Driving through Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam with a Thai car and driving license.

[Pini]

Hello all,

I plan to buy a Jeep in Thailand and drive it through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

There are some posts about crossing these countries with a Thai vehicle but things always change and I would like to get updated info on this issue.

I have an international driving license as well as Thai driving license and I can buy either Right/Left hand drive car if that's a requirement by any of the countries listed above (I assume Vietnam is the most problematic on this point)

The goal is doing this trip with a single car which will then be returned into Thailand so I am willing to do what's needed to do it (if possible)

Would be great to get info from people who actually did it iin the past year (or have a solid info on it) who can let me know what's required in order to get this plan into a reality.

THANK YOU!

[papa al]

They are not going to let the car into Vietnam, Pini.

[Sheryl]

I would not want to lay odds on your surviving the drive through Cambodia to even reach VN .(only partly kidding...)

Some of the most dangerous drivers in the world, and they drive on the right there so a Thai car will have the wheel on the wrong side. Not illegal, but makes an already dangerous trip all the more so. And god help you if you need to be taken to a Cambodian hospital....

Seriously -- and I do drive in Cambodia though not across international borders and not more than I have to -- this is far from a good idea even if it is possible.

[Pini]

No doubt it is very dangerous to drive in these countries, I drove a motorbike through northern Vietnam which is probably the most beautiful area I've seen in my life.

That's why I prefer to do it with a car and not a motorbike.

What about this?

http://pattayatoday.net/news/latest-edition/thailand-driving-licence-valid-throughout-asean/

Again, way too much conflicting information, would appreciate solid info from people who did it, thx!

[Rooo]

Moved to SEA forum.

[khwaibah]

Oooh: phuketrichard we need your advice..

[phuketrichard]

ok;

to take ur thai registered car into Laso u need the purple book ( passport) for the car/truck ( obtained at the land transport office) its basically a copy of your cars Blue book) takes a day, here in Phuket, costs 50 baht/year to update. When you exit thailand they will give you a customs form and ALSO stamp the purple book. When you enter Laos they will issue you all your paperwork and stamp the purple book. Make sure they do!

Car MUST be in your name, as soon as you enter Laos buy insurance, for my honda civic it runs about 800 baht for 3 weeks . BUT your car only is allowed in for 14 days, you can extend that, i am told ( never have spent more than 14 days so)..... You get 30 day visa on arrival ( $25-40 depending on nationality).

Roads are ok but places ( like Udomaxi to Luang Prabang and around the plain of Jars ) can be very bad

Cambodia. Only two borders will allow you in with no hassles,

Osmach ( 40 kms or so south of Surin). Drive in . Visa for you on arrival ( $20) You only need your cars blue book for Thai customs. Cambodia does not care, Note you will not get insurance for Cambodia. I have driven 10,000 of kms in Cambodia all over an its no problem, dont drive at night an keep your eyes open as your driving on the "other" side from Thailand.

Dont bother with all those that say its terriable to drive in Cambodia or laos an cant be done, They have not done it., I have been doing it since 2006 an am heading back in June. Roads in Cambodia get worse each year so be prepared

Poi Pet, Pailin will not let your car in.

Koh Kong ( west of Trat) will allow you in but you tell them how long your staying and pay 100 Baht/day an they issue you a red plastic license plate your to put on your dashboard. They also tell you that you can only drive in Koh Kong Province. In reality no one cars once your in Cambodia

Although you cant enter at Poi Pet of Palin you can exit there (have done it)

Vietnam NO WAY

Suugest this route,

Thailand exit at Chiang Khong/ Houay Xai) an head into Laos,( cross the new bridge) up to Luang Namtha- Lunag Prabang- Phonsavan ( plain of Jars) Veng Vieng- Vientainne- Back into Thailand at Nong Khai- Surin- Osmach ( enter Cambodia) -Siem Rep- Phnom Penh- Kep/Kampot- Shv- Phnom Penh- Battambang- Palin ( back to Thailand)

Never owned an international driving permit ( i have a 5 year Thai license and a California license) and both are accepted in Cambodia an laos. If your stopped in Cambodia SHOW them your license but do not give it to them. They will ask for $20 but will quickly drop to $5. Had to pay twice in Cambodia ( $2 & $5) an once in Laos $10

Car repairs and painting are much cheaper in Cambodia than Thailand.

Safe travels

Edited April 27, 2014 by phuketrichard

[Pini]

Thank you all for your comments and especially Phuketrichard for the valuable info!

[Sydebolle]

Enterin Cambodia and leaving towards Laos (north of Kratie); did ever anyone do it? Thai registered car in the name of the driver, ITP and all English car plates done.

Thanks

[lovelaos]

ok;

to take ur thai registered car into Laso u need the purple book ( passport) for the car/truck ( obtained at the land transport office) its basically a copy of your cars Blue book) takes a day, here in Phuket, costs 50 baht/year to update. When you exit thailand they will give you a customs form and ALSO stamp the purple book. When you enter Laos they will issue you all your paperwork and stamp the purple book. Make sure they do!

Car MUST be in your name, as soon as you enter Laos buy insurance, for my honda civic it runs about 800 baht for 3 weeks . BUT your car only is allowed in for 14 days, you can extend that, i am told ( never have spent more than 14 days so)..... You get 30 day visa on arrival ( $25-40 depending on nationality).

Roads are ok but places ( like Udomaxi to Luang Prabang and around the plain of Jars ) can be very bad

Cambodia. Only two borders will allow you in with no hassles,

Osmach ( 40 kms or so south of Surin). Drive in . Visa for you on arrival ( $20) You only need your cars blue book for Thai customs. Cambodia does not care, Note you will not get insurance for Cambodia. I have driven 10,000 of kms in Cambodia all over an its no problem, dont drive at night an keep your eyes open as your driving on the "other" side from Thailand.

Dont bother with all those that say its terriable to drive in Cambodia or laos an cant be done, They have not done it., I have been doing it since 2006 an am heading back in June. Roads in Cambodia get worse each year so be prepared

Poi Pet, Pailin will not let your car in.

Koh Kong ( west of Trat) will allow you in but you tell them how long your staying and pay 100 Baht/day an they issue you a red plastic license plate your to put on your dashboard. They also tell you that you can only drive in Koh Kong Province. In reality no one cars once your in Cambodia

Although you cant enter at Poi Pet of Palin you can exit there (have done it)

Vietnam NO WAY

Suugest this route,

Thailand exit at Chiang Khong/ Houay Xai) an head into Laos,( cross the new bridge) up to Luang Namtha- Lunag Prabang- Phonsavan ( plain of Jars) Veng Vieng- Vientainne- Back into Thailand at Nong Khai- Surin- Osmach ( enter Cambodia) -Siem Rep- Phnom Penh- Kep/Kampot- Shv- Phnom Penh- Battambang- Palin ( back to Thailand)

Never owned an international driving permit ( i have a 5 year Thai license and a California license) and both are accepted in Cambodia an laos. If your stopped in Cambodia SHOW them your license but do not give it to them. They will ask for $20 but will quickly drop to $5. Had to pay twice in Cambodia ( $2 & $5) an once in Laos $10

Car repairs and painting are much cheaper in Cambodia than Thailand.

Safe travels

Spot on Richard...except the license bit. If you look at the small print on laos insurance certificate it should tell you that insurance will be INVALID if you don't have an international or laos driving license!!!

[Tomtomtom69]

ok;

to take ur thai registered car into Laso u need the purple book ( passport) for the car/truck ( obtained at the land transport office) its basically a copy of your cars Blue book) takes a day, here in Phuket, costs 50 baht/year to update. When you exit thailand they will give you a customs form and ALSO stamp the purple book. When you enter Laos they will issue you all your paperwork and stamp the purple book. Make sure they do!

Car MUST be in your name, as soon as you enter Laos buy insurance, for my honda civic it runs about 800 baht for 3 weeks . BUT your car only is allowed in for 14 days, you can extend that, i am told ( never have spent more than 14 days so)..... You get 30 day visa on arrival ( $25-40 depending on nationality).

Roads are ok but places ( like Udomaxi to Luang Prabang and around the plain of Jars ) can be very bad

Cambodia. Only two borders will allow you in with no hassles,

Osmach ( 40 kms or so south of Surin). Drive in . Visa for you on arrival ( $20) You only need your cars blue book for Thai customs. Cambodia does not care, Note you will not get insurance for Cambodia. I have driven 10,000 of kms in Cambodia all over an its no problem, dont drive at night an keep your eyes open as your driving on the "other" side from Thailand.

Dont bother with all those that say its terriable to drive in Cambodia or laos an cant be done, They have not done it., I have been doing it since 2006 an am heading back in June. Roads in Cambodia get worse each year so be prepared

Poi Pet, Pailin will not let your car in.

Koh Kong ( west of Trat) will allow you in but you tell them how long your staying and pay 100 Baht/day an they issue you a red plastic license plate your to put on your dashboard. They also tell you that you can only drive in Koh Kong Province. In reality no one cars once your in Cambodia

Although you cant enter at Poi Pet of Palin you can exit there (have done it)

Vietnam NO WAY

Suugest this route,

Thailand exit at Chiang Khong/ Houay Xai) an head into Laos,( cross the new bridge) up to Luang Namtha- Lunag Prabang- Phonsavan ( plain of Jars) Veng Vieng- Vientainne- Back into Thailand at Nong Khai- Surin- Osmach ( enter Cambodia) -Siem Rep- Phnom Penh- Kep/Kampot- Shv- Phnom Penh- Battambang- Palin ( back to Thailand)

Never owned an international driving permit ( i have a 5 year Thai license and a California license) and both are accepted in Cambodia an laos. If your stopped in Cambodia SHOW them your license but do not give it to them. They will ask for $20 but will quickly drop to $5. Had to pay twice in Cambodia ( $2 & $5) an once in Laos $10

Car repairs and painting are much cheaper in Cambodia than Thailand.

Safe travels

Pailin lets Thai cars in. I saw plenty back in March, 2014, which is one month before you wrote this post. BUT they are restricted from going further than Pailin city. Nearby Ban Laem/Daung doesn't allow any vehicles across, Thai or Cambodian. You must walk - however, the two border posts are right next to each other. I asked Cambodian customs there and they said - no vehicles allowed across except to the casino, but he did say that you could enter via Pailin and drive to Daung but would then need to cross back where you came from. Indeed, I saw lots of Thai vehicles between Daung and Pailin and Pailin and the border there at Ban Pakkard/Prom. But it's still better to cross at Koh Kong (which is east of Trat, not west) or even better O'Smach. Unless you had a reason to go to Pailin and only Pailin.

[Tomtomtom69]

Enterin Cambodia and leaving towards Laos (north of Kratie); did ever anyone do it? Thai registered car in the name of the driver, ITP and all English car plates done.

Thanks

I have heard people doing it and it should apparently be OK. Not so in the reverse direction. I've heard reports Lao cars are OK entering Cambodia there, other country registrations (except of course Cambodian) are not except with advance permission obtained from Phnom Penh. Leaving Cambodia there should be OK however, but we need more trip reports from members who've actually done it to be sure.

[anotheruser]

I hope Phuketrichard has copied the text and just pasted it in instead of typing it out one every forum he does. Either way he gives good advice.

[phuketrichard]

why don't people use the search function????? LOL

[cumgranosalum]

Suggestion - iff you are going to BUY a car (jeep/4WD) why not buy one in Laos....it will be LHD and then maybe you can take it into V/N?

[cumgranosalum]

Suggestion - iff you are going to BUY a car (jeep/4WD) why not buy one in Laos....it will be LHD and then maybe you can take it into V/N?

BTW - if you want an "ultimate" Thai 4WD pickup, i will be selling mine next month.......fully loaded with extras for long distance on bad roads......

[tomtaylor1]

Hi All, have traveled through Laos on a number of occasions in my Jeep, as said earlier you need a passport for your vehicle.

The roads are quiet, some very rough, all passable with some care. No problems with locals or other motorist's.

The last occasion was not without its problems how ever.

Arrived at Tha Li, border crossing near Loei on a Saturday, it was exceptionally busy, so long queues had formed.Did all the processing, bought the insurance, for 2 weeks.

After parking up on The Laos side, a mini bus parked very close to my Jeep making it very tight reversing out, my Jeep left a black mark from my front bumper on the side of the bus, he wanted compensation of 15000 Thai Baht, I offered 5000, eventually the insurance Guy arrived after being called by The Police, he said it was not his problem, refused to pay, refused to take responsibility, eventually I paid the offered 5000 for a mark which would have polished out, all this took about 5 hours.

On this trip we made our way to Luang Prabang, then crossed The River and took the dirt road to Xiang to Nang Lew to Huai Kep to Na Poung, this part of the journey being 130 KM, Fording streams and rivers, it had at times been raining which made it more difficult negotiating steep climbs with very rough potholed roads. Met up with two Thai Guys in a Cherokee coming in the opposite direction, who said to me and my GF, you have 4 wheel but you will not make it all the way as you do not have the right tyers, I am running all terrain's, any way pressed on and made it to the hard surfaced road Na Poung to Hongsa, then onto Pak Beng, the 130KM was so rough only managed 2.5KML. The journey Luang Prabang to Pak Beng is 200KM.

The next Day it was from Pak Beng to The Friendship Bridge at Chiang Khong, Via the dirt Road Pha Udom to Pak Hat to Pak Tha to The Bridge, more easily passable, could be done with a high clearance pick up or other app 150 KM.

Happy motoring.

Tom

[cumgranosalum]

Hi All, have traveled through Laos on a number of occasions in my Jeep, as said earlier you need a passport for your vehicle.

The roads are quiet, some very rough, all passable with some care. No problems with locals or other motorist's.

The last occasion was not without its problems how ever.

Arrived at Tha Li, border crossing near Loei on a Saturday, it was exceptionally busy, so long queues had formed.Did all the processing, bought the insurance, for 2 weeks.

After parking up on The Laos side, a mini bus parked very close to my Jeep making it very tight reversing out, my Jeep left a black mark from my front bumper on the side of the bus, he wanted compensation of 15000 Thai Baht, I offered 5000, eventually the insurance Guy arrived after being called by The Police, he said it was not his problem, refused to pay, refused to take responsibility, eventually I paid the offered 5000 for a mark which would have polished out, all this took about 5 hours.

On this trip we made our way to Luang Prabang, then crossed The River and took the dirt road to Xiang to Nang Lew to Huai Kep to Na Poung, this part of the journey being 130 KM, Fording streams and rivers, it had at times been raining which made it more difficult negotiating steep climbs with very rough potholed roads. Met up with two Thai Guys in a Cherokee coming in the opposite direction, who said to me and my GF, you have 4 wheel but you will not make it all the way as you do not have the right tyers, I am running all terrain's, any way pressed on and made it to the hard surfaced road Na Poung to Hongsa, then onto Pak Beng, the 130KM was so rough only managed 2.5KML. The journey Luang Prabang to Pak Beng is 200KM.

The next Day it was from Pak Beng to The Friendship Bridge at Chiang Khong, Via the dirt Road Pha Udom to Pak Hat to Pak Tha to The Bridge, more easily passable, could be done with a high clearance pick up or other app 150 KM.

Happy motoring.

Tom

Do you have any photos of the road from LP to Na poung?

[tomtaylor1]

Sorry, no, next time will take photos.

Tom

[khwaibah]

Suggestion - iff you are going to BUY a car (jeep/4WD) why not buy one in Laos....it will be LHD and then maybe you can take it into V/N?

Only if you keep it registered in Lao and have a Lao DL.

[cumgranosalum]

Suggestion - iff you are going to BUY a car (jeep/4WD) why not buy one in Laos....it will be LHD and then maybe you can take it into V/N?

Only if you keep it registered in Lao and have a Lao DL.

the OP's idea is to go to all those countries mentioned and the only way to do that in one vehicle - as I see it would be as i said.........a Laos vehicle?.

- if you buy - and yes, register the car in the country you buy it in (why would you do anything else?) you will have less problems with a Laos reg vehicle as LHD is allowed in V/N whereas RHD isn't except in special circumstances. LHD however IS allowed in Thailand.

whereever he buys is car, he will have to be inline with the local regs....I haven't heard that it is difficult but possiible - I don't know what the current requirements are to buy a vehicle in Laos.......is that the case?

[user643543]

They are not going to let the car into Vietnam, Pini.

now almost 2 years later - any news on this fact - there are new laws about ASEAN-countries - thanks to all - want still to drive our own thai-car-thai-numberplates with valid driving-license etc. etc. through laos into vietnam!

[user643543]

just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."

if interested PM me - so we can share the costs! we will start from laos/vietnam border about end april/begin mai 2016!

back via cambodia!

our routing will be about the following:

https://goo.gl/maps/jiyET8qZim12

Edited March 18, 2016 by edh69

[onthemoon]

Driver's Licence: When I renewed my Thai DL last year, there was a sign somewhere saying that the Thai DL is valid in all 10 ASEAN countries. So no need for an international DP or a Lao/Cambodian licences.

[khwaibah]

just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."

if interested PM me - so we can share the costs! we will start from laos/vietnam border about end april/begin mai 2016!

back via cambodia!

our routing will be about the following:

https://goo.gl/maps/jiyET8qZim12

1500 USD for one month. Now thats what I call a sucker scam.

[user643543]

just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."

if interested PM me - so we can share the costs! we will start from laos/vietnam border about end april/begin mai 2016!

back via cambodia!

our routing will be about the following:

https://goo.gl/maps/jiyET8qZim12

1500 USD for one month. Now thats what I call a sucker scam.

@khwaibah - then please give me better advice with better deal - thanks!

[khwaibah]

just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."

if interested PM me - so we can share the costs! we will start from laos/vietnam border about end april/begin mai 2016!

back via cambodia!

our routing will be about the following:

https://goo.gl/maps/jiyET8qZim12

1500 USD for one month. Now thats what I call a sucker scam.

@khwaibah - then please give me better advice with better deal - thanks!

If this so called deal is legit then post the details with contacts. Other wise I smell anchovy. There has been no formal announcement for any crossing of Thai vehicles into Vietnam.

[user643543]

just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."

if interested PM me - so we can share the costs! we will start from laos/vietnam border about end april/begin mai 2016!

back via cambodia!

our routing will be about the following:

https://goo.gl/maps/jiyET8qZim12

1500 USD for one month. Now thats what I call a sucker scam.

@khwaibah - then please give me better advice with better deal - thanks!

If this so called deal is legit then post the details with contacts. Other wise I smell anchovy. There has been no formal announcement for any crossing of Thai vehicles into Vietnam.

first - what is legit here in SEA for travelling...?!

i got this contact while searching in the forums - he have good comments etc.

try to contact him here - just get him as a friend and then talk with him - you can also call him for free - him is using whatsapp and facetime etc.! living in saigon!

https://www.facebook.com/tuanjb?fref=ts

there you will find all infos!

[onthemoon]

1500 USD for one month. Now thats what I call a sucker scam.

@khwaibah - then please give me better advice with better deal - thanks!

If this so called deal is legit then post the details with contacts. Other wise I smell anchovy. There has been no formal announcement for any crossing of Thai vehicles into Vietnam.

first - what is legit here in SEA for travelling...?!

i got this contact while searching in the forums - he have good comments etc.

try to contact him here - just get him as a friend and then talk with him - you can also call him for free - him is using whatsapp and facetime etc.! living in saigon!

https://www.facebook.com/tuanjb?fref=ts

there you will find all infos!

I was about to ask what is included in the US$ 1,500 - but since you imply it might not be legit (or you couldn't care less whether it is), I don't think I am interested any more. Risking to get arrested is not my idea of adventure.

Enjoy your trip.

[user643543]

I was about to ask what is included in the US$ 1,500 - but since you imply it might not be legit (or you couldn't care less whether it is), I don't think I am interested any more. Risking to get arrested is not my idea of adventure.

Enjoy your trip.

just read my post before... but for you here again...so you have not to scroll...

"just get today very good news - it is now possible to enter and exit to vietnam from laos and travel FREE - without guide - without leading-car - just free travel - with thai-car!

first offer i got today is us dollars 1500 valid for 1 month in vietnam!

"The permit and border services only. You can drive by youself non Tour guide, non car lead."