Driving Your Truck To Laos, Vietnam, Or China

[bellagrego]

Hello, Fellow adventurers and lunatics . Two months ago, I embarked on my mission to see if I could drive my truck to Laos, Vietnam and China.

I did all the documentation, secured the needed add ons and did all the online research that I could find. That was unproductive so I took what I knew to be fact and decided to go to the source for the definitive answers. That being, the embassies/visa sections of the respective countries that I wished to visit.

Before going into detail for those who wish to pursue such trips, I will cut to the chase and define the outcome first.

1 .You may drive into Laos in your truck or car, registered in your name with blue book in hand to prove ownership, purple book passport for your truck in hand, your passport, and a visa on arrival. Discovery and deal killer. You get a 30 visa on arrival. Your truck gets a 7 day visa with no extensions, nor options. I was there March 29, 2010. From the horses mouth, The Laos immigration police at Friendship Bridge . I begged for 30 days to fully tour up to China and around. No way, no bribe accepted.

2. Vietnam. NO, NO, NO from the Vientiene Embassy. No Thai vehicles, no special cases, no bribes, no way, Hose' That was in English. No translation needed. I asked about Asean Treaty agreements on trade and freedom of transport. I got a , duuuh on that one.

3. China. No, Nada, Never, Not now, Maybe never, but, here is a form letter telling you to contact an unknown travel agency, and have them contact another unknown China International Travel Agency, That is by the way, CITS, and inquire if you wish to bring in a vehicle, including your own bicycle. A lot of help, you bet.

One big disappointment, after all the time , money and effort. This ain't the good ole, USA or Europe. It may be awhile, beyond my life span before one can travel from Nong Kai, to Vientienne, across to Dien Bien , up to Cai Lao, across to Kunming, and around to Dali. I hope it happens. What an adventure.

Laos entry.

1. Blue book

2. Purple book, obtain at land transport office, 240 bqht, 30 baht.Maylasia may insist, don't know.

3. English license plate, I got one from land transport, took one month from bangkok, and never put it on the truck., They were fine with the Thai one.

4. Registration documents

5. Insurance for Laos after border, 260 baht, 7 days.

6. Thai export/import documents from Thailand , 3 stations3 documents, green one to laos immigration

7. 7 stations paper documentation stamping on that side. payment small, 180 baht.

Time 1 to two hours. Do not go at lunch. Close windows at 12 noon.

Park in center lane and start at visa window on left side.

Return to Thailand a 3 station , 30-45 minute time. Do not misplace any papers as without that green one from Laos, you will not get back in.

On the other side. laos is a driving nightmare and no one should attempt to drive a right hand drive unit on a right side right of way., it is suicide to try to pass a big truck of bus on a one lane, pot holled major road, scattered with motobikes, pedestrians, livestock, and every imaginable obstacle know to man.

I have drive everywhere in the world that I have visited, over 70 countries, this is just too dangerous over any distance. I drove north to go to luang prabang,. lasted an hour on that road and covered under 25 km.

Was all this worth the effort. No. laos has little to offer that makes this trip worthwhile. I have been there three times. Angor Wat is the preferred Kymer Experience.

[Offroadlanna]

1 .You may drive into Laos in your truck or car, registered in your name with blue book in hand to prove ownership, purple book passport for your truck in hand, your passport, and a visa on arrival. Discovery and deal killer. You get a 30 visa on arrival. Your truck gets a 7 day visa with no extensions, nor options. I was there March 29, 2010. From the horses mouth, The Laos immigration police at Friendship Bridge . I begged for 30 days to fully tour up to China and around. No way, no bribe accepted.

Don't know what happened when you were there but normally I ask for 2 weeks for my truck at the Friendship Bridge in Laos and that has never been a problem (done that now for over 20 times I guess). In Savannakhet they gave me 30 days for my truck even though I asked for 2 weeks. This period can be extended in the provincial capitals - takes some time but it is possible. No problem to drive there - the roads are not very good and a bit narrow but otherwise no problems.

[PattayaParent]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

[bellagrego]

1 .You may drive into Laos in your truck or car, registered in your name with blue book in hand to prove ownership, purple book passport for your truck in hand, your passport, and a visa on arrival. Discovery and deal killer. You get a 30 visa on arrival. Your truck gets a 7 day visa with no extensions, nor options. I was there March 29, 2010. From the horses mouth, The Laos immigration police at Friendship Bridge . I begged for 30 days to fully tour up to China and around. No way, no bribe accepted.

Don't know what happened when you were there but normally I ask for 2 weeks for my truck at the Friendship Bridge in Laos and that has never been a problem (done that now for over 20 times I guess). In Savannakhet they gave me 30 days for my truck even though I asked for 2 weeks. This period can be extended in the provincial capitals - takes some time but it is possible. No problem to drive there - the roads are not very good and a bit narrow but otherwise no problems.

It is always interesting that some folks just want to dispute facts based on past history. My posting is for the benefit of those who seek CURRENT information, not to start an argument about their experiences. Asia is always in flux and conditions change daily. Tomorrow who knows. Today, I do.

[bellagrego]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

Another case for flapping of one's gums to hear yourself talk. I presented facts from the source. Now, You have heard something that confirms that FACT.

As to the driver's license that is a moot issue if one has no wheels duuh.

While on that subject, I have driven and rented vehicles in Nam with a US driver's license. So much for that assertion..

That is one of the major problems with contributors to this forum. No facts, just bs to read their name in print.

[PattayaParent]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

Another case for flapping of one's gums to hear yourself talk. I presented facts from the source. Now, You have heard something that confirms that FACT.

As to the driver's license that is a moot issue if one has no wheels duuh.

While on that subject, I have driven and rented vehicles in Nam with a US driver's license. So much for that assertion..

That is one of the major problems with contributors to this forum. No facts, just bs to read their name in print.

I don't see from your original post that you say that right hand drive vehicles are not allowed into Viet Nam. And as I said, nobody has shown me a regulation that actually STATES THIS IN WRITING.

It is possible to get a driving licence in Viet Nam BEFORE you drive a vehicle to the country.

This is what the Australian Embassy has to say about not being allowed to drive in Viet Nam without a Vietnamese driving license http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Dri...in_Vietnam.html and what the Vietnamese press say http://www.thanhniennews.com/overseas/?cat...mp;newsid=32672 I like the bbit that says "Many tourists make the mistake that it's legal to drive here with an international driver's licence"

I guess you will be writing to the Australian Embassy and the Vietnamese Transport Department to tell them that their FACTS are not correct because you know better than they do?

Edited April 3, 2010 by PattayaParent

[thaibear1]

1 .You may drive into Laos in your truck or car, registered in your name with blue book in hand to prove ownership, purple book passport for your truck in hand, your passport, and a visa on arrival. Discovery and deal killer. You get a 30 visa on arrival. Your truck gets a 7 day visa with no extensions, nor options. I was there March 29, 2010. From the horses mouth, The Laos immigration police at Friendship Bridge . I begged for 30 days to fully tour up to China and around. No way, no bribe accepted.

Don't know what happened when you were there but normally I ask for 2 weeks for my truck at the Friendship Bridge in Laos and that has never been a problem (done that now for over 20 times I guess). In Savannakhet they gave me 30 days for my truck even though I asked for 2 weeks. This period can be extended in the provincial capitals - takes some time but it is possible. No problem to drive there - the roads are not very good and a bit narrow but otherwise no problems.

I agree with Offroadlanna. First time I try 3 years a go as a greenhorn without any ITP (International Transport Permission, violet passport as we say here) but blue book at my name. Thai first don't want let me go out, by kind talking I succeed. Lao customer to first NO, after kind talking with the boss in 1st floor he made me a hand written paper with I get through all customs up to the office at the right side. It toke me all near 2hours. On the way back only the Thai officer like make a mess why I haven't the car passport but I succeeded and learn there about ITP.

Second time with all documents and already visa from Lao Embassy in BKK I first bypass all (long line) which made visa on arrival and the whole matter up to finish with insurance toke me ca. 45 min only.

Also what they say below, driving in Laos is a horror isn't true except you are a bad driver (sorry). From Europe I am used drive right side and Lao driver drive not more silly the Thai.!!!

You remember the friend explain to a other? In UK we drive left side, on the continet right side and in Thailand everyhere, similar to lao.

[thaibear1]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

Another case for flapping of one's gums to hear yourself talk. I presented facts from the source. Now, You have heard something that confirms that FACT.

As to the driver's license that is a moot issue if one has no wheels duuh.

While on that subject, I have driven and rented vehicles in Nam with a US driver's license. So much for that assertion..

That is one of the major problems with contributors to this forum. No facts, just bs to read their name in print.

I don't see from your original post that you say that right hand drive vehicles are not allowed into Viet Nam. And as I said, nobody has shown me a regulation that actually STATES THIS IN WRITING.

It is possible to get a driving licence in Viet Nam BEFORE you drive a vehicle to the country.

this was mentioned in different forums already and it have always people who know better!!! It is a true, no International or new ASEAN driver license is valid in Vietnam. On small south border you can succeed (bribe) they let you pass but I would never be involved in any accident without Vietnamese driver license; it seem the jail are not to compare with any 1 star hotel.

This is what the Australian Embassy has to say about not being allowed to drive in Viet Nam without a Vietnamese driving license http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Dri...in_Vietnam.html and what the Vietnamese press say http://www.thanhniennews.com/overseas/?cat...mp;newsid=32672 I like the bbit that says "Many tourists make the mistake that it's legal to drive here with an international driver's licence"

I guess you will be writing to the Australian Embassy and the Vietnamese Transport Department to tell them that their FACTS are not correct because you know better than they do?

[Sisaketmike]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

All you need is to make a Thai International Permit. No idea about the steering wheel....

[PattayaParent]

To drive in Viet Nam you need a Vietnamese driving license which is only obtainable in side Viet Nam.

And as far as I know they do not allow right hand drive vehicles in Viet Nam, although I've not found anything official that confirms this.

All you need is to make a Thai International Permit. No idea about the steering wheel....

This is what the Australian Embassy has to say about not being allowed to drive in Viet Nam without a Vietnamese driving license http://www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Dri...in_Vietnam.html and what the Vietnamese press say http://www.thanhniennews.com/overseas/?cat...mp;newsid=32672 I like the bit that says "Many tourists make the mistake that it's legal to drive here with an international driver's licence"

Can you post a link to your official source that says that a Thai IDP is acceptable?

I shall be going to the Transport Department in Ha Noi in July so will post back with their official response.

[Familyonthemove]

Thanks for posting. A very interesting (but typically TV-argumentative in parts) thread with lots of useful info.

I have an ambition to ride a motorcycle from Bangkok to UK (only using ferries/rail when I need to) but I'm not sure if it's possible?

In the past I've done the trans America bike ride and Bangkok-Saigon but Bangkok-London would be in a different league.

Anyone done such a trip?

[phuketrichard]

As far as Vietnam goes, I met guite a few Harley owners when i lived in Phnom Penh. Last trip they were on their way to Saigon with Two thai registered trucks as suppoprt. They had a fixer in Vietnam help them out with all the paperwork so it can be done.....

[Tomtomtom69]

OP, you are wrong about China. Firstly, Thai caravans regularly travel to China (mainly Yunnan province, but in at least one case a caravan of Mitsu Tritons travelled via Laos and China to Mongolia and Russia and back). Also, I know of a Thai person who drove his car from Thailand to Dali, Lijiang and Kunming etc. within the past 2 years.

Secondly, I recently heard a story from a Lao person that driving where you want with your Lao car (perhaps this way also apply to Thai cars too) in China is as simple as showing up at the Lao-China border and calling a Chinese person to be a "guarantor" for your car while you are in China. Call that person as soon as you arrive at the border and have them speak to the customs officers on arrival. The customs officer should then print out a form stating where you are allowed to travel in China and for how long. Normally Lao registered vehicles are seen all over Sipsongbanna, but a checkpoint just north of Jinghong requires foreign-registered vehicles to have permission to go further than Jinghong by the method I have just mentioned or using a Chinese travel agent, which requires 3 months advance permission. The former method requires no advance permission at all and the latter is just expensive, time consuming and cumbersome.

BTW in regards to Vietnam, I recently drove a Lao car from Vientiane to Bangkok, then to Pakse and then onto Da Lat (Vietnam) and back again the same way (via Pakse and Bangkok to Vientiane). There were no problems (I do hold a valid Vietnamese driver's license though, but this is not requested at the border), though Lao cars are permitted to cross into Vietnam for up to 30 days anyway, and are regularly seen throughout the country, especially in the center around Da Nang and Hue, where not a day goes by without spotting at least a couple of them (and I doubt that most of those drivers would have Vietnamese licenses). In fact, I have sighted Lao vehicles even in Ho Chi Minh City far more often than I have sighted Lao cars in Bangkok - this despite the fact that driving in Vietnam is SLOW as hell and dangerous as hell...even driving a left hand drive Lao vehicle in Bangkok is not particularly difficult by comparison (took me just over 7 hours to drive from Vientiane to Bangkok in a Lao car 2 months ago) - but I suspect that most Lao people are not familiar with driving in a huge city with a huge number of vehicles like Bangkok, hence the reason why I've only seen about 5 Lao registered cars driving in Bangkok in all the years I've either lived there or travelled or visited there - most Lao people would probably opt to catch a bus or train, or a flight instead when they head for Bangkok.

In regards to RHD vehicles being driven into Vietnam, there are some articles that state that Vietnam allows them in provided they travel in a caravan with a police escort. Private RHD vehicles are generally not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances (which probably means some kind of special permission from the foreign ministry etc. etc.). Hopefully this will change once the ASEAN free trade area is established, but so far each ASEAN country makes it much more difficult than it should be to drive across their respective borders. Still, when I showed up at the Bo Y crossing into Vietnam (the southernmost Lao/Vietnam crossing and only a few km from the tri-border region of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) one of the customs officers asked me if the car I was driving was Lao or Thai registered. It was almost as if I could have just driven a Thai car across, but since I knew about the difficulties with Thai vehicles going to Vietnam in advance, I opted for the Lao car for my business trip since Lao cars have free reign throughout Thailand and Vietnam.

BTW Thai customs gave me 30 days on the Lao car, and Lao customs reciprocates by also giving 30 days to Thai cars. I have seen Thai cars even just short of the Vietnamese border and Thai cars are regularly spotted throughout all corners of Laos, so clearly many people are making full use of the 30 days since 7 days just wouldn't be enough.

Edited April 15, 2012 by Tomtomtom69