Southern Laos along the Mekong to Angkor

Travel overland from Pakse through the 4,000 Islands into Cambodia, passing Kratie and Kampong Thom to Siem Reap.

This is a common overland route connecting Southern Laos with Cambodia: start with Wat Phou and the 4,000 Islands, cross the border at Nong Nokkhian, visit Kratie for river dolphins, stop at Kampong Thom for Sambor Prei Kuk, and finish at Angkor. It connects the historical timeline of ancient Khmer ruins. It involves multiple transfers and basic facilities, making it ideal for backpackers. Phnom Penh is not on this route, and overland travel via Thailand is no longer feasible.

Nov–Feb is the most comfortable period. During the wet season, the 4,000 Islands have high water levels and the Khone Phapheng Falls are spectacular.

Day by day

Day 1 · Pakse to Champasak Ancient Town

Pakse & Champasak（Vat Phou、Hong Nang Sida、Champasak Town）

Take a car or charter a vehicle from Pakse to Champasak (about 1 hour), and visit Wat Phou in the afternoon.

Stay: Champasak Town

Day 2 · South to the 4,000 Islands

Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)（Ban Nakasang、Don Khon、Don Det–Don Khon Railway Bridge）

Take a minibus to Nakasong in the morning (about 2.5 hours), then take a boat to Don Khon (about 30 minutes).

Stay: Don Khon

Day 3 · Waterfalls & Island Cycling

Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)（Li Phi Falls (Tat Somphamit)、Old Steam Locomotive of Don Khon、Irrawaddy Dolphin Pool (Hang Khon)）

Cycle or walk around the island, covering about 15 km. Boat trips for dolphin watching are scheduled separately.

Stay: Don Khon

Day 4 · Overland into Cambodia to Kratie

Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)（Khone Phapheng Falls） → Kratie（Kratie Riverfront）

Take an early boat back to Nakasong, cross the border by minibus, and travel via Stung Treng to Kratie (about 7 hours total).

It is best to arrive at the border before 10:00 AM. Confirm visa policies before departing.

Stay: Kratie Riverfront

Day 5 · Dolphins & Koh Trong

Kratie（Kampi Dolphin Pool、Koh Trong Island）

Charter a tuk-tuk to Kampi in the morning (about 30 minutes), and take a ferry to Koh Trong in the afternoon to cycle around the island.

Stay: Koh Trong

Day 6 · Across the Heartland to Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom & Sambor Prei Kuk（Santuk Silk Farm、Stung Sen Riverside）

Take a chartered car or transfer by minibus via Kampong Cham to Kampong Thom (about 5 hours). Public transport requires transfers.

Stay: Kampong Thom Town

Day 7 · Ancient Brick Capital to Siem Reap

Kampong Thom & Sambor Prei Kuk（Sambor Prei Kuk (North Group / Prasat Sambor)、Prasat Tao (Lion Temple, Central Group)、Spean Praptos (Kampong Kdei Bridge)）

Charter a car to the ruins in the early morning (about 40 minutes), and continue to Siem Reap in the afternoon (about 3 hours).

Stay: Pub Street & Old Market

Day 8 · Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom

Siem Reap（Angkor Wat、Bayon Temple / Angkor Thom、Ta Prohm、Banteay Kdei & Srah Srang）

Charter a tuk-tuk for a full-day tour. Depart early for the sunrise, and return to the city in the afternoon to escape the heat.

Stay: Pub Street & Old Market

Day 9 · Banteay Srei & Grand Circuit

Siem Reap（Banteay Srei、Preah Khan、Pre Rup）

Charter a car to Banteay Srei in the morning (about 1 hour), and visit the eastern temples of the Grand Circuit on the way back.

Stay: Pub Street & Old Market

Day 10 · Museum & Departure

Siem Reap（Angkor National Museum）

Explore the city in the morning, and take a car to the airport in the afternoon (about 1 hour).

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