THE SHORT VERSION
Vientiane to Don Det at a glance.
- From
- Vientiane ວຽງຈັນ
- To
- Don Det ດອນເດດ
- Straight line
- 567 km
- Return route
- Don Det to Vientiane →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and has several bus terminals, each serving a different direction. International buses to Vietnam leave from the Southern Bus Terminal.
- Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao)
City buses, plus buses to the Thai border and some regional routes. - Southern Bus Terminal
About 10 km from the centre. Routes south and many international buses to Vietnam. - Northern Bus Terminal
About 9 km from the centre. Routes north, such as Luang Prabang.
Arriving in Don Det
Check whether the boat is included in your ticket. Small boats run on demand.
- Ban Nakasang boat landing
Minivans and buses stop here; small boats cross to Don Det.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Book through-tickets from Cambodia to avoid paying extra at the border.
KEEP GOING
From Don Det, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Don Det
More buses from Vientiane
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Vientiane to Don Det take?+
Journey times depend on the service and any boat connection. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Vientiane?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Vientiane include Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao), Southern Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Don Det to Vientiane?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Don Det to Vientiane guide.
Where does the bus from Vientiane arrive in Don Det?+
It depends on the operator. In Don Det, services use Ban Nakasang boat landing. Check whether the boat is included in your ticket. Small boats run on demand.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Don Det?+
Check whether the boat is included in your ticket. Small boats run on demand.
What kind of bus runs from Vientiane to Don Det?+
Tickets to Don Det usually combine a bus or van with a boat. The vehicle type, seat style and boat connection are shown for each departure on 12Go.
Can I book the Vientiane to Don Det bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Don Det by bus?+
Direct buses from Don Det include Bangkok, Kratie, Pakse, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and more. See all connections on our Don Det bus page.
Does the trip to Don Det include a ferry?+
Yes, Don Det is an island, so the journey includes a boat crossing. Check whether your ticket covers the boat and the transfer from the pier, and allow for weather delays.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Vientiane to Don Det bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Vientiane (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Don Det (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →