Trapaeng Kriel – Nong Nok Khiene
The only border crossing between Laos and Cambodia. Located about 50km north of Stung Treng, this crossing connects the popular 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in Laos with northeastern Cambodia.
📍 Location
Laos side: Nong Nok Khiene (Champasak Province)
Cambodia side: Trapaeng Kriel (Stung Treng Province)
🕐 Hours
Open: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Arrive early – processing slows in afternoon
📋 Step-by-Step Crossing Process
- From 4000 Islands: Take morning boat from Don Det/Don Khon to Nakasang (15-30 min)
- To Border: Minivan from Nakasang to Nong Nok Khiene border (1-1.5 hours)
- Laos Exit: Get exit stamp at Laos immigration
- Walk Across: Short walk to Cambodia immigration
- Cambodia Entry: Get visa on arrival ($30) or show e-visa
- To Stung Treng: Continue by minivan/shared taxi (1-1.5 hours)
💵 Typical Costs
- • Boat Don Det → Nakasang: 15,000-20,000 kip ($1-2)
- • Minivan to border: 50,000-80,000 kip ($5-8)
- • Cambodia visa: $30 USD
- • Border to Stung Treng: $5-10
- • Total package: Usually $25-35 + visa
🎫 Package Deals
Most guesthouses on Don Det sell through-tickets to Stung Treng, Kratie, or even Phnom Penh. These packages include all transport and are hassle-free. Prices: Stung Treng $15-20, Kratie $25-30, Phnom Penh $30-40.
Important Notes
Laos Visa on Return
If planning to return to Laos, most nationalities can get a 30-day Laos visa on arrival ($30-42 depending on nationality). Have a passport photo ready. Check your specific country's requirements at the Laos embassy website.
Onward Connections from Stung Treng
- Kratie: 2-3 hours, see Irrawaddy dolphins
- Phnom Penh: 8-9 hours by bus
- Siem Reap: Long journey (10+ hours), consider overnight in Stung Treng
- Ratanakiri: 4-5 hours via Banlung
Arriving in Stung Treng
Stung Treng is a small, quiet town on the Mekong. Most travelers pass through quickly, but it's worth an overnight stop to experience the Ramsar-listed flooded forests and Mekong dolphins.
🛏️ Accommodation
Simple guesthouses $8-15. Stung Treng Lakeside and Riverside Guesthouse are popular. Limited ATMs – bring cash.
🚌 Transport Hub
Bus station near market. Morning buses to Phnom Penh (6am) and Kratie. Book through guesthouse or at station.
🐬 Things to Do
Flooded forest kayaking, Mekong dolphin spotting, Preah Rumkel eco-lodge, and the confluence of Mekong and Sekong rivers.
Pro Tips for This Route
🌅 Leave Early
First boats leave Don Det around 7-8am. This gives you plenty of time at the border and allows connections to Kratie or even Phnom Penh the same day.
💵 Bring USD Cash
Cambodia visa must be paid in USD. ATMs scarce at border. Change any remaining Lao kip before crossing.
📱 Get a SIM Early
Lao SIM won't work in Cambodia. Buy a Cambodian SIM in Stung Treng – Metfone and Cellcard available at phone shops.
⏰ Don't Rush
Consider overnighting in Stung Treng. The flooded forests are unique, and you'll be well-rested for onward travel.
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