Houei Xai - Chiang Khong Friendship Bridge Start
- Thread starter DavidFL
- Start date
UPDATE 2 April 2013
On the bridge on the Thai side looking towards Laos
Looking back towards Thailand & the bridge entry
the building infrastructure on the Thai side
some progress.
Talking to the Customs guys over a few ales at night, they say that in 2 months the trucks only will be allowed to use the bridge.
Cars (& bikes?) will come later.
For bikes they say they don't know what the Lao policy on motorbike entry will be.
On the bridge on the Thai side looking towards Laos
Looking back towards Thailand & the bridge entry
the building infrastructure on the Thai side
some progress.
Talking to the Customs guys over a few ales at night, they say that in 2 months the trucks only will be allowed to use the bridge.
Cars (& bikes?) will come later.
For bikes they say they don't know what the Lao policy on motorbike entry will be.
Update 26th August 2013.
Still plodding along slowly
sealing the concrete & obviously no rush.
The Thai admin buildings - still a work in progress
again no rush - so few workers?
The view of the Thai admin buildings,
looking east towards Laos & the bridge in the behind.
When's it going to open now- "end of the year maybe" said the workers.
12.12.12 was the official soft opening a year ago, so what about 12.12.13 for a real opening? But I wouldn't bet on it.
Still plodding along slowly
sealing the concrete & obviously no rush.
The Thai admin buildings - still a work in progress
again no rush - so few workers?
The view of the Thai admin buildings,
looking east towards Laos & the bridge in the behind.
When's it going to open now- "end of the year maybe" said the workers.
12.12.12 was the official soft opening a year ago, so what about 12.12.13 for a real opening? But I wouldn't bet on it.
Update 26th August 2013.
Still plodding along slowly
sealing the concrete & obviously no rush.
The Thai admin buildings - still a work in progress
again no rush - so few workers?
The view of the Thai admin buildings,
looking east towards Laos & the bridge in the behind.
When's it going to open now- "end of the year maybe" said the workers.
12.12.12 was the official soft opening a year ago, so what about 12.12.13 for a real opening? But I wouldn't bet on it.
Still plodding along slowly
sealing the concrete & obviously no rush.
The Thai admin buildings - still a work in progress
again no rush - so few workers?
The view of the Thai admin buildings,
looking east towards Laos & the bridge in the behind.
When's it going to open now- "end of the year maybe" said the workers.
12.12.12 was the official soft opening a year ago, so what about 12.12.13 for a real opening? But I wouldn't bet on it.
The bridge should be officially open on 11 December according contacts on the Thai & Lao side.
And unfortunately at the start it looks like NO motorbikes on the bridge will be the official policy.
How long this lasts is anyone's guess. The proposed solution to NO motorbikes on the bridge is to truck your bike(s) over. The fee for this is still unkown.
More later.
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And unfortunately at the start it looks like NO motorbikes on the bridge will be the official policy.
How long this lasts is anyone's guess. The proposed solution to NO motorbikes on the bridge is to truck your bike(s) over. The fee for this is still unkown.
More later.
Power On. sent from Sony Xperia AcroS
On the Lao side at the end of the month November they say they will be installing the furniture & computers + staff training. The imigration police I spoke to say they dont know about motorbikes yet. I guess we won't really know until the time comes.
.
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.
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Whats the latest update?
Will cars be able to use the bridge
Will the ferry still run for motorcycles?
Thanks
Will cars be able to use the bridge
Will the ferry still run for motorcycles?
Thanks
Exiting Laos at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane a few days ago I popped into to see Ms Khampean, the bridge director's secretary.
Khampean says that officially the bridges are all open to motorbikes, however some provinces may have their own policy.
She acknowledges that Tha Khek may be a problem at times.
For Houei Xai / Bo Keo, she says they will decide themselves but there is no directive from Vte for motorcycles not to be allowed to use the bridge.
When the 2nd bridge opened at Savannakhet, the bridge staff there were trained in Vte at the bridge & some staff from Vte went to help at the Savannakhet bridge when it first opened.
I think at this time there was a no bikes policy at the Vte Friendship bridge, so that was the policy at Savannakhet; however since then the policy has changed & motorbikes can enter into Laos across the Friendship bridges.
The provinces set their own policy, & that may be different to Vientiane.
At Savannakhet you can get in most of the time now. Tha Khek is generally negative.
Bo Keo / Houei Xai will decide for themselves in the coming 2 weeks.
Lets keep our fingers crossed.
But if it is negative, then all you need do is "truck" your bike across the bridge.
Good luck everybody.
Khampean says that officially the bridges are all open to motorbikes, however some provinces may have their own policy.
She acknowledges that Tha Khek may be a problem at times.
For Houei Xai / Bo Keo, she says they will decide themselves but there is no directive from Vte for motorcycles not to be allowed to use the bridge.
When the 2nd bridge opened at Savannakhet, the bridge staff there were trained in Vte at the bridge & some staff from Vte went to help at the Savannakhet bridge when it first opened.
I think at this time there was a no bikes policy at the Vte Friendship bridge, so that was the policy at Savannakhet; however since then the policy has changed & motorbikes can enter into Laos across the Friendship bridges.
The provinces set their own policy, & that may be different to Vientiane.
At Savannakhet you can get in most of the time now. Tha Khek is generally negative.
Bo Keo / Houei Xai will decide for themselves in the coming 2 weeks.
Lets keep our fingers crossed.
But if it is negative, then all you need do is "truck" your bike across the bridge.
Good luck everybody.
Good to know the facts on how the 'policy' is applied.Davidfl;294860 wrote: Exiting Laos at the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane a few days ago I popped into to see Ms Khampean, the bridge director's secretary.
Khampean says that officially the bridges are all open to motorbikes, however some provinces may have their own policy.
She acknowledges that Tha Khek may be a problem at times.
For Houei Xai / Bo Keo, she says they will decide themselves but there is no directive from Vte for motorcycles not to be allowed to use the bridge.
When the 2nd bridge opened at Savannakhet, the bridge staff there were trained in Vte at the bridge & some staff from Vte went to help at the Savannakhet bridge when it first opened.
I think at this time there was a no bikes policy at the Vte Friendship bridge, so that was the policy at Savannakhet; however since then the policy has changed & motorbikes can enter into Laos across the Friendship bridges.
The provinces set their own policy, & that may be different to Vientiane.
At Savannakhet you can get in most of the time now. Tha Khek is generally negative.
Bo Keo / Houei Xai will decide for themselves in the coming 2 weeks.
Lets keep our fingers crossed.
But if it is negative, then all you need do is "truck" your bike across the bridge.
Good luck everybody.
Really does seem we are at the mercy of the authorities in each location.
Cheers
Brian
2013-1206 - Bernama - Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Opening On Dec 11
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=998968
Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Opening On Dec 11
CHIANG RAI, THAILAND, Dec 6 (Bernama) - The Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Chiang Khong district of Thailand's northern Chiang Rai Province with Laos' Bokeo Province capital Huay Xai will open for cross-border public transport on Dec 11.
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the official opening ceremony of the bridge that cost more than 12 billion baht (US$371.32 million) and three years to build, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
The bridge is part of the shortest R3A regional land route connecting Thai border areas with those of China through neighbouring Laos.
Chiang Khong customs officials led a team of workers to clean up and decorate its border checkpoint on Friday morning in preparation for the bridge's opening ceremony next Wednesday.
Thai customs officials said border trade through the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is expected to reach least 17 billion baht (US$526.04 million) by 2015 when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is also established.
Border trade value through the Chiang Khong customs checkpoint stood at 12.5 billion baht (US$386.84 million) and is likely to exceed 13.6 billion baht (US$420.89 million) this
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=998968
Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Opening On Dec 11
CHIANG RAI, THAILAND, Dec 6 (Bernama) - The Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Chiang Khong district of Thailand's northern Chiang Rai Province with Laos' Bokeo Province capital Huay Xai will open for cross-border public transport on Dec 11.
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the official opening ceremony of the bridge that cost more than 12 billion baht (US$371.32 million) and three years to build, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
The bridge is part of the shortest R3A regional land route connecting Thai border areas with those of China through neighbouring Laos.
Chiang Khong customs officials led a team of workers to clean up and decorate its border checkpoint on Friday morning in preparation for the bridge's opening ceremony next Wednesday.
Thai customs officials said border trade through the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is expected to reach least 17 billion baht (US$526.04 million) by 2015 when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is also established.
Border trade value through the Chiang Khong customs checkpoint stood at 12.5 billion baht (US$386.84 million) and is likely to exceed 13.6 billion baht (US$420.89 million) this
Officially crossed the bridge today & the first confirmed by Laos & Thai authorities. Yeehar!!
But I was not alone. Unbelievably French Philippe was there right behind me as we "queued " to leave Laos. Salute Philippe we had a great time crossing together.
More photos to come.
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Attached files
But I was not alone. Unbelievably French Philippe was there right behind me as we "queued " to leave Laos. Salute Philippe we had a great time crossing together.
More photos to come.
Power On. sent from Sony Xperia AcroS
Attached files
Last edited:
The bridge officially - ceremoniusly opened yesterday 11.12.13 & in the afternoon was open for the locals to stroll on & look - see......there were football crowds out on the bridge for a look.
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Attached files
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Attached files
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Trucks of 30 tons plus = the cement trucks - are not allowed to use the bridge. They have to use the ferry - the ferries are stronger. The bridge "bounces too much" with a heavy load. So if the bridge does not work there will always be the ferry. More to come as it evolves..
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Yes Congratulations to You. Incredible that they spend all that Money to Build a New Bridge between Two Countries and it can't take over 30 Ton? That has to be a Mistake for Sure or else Extremely Bad Planning / Management / Engineering?
I agree Bungy - all a bit odd but this is what both the Thai & Lao ferry operators + Thai customs told me.
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The curent status on the bridge is no bikes riding over. Use a pick up or the ferry.. The problem would appear to be the Thai side. Lao say ok, but Thai no! Work that one out?
The ferry quote is 1000 baht per bike to go.
The ferry would be the easiest option.
Note that international immigration at the pax ferry landing down town closed yesterday on both sides. This crossing is now locals only. All foreigners must now use the bridge!
And that adds further complications to a bike ferry crossing because you will then need to ride 10+ kms to.the other side of both towns to get ur passport stamped! Talk about mickey mouse bullshit!!
Some guys on BMWs from Malaysia should be crossing later today - entering Laos.
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The ferry quote is 1000 baht per bike to go.
The ferry would be the easiest option.
Note that international immigration at the pax ferry landing down town closed yesterday on both sides. This crossing is now locals only. All foreigners must now use the bridge!
And that adds further complications to a bike ferry crossing because you will then need to ride 10+ kms to.the other side of both towns to get ur passport stamped! Talk about mickey mouse bullshit!!
Some guys on BMWs from Malaysia should be crossing later today - entering Laos.
Power On. sent from Sony Xperia AcroS
The ferry operator on the Thai side wants a minimum of 3000 baht a trip or 1000 baht a bike. No more 500 baht fees!
The local Chiang Khong immigration checkpoint is also now under control from Chiang Saen!
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The local Chiang Khong immigration checkpoint is also now under control from Chiang Saen!
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The problem at the bridge is the MoU they have for operating the bridge. This says no motorbikes or bicycles on the bridge for safety reasons - accidents.
I suspect.this MoU is a standard agreement that has been used for all the Friendship Bridges when they opened.
This MoU is with Thai immigration & they don't understand why Lao let me use the bridge yesterday.
Yesterday Lao were still letting people walk on & across the bridge. Thai immigration sent them back.
Lao immigration have today been reminded of the MoU - no motorbikes or bicycles.
Supposedly their will be a meeting to review the MoU & problem with motorbikes crossing.
Immigration are now aware of the visa problems where there is no Immigration nearby at the ferry crossings & riders must be honest to travel the 10+ kms to get their passports stamped to be legal.
Stay tuned... More coming
Thai customs say ok for motorbikes to leave. It is only the MoU with immigration that is the problem.
The Malaysian BMW riders crossed by ferry this afternoon.
Power On. sent from Sony Xperia AcroS
I suspect.this MoU is a standard agreement that has been used for all the Friendship Bridges when they opened.
This MoU is with Thai immigration & they don't understand why Lao let me use the bridge yesterday.
Yesterday Lao were still letting people walk on & across the bridge. Thai immigration sent them back.
Lao immigration have today been reminded of the MoU - no motorbikes or bicycles.
Supposedly their will be a meeting to review the MoU & problem with motorbikes crossing.
Immigration are now aware of the visa problems where there is no Immigration nearby at the ferry crossings & riders must be honest to travel the 10+ kms to get their passports stamped to be legal.
Stay tuned... More coming
Thai customs say ok for motorbikes to leave. It is only the MoU with immigration that is the problem.
The Malaysian BMW riders crossed by ferry this afternoon.
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The procedure for the 3 Malaysian BMW riders entering Laos from CK today
Clear Thai customs
Take the car ferry for 3000 baht to Laos
Leave the bikes at Lao customs.
Cross back to Chiang Khong.
Take a Tuk Tuk to the Friendship Bridge
Get stamped out of Thailand.
Cross the bridge in the shuttle bus for 20 baht.
Get.stamped into Laos.
Take a Tuk-Tuk all the way upstream to the car ferry & Laos customs to pick up & clear their bikes .
Hey presto you're in Laos with ur bike.
Lets pray this system does not last too long ...
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Clear Thai customs
Take the car ferry for 3000 baht to Laos
Leave the bikes at Lao customs.
Cross back to Chiang Khong.
Take a Tuk Tuk to the Friendship Bridge
Get stamped out of Thailand.
Cross the bridge in the shuttle bus for 20 baht.
Get.stamped into Laos.
Take a Tuk-Tuk all the way upstream to the car ferry & Laos customs to pick up & clear their bikes .
Hey presto you're in Laos with ur bike.
Lets pray this system does not last too long ...
Power On. sent from Sony Xperia AcroS
Yeah it was a bit of a joyous moment being the first to officially ride across.
I was lucky to meet Philippe right then & there so we could share the moment.
I also think the Lao may have now closed it for the time being, or least until they have another meeting with Thai immigration. So Philippe & I were the two lucky ones - nothing ventured nothing gained. Cheers Philippe if ur reading.this.
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A couple of pix in from the happy Malaysian riders who crossed today
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