Quite straightforward.

Entering Laos

Required

1. Original registration book (green book). If you are not the owner you need a consent letter. + 3 photocopies

2. Passport. + 2 photocopies.

3. Photos.

On Thai side you deal with immigration and customs. Customs will type the details from your green book into the computer and print out a temporary export form. Immigration will stamp you out in your passport and give a TM2 form for taking the bike out. Processing fee 200 Baht.

I ended up doing the typing for Customs as I was quicker than the Customs officer.

On Laos side, which is called Vang Tao, proceed about 100 m beyond the border and there is a large building on the right up some steps. Again you have to deal with Customs and Immigration and then insurance as well.

Counter 5 - submit your visa on arrival application with photo and $ 30 to 40 depending on nationality.

Counter 6 - receive your passport back

Counter 8 - "Phasi" = Customs. You had in your green book and temporary export form from Thailand. Laos Customs add a temporary import form to the pile of papers. Processing fee 200 Baht.

Opposite but very near Counter 8 - An insurance agent will sell you your compulsory insurance. 1 week cost 150 Baht.

200 m down the road - get all your papers checked and stamped at the checkpoint.

That's it. You're in. Total cost related to motorbike 550 Baht.

Entering Thailand

On Laos side, you only need to deal with the checkpoint and immigration.

Stop at the checkpoint before the border. They will take your temporary import form which is a green form.

Counter 4 - Immigration Departures will give you a 10,000 Kip (40 Baht) payment slip.

Counter 2 - Payments will take your 10,000 Kip and give you a receipt.

Counter 4 - Immigration Departures will stamp you out.

Table right at the border gate - They will just check your passport before you leave.

On Thai side, Customs will simply take your temporary export form off you. Toll booth number 2 seems to be where all vehicles are dealt with and not toll booth number 1 (motorcycles). Immigration will stamp you in and also take the TM2 form off you. I screwed up by getting mixed in with in loads of Laos bringing their vehicles in and I wasted about an hour.

That's it. You're back. Total cost related to motorbike 0 Baht.

Hopefully this will save somebody some time and encourage others to give it a try.

Good info!!

Last May I had similar experiences and requirements entering Laos at Nong Khai.

With the proper paperwork ( as described above) a bit of patience and smiling all went smooth.

At Nong Khai you had to buy insurance after all formalities and nobody checked if we did.

DO NOT FORGET TO GET INSURANCE!! It will save you a lot of trouble in case something happens.

Good to know... I plan on doing that trip on one of my bikes one day...

copied and saved, much thanks

i was up there at the that border recently, very quiet border after going thru apranythet market

Great info!

I did ride around Laos 4+ years ago but forgot the entire process.

Things always change with borders so it's good to keep updating these border crossings.