In a couple of weeks we will be driving from Bangkok to Nongkai then on to Vientianne for a couple of days. Does anyone know of a hotel in Nongkai where we could fleave our car while in Vientianne and be reasonably sure it will be there when we return. Or any other parking arrangement fort a few days. Also can a US passport holder get the required visa at the border and how much does it cost? Thanksf for any replies.

We haven't done it for a couple of years now but we used to park the car out side the shops 100M or so on the left before the Thai border, maybe not a good idea but it was always there when we got back after a couple of days in Laos.

In a couple of weeks we will be driving from Bangkok to Nongkai then on to Vientianne for a couple of days. Does anyone know of a hotel in Nongkai where we could fleave our car while in Vientianne and be reasonably sure it will be there when we return. Or any other parking arrangement fort a few days. Also can a US passport holder get the required visa at the border and how much does it cost? Thanksf for any replies.

Next to the bus station (just near the friendship bridge) where you get the bus that takes you over the bridge there's a secure parking area, fenced in and guarded 24/7. If I remember correctly, they charge 50 baht/day. I've parked there many times for up to a week and never any problem. Get on the bus, 10 baht/person; first stop: Thai immigration/check-out. Second/last stop: Lao immigration/check-in. 1500 baht or $30 U.S. make sure you have some photos with you, passport size.

If you're traveling with the mrs or any Thai girl she can use her passport as well and pay the same fee Or.....stop at the government office in Nongkai "Salaklang Changwat" and for 50 baht and two photos they'll give her a two day pass........don't forget to try the Italian restaurant on the river in Vientiane, great pizza and other dishes.....happy trails...

Tomissan,

Thanks for the info. That's what we will do. My wife is Thai and our son has a Thai passport. Where is the Salaklang Changwat located in Nongkai? If we wanted to stay longer then 2 days would my wife and son have to pay the B1500 at the bridge?

Tomissan,

Thanks for the info. That's what we will do. My wife is Thai and our son has a Thai passport. Where is the Salaklang Changwat located in Nongkai? If we wanted to stay longer then 2 days would my wife and son have to pay the B1500 at the bridge?

For Thia's to cross it's a fairly easy process and the fees are like 10 or 20 baht, much different ball game for them

Tomissan,

Thanks for the info. That's what we will do. My wife is Thai and our son has a Thai passport. Where is the Salaklang Changwat located in Nongkai? If we wanted to stay longer then 2 days would my wife and son have to pay the B1500 at the bridge?

No need to visit Salaklang Changwat, just turn up at the bridge, Thai nationals with a passport can enter Lao for 10 baht entrance fee, they get an entrance stamp that is good for upto 15 days (I think) the same as we 'farangs'(but we have to pay 1500 baht or 30 USD for a visa)