Laos Border Crossings

[Alaskadave1]

Two of us tried to cross into Laos today from Nong Khai
The Thai side was straight forward as always but did ask if we were sure that we could get into Laos. After clearing thailand went across the bridge to the Laos border control where we were stone walled. No non tour bikes are getting in and that we would have to go back. Well luckily we had a Laos speaking lady wih us and she tried everything to secure our trip onward through Laos. Only thing they said is we must be with a group of 5 or more to cross or be with a register tour group. We did not have either so we turned around and went back to Thailand. On a bright note Thailand immigration did tell us that we could cancel our departure stamp. And we were able to do so without too much problem

 

[edh]

just got news on a FB-forum that the border from LAOS to MYANMAR (BURMA) in XIENGKOK is open now - and viceversa too!
does anybody have additional news? thanks

 

[DavidFL]

just got news on a FB-forum that the border from LAOS to MYANMAR (BURMA) in XIENGKOK is open now - and viceversa too!
does anybody have additional news? thanks

Locals only. It is not full international according to my information.

 

[Dodraugen]

It seems it might be a change to that....

 

[DavidFL]

It seems it might be a change to that....

Nobody in Laos has been able to confirm that it is full international.
There has been no reports in Laos so far from what I can gather to say that it is full international.
Everyone I have asked / contacted say that it is local only.
There are no Foreign Affairs staff stationed at Xieng Kok to issue visas.
So you would need at least need a visa in advance if entering Laos, and then you would need also need permits to enter Myanmar with your bike; but not one person I have contacted in Laos is able to confirm that border crossing is full international yet - they all say local only.

 

[Dodraugen]

Well - it seems pretty clear on the Myanmar side:

Myanmar-Laos border gate receives international status

But youre of course correct in that foreign vehicles entering Myanmar would need permits and guides just as on all other enterings or crossings. And I woulndt be surprised if there isnt any visa-on-arrival facilities on the Laotian side. Maybe it will come in the future....

The only ones this would be good for now is overlanders coming through Myanmar. They can now skip going through Thailand first and go through all that bureucratic nonsense and huge expenses with getting permits and guides. Because the Mae Sot - Myawaddy bordercrossing seems to be the only bordercrossing into Thailand that fully enforces the mandatory guide and permit law that foreign vehicles need permits and guides to enter the country.

At all other bordercrossings into Thailand, from Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, overlanders seem to get through borders without having the guide and permit nonsense. Not at all borders all the time, but in general.
Now these overlanders can skip this and travel through Myanmar and straight into Laos, and then (hopefully) enter Thailand with permits and guides.

Going the other way, from Laos into Myanmar is of course a possibility but it wouldnt take away any buraucratic problems. But having an alternative option could be conveniant too of course...

 

[Yuri Orlov]

Few days ago I successfuly crossed F.B.4 from Chiang Khong to Huaisai on Thai registred Honda CRF250L. Without escort immigration vehicle. No trouble.

 

[DavidFL]

Few days ago I successfuly crossed F.B.4 from Chiang Khong to Huaisai on Thai registred Honda CRF250L. Without escort immigration vehicle. No trouble.

Good news. We are so lucky in Chiang Khong / Houei Xai - everything is normal. Even more normal if they didn't hit you up with the escort vehicle.
Where do you plan to exit?
Remember it is no go to exit at Khenthao / Tha Li.

 

[Reddo]

Few days ago I successfuly crossed F.B.4 from Chiang Khong to Huaisai on Thai registred Honda CRF250L. Without escort immigration vehicle. No trouble.

That's great news! is it possible to get a visa on arrival there? Would also be keen to hear where you plan to exit...

 

[Yuri Orlov]

That's great news! is it possible to get a visa on arrival there? Would also be keen to hear where you plan to exit...

.
Yes, You can get Lao visa on arrival. Actually I go back to Thailand next week. I have two options: Huaisai - Chiang Khong or more south to Phayao Province. I think it is no problematic anymore go to Lao on thai motorbike. In Phongsali province I met a s
mall group of Thai bikers.

 

[Yuri Orlov]

Today after 22 days in Lao I crossed FB4 from Lao to Thailand. Lone rider. No agency. Honda CRF250L. No escort vehicle required. One unpleasant moment - corrupted Lao immigration officer tried to extort 200 baht from me. I was firm and paid nothing. Finally I succesfully came to Thailand.

 

[Reddo]

Today after 22 days in Lao I crossed FB4 from Lao to Thailand. Lone rider. No agency. Honda CRF250L. No escort vehicle required. One unpleasant moment - corrupted Lao immigration officer tried to extort 200 baht from me. I was firm and paid nothing. Finally I succesfully came to Thailand.

Thanks for update!

Is that the Nong Khai entry point? Seems there's is no trouble coming from Laos, going to Thailand.

Cheers..

 

[Yuri Orlov]

Thanks for update!

Is that the Nong Khai entry point? Seems there's is no trouble coming from Laos, going to Thailand.

Cheers..

FB4 is a friendship bridge in Chiang Rai province.

 

[DavidFL]

Today after 22 days in Lao I crossed FB4 from Lao to Thailand. Lone rider. No agency. Honda CRF250L. No escort vehicle required. One unpleasant moment - corrupted Lao immigration officer tried to extort 200 baht from me. I was firm and paid nothing. Finally I succesfully came to Thailand.

Were you asked for the 200 baht entering or leaving Laos?

 

[Yuri Orlov]

Were you asked for the 200 baht entering or leaving Laos?[/QUOTE

Entering in Lao I paid 100฿ to the immigration officer to do the paperwork. No receipt. However, on the Thai side I paid 200฿ for the paperwork. The gave me a correct receipt. I could do it by myself, but for some personal reasons I did not want to reveal my knowledge of the Thai language. I paid also 40฿ for the copies of papers. I had already two copies, but they told me I need three. The price was 5 ฿ by page. On the way back Lao male immigration officer after stamping my passport told me several times: " Motorbike two hundred baht". I ask him: "why I have to pay?" First he did not want to give my passport back, but later he understood that I will pay nothing, so he let it go. I went to the customs and after that successfuly came back to Thailand. No escort vehicle. Zero money.

 

[onboard-2009]

Hi guys
trying to find out which borders I can cross from Thai to Laos on KLX150
Refused at all but the 2 Northern borders earlier this year, so need to find out recent truths.
Do I need paperwork arranged by Laos tour company?
Is a 150cc bike even allowed?

Rod

 

[Hua Hin]

We entered Laos from Chiang Khong today. Two up on a Triumph 800 across friendship bridge 4. Thai registered bike. 200 baht for Thai customs. Got to the bridge around 08:30. Very friendly. No line up. No escort to cross so saved the 500 baht this time. No problem on Laos side without a guide. Took about 1 1/2 hours total as there was a bit of a line up for the visa on arrival and insurance

 

[Reddo]

We entered Laos from Chiang Khong today. Two up on a Triumph 800 across friendship bridge 4. Thai registered bike. 200 baht for Thai customs. Got to the bridge around 08:30. Very friendly. No line up. No escort to cross so saved the 500 baht this time. No problem on Laos side without a guide. Took about 1 1/2 hours total as there was a bit of a line up for the visa on arrival and insurance

Thanks for the info... I hope to do the same on Weds!

We entered Laos from Chiang Khong today. Two up on a Triumph 800 across friendship bridge 4. Thai registered bike. 200 baht for Thai customs. Got to the bridge around 08:30. Very friendly. No line up. No escort to cross so saved the 500 baht this time. No problem on Laos side without a guide. Took about 1 1/2 hours total as there was a bit of a line up for the visa on arrival and insurance

 

[onboard-2009]

thanks guys
looks like thats the only issue free bike crossing at present
Rod

 

[Reddo]

Also confirming this- crossed today into Huay Xai; Thai immigration were very friendly and no issues at Lao entry point. I asked them if it was possible that I exit Lao at Muang ngern into Nan province and they said that I could.. we shall see. Presently in Louang Namtha and the rain has set in!

 

[Hua Hin]

I did the same last year at this time. When I entered I couldn’t remember the exit crossing town name. When I got there they said I was at the wrong crossing. 100 baht and I didn’t ask for receipt. No problem exiting

 

[DavidFL]

Hi guys
trying to find out which borders I can cross from Thai to Laos on KLX150
Refused at all but the 2 Northern borders earlier this year, so need to find out recent truths.
Do I need paperwork arranged by Laos tour company?
Is a 150cc bike even allowed?

Rod

I dont like your chances on a bike under 250cc.

Laos Border Crossings

Entering Laos - Some History

 

[onboard-2009]

yeah, one of the Laos officers I did get to speak to (but still refused entry) said engine size doesn't matter but I am not so sure

 

[Hua Hin]

We crossed back to Thailand today at Muang Nguen/Huay Kon. Very easy as before. Officials on both sides very polite.

I asked on the Thai side if we could enter Laos at this crossing. The Thai customs guy was very nice and told us Thailand has no problem for a Thai registered bike leaving at this crossing. However you will need permission/guide to enter on the Laos side. He was very clear it’s not a problem on the Thai side.

 

[Reddo]

I also crossed back to Thailand at Muang Ngern today; no issues, nothing paid.

Whole process took maybe 30 minutes.
Probably one of the most enjoyable rides on my trip so far was from Udom Xai to Pak Beng the to the border; beautiful views of Beng and Mae Khong rivers and while the road was a little bumpy, was not too bad.