Tha Li River crossing

[Smurkster]

I am in Laos right now, I just picked up my Non O visa based on marriage and I am going back tomorrow after enjoying a nice 5 days relaxing in Vientiane.. I always take the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai cause it is easy. Tomorrow out of curiosity I want to try the border crossing between Tha Li and whatever the Lao town is on the other side..apparently there is a bridge there but it isn't a "friendship bridge" and I have heard very little about it, unlike say other crossings like Thakhek and Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan and Savannakhet. I am trying to solicit any info people may have about it. How easy it is, open/close hours, transportation etc. I am also curious about the Lao town that stands right before the bridge. does it have hotels? Restaurants? Any information or personal stories people have about using this bridge, I am contemplating trying it just for *****and giggles

[CharlieH]

If its the same Tha Li I used, its a very big bridge. and had to wake the guy up on the Laos side of the bridge The Immigration building are big concrete structures with canopy over on the Laos side.

The Thai side is much smaller, tiny immigration post, , just a few tuk tuks and a small stall near the post. A type of "middle of nowhere" feeling.

The most memorable part, the road from Tha Li back to civilisation, looked like it had been under mortar attack! dreaful state with huge potholes everywhere, not an easy drive.

I know nothing of the Laos side as only went to do a visa run, this was a few years back.

Moving this post to the Isaan forum for local input

[ajahnlau]

The road from bridge to hwy. is very bad.

[MYKTHEMIN]

Massive new complex at Tha Li now.

[Briggsy]

I didn't realise foreigners could use that crossing.