambodia land border is anything but organised chaos. It took 12 hours to cross from Pakse, Laos to Siem Reap, Cambodia via van transfers. This included time at immigration, multiple van changes and rest stops etc. My group was lucky as we didn’t have to wait long between buses, but I did see another group having to wait over an hour. 

The whole process is time consuming, but rather simple to navigate. You can complete this service yourself, but it’s much easier booking with a company as they will help you get from point A to B. 

Which Company to Choose? 

To my knowledge there is only one van company that offers land crossing over the Laos/Cambodia border and that is AVT – Asia Van Travel. I do believe you can organise a private transfer, however this will cost double or even triple the amount this company is charging. 

You can book a transfer directly through the AVT website or through 12go Asia. I booked through 12go Asia and had no issues with the tickets or transfers. 

Booking this service through the 12go Asia website cost me $47 USD, which included pick up from my hotel in Pakse, transfer across the border and to Siem Reap in Cambodia. It also did include a free tuktuk to my hotel in Siem Reap. 

I changed vans a total of 4 times during the duration of this trip. This consisted of 3 vans and 1 bus, as our group was so big. The vans on the Laos border were very clean and transport was very organised. We did have to change vans at 15mins from the Laos border, but this wasn’t an issue. These vans had good aircon and comfortable seats – they also didn’t pile passengers in, like some companies in Laos. 

The third van on the Cambodia side was not as comfortable. With some awkward face to face seating and horrible air-conditioning, we were happy we were in this van only for an hour.  This van was older and run down but was fine for an hour of travel! 

The last form of transport was a bus, which was very comfortable and had very good air-conditioning. As for the driving – I found it very safe and comfortable, but I am used to South East Asia driving. 

Getting to the Border 

There are 3 ways you can get to the Laos/Cambodia land border. From Pakse, Don Det/4000 islands or by yourself. 

If you are travelling from Pakse or Don Det/4000 Islands in Laos, AVT will pick you up from your hotel at either of these destinations and take you to the border. I was travelling from Pakse, so I was picked up right out the front of my hotel. 

AVT will also pick you up from the Cambodia side of the border if you choose to find your own transport to the Laos border. 

Crossing the Border

You will be dropped off at the Laos border and must go through immigration to get your departure stamp – this only took about 10mins total. You will have to pay $2 USD to leave the country. I do believe this is a scam but it’s not a lot of money and I couldn’t be bothered arguing. You can pay this in USD or KIP (50,000 Kip). You also must make sure you have the departure form that you received when entering Laos. 

*TIP – Lao money isn’t worth anything once you leave the country, so make sure you use or exchange it before crossing the border. * 

Once you’ve passed Lao immigration, you will have to walk about 300m to the Cambodia side, here you will need to pay for your visa and go through the immigration process. This whole process took about 20mins. You will need to fill out two of the same form, one for your visa and one for your stamp. A Cambodia visa costs $38 USD and must be paid with new USD bills/no crinkles or tears). 

After the Cambodia Immigration, you will walk another 300m or so to a shop front outside the border, where you will change your online ticket to a paper ticket and board your minivan. You can be waiting here for an hour or so, if there isn’t enough passengers to fill up the van. 

You will then start the long drive to Siem Reap, with 1 break stop. I recommend lots of snacks and limiting your water, as there weren’t many bathroom breaks.

Important Notes

  • Book your transport in advance, these buses and minivans tend to sell out very quickly.
  • Make sure to have $38 USD in new notes for your 30 day Cambodia Visa.
  • Keep 50,000 Kip for your exit stamp, exchange the rest or use it in Laos
  • Don’t expect super fancy vans, they all should come with AC, but you may have one on the slightly older side
  • You may be waiting a few hours for the buses, you are running on Laos and Cambodia time!
  • Most of the companies only allow 20kg of luggage and 1 bag per person, you may be charged extra if you have more baggage.