The Mekong Bridges

[Lone Rider]

The Mekong Bridges
​

Besides the 2 bridges which have been completed and are being used (Nongkhai to Vientiane and Mukdahan to Savannakhet), work is underway on 2 more bridges (Chiangkhong to Huayxai and Nakhon Phanom to Thakheak). Recently the first steps have been taken for the construction of a 5th bridge from Buengkhan to Pakxane.

In case all 5 bridges are completed and no policy changes are made with regard to allowing motorbikes to cross the bridges, there will only be three land crossings where bikes can cross from Thailand to Laos and back - Nan to Mueang Ngeun, Loei/Thali to Kheanthao and Ubon Ratchathani/Chongmek to Vangtao/Pakxe.

The bridge from Nakhon Phanom to Thakheak is getting close to being ready and will be officially opened on 11 November this year. The ferry service which now operates from Nakhon Phatom to Thakheak will then be shut down.

Construction of the bridge in May 2010 seen from the Lao side

One year later and the bridge itself is ready and only needs some finishing touches - seen from the Thai side

The Immigration and Customs buildings at the Thai (Nakhon Phathom) side

The Immigration and Customs buildings at the Lao side (north of Thakheak) - picture taken 10 weeks ago - sorry for the bad quality of the picture

The bridge from Chiangkhong to Huayxai has seen some delays and while the bridge was supposed to be ready in Decmber 2012, it now looks like that the completion will be pushed back to sometime in 2014.

The first pillars of the bridge being worked on on the Thai side.

Preparations are underway for the construction of the pillars in the Mekong river.

About 2 weeks ago some local level meetings were held between Laos and Thailand for the construction of a bridge between Bueng Khan in Thailand and Pakxane in Laos - see the YouTube movie in Thai language). Although nothing seems to be fixed yet about the proposed schedule for completion nor with regard how it will be financed, it can be expected that in due course a bridge will be constructed here to replace the ferry service.

 

[KTMphil]

LR-

Entering Laos from Thailand around the Thai province border areas Mukdahan / Savannakhet, what are the options where they will allow motorcycles to leave Thailand?

Also do you know if there are "one way" rules from the Laos side back to Thailand across these bridges as there seems to be at Vientiane/ Nong Khai when it suits them?

Interesting to see the Chiang Khong bridge underway, thanks for the picture.

 

[Lone Rider]

To be sure that you will be able to cross the border is to go to Nakhon Phanom and cross over to Laos to Thakheak (about 100 km. north of Savannakhet). Note that the ferry is open only during weekdays - closed in the weekend.


Ferry crossing to Laos. The white building on the other side is the Riveria hotel in Thakheak and the ferry pier is right in front of the hotel.

The other option is to drive to Chongmek and cross over to Pakxe in Laos. but this is about 200 km south of Savannakhet.

With regard to one way options you could try the Mukdahan to Savannkhet bridge but nothing is sure. Some people indicate that it is possible to cross while others say - don't even think about it as they won't let you cross.

 

[Mark Rossi]

Thanks for the updates Auke.
I take it you will still be able to cross at Chiang Khong using a boat or ferry?

 

[KTMphil]

Great info, thanks Auke.

 

[Lone Rider]

Thanks for the updates Auke.
I take it you will still be able to cross at Chiang Khong using a boat or ferry?

Yes, the bridge construction will take some time (should be ready in 2014) and the ferry operators will be more than happy to get you to the other side at Chiangkhong/Huayxai till the bridge is ready.

Don't know what happens with them as in the past the ferries would move to another place but with more and more bridges being built, there will be fewer places to move to. The Mekong crossing by ferry between Luang Prabang and Xayaboury will disappear in a year or two as they are working on a bridge. Likewise at Paklay where there are also plans to put in a bridge over the Mekong to replace the ferry. It might be possible that new crossings over the Mekong will be created in Laos like what happened between Xanakham and Veunkham where there are now car ferries in addition to the usual boats lashed together.

 

[Lone Rider]

ANOTHER NEW BRIDGE OVER THE MEKONG TO DON KHONG ISLAND, CHAMPASACK, LAOS

(Adapted from KPL News) A new bridge over the Mekong (Hou Khongleam channel) to connect Don Khong island directly with Rd 13 South has started with the groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge held at Houai (Huay) village in Khong district, Champassak province, on 3 June. The bridge will have a span of 718.8 m long with 11 m wide from Ban Hard (Ban Hatbouabeng) to Ban Houai. This bridge is designed to have two lanes with 2 X 4 m wide and 3 m-sidewalk and will cost US$34 million including related construction work and is expected to be completed by mid-2014.

 

[KTMphil]

Glen from Singapore was in Chiang Khong yesterday and emailed me some photo's of the bridge construction development across the Mekong river at Chiang Khong.












The road that will be to the bridge

 

[LivinLOS]

Saw this yesterday also.. Waiting to make use of that bridge.

CHIANG MAI, Jan 19 – A second class air-conditioned bus route opened Thursday from Chiang Mai to Luang Pabang as the 8th route linking Thailand with the Lao PDR.

The route opening ceremony was presided over at this northern province's 3rd Chiang Mai bus terminal (Arcade 2) by Silpachai Jarukasemratana, Transport Ministry's Deputy Permanent-Secretary acting as permanent-secretary.

The journey takes 18 hours and the fare is Bt1,200.

Once the fourth bridge across the Mekong River from Thailand, linking Chiang Khong with the Lao PDR's Huay Xai, is finished next year, first class air-conditioned buses will replace the second services with a fare of Bt1,500.

The new route is intended to boost tourism, investment and economy between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Mr Silpachai said the high-speed train project from Bangkok-Chiang Mai, as earlier approved by the cabinet, should be ready for service in 2017.

He said currently it is the study process which must be done within one year in order to indicate which route is to start first. Apart from the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, two other preliminary routes are in the project --Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok-Hua Hin-- according to the deputy permanent-secretary.

The transport ministry official added that the main obstacle for such a project is the construction of new railroads, and that its impact on the environment needs to be studied thoroughly.

The high-speed rail journeys are expected to link the entire country within 3-4 hours, Mr Silpacha said. (MCOT)

 

[KTMphil]

Now - How great would it be if you could put a bike on the train in Bangkok all the way to Luang Prabang?

Saw this yesterday also.. Waiting to make use of that bridge.

CHIANG MAI, Jan 19 – A second class air-conditioned bus route opened Thursday from Chiang Mai to Luang Pabang as the 8th route linking Thailand with the Lao PDR.

The route opening ceremony was presided over at this northern province's 3rd Chiang Mai bus terminal (Arcade 2) by Silpachai Jarukasemratana, Transport Ministry's Deputy Permanent-Secretary acting as permanent-secretary.

The journey takes 18 hours and the fare is Bt1,200.

Once the fourth bridge across the Mekong River from Thailand, linking Chiang Khong with the Lao PDR's Huay Xai, is finished next year, first class air-conditioned buses will replace the second services with a fare of Bt1,500.

The new route is intended to boost tourism, investment and economy between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Mr Silpachai said the high-speed train project from Bangkok-Chiang Mai, as earlier approved by the cabinet, should be ready for service in 2017.

He said currently it is the study process which must be done within one year in order to indicate which route is to start first. Apart from the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, two other preliminary routes are in the project --Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok-Hua Hin-- according to the deputy permanent-secretary.

The transport ministry official added that the main obstacle for such a project is the construction of new railroads, and that its impact on the environment needs to be studied thoroughly.

The high-speed rail journeys are expected to link the entire country within 3-4 hours, Mr Silpacha said. (MCOT)

 

[BWG950S]

Just wanted to check that there is a ferry in Bueng Kan to Laos.

Heading up to Vientiane on the 30th and don't want to drive by my only 2 options...Chong Mek and Nakhon Phanom.

Are "Visas on Arrival" available at Pakxan Immigration?

By the way thing are with Thailand I would not put it past them to put rivers in at all the land crossings so they could just construct a bridge to keep motorcycles from crossing! LOL

Thanks Jim.

 

[Lone Rider]

Yes, there is a ferry in Buengkhan but it only operates on weekday (not in the weekend). As far as I know there is no visa-on-aarival in Pakxane so best is to head to the Laos Consulate in Khon Khaen (give a tip and you can wait for it to be ready).

 

[Lone Rider]

Here is the address of the Laos Consulate: Lao Consulate General Khonkaen, 19/1-3 Phothisarn Road, Khonkaen, Khonkaen, Tel: (+43) 223473, 223698

 

[BWG950S]

Thanks Lone Rider.

Since I am leaving out of Ubon it would be easier for me to cross at Nakhon Phanom or even Chong Mek and zip up 13.

Cheers
Jim

 

[Lone Rider]

Jim,

On the bike you have very little to no chance of crossing at the bridge at Nakhon Phanom as the new bridge north of Nakhon Phanom was opened on 11 November 2011 and the ferry is now closed down I assume. So that will be Chong Mek and a very boring ride on Rd 13.

 

[BWG950S]

Damn...just went back and read the beginning of this thread. June 12, 2011! Did not remember the part that the ferry was to be shut down.

Does anyone have the current Visa on Arrival status at Pakxane?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Lone Rider]

If you read my post of 9.40 this morning then you will see that there is no visa on arrival for as far as I know. You can check the Internet and you will find the same: No visa on arrival. Maybe try to call the Consulate in Khonkean as they should know.

Cheers and have a good trip,

Lone Rider aka Auke

 

[Harrythefinn]

As this is becoming an issue for motocycle tourism into Laos, how do we go about getting permission to exit Thailand on Thai registered motorcycles on the bridges? Soon it will only be possible in 2 ? locations over land.

A pre-approval system for bigger Thai registered motorcycles?

Special permits?

Get the laws changed to allow Thai registered motorcycles to exit Thailand on the bridges?

I am assuming the problem is only Thai registered motorcycles , and only over the bridges. Everything else seems to be in place at each bridge.

Another similar web site was trying something a while back, nothing further was heard. This is becoming critical, and riders also from Chiang Mai will be affected once the bridge at Hua Xai is opened. Anyone with some suggestions? We got to do something about this. We can't all take Phils' route and throw the bike in the back of the pick up. :boxing :boxing

 

[KTMphil]

Harri, currently are you able to ride your Thai registered XR650 north bound across the border bridge at Nong Khai into Vientiane, Laos?

As this is becoming an issue for motocycle tourism into Laos, how do we go about getting permission to exit Thailand on Thai registered motorcycles on the bridges? Soon it will only be possible in 2 ? locations over land.

A pre-approval system for bigger Thai registered motorcycles?

Special permits?

Get the laws changed to allow Thai registered motorcycles to exit Thailand on the bridges?

I am assuming the problem is only Thai registered motorcycles , and only over the bridges. Everything else seems to be in place at each bridge.

Another similar web site was trying something a while back, nothing further was heard. This is becoming critical, and riders also from Chiang Mai will be affected once the bridge at Hua Xai is opened. Anyone with some suggestions? We got to do something about this. We can't all take Phils' route and throw the bike in the back of the pick up. :boxing :boxing

 

[Harrythefinn]

No, but can come South by the bridge, Vt to Nong Kai. Also can come into Thailand over the bridge at Mukdahan.

In preparation for the next trip into Laos , by ferry at Bueng Khan to Pakxane, went to the Lao consulate at Khon Khaen for a visa.
Update on the previous address in this topic, the correct address is :

171/ 102-103 Prachasamosorn Rd, Khon Khaen. (in Thailand ESRI V12) N16 26.164 E102 50.996

It is 2.4 kms east from the intersection of Highway 12 and highway 2 in the city. It is on the south side of the road , there is a Laos flag flying on the shophouse, there is a PTT station within 50m.
EU passport holders B1200 for express service, took 10 minutes in the door and out.

 

[KTMphil]

Some more photo's of the bridge construction that will link Chiang Khong, Thailand to Houay Xai, Laos. No-one knows whether Thai registered motorcycles will be allowed to cross on this bridge, lots of talk, but nothing definitive.

 

[KTMphil]

The bridge construction across the Mekong river in Chiang Khong is progressing fast, some photo's of the bridge from this morning



Looking east towards the bridge (Laos mountains in the distance), at where the Thai Customs and Immigration checkpoint will be

The start of the bridge towards Laos

 

[KTMphil]

Looking east across the Mekong river

Chinese construction workers

These Chinese ladies were minding the generator!

 

[KTMphil]

Looking west back into Thailand

Some of the road is concreted down by the bridge not concreted

 

[KTMphil]

The Chinese company has put up some banners with their previous work

 

[KTMphil]

There's 2 ways of getting to the Chiang khong bridge construction, the access road from the north off of R 1020 is concrete all the way, the access road west of the bridge is currently a dirt road once you get 50 % towards the Chiang Khong bridge construction.






Below is the WP for the turn off of R 1020 for the concrete road:






Below is the WP for the turn off if R 1020, west of the bridge construction that is currently 50% unpaved

 

[KTMphil]

Artists impression of what the Chiang Khong, Thailand - Houay Xai, Laos bridge will look like when finished

 

[Ally]

This development must be even further forward by now. Perhaps we need some more photos.

Ally

 

[Lone Rider]

This development must be even further forward by now. Perhaps we need some more photos.

Ally

There are a few more picture here where I rode from the main road through the immigration/customs building (under construction) up to where the bridge starts: http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...s/2256-two-day-trip-up-north-chiangkhong.html

 

[Ally]

There are a few more picture here where I rode from the main road through the immigration/customs building (under construction) up to where the bridge starts: http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-...s/2256-two-day-trip-up-north-chiangkhong.html

Thanks for the reminder Auke.

Are you aware of any new timescales as to the completion ?

Ally

 

[Lone Rider]

Thanks for the reminder Auke.

Are you aware of any new timescales as to the completion ?

Ally

Latest news seems to be late next year. However, there are also still rumors that the official opening will be this year on 12 December eventhough the bridge will still be far from ready but 12-12-12 seems to be too auspicious a date to let it slip by.

 

[KTMphil]

New one coming along across the Mekong just north of Xayabouri, Laos locals were saying it will be finished in 1 year


View attachment 9214



View attachment 9215

 

[KTMphil]

Latest picture of the Chiang Khong, Thailand/ Houay Xai, Laos bridge construction looking from the Laos side

Photo: Bigfella

 

[KTMphil]

Today's photo's of the Huoay Xai/ Chiang Khong bridge developments from the Laos (Huoay Xai) side.














The Nakaraj Nakhon resort/ luxury housing under development east of the new Huoay Xai/ Chiang Khong bridge, sure to be a winner












A couple more bridge area pictures

 

[KTMphil]

Latest photo of the Chiang Khong - Huay Xai bridge from Mai & David Bailey

 

[Lone Rider]

Construction of another bridge over the Mekong has just started. The new bridge is in Rd 2W west of Pakbeng (Mueang Ngeun to Pakbeng road) and will replace the small ferries now operating - coordinates: 19.84295 E101.06530 . A Chinese company is constructing it and they were busy putting up their offices, rock crushers, etc.

View attachment 14597

View attachment 14603

View attachment 14598

 

[KTMphil]

I knew there must have been a reason for you heading there! The rumors were true!!
Excellent find.

Construction of another bridge over the Mekong has just started. The new bridge is in Rd 2W west of Pakbeng (Mueang Ngeun to Pakbeng road) and will replace the small ferries now operating - coordinates: 19.84295 E101.06530 . A Chinese company is constructing it and they were busy putting up their offices, rock crushers, etc.

<img src="http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14597"/>

<img src="http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14603"/>

<img src="http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14598"/>

Never sent from an I-Phone

 

[Lone Rider]

I knew there must have been a reason for you heading there! The rumors were true!!

What rumors? I wasn't even supposed to be going there but due to some hiccups on Wednesday morning I had to change my plan and go north via Pakbeng instead of Muang Khop and Hatsa.

 

[KTMphil]

What rumors? I wasn't even supposed to be going there but due to some hiccups on Wednesday morning I had to change my plan and go north via Pakbeng instead of Muang Khop and Hatsa.

Isnt this the bridge the owner of the Indian restaurant in Pakbeng mentioned?

Never sent from an I-Phone

 

[2wheels]

A Thai teacher friend living in Mae Chan is talking about a railway line crossing over the bridge near Chiang Khong.