New Bridge to Laos

[cmjc]

The Chiang Khong to Huai Xai Friendship Bridge does NOT allow cyclists to pedal over the bridge. Instead the hapless cyclist is forced to stuff the bike under a Laos bus and pay 120 baht to cross the bridge, or bring the wrath of the Laos Army on their heads.

There's no notice about this on the Thai side, you only find out once you'ce checked out of Tld and are inside the "Border Control" zone. Where there is a hand written notice insisting on the 120 baht charge for the 2 km trip.

Protests are met with disdainful, "Not Thai: Only Laos rule."

Nevertheless, the 120 baht descends into a Thai pocket, and no receipt or ticket for the bike is given.

Whilst simmering, I did not check if there's such a rule for motor-bikes too.

Does anybody know if motorbikes ride across the new Bridge, and what is the inevitable cost?

Ta!

[Gonsalviz]

Bikes and mo'sais are not allowed on bridges. Can't be sure that it is a Lao rule because Thailand has these rules on bridges around BKK.

[anto]

^Fly overs you mean .Not bridges .I think Motorcycles are allowed on the Friendship bridge .If not it would be very impractical .

[papa al]

Fish poop.

Bass turds.

[Gweiloman]

Just heard from a friend that he and a mate went over the Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai to Vientiane) earlier this year with no hassle. I was there 2 years ago and at that time, was not allowed to take the bike over the bridge.

[ll2]

it sounds like a rip off.

So, all those locals pay 120 thb per crossing with their cycles and motorbikes? i dont think so.

[Cyclist]

I had the same problem last April going into Laos. I found it really annoying. I did see a group of Singaporeans on big BMW's that were allowed to ride across. Not sure if they were given special treatment because they were in a group or not.

[cmjc]

This thread is about the NEW bridge Chiang Kong to Huai Xai, NOT the Nong Khai to Vientiane bridge (which remains free for both cyclists and motor-cyclist can zoom over.)

Has any motor-cyclist here used the new bridge at Chiang Khong yet?

Were you allowed to ride over free, or forced to pay, and how much, did you get a receipt?

When I passed through on my bicycle in September 2014 the whole Border Control zone was somnolent; no traffic, no lorries, and only a handful of tourists.

Normal immigration procedures at both sides, except for the apparent Tourist Snare for cyclists and probably motor-cyclists too.

Surely somebody has puttered over on a bike since it was erected?

My guess is they will charge a whacking fee for "escorting" motor-cyclists over.

If so, best avoided and nip round to Nong Khai, or see if the old ferry boat is still carrying bikes over in CK.

[papa al]

I plan on using (mocy) the bridge in late December and will let you know.

[cmjc]

The new Bridge is a few Ks from CK. So go to CK first and see if the old ferry boat is still running and take that rather than risk the Tourist Snares on the new Bridge. Because once you enter the Border Control zone they have cyclists captive, and over a barrel, and they know it.

Get it sorted first Mate, or be prepared to start your trip by being ripped-off.

[Gnasher328]

Last I heard you had to pay for an 'escort' across. Trying to use the ferry a real hassle as all border control now at bridge. Until they sort it out they can stick their bridge an I'll continue to ust the crossing between Nan and Hongsa.

[BSJ]

What the <deleted> is wrong with these those people??? Not much friendship shown. If it's another bridge the Australian government helped pay for then Aussies should be getting a free pass!

[papa al]

This thread is about the NEW bridge Chiang Kong to Huai Xai, NOT the Nong Khai to Vientiane bridge (which remains free for both cyclists and motor-cyclist can zoom over.) Has any motor-cyclist here used the new bridge at Chiang Khong yet? Were you allowed to ride over free, or forced to pay, and how much, did you get a receipt? When I passed through on my bicycle in September 2014 the whole Border Control zone was somnolent; no traffic, no lorries, and only a handful of tourists. Normal immigration procedures at both sides, except for the apparent Tourist Snare for cyclists and probably motor-cyclists too. Surely somebody has puttered over on a bike since it was erected? My guess is they will charge a whacking fee for "escorting" motor-cyclists over. If so, best avoided and nip round to Nong Khai, or see if the old ferry boat is still carrying bikes over in CK.

Maybe I'm missing something, but wouldn't it cost more than 120 baht in travel expenses to nip around to Nong Khai in a bike rather than pay the fee at CK? I figure it costs me > 2.5 baht per kilometer to operate my 150cc cy.

[Gnasher328]

This thread is about the NEW bridge Chiang Kong to Huai Xai, NOT the Nong Khai to Vientiane bridge (which remains free for both cyclists and motor-cyclist can zoom over.) Has any motor-cyclist here used the new bridge at Chiang Khong yet? Were you allowed to ride over free, or forced to pay, and how much, did you get a receipt? When I passed through on my bicycle in September 2014 the whole Border Control zone was somnolent; no traffic, no lorries, and only a handful of tourists. Normal immigration procedures at both sides, except for the apparent Tourist Snare for cyclists and probably motor-cyclists too. Surely somebody has puttered over on a bike since it was erected? My guess is they will charge a whacking fee for "escorting" motor-cyclists over. If so, best avoided and nip round to Nong Khai, or see if the old ferry boat is still carrying bikes over in CK.

Maybe I'm missing something, but wouldn't it cost more than 120 baht in travel expenses to nip around to Nong Khai in a bike rather than pay the fee at CK? I figure it costs me > 2.5 baht per kilometer to operate my 150cc cy.

Yup, you're missing something.

For the majority in Northern Thailand Huai Kon or Nong Khai will be closer than Chiang Khong anyway. For a bigger bike which you wouldn't want to stick under a bus you need an 'escort' which I hear costs 1000Bht or more.

[papa al]

This thread is about the NEW bridge Chiang Kong to Huai Xai, NOT the Nong Khai to Vientiane bridge (which remains free for both cyclists and motor-cyclist can zoom over.) Has any motor-cyclist here used the new bridge at Chiang Khong yet? Were you allowed to ride over free, or forced to pay, and how much, did you get a receipt? When I passed through on my bicycle in September 2014 the whole Border Control zone was somnolent; no traffic, no lorries, and only a handful of tourists. Normal immigration procedures at both sides, except for the apparent Tourist Snare for cyclists and probably motor-cyclists too. Surely somebody has puttered over on a bike since it was erected? My guess is they will charge a whacking fee for "escorting" motor-cyclists over. If so, best avoided and nip round to Nong Khai, or see if the old ferry boat is still carrying bikes over in CK.

Maybe I'm missing something, but wouldn't it cost more than 120 baht in travel expenses to nip around to Nong Khai in a bike rather than pay the fee at CK? I figure it costs me > 2.5 baht per kilometer to operate my 150cc cy.

Yup, you're missing something.

For the majority in Northern Thailand Huai Kon or Nong Khai will be closer than Chiang Khong anyway. For a bigger bike which you wouldn't want to stick under a bus you need an 'escort' which I hear costs 1000Bht or more.

Thanks for the reply.

For the majority in norther Thailand who find Huai Kon or Nong Kai more coveniet anyway, the CK crossing may be a mute issue.

Apparently it is not for the OP and other respondents though.

So what about this 'minority'?

The nipping around seems most inconvenient.

May I inquire about the reference to a B1000 escort fee?

To me, even that seems preferable if one is in the CK vicinity, compared to the lengthily nipping detour.

But I may be missing something, no doubt.

[papa al]

Any info on the tariff associated with bike crossing here, but the other way, ie., Laos ==> Thailand?

[Gnasher328]

For the latest info, I suggest doing a search on the main Thailand/Asia motorcycling forums, 'Rideasia' & 'GTRider'. That is where I saw the references to escorts and their associated costs.