Driving To Laos And Vietnam

[naammanow]

Anybody has ever driven by car (their own car) from Chiang Mai to Laos and then on to Vietnam? Hear one needs a “car passport” Any info and if at all possible without major difficulties? Am planning for April this year.

[Maejo Man]

Anybody has ever driven by car (their own car) from Chiang Mai to Laos and then on to Vietnam? Hear one needs a “car passport” Any info and if at all possible without major difficulties? Am planning for April this year.

Have driven into Lao a few times, and it takes a while at the border sorting out the paperwork and insurance, but only stayed within the borders. All up cost was under 3,000 baht for vehicle and compulsory insurance.

DavidGTRider would probably be the guy to answer this as he's even gone onto China, but I think he's away playing with elephants at the moment. I'm sure he'll see this post anyway.

April with the onset of early rains might not be the most opportune time for a road trip.....

[davidgtr]

1.You need the vehicle rego book.

2. You need the mauve International Transport Permit from the vehicle rego office on R108 down by the airport. Cost is 150? baht I think & takes 2 days.

3. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you need permission from the owner to temporarily export it.

4. No need for a broker at the border, do the paperwork yourself. The Thai side costs maybe 100 baht & the Lao side approx 400 baht (depending on border crossing.)

5. If you know what your doing it takes about 30-40 mins for the paperwork on each side.

6. Always do the customs paperwork first. Immigration 2nd.

7. On the Thai side you need to complete a temp import / export form. See image 7 at http://www.gt-rider.com/docsgallery/FrameSet.htm

8. Immigration on the Thai side require you also complete a TM2 & TM4 – crew & pax lists for the vehicle.

9. On the Lao side at the Friendship bridge

Step 1. Room 6 with Miss Khampean Thavone (the GT Rider’s fave govt official) & issue of Laissez Passer. Cost 20 baht (+ 1 box chocolates.)

Step 2. Room 8 for Customs approval & signature. No fee.

Step 3. Downstairs to the customs booth for a signature.

Step 4. The private vehicles booth for issue of travel permit, 1 sticker, plus entry of details into computer. Pay fees or 510 baht for 2 weeks.

For more info see also

http://www.gt-rider.com/crossingborders.html

and

http://www.gt-rider.com/borders.html

and

http://www.gt-rider.com/docsgallery/FrameSet.htm

and

http://board.gt-rider.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=441

10. Laos don't forget a 200 baht GT Rider Laos guide map. It's the only one & it is incredibly accurate.

11. Vietnam. Forget it, as despite all the hype I dont think you can just roll up at the border with a right hand drive vehicle & enter. But I could be wrong;however I dont know anyone who has done it "alone by themselves" & no motor caravan, which seems to be ASEAN tourism fashion nowadays.

Edited February 20, 2007 by davidgtr