Heading to Laos via Chiang Khong. Any parking in Chiang Khong? / visa question...

[CrashTestDummy]

Greetings,

 

I'll be heading to Laos via Chiang Khong in a couple days. I've never been there and need to park my car in Chiang Khong for a few days. Where could I expect to find parking? I'm hoping there's some sort of paid parking lot with a guard. If not, where could I keep the car for a few days and avoid a boot?

 

Also, my wife has Thai and American citizenship. IIRC she entered Laos a few years ago for free with her Thai passport and I had to pay to enter. Is this still he case? If so, how long is the visa for her? We're only there 2 nights/3 days. 

 

Thanks. 

 

-CTD

  

[CrashTestDummy]

I'll answer my own question here, in case someone stumbles upon this in the future.

 

1) Yes, there's parking. There was a free parking area immediately prior to the border checkpoint. At least we were told it was free by a possible employee at the checkpoint. There were surprisingly few vehicles there and plenty of empty spots. A bit further from the checkpoint (still within walking distance) was a "secure" gated parking area. Parking there was 80 baht per night.

 

2) Thais do get free entry into Laos. I had to pay $35 USD for my visa.