Travel from Pakse Pakxong to Kon Tum Vietnam

Travel from Pakse Pakxong to Kon Tum Vietnam with mr.hotsia

If you ask me, mr.hotsia, how easy it is to cross the border from Laos to Vietnam nowadays, the answer is "surprisingly easy." Especially the route from Pakse and Pakxong to Kon Tum province in Central Vietnam, which I recently had the chance to experience.

This route is served by several Vietnamese transport companies operating buses from Pakse, passing through Pakxong, Thateng, Sekong, Attapeu, before crossing the border at the Nakeo checkpoint on the Laos side and Bo-Y checkpoint on the Vietnam side. Then the bus runs straight through Ngoc Hoi town to Kon Tum province and ends at Gia Lai city without the hassle of changing buses. I chose to use Mailinh, a Vietnamese-Thai transport company, which offers direct buses from Pakxong to Kon Tum. It's convenient and straightforward.

On the bus, there is an authentic Vietnamese lunch service served on a large table. I remember there was so much food that I could hardly finish it, and the flavors were rich and suited my Thai palate perfectly. The fare from Pakxong to Kon Tum is about 400 baht, which is very reasonable considering the distance and comfort.

During my trip to Kon Tum, in the evening on the bus, I was the only Thai passenger; most others were Vietnamese, and there was one foreigner. Upon arrival, the two of us explored accommodation options together based on recommendations from the Lonely Planet guidebook. I recommend the lodging around the central market area, about 4 kilometers from the bus station (on the way back, I took a motorbike taxi for just 30 baht). The air-conditioned rooms are cool and cost only 240 baht per night, making it a great value option for travelers who prioritize budget and comfort.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere of Kon Tum City

Kon Tum is a small city that was once a French colonial administrative area, which is why you can see old colonial-style wooden churches throughout. Walking around this city, you will feel the peaceful and simple rural Vietnamese life that remains largely untouched. I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to visit the morning market in Kon Tum, and if you want more details, I have written about it in an article.Kon Tum Morning Marketwhich describes the atmosphere and interesting features of the market in detail.

Food here is another charm not to be missed. I tried many authentic Vietnamese dishes at the market and local restaurants in Kon Tum, which were surprisingly cheap. The flavors were bold but not too spicy, perfect for tourists wanting to practice Vietnamese and learn about the culture through food. For those interested in Vietnamese cuisine in Kon Tum, I recommend reading my articleVietnamese Foodwhich I wrote to help you understand how to order food and basic vocabulary commonly used when ordering there.

Traveling in Kon Tum and the Bus Station

The interprovincial bus station in Kon Tum is not far from the accommodation zone, about 4 kilometers away. I usually use motorbike taxis costing only 30 baht, or for more convenience, you can call a Minh Linh taxi through your hotel, which I often use and have never been overcharged. For travel information from Kon Tum to other Vietnamese provinces such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, or even Ho Chi Minh City, I have written articlesKon Tum Interprovincial Bus StationandKon Tum Bus Stationto help you plan your trip with peace of mind.

Thoughts and Hopes for the Future of This Route

For me, mr.hotsia, this route is an important bridge connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Besides making it easier for Thais to travel to Vietnam, it also offers a genuine glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the Vietnamese people in this area. However, I still hope that someday there will be more direct bus services from Thailand to Vietnam, such as routes from Ubon Ratchathani to Kon Tum or Ubon to Gia Lai, as well as routes from Bangkok to major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, to facilitate tourists and those interested in international business connections.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, especially Kon Tum, I recommend using this route and experiencing what I, mr.hotsia, have shared. I guarantee you will see a new perspective of Central Vietnam that is different from other places.

Recommended Video: Vietnamese Food in Kon Tum

Before concluding, I want to recommend a Vietnamese food video from a YouTube channel I follow. It will help you visualize the authentic Vietnamese food atmosphere I experienced in this city.

• Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid– The fragrant grilled squid flavor you must not miss
• Vietnamese Chicken Biryani– A fragrant rice dish perfect for any meal
• Vietnamese Nem Fang– A local spicy delicacy you have to try