I am planning to take my bike into Laos at Ubon. I understand the rules have been tightened up and it may now be more difficult to take a Thai-registered bike into Laos. I took my bike through this border crossing in 2014 with no problem.

 

Has anbody recently taken a bike into Laos, particularly at Chong Mek, Ubon, or any other crossing?

my friend did last week on CFR no probs.

Great.

Since I entered Laos there in 2014, they should have my bike's details on the customs computer there at Chong Mek which will save time.

 

Next question.

I know it is okay to leave Laos via a different exit. I have done it twice. But is it okay to leave at Savannakhet? I know you generally cannot enter Laos at Savannakhet but can you exit? I have read it is possible. Any experiences?

Yes mate .. It's no problem to exit at Savannakhet - I think customs may ask you if you intend to return to Chong Mek, if you say no, that's good enough.

 

i found exiting to Mukdahan took a little bit longer at Thai immigration by about 5 minutes, but you don't have to queue with the foot traffic, use the vehicular traffic immigration booth.

 

i made detailed notes on the procedure at Chong Mek with all the forms and whatever and posted to my blog (Wip) 

 

http://recom273.asia/2016/10/laos-border-crossing-chong-mek/

E4C: that's customs at Chong Mek on exiting Thailand - I think they asked me if I would be returning via Chong Mek or another border entry.

 

Anyway, I find Chong Mek and Mukdahan immigration / customs some of the most efficient and helpful officials in Thailand, there's never a problem whatever you tell them.