Tha Li - Nam Heuang Visa Exemption Report (successful)

[stoneyboy]

Just to inform others that I successfully obtained a 30 day visa exemption at the Tha Li - Nam Heuang Thai,Laos border crossing today.

This is possibly one of the easiest border crossings in Thailand in my opinion and as in the past went very smoothly.

Arrived about 11 am after staying the night in Loei catching up with a friend for a few beers,there is a Farang run bar which I enjoy called the Saloon Bar,the owner is German and a warm welcome is always received.

The Laos visa on arrival is available and took about 15 minutes after filling out the paper work,as a UK passport holder the fee is $ 35 US dollars or in my case paying in Thai baht 1400 no photograph is required as they take one.

This crossing sees very few foreigners and is used mostly by Thais and Laotians alike but is still very quiet.

Tuk Tuks run back and forth and is the only way to cross,they are 40 baht if alone or 20 if there are two or more of you.

NOTE if using this crossing between 11.30 and 13.30 a 45 baht fee is applied to each person for as they put it overtime fee due to it being an official lunch break,the fee is not charged for children.

Stamped out of Thailand and made our way across,stamped into Laos and headed to the small duty free shops a couple of hundred meters away on the left.

Purchased 12 cans of Beer Laos 180 baht for a 6 pack and 400 cigarettes 250 baht for 200,my girlfriend was with me so that was a bonus.

Returned back to the Thai side and was asked by the immigration officer if I had a visa I said no and he said ok you will get 30 days,again UK passport so he knew the score at least.

The whole turnaround time was about 2 hours after the brief shopping trip and I had my girlfriend and two kids with me so the departure cards etc took a bit of time.

If alone I could have done it in about 45 minutes.

There is very little on both sides of this crossing and I'm not sure what bus services etc there are on the Lao side.

For solo travellers this would be a great experience using this crossing,the area especially on the Thai side is stunning and the mountain views are great.

All in all a very easy pleasant experience and a complete contrast to many of the much busier crossings.

It's that relaxed the Laos immigration official on the way back had time to sit and sup a 6 pack of Beer Lao.

10/10

Admittedly I wasn't expecting any issues any way as there have been no reports of denial of entry etc here or exiting Thailand without a valid visa.

[Dancealot]

Thanks, stoneyboy. Very informative and Tha Li is on my list now.

[KhunBENQ]

Located here:

https://www.google.co.th/maps/@17.6916599,101.3954618,17z

Very popular national park Phu Ruea is on the way.

Its too long ago that I have been there.

[Briggsy]

For crossing here on a motorbike, see this thread, post # 13

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/880230-laos-loop-nice-trip-wrong-bike/

[2alex4alex]

Thanks, stoneyboy. Very informative and Tha Li is on my list now.

Don't go through Loei.( You live in Phetchabun,don't you?) Go through Dansai-Na Ka -Thai Li. There is a new road here(I live in Dansai) going through the hills/mountains along the Thai-Laos border.River separated two countries will be on your left. No any traffic after Na Ka. A lot of nice views. I'm only one farang who every 3 months come here.It takes just 30 min to get new stamp in my passport. There is a small town on Laos side near border. And couple of nice cheap resorts. But I wouldn't recommend to stay there. Because of no taxi service/ bike for rent there. People wake up at 9.00 and go to bed at 20.00.So it's big problem to get some food at early morning/late evening.

P.S some pics from this place

[stoneyboy]

Thanks, stoneyboy. Very informative and Tha Li is on my list now.

Don't go through Loei.( You live in Phetchabun,don't you?) Go through Dansai-Na Ka -Thai Li. There is a new road here(I live in Dansai) going through the hills/mountains along the Thai-Laos border.River separated two countries will be on your left. No any traffic after Na Ka. A lot of nice views. I'm only one farang who every 3 months come here.It takes just 30 min to get new stamp in my passport. There is a small town on Laos side near border. And couple of nice cheap resorts. But I wouldn't recommend to stay there. Because of no taxi service/ bike for rent there. People wake up at 9.00 and go to bed at 20.00.So it's big problem to get some food at early morning/late evening.

I'm in Lom Sak and head up to Phu Rua and would normally turn left where it's sign posted for Tha Li and the friendship bridge.

I've never been to Dan Sai maybe I will give that route a look sometime.

[Dancealot]

I'm heading to Tha Li next week. Thanks guys!

[stoneyboy]

For reference for others.

A picture below showing an example of the exit and re entry stamps I obtained yesterday entering and departing Laos at Nam Heuang.

Alongside is my 30 day visa exemption stamp obtained upon re entering Thailand.