Tha Li - Friendship Bridge - Loei - Report.

[CharlieH]

Living in Central Thailand, when it comes time for the 90 day border run it is always a bit of a hike. In the past I have used Nong Kai unless hopping out on vacation to KL, HK etc.

This time I decided to try a somewhat closer option that I discovered quite by accident on TV provincial forum. The friendship bridge crossing in Tha Li, Loei province. I travelled there today and this is my expeience.

I left home around 9.30am and travelled the 220km up to Tha Li and the friendship Bridge border with Laos arriving around 12 noon. A very easy and relaxing drive through the mountains.Very little traffic and enjoyable run to the border.

On arrival there is plenty of parking area on the left just before the bridge and the place was empty apart from a few waiting Tuk Tuks. I got on a tuk tuk that took me the 25 yds or so to the Thai "check out" and again nobody waiting just a big smile and very friendly immigration guy who stamped me out, back on the Tuk tuk who took me across the small bridge to the Laos side. The Laos "visa on arrival" office (again nobody waiting) was clearly marked, up to the window, warm smile 1400baht for the Laos visa which took him 5 minutes to process.Passport handed back duly stamped and visa attached, walked 5 yds to get stamped out of Laos, back on the waiting Tuk tuk who took me back to the Thai side, filled in the arrival/departure card at the empty office and was stamped 90 days back into Thailand. The whole procedure took around 20 minutes and was very easy, very quiet, the most friendly and curteous immigration people I have ever encountered. the whole experience was an absolute pleasure, no fuss,no stress, no hassle, no queues.

The tuk tuk incidently was 10 baht each way. The driver will basically take you and stop where needed, wait for you and bring you back.

Tip: If you are travelling from the South and using GPS navigation, DONT follow it once you get near PHU RUEA, stay on the 203 through PHU RUEA and follow the signs for Friendship bridge about 12 km outside of the town.

Hope this helps others.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Charlie

Any thing to see or do right there on the Lao side beyond immigration?

Mac

[CharlieH]

Charlie

Any thing to see or do right there on the Lao side beyond immigration?

Mac

Mac,

Dont know to be honest, I just did what I had to do and came straight back, it looked extremely quiet with absolutely nothing in view only farming areas. The wife had a chat with the immigration guy whilst waiting for me and he said that there was nothing to do or see on the Laos side.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Charlie

Any thing to see or do right there on the Lao side beyond immigration?

Mac

Tha Li shows up well via Google Earth, and yes, not too much seen on the Lao side.

Still, it's an alternate road up to Luang Prabang, via Khen Thao to Pak Lay and on to Sarabury.

Mac

[Colabamumbai]

Can I ask what part of Thailand you left from?

[CharlieH]

will send IM

[Dancealot]

Charlie,

I just need to be sure, do you think they will stamp my 2nd tourist visa there?

Thanks

[stoneyboy]

Charlie,

I just need to be sure, do you think they will stamp my 2nd tourist visa there?

Thanks

Yes they will,I have used Tha Li friendship bridge in the past myself to activate a second entry on a tourist visa,the only issue I had was having to wait at the Lao side for my visa on arrival,the guy had gone for lunch,bad timing on my part maybe ?

I like this crossing as it sees relatively few westerners and is close for me also,as Charlie H said its a pleasant enough ride,lots of mountain roads after Lom Sak if you are coming from Phetchabun and enough gas stations and shops along the way also.

The scenery off the main road at Phu Rua is pretty special but the road when I went was bad in places and care should be taken.

Another thing to remember is that the immigration office in Tha Li town is no longer open and all visa queries are dealt with at the bridge.

Stay safe,and remember to share your story here if you make the journey up there.

[Dancealot]

Thanks that sounds like valuable info. I am always on the look out for places no farang has gone before. I will keep you posted.

[legendarysurfer]

Am wondering if anyone has gone on from this crossing to Pak Lay or Sainyabuli and points north? I'm assuming there's some form of public transpo or transpo for hire?

[legendarysurfer]

Did the Nam Heuang bridge crossing north of Tha Li and had a very easy time of it. My Thai-Lao wife, who has crossed at Nong Khai, was really surprised. We went up to Pak Lai (they spell it Pak Lay, but pronounce it "pack-L-eye") and found a very sleepy town on the Mekong. Great to hang out there for a few days. Not recommended for those who are easily bored. Views along the Mekong of absolutely no buildings were refreshing.

[tormok]

Crossed the Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge yesterday and can confirm that this is a very quiet and easy border crossing.

Did a crossing the same place last year around the same time and then and now the thai side of the crossing area is very wet and muddy. Yesterday there was alot of work going on making concrete walls around the area and on the road and the parkinglot.