Traveling around 240 km south along Route 13, heading from Savannakhet to Pakse is a core overland route for backpackers exploring southern Laos. Whilst you can choose between a large local bus and a shared minivan, we opted for the minivan for its faster travel time and smoother journey. In this independent guide, we share our first-hand experience catching the morning minivan—from buying assigned-seat tickets at the terminal to surviving the bumpy but efficient 4-hour ride. We have also included current information on local bus fares, recent price adjustments due to inflation, and what to expect upon arrival.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: サワンナケートからパクセーへのバス移動ガイド｜料金・時刻表・乗り場
Quick Summary: Savannakhet to Pakse by Bus
- Distance: Approx. 240 km south along Route 13.
- Our Choice: Shared Minivan (clean, efficient, and highly recommended over the slow local bus).
- Journey Time: Exactly 4 hours by minivan (expect 5–7 hours if taking the large local bus).
- Departure Time: 08:00 AM (mornings offer the best frequency between 06:00 AM and 11:00 AM).
- Estimated Fare: Around 250,000 LAK for a minivan (prices have risen due to local inflation).
- Arrival Station: Central Pakse terminal, located just south of Wat Luang (easy walking distance to most guesthouses).
Choosing Your Transport: Local Bus vs. Minivan
Both options depart from the main Savannakhet Bus Station, but they offer completely different travel experiences:
- Large Local Bus: Usually slightly cheaper, but these buses function as the local lifeline. They stop frequently to pick up and drop off passengers, roadside market sellers, and heavy cargo, which significantly adds to your total travel time.
- Shared Minivan / Minibus: Slightly higher ticket price, but much faster as they make fewer stops. The vehicles are generally newer and offer a more direct route to Pakse, making them our preferred choice.
Estimated Bus Fares (2026 Market Rates)
Due to the recent depreciation of the Lao Kip (LAK) and local inflation, transport prices have significantly risen compared to older guidebooks. Here is what you can expect to pay at the ticket counter:
- Local Bus (Non-AC / Frequent Stops): 150,000 – 180,000 LAK
- VIP / Express Bus (Large AC Coach): 220,000 – 250,000 LAK
- Shared Minivan (Fastest Option): Around 250,000 LAK
Minivan Timetable from Savannakhet to Pakse
Minivans running south to Pakse predominantly operate during the morning hours. While local schedules can be fluid, the general morning departures are as follows:
- 06:00 AM / 06:30 AM
- 08:00 AM (The service we personally took)
- 09:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
Pro Tip: Mornings (between 08:00 AM and 10:00 AM) offer the highest frequency of departures. Services can become extremely crowded during weekends or local public holidays (such as Lao New Year / Pi Mai), so arriving early is highly recommended.
How to Book Your Tickets at Savannakhet Bus Station
We aimed for the 08:00 AM departure, so we left our guesthouse early and arrived at Savannakhet Bus Station just after 07:00 AM.
The process is very straightforward: you purchase your ticket directly at the official station ticket counter. Once you pay, you will receive a physical paper ticket with your assigned seat number written on it.
After showing our tickets to the driver to confirm our seats, we had plenty of time to leave the terminal briefly and sit down for a quick noodle soup breakfast nearby before the sharp 08:00 AM departure.
On the Road: The Journey and Ride Comfort
Our minivan was modern, clean, and the air conditioning functioned well. Route 13 heading south is completely paved, allowing for a relatively smooth and efficient journey.
Aside from a few brief stops to pick up local commuters and a quick toilet break, the driver kept a steady pace. However, do bear in mind that despite the paved highway, you will still experience a fair amount of swaying and bumps inside a smaller vehicle. Along the way, local vendors occasionally approach the windows at major junction stops, offering grilled snacks and fresh fruit.
Useful Information for Your Laos Trip:
Visa Extension Guide: ➡ Laos Visa Extension Guide: Oudomxay vs Luang Namtha Costs, Rules, and 23-Hour Fast-Track Success
Border Crossing Guide:
➡ Hue to Savannakhet Border Guide via Lao Bao Border: Crossing from Vietnam to Laos
➡ Paksan to Bueng Kan Border Crossing (Laos – Thai) Mekong River by Boat
Arriving in Pakse: Total Journey Time
We departed Savannakhet precisely at 08:00 AM and pulled into Pakse at 12:00 PM on the dot, making our total travel time exactly 4 hours.
While our minivan ride was incredibly efficient, please note that if you opt for the large local bus, the journey can easily stretch to 5 to 7 hours due to the heavy cargo loading.
Arrival Station: The minivan drops you off at the central bus terminal located just south of Wat Luang, right in the heart of Pakse town. This central location makes it incredibly easy to walk straight to your guesthouse or instantly grab an independent tuk-tuk to explore the town!
What to Do in Pakse?
➡ Wat Phou Travel Guide – Day Trip from Pakse: A Complete Motorbike Guide
➡ Bolaven Plateau Loop by Motorbike from Pakse: A Complete 2-Day Itinerary
Our Handpicked Must-Visit Spots:
Based on our own journeys, here are the absolute best places in Laos that captured our hearts.
➡ Luang Prabang Travel Guide: 3-Day Temple Walking Route, Chompet Ferry & Local Night Markets
➡ Wat Phou Travel Guide – Day Trip from Pakse: A Complete Motorbike Guide
➡ The Plain of Jars Travel Guide from Phonsavan: A Complete Sightseeing & Motorbike Survival Tips
➡ Nong Khiaw Travel Guide: Hiking Pha Daeng Peak, Local Eats & Slow Travel Tips
➡ Muang Ngoy Travel Guide: Ultimate Travel Guide to Laos’ Hidden Riverside Village
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