THE SHORT VERSION
Don Det to Vang Vieng at a glance.
- From
- Don Det ດອນເດດ
- To
- Vang Vieng ວັງວຽງ
- Straight line
- 663 km
- Return route
- Vang Vieng to Don Det →
Ready to travel from Don Det to Vang Vieng?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Don Det
Don Det is one of the 4,000 Islands in the Mekong in far southern Laos. Bus tickets to Don Det combine a bus or minivan to Ban Nakasang with a short boat ride to the island.
- Ban Nakasang boat landing
Minivans and buses stop here; small boats cross to Don Det.
Arriving in Vang Vieng
Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
- Vang Vieng bus stops
Tourist buses and minivans; most tickets include a guesthouse pickup.

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.
- The road north to Luang Prabang is mountainous. Larger buses can be easier if you're prone to motion sickness.
KEEP GOING
From Vang Vieng, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Vang Vieng
More buses from Don Det
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Don Det to Vang Vieng 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 Don Det?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Don Det include Ban Nakasang boat landing, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Vang Vieng to Don Det?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Vang Vieng to Don Det guide.
Where does the bus from Don Det arrive in Vang Vieng?+
It depends on the operator. In Vang Vieng, services use Vang Vieng bus stops. Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Vang Vieng?+
Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
What kind of vehicle runs from Don Det to Vang Vieng?+
Tickets to Vang Vieng 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 Don Det to Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng by bus?+
Direct buses from Vang Vieng include Vientiane, Nong Khai, Luang Prabang, Udon Thani, Thakhek and more. See all connections on our Vang Vieng bus page.
Does the trip to Vang Vieng include a ferry?+
Yes, Vang Vieng 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.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Don Det → Vang Vieng on 12GoFOLLOW 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: Don Det to Vang Vieng bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Don Det (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Vang Vieng (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →