Hi,
I will be flying down to Pakse in a few days. Since I am a bit limited in time I am thinking of hiring a car with driver to go from there to both Wat Phu Champassak and Don Khong, then back to Pakse (4 days trip). Does anybody know how much that would cost per day/ total? Can you recommend a reliable driver? What would be a good place to "shop around" for one?
Alternatively are there tour operators (besides explore-asia whose prices I find a bit dear) that would arrange or offer a trip like that?
thanks in advance!
indra1905
2
solohobo
You could hire a driver but no need.
In Pakse you can catch a daily shuttle next to the Lankham Hotel, I think Green Discovery operates it, it departs around 8:30 am every morning. It goes to Don Det, but will drop people for the ruins connection (boat) or Don Khong (boat). It cost about $6. It about 2 hours or more from Pakse to don Det, it then head on the return about 12, need to ask, and will stop at all points as well, as long as you let them know.
I took the shuttle from Pakse to Don Khong, then a boat across river to the town. Mr Pons can arrange private or shared tours down the river to don Det, and also a van service to the Waterfalls and also the rare Dolphin tour on Cambodia border, this is a day trip excursion, we left on a boat from Mr Pons at 8am, and were at waterfalls for lunch, and back via road.van to Don Khong about 5pm, we then caught a boat back across river to Don Khong.
The Sala Auberge on Don Khong is very nice, all teak rooms, great chef and menu, and you rent a bike or moto to explore the sleepy island. I spend New Years there. Don Det is a prettier island, but more crowded catering to backpackers and also great for a small bungelow on the river and chill out, no electric I am aware of, but things are changing there....there is electric on DK.
When we caught the shuttle back to Pakse, we dropped a couple for the ruins at Chamapassak, about a 15 minute detour on the route to Pakse to drop them.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner