Most tourists choose to fly from Cambodia to Laos. Air travel is the fastest and most convenient option, and you can also take advantage of the Laos electronic Visa.
The electronic visa for Laos is the only way to obtain the entry permit fully online in advance, with no need to visit an embassy or consulate. By applying for the Laos electronic Visa, you can also avoid waiting in line for a Laos visa on arrival.
Nevertheless, entering Laos over the land border may be a suitable option if you find yourself in certain areas of Cambodia. If you wish to enter Laos by land, you can find information below about:
- Getting to the Nong Nok Khiene - Tropaeng Kreal crossing point
- Crossing the border from Cambodia into Laos
- Obtaining a Laos visa on arrival at the border
No matter your route, we advise you to check all the latest entry requirements for Laos before beginning your journey to a Laos-Cambodia border crossing.
How to Get from Cambodia to Laos
The Cambodian province of Stung Treng borders the 4,000 Islands area of southern Laos. If you use the Cambodia-Laos border crossing, you can take the opportunity to visit this peaceful and beautiful area of the country.
There is only one Laos-Cambodia official crossing point. This land border crossing is called Nong Nok Khiene on the Laos side and Tropaeng Kreal on the Cambodia side.
If departing from the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, you can take the following steps to reach Laos using the land border.
Take a bus from Phnom Penh to Stung Treng
There are daily buses from Phnom Penh to Stung Treng City. This is 5 km south of the border with Laos.
Stung Treng is 376 km from the Cambodian capital. The journey takes in the region of 6 hours. It costs around 11 USD.
Cross the border at Dom Kralor
From Stung Treng, you will need to travel to the border at Dom Kralor by minibus. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours.
You will need to receive a stamp to get out of Cambodia. You should then make your way to Laotian immigration control.
Onwards travel to Don Det island
Once across the border, you can take a minibus (or another form of transportation) that runs from Veun Kham to Ban Nakasang.
From here, most tourists take a boat to Don Det, an island in the 4,000 islands archipelago known for its natural beauty. Most backpackers opt to stay in Don Det where they can enjoy exploring the island by bike and take a river cruise.
The nearby island of Don Kohn is also worth visiting. Don Kohn has a more local feel with several restaurants serving typical Laotian cuisine. Somphamit Falls is another highlight.
Can I Get a Laos VOA at the Laos-Cambodia Border?
Electronic visas are only accepted at certain land borders between Laos and Thailand. At the moment, traveling from Cambodia to Laos with an eVisa is not possible via the land border.
Instead, overseas visitors who wish to use the land Dong Kralo (Stung Treng) Tropaeng Kreal Border Post (Stung Treng) have 2 options:
- Apply for an embassy visa in advance
- Get a visa on arrival at the Laos-Cambodia border
If you arrange your visa in advance, you will be asked to show the visa together with your valid passport to border officials. Additional documentation could be requested depending on the specific circumstances.
How to get a Laos visa on arrival from Cambodia
If you reach the border without a pre-arranged visa, you need to join the queue for a Laos visa on arrival. We strongly advise you to refuse help from locals offering assistance with the application process, as they will charge a fee.
Laotian border officials will check your passport and collect the visa on arrival fee, before issuing the visa. The visa must be paid for in cash. It is likely that you will be asked to pay an additional ‘processing fee’.
