Latest Crossing Needs?

[hawaiianbrian]

Hi, I have never made the crossing before but have wanted to for years. I have searched on here and GT-Rider but can't find a simple link for what the current requirements are. I want to cross both ways at Nong Khai and go to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and maybe Phonvasan via roads on my 950 Multistrada which is in my name, with book and plates. Is there a thread on here that I am missing about what I need? Thanks! Brian

 

[bsacbob]

There are several threads on the forum on the topic, look here.

Entering Laos with a foreign registered motorbike

Essentially you will need a passport picture and three copies of the passport picture page, three copies of your registration page from your green book, and copies of the tax paid from the rear of the book, $35 dollars for your visa fee, a temporary import form will need to be filled in and that's about it.

 

[hawaiianbrian]

Thanks for the info, I will give it a go and let you know. Looking to head over around July 22 for about 6 days.

 

[Snakeboy]

Latest news from Laos Adventure Riders fbgroup and GTriders is that the only bordercrossing that are open for thai plated bikes seems to be Chiang Khong-Huay Xai. All others demand that you are in a group of at least 5 bikes and that the trip is organised by a lao tour company.

 

[hawaiianbrian]

That's what I was afraid of. If Laos doesn't want motorcycles I hope they also do not get any tourists except hordes of Chinese Tour Groups. That will serve them right!

 

[bsacbob]

Information regarding the VTE crossing appears to change daily, some Thai guy's have crossing on 125cc bikes which are supposed to be banned, some have to pay an agent for a piece of paper to say they are a tour even when alone. It really is a hit and miss affair on the day Chiang Khong appears to be the only user-friendly crossing at the moment but that could change.

 

[blackwolf]

Laos doesn't seem to want motorcycles, period, irrespective of where they come from. More and more borders are closing - not only Thai ones but Vietnamese ones as well. When I recently crossed the China-Lao border in both directions, I didn't notice a single motorcycle crossing either.

 

[bsacbob]

Just to update the crossing situation at Chiang Khong to Huey Xai, from some friends riding in Laos right now.

A group of 3 or less, Thai's pay 1200 for a tour paper, foreigners pay 1500-1800 baht each. if the group is more than 3 you pay the same plus you must have and pay for a guide.

Bridge escort fee remains at 500 baht Thai to Laos, the reverse is normally free.

 

[Pounce]

This is a new Thai charge or on the Laos side

 

[bsacbob]

This is a new Thai charge or on the Laos side

This is Laos side.

 

[lakota]

Just to update the crossing situation at Chiang Khong to Huey Xai, from some friends riding in Laos right now.

A group of 3 or less, Thai's pay 1200 for a tour paper, foreigners pay 1500-1800 baht each. if the group is more than 3 you pay the same plus you must have and pay for a guide.

Bridge escort fee remains at 500 baht Thai to Laos, the reverse is normally free.

Any more reports on the situation at CK/HX ? ...... Is this Foreigner tour paper charge being enforced and would I have to exit at the same place ?

 

[bsacbob]

Any more reports on the situation at CK/HX ? ...... Is this Foreigner tour paper charge being enforced and would I have to exit at the same place ?

Ok the latest I have from a crossing a few days ago is that two guys crossed no fuss, no tour permit just a normal crossing paying the usual fees for escort etc, as for exit the same as usual you must state your exit point as you enter Laos ( Nan, of course, is still a no go).

Look forward to your trip report and crossing experience.

 

[lakota]

Look forward to your trip report and crossing experience.

Crossing experience you'll get ! ... Trip report !? .. .... Now steady on Bobbie , we're not all Trailblazers

 

[prince666]

Good luck with the crossing if you decide to take that route?
IMO Over to Nan then head east of the 1168 take the 1243 over the mountain pick up the 211 along the Mekong and work your way down to Mukdahan.
Park your bike up at a hotel I used before. 16.574729 104.71992 (Robinson just 1km up the road?) new, nice and clean and just 2 km away from the bridge.
The bike is safe, get the visa and ride home?
Sob LAOS could be to wet as well mate.

Trip report yes a must lol