For those that have used Nok Air to fly and ride to Vientianne through Udon Thani, I'm wondering how does the transport service go after you get through Laos immigration? Is there a car just waiting there for you? Or some kind of van shuttle service with Nok Air markings? How are they to be identified, is the main thing I'm wondering.

 

Also, on the way back, they list pick-up time as 1:30pm in Vientianne. Does anyone know if they're flexible with this? I've read that the consulate only starts their release process at 1:30, so even if I got the first number, I'm not sure if I could catch the return service.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I do not recommend the fly-ride service to/from Vientiane. The vans used are different on either side of the Friendship Bridge, and can leave you waiting for a long time. It is better just to find a van yourself (they are regular) between Udon airport and the Nong Khai side of the bridge, then separate transport (which you can often share) on the Vientiane side. .

1 hour ago, BritTim said:

I do not recommend the fly-ride service to/from Vientiane. The vans used are different on either side of the Friendship Bridge, and can leave you waiting for a long time. It is better just to find a van yourself (they are regular) between Udon airport and the Nong Khai side of the bridge, then separate transport (which you can often share) on the Vientiane side. .

Thanks for the input, BT.

 

Being as how I've already booked the service, I am going to go ahead and try and make use of it best as I can.

 

In regards to the vans they use, do you know if they're marked any differently than the others? Wondering if I should be expecting to see Nok Air decals, or shirts, etc.

Bump for the evening crowd...

A bit older, but maybe helpful for you https://talltaleboe.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/fly-n-ride-with-nok/

1 hour ago, jackdd said:

A bit older, but maybe helpful for you https://talltaleboe.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/fly-n-ride-with-nok/

Yes, this was very helpful. Like you said, a little dated, but it's the best I've got to go on, so I'm grateful for the link. Thanks a ton!

On 9/1/2018 at 10:56 AM, BritTim said:

I do not recommend the fly-ride service to/from Vientiane. The vans used are different on either side of the Friendship Bridge, and can leave you waiting for a long time. It is better just to find a van yourself (they are regular) between Udon airport and the Nong Khai side of the bridge, then separate transport (which you can often share) on the Vientiane side. .

No need to look for a van as there's a counter in the airport selling tickets. Then catch the public bus into Vientiane to avoid the ripoff tuktuks. 

58 minutes ago, edwardandtubs said:

Then catch the public bus into Vientiane to avoid the ripoff tuktuks. 

I sympathize with this viewpoint, as long as you have plenty of time in hand. However, if you are good at negotiating, and especially if you can find people to share, you can bypass the first drivers that accost you after Lao immigration, and usually find someone who will take you for a somewhat reasonable fare (though it may be in a wreck of a taxi).

36 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I sympathize with this viewpoint, as long as you have plenty of time in hand. However, if you are good at negotiating, and especially if you can find people to share, you can bypass the first drivers that accost you after Lao immigration, and usually find someone who will take you for a somewhat reasonable fare (though it may be in a wreck of a taxi).

The bus is frequent, safe and quick. I'm not sure finding people to share a tuktuk and then finding and negotiating with a reasonable driver would be much quicker. The only exception would be late at night when the bus service has stopped or if you're in a last minute rush to get to the consulate.

Edited September 2, 20187 yr by edwardandtubs