Taking a Thai Motorbike from Cambodia to Laos

[Italianhawksfan]

I have a Thai-registered motorbike and am currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I am planning to cross the one and only border between Cambodia and Laos next week but am concerned because I have read that this border is very corrupt. I have already gotten my Laos visa from the Laos embassy in Phnom Penh just to play it safe. Have any of you ever crossed this border with a Thai-registered motorbike, or any motorbike? Any advice? Motorbike-related scams to watch out for?

 

I have read about one scam at this border where they trap you in the middle with your motorbike and prevent you from going forward to Laos or back to Cambodia and then offer to buy your motorbike for cheap. Is this scam still happening here? If so, what's the best way to avoid it?

 

Also, are there currently any restrictions on taking a Thai-registered motorbike into Laos? A one or two week import permit or anything strange like that?

 

My plan is to cross the border into Laos, ride up to Vientiane, get a 2-month tourist visa for Thailand at the Thai embassy there and then eventually cross back over into Thailand at that border. I plan to be in Laos for about one week.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[AJS 7R]

               Bring a lot of $ US and there will be no problems, avoid weekends and holidays

to make it cheaper.

[Briggsy]

Unless you really want to try, I would suggest exiting at Surin and entering Laos at Chong Mek, Ubon.

 

G.T. Rider used to be the best website for this kind of info.

 

You are right about this border crossing. Budget $100 over the standard government fees and you probably won't be disappointed.

 

p.s. No need to go to Vientiane. You can get your tourist visa in Savannakhet (opposite Mukdahan). Unless you want to go to Vientiane.

Edited December 4, 2016 by Briggsy