THAILAND TO LAOS CROSSING THE BORDER AT THE FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE.
GETTING A VISA ON ARRIVAL,
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| THAI BORDER |
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| A SHORT WAIT TO PASS THROUGH PASSPORT CONTROL. |
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| THE BUS ACROSS THE BRIDGE TO LAOS |
AND ONWARDS TO VIENTIANE..
It's always a struggle and often very stressful crossing Borders anywhere in the World, but even more so after a very long bus or train trip, and add to that it's early morning, around 6am. Can be a real headache! So, I decided to try to reduce all the hassle and stress and make things a little bit easier.
I've been travelling to Laos from Thailand for more than 6 Years now and things are evolving , changes are frequent, I will do my best to update you as often as I can.
Your basic choice of getting from Bangkok to Laos is , Bus, Train or Plane.Your Budget and Time will play the major part in what you choose.
Here we'll look at Buses and the crossing at The Friendship Bridge, You can cross here when you travel by train to Nong Khai, it's simple enough just catch a Tuk Tuk to the friendship Bridge.
Usually I travel by overnight Bus from Bangkok to Nong Khai I prefer to get the Direct or International Bus to Vientiane, Laos, YOU WIIL NEED A VISA FOR LAOS IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS!
This trip I didn't have a Visa for Laos,so I had to Cross The Friendship Bridge And Get a Visa at the Border or Get a Visa on Arrival!
Actually this is a really easy solution it's not difficult, the only downside is it can be very time consuming and if it's early in the morning you may waste a lot of time!So you arrive at The Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai, I caught a Tuk Tuk around 60 Baht, and on The Thai Side everything is laid out and is simple to find.
FACILITIES ON THE THAI SIDE.
TOILETS. The Toilets are really esay to find just before the main Passport Inspection crossing point on the left side, they are clean and really OK to use! There is a small Fee about 3 to 5 Baht.ATM's. There are several ATM's on the left handside as you enter the main area, close to the toilets.
PHOTO's. When you apply for your Laos Visa you will need a Passport size Photo, if you don't have one get one here it's not too expensive.About 90 Baht for 6. TIP always check your photos and have a stash of 5 or 6 you'll never run out then, Passport photos in Bangkok are cheap!!!( 12 about 100 Baht).Now you'll need to go through Immigration Passport Control and show your Departure Card, make sure you complete the details!
Once you're through, Buy a 20 Baht Bus ticket to cross the bridge, this little bus will take you across the Bridge and over to the Laos Side.
WELCOME TO LAOS!
Now you can apply for your Visa on Arrival.
The Visa Application is really Easy, The Application Form is Available from the windows infront of you as you enter The Laos Border Point.Window 1 and 2. Ask for your Visa Application and Arrival Card.
Sit down and relax, There are plenty of Seats, Complete All The Paper Work and Include your Photo and fee,the fee can be paid in USDollars or Thai Baht.Usually it's 1500 Baht.Hand everything over and you'll need to go to Window 3 to collect your Passport and Visa and if you are owed any change you'll get it when you collect your passport at Window 3. A Big Plus you;ll get your entry Stamp at the same time as your Visa, so there's no need to queue at the entry gate, you can walk straight through, you may need to pay a small overtime fee, it depends on when you arrive itjs only a few Baht!LAOS BORDER FACILITIES.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE.
Next to Visa Application Window.
ATM'S.
There are several to choose from within metres of
the application area.TOILETS.
Not the best I've ever seen so give it a misss!
TRAVELLING TO VIENTIANE..
TAXI OR VAN. These are OK and you will need your bartering skills, they will start at 400 Baht and then it will drop to 200 Baht or maybe 150 Baht ( per person) is better, it depends on how many you share with and your destination..You may get a nice Van or an old beat up car, usually with A.C.
SONG TAUW/ TUK TUK. These are usually waiting as you leave the Border Crossing, they can be Hot and Dusty, but a lot cheaper than the Van Option, 60 to 100 Baht.(BARTER).
BUS TO VIENTIANE. This Service has been recently updated and improved. The Buses are modern, clean, have A.C. and are very reliable. They are also really cheap about 25 Baht! They will drop you at The International Bus Station which is only a short walk into The City Centre and Hotels and Restaurants. The Buses run from The border and you will find the Bus Stop on The Right hand Side of The Road as you exit the Border Crossing, not Far just past the Song Tauws.
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| TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO VIENTIANE. |
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| CHEAP AND COMFY LOCAL BUS, THE GREEEN ONE! |
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| A COOL, CLEAN AND COMFY TRIP TO VIENTIANE. |
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| THE INTERNATIONAL BUS STATION, VIENTIANE. |
NOW YOU HAVE ARRIVED IN VIENTIANE HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND PLEASE COME AND VISIT US AGAIN, WE ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATING OUR BLOGS AND WE ARE MAKING LOTS OF VIDEOS FOR YOU TUBE, CHECK US OUT!
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