How to Get from Cambodia to Laos? Best & Easy Ways to Go

Laos is just north of Cambodia, and the distance between them is only about 200 km. There are three main ways to get from Cambodia to Laos. Flying is the fastest way from Cambodia to Laos, but has limited direct flights and can be pricier.

For budget travelers, buses and minivans offer an affordable and cultural experience, passing through the countryside and small towns. A more relaxed, scenic way to travel is by taking a Mekong River cruise from Cambodia into Laos, especially near the 4000 Islands area.

Keep reading to discover the easy and best ways to travel from Cambodia to Laos, including tips on buses, flights, and the Mekong River cruise. We’ll help you find the perfect travel style to enjoy this beautiful journey and explore Cambodia and Laos with ease.

Where Is Laos from Cambodia? Location Map & Distance Overview

The location of Laos and Cambodia places them in mainland Southeast Asia, with Cambodia bordered by Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, and Laos to the north. Laos is a landlocked country lying between Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The area where the two countries meet is more remote compared to Cambodia’s other borders with Thailand and Vietnam.

Laos is directly north of Cambodia, and the two countries share a short but important land border. This border lies in northern Cambodia and southern Laos. The main international border crossing for tourists is Dom Kralor (Cambodia) – Veun Kham (Laos). This crossing is located in northeastern Cambodia, near the town of Stung Treng. On the Laos side, it leads into the 4000 Islands area in Champasak Province — a very popular spot for backpackers.

NOTE: Even though the actual border isn’t far, distances between major tourist cities in both countries can be long. These journeys take longer than expected due to poor road conditions and the rural nature of the border region.

Cambodia and Laos are neigboring countries on the map.

Flights from Cambodia to Laos: Limited but Fastest Choice

Flying is by far the quickest way to get from Cambodia to Laos, but it comes with limited options. There are currently no low-cost carriers operating direct, daily flights between most Cambodian and Laotian cities, and many flights require at least one stopover, typically in Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur. However, if you are short on time for your Cambodia and Laos tours or looking for a more comfortable, less physically demanding travel experience, this is your best bet.

The most common direct international routes are Phnom Penh to Vientiane and Siem Reap to Luang Prabang. Laos’s international airports offer visa-on-arrival services, and travelers arriving by air usually report a smooth entry process, but lines can be long during peak periods.

20 Days In-depth Exploration Cambodia and Laos Tour

Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Pakse – Siem Reap – Battambang – Sihanoukvile – Phnom Penh

Bus or Minivan from Cambodia to Laos: Cheapest & Backpacker-Friendly

Buses and minivans from Cambodia to Laos offer an adventurous journey that is also great for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. The long overland routes travel through the countryside with great rural scenes and chances to interact with locals and other like-minded travelers. If you're planning a trip like 2 Weeks in Cambodia and Laos, this kind of travel adds a deeper cultural experience and keeps costs low.

The standard route crosses the Dom Kralor–Veun Kham border and connects places like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Kratie to Laos’s southern hubs like Don Det, Pakse, or even Savannakhet. This path is also a popular part of many Southeast Asia tours that combine Cambodia and Laos.

Buses and minivans are widely available through travel agents and guesthouses in major Cambodian cities. These companies usually offer a combined ticket that includes the bus ride to the border, assistance during the immigration process, and onward travel into Laos.

NOTE:Sleeper buses, daytime minivans, and direct routes are all available. Be prepared for basic conditions, air conditioning might be weak, rest stops can be sparse, and travel delays are common.

Tourists can take buses from Phnom Penh to Pakse.

Mekong River Cruise from Cambodia to Laos via 4000 Islands: A Relaxing Local Experience

Taking a Mekong River cruise from Cambodia to Laos is a peaceful and scenic way to travel. It’s not the fastest option, but it offers a local, slow-paced journey with beautiful views and a real sense of adventure. This route follows the Mekong River near the Dom Kralor–Veun Kham border, close to Laos’s 4000 Islands area (Si Phan Don).

This route requires a combination of bus and cruise travel. Most travelers start by taking a bus from Phnom Penh to Kratie or Stung Treng in Cambodia. From there, you can join a boat trip up the Mekong River towards the border. After arriving near the border, it's just a short transfer into southern Laos, where you can explore the relaxed islands like Don Det or Don Khon by longtail boat.

The best time to enjoy this cruise is during the dry season (November to April) or the early rainy season when water levels are good and the weather is still reliable. This is also the best time to visit Cambodia and Laos.

The dry season is the best time to cruise on Laos Four Thousand Islands.

Best Cambodia Laos Tours Itineraries with Transportation Guide

Budget or comfort, Cambodia and Laos have options for every traveler. For a budget-friendly and cultural trip, go overland through both countries. Start in Phnom Penh to explore the capital’s history, then head to Kratie for river sunsets and a chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins.

Continue to Stung Treng, cross into Laos, and arrive in the relaxed 4000 Islands at Don Det. Spend a few days biking, visiting waterfalls, and enjoying the river life. Then move on to Pakse to see the Bolaven Plateau or Wat Phou, and finish in Vientiane or Luang Prabang by bus or flight.

14 Days Best of Cambodia and Laos Tour

Phnom Penh – Battambang – Siem Reap – Pakse – Vientiane – Luang Prabang

For those who prefer more comfort and less time on the road, a 12-day Cambodia and Laos highlights tour is a perfect choice. This option includes short flights between major cities, so you can spend more time on top places to visit in Cambodia and Laos.

Start in Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake, then fly to Luang Prabang in Laos. There, you’ll visit beautiful temples, Kuang Si Waterfall, and nearby traditional villages. The trip ends in Vientiane, where you can see both the modern and traditional sides of Laos’s capital.

12 Days Highlights of Cambodia and Laos Tour with Beach Relaxing

Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh

Conclusion

Getting from Cambodia to Laos may require a bit of planning, but it’s easier than ever thanks to improved transportation infrastructure and the convenience of visa-on-arrival services. Whether you fly quickly between cities, travel overland through the scenic countryside, or drift slowly up the Mekong by boat, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

The border crossing at Dom Kralor–Veun Kham connects two culturally rich and beautiful countries that are best explored together. With a mix of ancient temples, lush landscapes, and genuine hospitality on both sides, Visiting Cambodia and Laos is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about experiencing Southeast Asia in its raw, scenic, and unforgettable form. Contact us to tailor-make your own Cambodia and Laos tours and get the latest information about travel ways from Cambodia to Laos.