Cannot take bikes to Lao at Mukdahan!!

[finzean100]

Have just been to Mukdhan.I was sent from the Bridge to the Customs office near the ferry.People at bridge were pleasant and sent me to Cutoms they insisted there was no way I was allowed to take my bike into Lao from Mukdahan!! Mr Kictchai and his side kick gave the distinct impression of being anti Falang.I did not loose my temper and shook hands on departure.Am now in Nakhon Phanom and will try here in the Morning.Only thing is I beleive Visa on arrival at Tha Kek can be a problem and I really do not want to go all the way to the Lao Embassy i Koen Kaen!!! After being invited to give a bribe at immigration the other day I am more than a little sceptical of Thai oficialdom!!Any advice for a knakered biker?

 

[DavidFL]

finzean100 wrote: Any advice for a knakered biker?

I think you missed these on GT Rider
1. https://www.gt-rider.com/touring-informa ... sing-notes

2.

https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/laos-friendship-bridge-no-entry-t1203-125.html#p53086
Re: Laos Friendship Bridge No Entry
by Davidfl » 24 Nov 2010 19:33

I think that a few guys have succeeded in riding in at the bridge this year.
BUT according to the boss & Miss Khampean in Room # 6 it is still officially no.

The Friendship Bridge at Savannakhet / Mukdahan is still a definite no. no.

If the Nong Khai Friendship Bridge does not work then use Bun Khan / Pakxan downstream from Nong Khai.
This works on regular working days Monday - Friday.
Note that Visa On Arrival may still not be available at Pakxan, but my guess it is is now; however one one tested the waters there of late.

Another option is the Tha Li / Kenthao land crossing , with a small bridge over the Nam Heung River.
Backdoorphil entered Laos here recently & got avisa on arrival, plus a temporary motorcycle import at the border.

3.

https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/lao-border-crossings-t8883.html#p53093
Re: Lao Border Crossings
Postby Davidfl » 22 Nov 2010 15:34
The bridge & land border crossings are open 7 days a week.
These 3 crossings where you have to use a ferry are
1. Chiang Khong / Houei Xai
2. Bun Khan / Pakxan
3. Nakhon Phanom / Tha Kaek

Land border crossings are
1. Tha Li / Kenthao
2. Chong Mek / Vang Tao

Bridge crossings are
1. Nong Khai / Friendship Bridge
2. Mukdahan / Savannakhet
& normally you cannot enter Laos on a motorbike across the bridge, although some guys have had success at Nong Khai recently.
Savannakhet is tough, & often NO EXIT as well.

BDP recently crossed & entered Laos at Tha Li / Kenthao.

2 posts in the last 10 days saying Mukdahan / Savannakhet is a definite NO ENTRY / is TOUGH, & often no exit as well.
Nakhon Phanom / Tha Khaek should work no trouble. Laos Visa on Arrival is available there.
Enjoy your trip & please keep us informed how you go with a nice little trip report.

 

[finzean100]

After yestrays frustrations I turned up bright and early at the Customs In nakhon Phanom(wrong one first there are 2) Only to be told that it is a holday in Lao!! I asked if it was possible to do the paperwork Today , but they were not keen on this!! I showed my green book and copies to the Guy and he said come back tomorrow!!I am beginning to get a bad feeling about this escapade,but have taken room for tonight.While I am sure Nhakon Phanom is a nice town I find the prospect of spending a further24 hours here singularly uninviting!! Should have gone to Koh Chang at least they let you on the ferry!!