KawDang Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Thought it would be nice to drive with my Isaan gf from Udon Thani into Laos for a long weekend. Any complications my simple plan needs to consider? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunBENQ Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) If the car is not prepared (documents, sticker): yes there will be complications and hard to get ready for the weekend. I think this is still valid: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/544563-driving-a-thai-registered-car-in-laos/#entry5177992 South East Asia is far from the free traffic in Europe. Its a pitty, I would love to drive to the South China Sea (Laos/Cambodia, Vietnam). But Vietnam is much worse than Laos (if not impossible). I assume that you know what is necessary depending on your visa / extension status? (re-entry permit?) Edited July 9, 2014 by KhunBENQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILLIGAD Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Also there is a holiday coming up so Immigration Offices may be closed. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totster Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 You will need the car 'passport' which can be obtained at the DLT, you will get the 'passport' immediately but will have to wait for the romanised plates. I have been into Savannakhet without the romanised plates and no one seemed concerned, but you should use them, probably more so if you are travelling away from the border town. When you reach the border the first time the process takes a while as they enter your details into the computer, but at Mukdaharn they were very friendly and helped us through the process. I also know that there is an office in the secure parking compound that will complete all the paperwork for you and make all the copies if this is your preference. On the Laos side things are a but harder (in my experience), help is given grudgingly with a surly look, so make sure you visit all the correct windows to get your stamps etc.. don't forget the mandatory insurance. totster 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerry123 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 plan A don't plan B don't etc etc etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KawDang Posted July 10, 2014 Author Share Posted July 10, 2014 Thanks all - knew it wouldn't be as straightforward as the Warsaw to Amsterdam run Will stick to a Kalasin to Chiang Rai run for the August long weekend Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 plan A don't plan B don't etc etc etc Another noysayer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Thanks all - knew it wouldn't be as straightforward as the Warsaw to Amsterdam run Will stick to a Kalasin to Chiang Rai run for the August long weekend Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand If the car is in your name you have plenty of time between now and August to get the paper work sorted out. Don't let negative comments put you off about diving into Laos its done al the time. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunBENQ Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 (edited) The original post was "for a long weekend". I misunderstood/assumed "this long weekend" that we have now which would have been impossible to match. August is surely doable. Edited July 11, 2014 by KhunBENQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonrthai Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Follow the information of others doing it. It's actually pretty simple to cross; especially with someone bilingual riding with you and driving really isn't that different from rural Thai roads. We do it from Ubon once in awhile. Would do it more often if the visa fee was cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KawDang Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 Ha! Thanks for that - sounds like it will be worth the effort. I'll get the other half to make enquiries about the car papers Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunBENQ Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Vientiane is really worth a visit. A wonderful contrast to Thai provincial towns. Ancient buildings, French inspirated architecture, avenues with century old trees. Relaxed traffic. I liked it. (also liked a fresh Lao beer ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelaos Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Watch out for the drink drivers and I avoid driving at night unless I really have to outside the capital. So many vehicles don't have lights and buffalos, cows, goats, dogs etc like to wander onto the roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coobah666 Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 The silly buggers drive on the wrong side of the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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