Closest Border Crossing to Drive to Laos?

[junglechef]

Want to drive to Laos on a self guided tour. Interested in Luang Prabang area and was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to drive across the border north of here? Any other related info would also be appreciated.

[Mekong Bob]

To Laos via Chiang Rai (Chiang Khong to Houayxay).

To Laos via Nan (Huai Kon to Muang Ngoen).

To Laos via Nong Khai (Nong Khai to Viangchan).

Road conditions? Visa? Perhaps GT Rider folks can advise.

[edcv2007]

Beware you cant cross to Laos with the thai car. The parking in the border usually are safe and cheap.

The road i dont remember which one i went there but they are not too bad for the thai standart

[naboo]

Beware you cant cross to Laos with the thai car. The parking in the border usually are safe and cheap.

The road i dont remember which one i went there but they are not too bad for the thai standart

Nonsense. You must own the vehicle (no finance) and obtain some paperwork from the DLT, and it can be done at Vientiene/Nong Khai. Whether it can at the places mentioned above by Mekong Bob is the question that needs answering, and the OP needs to get his paperwork in order.

[junglechef]

Thanks for the replies so far. Yes realize that some pre-travel arrangements might need to be taken care of and thus I'm starting my research here. I'm driving my own (fully paid for) vehicle which is a new Hyundia H1 van w/two wheel drive in case anyone has advice about road conditions. Naboo what is the DLT?

[naboo]

Naboo what is the DLT?

The Department of Land Transport. Office on the Hang Dong road where you get your driving licence, another office in Nong Hoi but they mainly deal with motorbikes.

[Offroadlanna]

There is also quite a bit of information on the RideAsia forum on border crossings between Thailand and Laos, For a map of the border crossings, red tape, forms, etc. have a look at these URL's:

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/laos-information/105-laos-international-border-crossings.html#post314

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/laos-information/105-laos-international-border-crossings.html

http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/red-tape-border-crossing-requirements/

[Cyclist]

Thanks for the replies so far. Yes realize that some pre-travel arrangements might need to be taken care of and thus I'm starting my research here. I'm driving my own (fully paid for) vehicle which is a new Hyundia H1 van w/two wheel drive in case anyone has advice about road conditions. Naboo what is the DLT?

You can cross all 3 border crossing mentioned above as long as the vehicle is in your name and proper paperwork done before hand.

The roads are in excellant condition except for the 80km section between Pak Mong and Oudomxay. That section is in shocking condition.

[sport]

I have been crossing the border to Laos by car for 15 years + with no major difficulties. One important factor to consider is that the insurance you buy at the border is only third party. I buy from the Allianz General Laos office and costs Baht 220 for 6 days cover.

Enjoy your trip

[cxxis]

Many foreign cars and motorbikes coming to Luang Prabang. Be aware that if you are planning to come with a group of cars there are new regulations demanding a Lao police escort. Beautiful country to drive through, when in Luang Prabang come and stay at www.villadeuxrivieres.com

Have a great journey,

Chris.

[Mangkhut]

Thanks for the replies so far. Yes realize that some pre-travel arrangements might need to be taken care of and thus I'm starting my research here. I'm driving my own (fully paid for) vehicle which is a new Hyundia H1 van w/two wheel drive in case anyone has advice about road conditions. Naboo what is the DLT?

I had a 14 day travel by motorbike in Laos this february and the road conditions are generally ok. Depends of course where youre going. Its more or less paved everywhere. They are building a new road between Luang Prabang and Vientiane - eg the mountain section nearest Luang Prabang so you can meet some road construction there but it shouldnt be a big problem. It will be a spectacular road when finished.

The biggest safety problem is that Laos roads always cross into almost every village along the way. So be prepared to watch out for children, chicken, cows, goats, mopeds, bicycles, two-wheel tractors and whatever other animal and vehicle.....

[MeMock]

Beware you cant cross to Laos with the thai car.

I still can't believe that people spout such <deleted> about not being able to drive a car into Laos. Glad to see that some people have put this person right.

[sport]

Beware you cant cross to Laos with the thai car.

I still can't believe that people spout such <deleted> about not being able to drive a car into Laos. Glad to see that some people have put this person right.

Not quite the language I would have used but I agree with your point of view. I 'm not sure why they reply to the OP when they have no knowledge of the subject.

Again junglechef, enjoy your trip.

[anto]

Beware you cant cross to Laos with the thai car.

I still can't believe that people spout such <deleted> about not being able to drive a car into Laos. Glad to see that some people have put this person right.

People also continue to spout diss -information that you can not buy a motorcycle on a tourist visa in Thailand .Total bollax .

[AloisAmrein]

Of course it is possible to drive a Thai car to Laos, I did it 3 years ago together with my wife. You need a temporary export licence from the Road and Traffic Office, a permit from the owner of the car, if it is not your car. At the Thai border you get an exit stamp for the car. This paper must be showen again when reentering Thailand. At the Lao border you have to pay Lao insurance, possible for 15 days only. Entry to Vietnam with Thai car or motorbike not possible. But entry to Cambodia possible. Vietnamese cars and motorbikes can enter Laos without no problems.

[Sydebolle]

Lots of bits and pieces here. The following applies (and I'm zigzagging in and out monthly) on ENTRY with a THAI registered vehicle (irrespective if arriving from Thailand, Cambodia, PR China, Malaysia or Vietnam):

- vehicle registered in the drivers name; if not, then a power of attorney of the driver (ID card, PP copy all countersigned in triplicate) is necessary, although you might not need all three sets as documentation is "individual" from post to post

- the blue car registration book (and three copies signed again) needs to be present; if not, then a power of attorney is necessary (i.e. finance company)

- the car needs an original ITP (International Transport Permit) being a purple booklet with the car details as well as a few empty pages to stamp the vehicle in-/out of the countries. Available at your local DLT (Department of Land Transport). Validity one year, renewable another two years and then you get a new ITP

The details:
Permission to take registered car out of the Kingdom:

http://vigportal.mot.go.th/portal/site/PortalMOTEN/menuitem.8de1531571e139ec38537ff5506001ca/

Issuance of international license and country sign:
http://vigportal.mot.go.th/portal/site/PortalMOTEN/menuitem.197d274c8fc539ec38537ff5506001ca/

- entry is possible for all vehicles at all border points, EXCEPT motorbikes from Nongkhai to Thanalaeng (Friendship bridge)

Your local Thai-license is in fact an ASEAN license hence those dinosaur grey cardboard covered international licenses are absolete.

Get the vehicle insured; you cannot afford not being insured in Laos.

PM me if you need more details 8-)

[junglechef]

Does anybody now how long an ITP lasts? I'm wondering how far in advance before I leave I can go get one.

[Tomtomtom69]

Of course it is possible to drive a Thai car to Laos, I did it 3 years ago together with my wife. You need a temporary export licence from the Road and Traffic Office, a permit from the owner of the car, if it is not your car. At the Thai border you get an exit stamp for the car. This paper must be showen again when reentering Thailand. At the Lao border you have to pay Lao insurance, possible for 15 days only. Entry to Vietnam with Thai car or motorbike not possible. But entry to Cambodia possible. Vietnamese cars and motorbikes can enter Laos without no problems.

But Vietnamese vehicles can't enter Thailand either.

[Tomtomtom69]

Many foreign cars and motorbikes coming to Luang Prabang. Be aware that if you are planning to come with a group of cars there are new regulations demanding a Lao police escort. Beautiful country to drive through, when in Luang Prabang come and stay at www.villadeuxrivieres.com

Have a great journey,

Chris.

I believe this only applies to motorcycles in groups of more than 3? bikes.

[thairastawoman]

Hello,

How long can you drive in Laos with a Thai car ?

Thanks.

[junglechef]

If you are asking how long the car passport lasts it is good for 10 mnths. When I returned I was informed that there was an English language car license plate also issued for me, something that was never mentioned before. As they really didn't know much, such as what countries the passport was good for, I also couldn't find out what the deal was with the plate either. Finally I was told that it was necessary for China and I could use on Laos too, nothing definitive.

The trip was great, I drove around and brought my Mt Bike and rode when I got to small villages.

Also I forgot my car blue book but I had a picture sent to me on my cell phone and they were very nice and accepted that so they are not difficult to deal with, very friendly actually!

Edited July 31, 2014 by junglechef

[khwaibah]

Hello,

How long can you drive in Laos with a Thai car ?

Thanks.

Your good for 30 days max then car most exit Laos.

[thairastawoman]

If you are asking how long the car passport lasts it is good for 10 mnths. When I returned I was informed that there was an English language car license plate also issued for me, something that was never mentioned before. As they really didn't know much, such as what countries the passport was good for, I also couldn't find out what the deal was with the plate either. Finally I was told that it was necessary for China and I could use on Laos too, nothing definitive.

The trip was great, I drove around and brought my Mt Bike and rode when I got to small villages.

Also I forgot my car blue book but I had a picture sent to me on my cell phone and they were very nice and accepted that so they are not difficult to deal with, very friendly actually!

What do you mean by 10 months ?

It seems possible to drive in Laos only 30 days then one must go back to Thailand.

[junglechef]

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If you are asking how long the car passport lasts it is good for 10 mnths. When I returned I was informed that there was an English language car license plate also issued for me, something that was never mentioned before. As they really didn't know much, such as what countries the passport was good for, I also couldn't find out what the deal was with the plate either. Finally I was told that it was necessary for China and I could use on Laos too, nothing definitive.

The trip was great, I drove around and brought my Mt Bike and rode when I got to small villages.

Also I forgot my car blue book but I had a picture sent to me on my cell phone and they were very nice and accepted that so they are not difficult to deal with, very friendly actually!

What do you mean by 10 months ?

It seems possible to drive in Laos only 30 days then one must go back to Thailand.

"If you are asking how long the car passport lasts it is good for 10 mnths" from date of issue to date of expiration

[khwaibah]

The purpose of the "Auto Passport" is for prof to Lao and Thai authorities that the car is yours and your not trying to import a car into Thailand. If you do not have this document as you enter into Lao and the reenter into Thailand you will be hit with an import fee for your vehicle that will make your eyes spin. This car passport is valid for 1 year and has to be renewed every year for enter into Laos. Lao only lets you keep a Thai registered auto inside Laos for 30 days then the auto must do a exit or border hop. Cambodia does not require this car passport not does Myanmar.

Post number 4 shows you the passport. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/674551-car-passport/

I stated 1 year and jc says 10 months this example shows only 6 months.

Edited August 1, 2014 by khwaibah

[blueyeshk]

Just went crossed via huai kon into Laos with Honda dream real easy just make sure u got dollars on hand as they charge instead of 20$ -1200 bht now in pak beng found a working ATM now just need a micro sim and internet package and let's the adventure begin until here the streets where spotless easy with zero traffic