kobnoi
longtail driver
Posts: 7

#1 Posted: 20/3/2008 - 22:48


i'm planning to go to southern loas next month. not sure if there are boats running regularly from pakse to champasak.

also, since i plan to stay overnight at champasak before heading south to 4000 islands, is there any boat from champasak to don khon?

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2412
Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 22/3/2008 - 19:36


Last I heard the boats were still running -- on an irregular basis -- ie., most days, but maybe not every day. Same for Champasak to Don Khong -- if there are no boats to suit, it's a straightforward sun by bus between each point.

kobnoi
longtail driver
Posts: 7

#3 Posted: 24/3/2008 - 13:07


thanks for your input, somtom2000

rayc101
motodop
Posts: 22

#4 Posted: 24/3/2008 - 17:56


Dear Somtam
I assume these boats fast boats, not ferries...and approximately how much would I expect to pay for the Champasak-Don Khon leg?

My other question is about the border crossing between Ubon Ratchathani (UR) and Pakse. Any idea what time it closes on weekdays? My flight from BKK arrives in UR at 15:10, and I would like to cross into Laos by bus same day if possible, and spend the night in Pakse before venturing further. Any information would be appreciated.

Regards
Rayc101

regina5
motodop
Posts: 21

#5 Posted: 27/3/2008 - 23:14


Hi
The following information was all found on this website!
You've got 2 options to get to Pakse. Easiest is the International Bus. It departs from the main bus station. A taxi will take you there from the airport for about 3$ However, the last bus leaves at 15.30 (07:00, 09:00, 14:30, 15:30). So you'll probably have to do the slightly more complicated version. Here the info I found on Travelfish:
Chong Mek / Vang Tao
Open 06:00-19:00
From Thailand a regular bus runs from Ubon Ratchathani to the border town of Chong Mek taking 1-1.5 hours. Sometimes you may be required to change buses as Phibun Mangsahan depending on the bus caught. Once deposited at Chong Maek it is a five minute walk through each crossing and regular songtheaws run from Vang Tao to Pakse, taking about one hour.

Seeing that the border is open til 19.00 you should make it to Pakse on the same day. Be sure to verify the opening hours again though.
Good luck!

rayc101
motodop
Posts: 22

#6 Posted: 28/3/2008 - 13:15


Once again, thankyou for your helpful information.
I have purchased the Travelfish guides to Remote S Laos, and the Guide to Pnom Penh, and found them also very helpful.

Cheers
Rayc101