Going To Laos By Car

[hadock]

Hello together,

i plan to go with my own car to Laos.

I am not sure is it a good idea. Some people told me it is dangerous to go there. Because of traffic and many cars will be stolen.

Any advice/informations?

Do i need some special documents for my car when i cross the border?

Thank you in advance

Alex

[stingray]

You must have passport for car. Don't ask me how, but l asked the mrs, as at Chong Mek border it's a pain carrying my Vino back.

I wouln't even go there. It's absolutely nothing there. Anyway, it's your choice. If you have a new car, don't go. Go only with a minimum 30 year old clunker. They don't steal that and they can fix only that kind of cars there.

[yeesipha]

OP you will need to get an international transport permit for your car/truck.you will be able to get a permit from nong khai transport office at a cost of 50 by (the touts at the thai side of friendship bridge will try and charge up to 1000bt just to take you to the transport office).

In order for you to get this permit you will need to show proof of ownership(original log book in your name or wife's name/if car still on finance i think the finance company have to sign paperwork saying you can take car out of country,and will also have to show valid insurance for the vehicle.

Now once you have the permit your OK to now get yourself across the friendship bridge into laos,there is still some forms you will need to fill out on the thai side and can be very busy going through on both sides of the border crossings IE getting relevant stamps in transport permit,and of course your passport, and whoever travels with you.

When you enter laos border crossing you have to first get your visa on arrival at immigration 1500bt for your p/port,then you will need to buy some temporary insurance for your car,this can be purchased from an office on the right hand side of the border control area(they take kip and baht),then you will also need to pay some sort of car tax (they charge per axle) and take kip and thai baht,then get in the que ready for inspection of your docs and maybe a security check of your car,once cleared you can be on your way.

Also dont forget to display the white T signs that they issue with the transport permit(one for the front and one for the back of the car)

and you will need to display the temp insurance cover visible in the windscreen.

It took us approx two hours from leaving thailand to get to laos by car once all paper work,visas,security checks etc had been done.

Hope this helps you in some way psi didn't worry about taking my brand new 2008 honda accord to laos.