It's possible to go to Laos with my personnal motorbike?

[Danielsiam]

Hello, 

 

I am French, and I would like going to make a visa-run to Vientiane, I would like to use my motorbile which I bought in Thailand and it's mine.

It will be possible to leave Thailand and enter in Laos with my motorbike without problem or what else need ?

 

 

[Thanyaburi Mac]

You need to get a motorcycle "passport" from your local Land Transport Department.

 

Then you should be sure to check the border crossing you're planning to use to see if the Thai & Lao authorities are allowing motorcycles to cross.  This seems to change now and then.  One or two of the bridges require that the motorcycle be escorted, or be on top of a pickup truck.  Strange, but has happened.

 

Mac

[laochef]

Larger bikes - 400 ++ cc, no problem anywhere (with the 'vehicle passport'). Smaller 125 cc etc, see previous poster. Also you need extra insurance for Laos, can be bought at the border, Lao side, plenty of Insurance companies with offices...

[humqdpf]

There are special border books that have to be purchased ahead of time along with an insurance carnet. Ironically, it is much easier to bring your Lao vehicle into Thailand for a short time rather than bringing a Thai vehicle into Laos. It really depends on your patience and time you are prepared to give to this. I suggest you check with the biker interest websites/forums and see what the latest information is. Good luck!

[MaksimMislavsky]

I did it at Chiang Khong / Huayxai crossing without hassle, but it was a few years ago, before the bridge, crossed the Mekong river by boat. Only needed the green book in my name and bought insurance on the Lao side (cheap). No special border books were ever mentioned by anyone.

[Formaleins]

53 minutes ago, MaksimMislavsky said:

I did it at Chiang Khong / Huayxai crossing without hassle, but it was a few years ago, before the bridge, crossed the Mekong river by boat. Only needed the green book in my name and bought insurance on the Lao side (cheap). No special border books were ever mentioned by anyone.

I think that the bike passport was done away with a few years ago, Green book for sure, check with the GT Rider site for Asia. 

 

http://www.gt-rider.com/

 

http://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/documents-for-border-crossings-thailand-laos-cambodia.7462/

Edited April 28, 2017 by Formaleins

[Briggsy]

I have taken my bike to Laos many times. (CB500X)

 

Motorcycle passport scheme finished years ago. The key document is the green book in your name.

 

There are no special border books for French nationals. These are for locals or commercial vehicles.

 

Where did you want to cross? Only some crossings permit bikes.

 

Edit: I see you want to go to Vientiane. Nong Khai should be possible if your bike is big enough.

Edited April 28, 2017 by Briggsy

[NoshowJones]

Not at Mudakhan, but maybe else where.

[chrissables]

Green book must be translated at the local transport office. Take a copy of passport, visa etc.

[steve73]

Anybody any idea about continuing across Lao & into Vietnam on a Thai registered m/c... and how long can you use it there?

 

TIA..

[louse1953]

Unless you are gunna cruz around Laos it is not worth the effort.Leave your bike at a Nong Khai gh and do it all by public transport.

[louse1953]

1 hour ago, steve73 said:

Anybody any idea about continuing across Lao & into Vietnam on a Thai registered m/c... and how long can you use it there?

 

TIA..

Forget Vietnam.We are all waiting for that to change.

[silverhawk_usa]

I don't know where some of you get your information.  No motorcycle passport needed.  No translation needed.  No carnet needed.  You can buy insurance on the Lao side of the border. No you cannot cross into Vietnam (there are a few exceptions, but not easily done).   I have ridden in Laos many, many times since 2004, also Vietnam and Myanmar.  Post number six above is giving the best advice, http://www.gt-rider.com/ . My trip reports are also there. 

[chrissables]

10 hours ago, steve73 said:

Anybody any idea about continuing across Lao & into Vietnam on a Thai registered m/c... and how long can you use it there?

 

TIA..

The Vietnam government won't allow a Thai registered bike to enter.

[chrissables]

9 hours ago, silverhawk_usa said:

I don't know where some of you get your information.  No motorcycle passport needed.  No translation needed.  No carnet needed.  You can buy insurance on the Lao side of the border. No you cannot cross into Vietnam (there are a few exceptions, but not easily done).   I have ridden in Laos many, many times since 2004, also Vietnam and Myanmar.  Post number six above is giving the best advice, http://www.gt-rider.com/ . My trip reports are also there. 

I have crossed into both Laos and Malaysia, they required a translation of the green book. The reason for this is the Thai numberplate is in Thai, they want the official transliteration of it.

 

For Malaysia you must actually make a sticker as a numberplate to show.

 

I have no idea why you did not require a translation when others have needed one. But to give advise it is better to get the translation done and not need it than to arrive  and not have it. You could also ask why they have the document if it is not required.

[Briggsy]

14 hours ago, chrissables said:

Green book must be translated at the local transport office. Take a copy of passport, visa etc.

No translation required for Laos. I have entered Laos many times on my bike.

 

12 hours ago, steve73 said:

Anybody any idea about continuing across Lao & into Vietnam on a Thai registered m/c... and how long can you use it there?

 

TIA..

You get 30 days in Laos. Effectively it is impossible to take a Thai bike to Vietnam (except in special circumstances).

[chrissables]

11 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

No translation required for Laos. I have entered Laos many times on my bike.

 

You get 30 days in Laos. Effectively it is impossible to take a Thai bike to Vietnam (except in special circumstances).

30 days in Laos? You mean your motorbike is allowed 30 days?

 

When i have been, they wanted to give me a week, but with some pleading they gave me 2 weeks.

 

I have crossed out of Thailand at the North Nan crossing Huai Kon, they took the translation then, usually i have found they give back paper work they don't want. But Asia being Asia i can see it being different at different crossings and with different staff.

[Sydebolle]

No, there is no "motorbike passport"; that applies only for cars (4 wheels and up) being an ITP - International Transport Permit, issued against presentation of the blue car registration.

Bikes below 250ccm are not allowed in and forget crossing into the Lao province of Xayabouly (that would be Pudu/Uttaradit and Thali/Loei) - the local bigwigs cooked up their own laws which excluded bikes, irrespective of engine size.
While bridges are there (Chiang Khong/Huay Say, Nongkhai/Thanaleng, Nakhon Phanom/Thakek, Mukdahan/Savannakhet) most bikes have to be either shuttled on the back of a pick-up or escorted by the local boys (for whatever reason); beware also that Buengkan/Pakxan and Pudu/Paklay do NOT issue any Laos-visa-on-arrival. If you have a choice then use Chongmek/Vangtao (Ubol Ratchathani) as the border is entirely on land, the bridge into Pakxe is entirely on Lao territory and no problem - provided you bike is 250ccm or bigger. 

For your particular case regarding Nongkhai/Thanaleng; call the Lao customs at +856 21812035, located at the Friendship Bridge No. 1 which is in charge, if the phone is down (happened to me) then call the immigration in the same building and ask your way through as literally everybody has a mobile phone there; the immigration numbers would be +856-21-219607 of  +856-21-251287. And yes, get someone who speaks Thai or even better Isaan/Lao - the boys are language-wise not path blazing. 

You need either an ASEAN driving license (a Thai license will do) or an international driving license; they drive on the other side of the road (Central Europe/US) and their driving skills are not too off from your average Somchai here in the land of smiles. 

For updated information check out, as mentioned earlier on, www.gt-rider.com which is the most comprehensive and updated source by people who REALLY know what they are talking about. 

[chrissables]

4 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

No, there is no "motorbike passport"; that applies only for cars (4 wheels and up) being an ITP - International Transport Permit, issued against presentation of the blue car registration.

Bikes below 250ccm are not allowed in and forget crossing into the Lao province of Xayabouly (that would be Pudu/Uttaradit and Thali/Loei) - the local bigwigs cooked up their own laws which excluded bikes, irrespective of engine size.
While bridges are there (Chiang Khong/Huay Say, Nongkhai/Thanaleng, Nakhon Phanom/Thakek, Mukdahan/Savannakhet) most bikes have to be either shuttled on the back of a pick-up or escorted by the local boys (for whatever reason); beware also that Buengkan/Pakxan and Pudu/Paklay do NOT issue any Laos-visa-on-arrival. If you have a choice then use Chongmek/Vangtao (Ubol Ratchathani) as the border is entirely on land, the bridge into Pakxe is entirely on Lao territory and no problem - provided you bike is 250ccm or bigger. 

For your particular case regarding Nongkhai/Thanaleng; call the Lao customs at +856 21812035, located at the Friendship Bridge No. 1 which is in charge, if the phone is down (happened to me) then call the immigration in the same building and ask your way through as literally everybody has a mobile phone there; the immigration numbers would be +856-21-219607 of  +856-21-251287. And yes, get someone who speaks Thai or even better Isaan/Lao - the boys are language-wise not path blazing. 

You need either an ASEAN driving license (a Thai license will do) or an international driving license; they drive on the other side of the road (Central Europe/US) and their driving skills are not too off from your average Somchai here in the land of smiles. 

For updated information check out, as mentioned earlier on, www.gt-rider.com which is the most comprehensive and updated source by people who REALLY know what they are talking about. 

I have crossed in North Nan on my PCX,  it seems they make up laws as they go! :)

[silverhawk_usa]

OK, I am not going to play the usual Thai Visa debate game.  I cannot count the number of times I have crossed to Laos and never needed a translation of my book.  @Sydebolle , with some 1,500+ GT Rider posts and trip reports, and thousands of Km's (no exaggeration) traveling alone or with David Unkovich (Mr. GT Rider) in Laos , I consider myself as one "who REALLY know what they are talking about."  HOWEVER, as stated in the link I am posting, things change rapidly and may differ depending on point of entry.  Here is the GT Rider topic link which has all the info one should need.  In my experience, you never know exactly what the final rules are until you get to the border, and I was crossing years before the bridges were built. I have not crossed in the last couple years, so take what is in this link as the most currently reliable information. Oh yeah, that is me in the photo.    Thai/Laos Border Crossing Notes (GT Rider Link).

OK, I just received a PM from David Unkovich.  As of his last crossing at Huay Xai, December 2016, NO TRANSLATION required. 

 

[Sydebolle]

27 minutes ago, silverhawk_usa said:

OK, I am not going to play the usual Thai Visa debate game.  I cannot count the number of times I have crossed to Laos and never needed a translation of my book.  @Sydebolle , with some 1,500+ GT Rider posts and trip reports, and thousands of Km's (no exaggeration) traveling alone or with David Unkovich (Mr. GT Rider) in Laos , I consider myself as one "who REALLY know what they are talking about."  HOWEVER, as stated in the link I am posting, things change rapidly and may differ depending on point of entry.  Here is the GT Rider topic link which has all the info one should need.  In my experience, you never know exactly what the final rules are until you get to the border, and I was crossing years before the bridges were built. I have not crossed in the last couple years, so take what is in this link as the most currently reliable information. Oh yeah, that is me in the photo.    Thai/Laos Border Crossing Notes (GT Rider Link).

OK, I just received a PM from David Unkovich.  As of his last crossing at Huay Xai, December 2016, NO TRANSLATION required. 

 

Whoa, utterly surprised your posting - what did I do to trigger off such a rough tone.

I never referred to any translation needs from nowhere.
I confirmed that no no-more-existing "motorbike passport" is needed. 
I gave the person asking some phone numbers of customs and, if down, of immigration at the border crossing (in this case Nongkhai/Thanaleng. 
I never queried your "competence" - how could I, not knowing you and not seeing any posting prior to my first answer! 

So I might humbly suggest you to read the questions and the answers; and if you have anything factual/useful to add, your non-emotional input is more than appreciated by everyone reading this thread. 

[silverhawk_usa]

7 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

Whoa, utterly surprised your posting - what did I do to trigger off such a rough tone.

I never referred to any translation needs from nowhere.
I confirmed that no no-more-existing "motorbike passport" is needed. 
I gave the person asking some phone numbers of customs and, if down, of immigration at the border crossing (in this case Nongkhai/Thanaleng. 
I never queried your "competence" - how could I, not knowing you and not seeing any posting prior to my first answer! 

So I might humbly suggest you to read the questions and the answers; and if you have anything factual/useful to add, your non-emotional input is more than appreciated by everyone reading this thread. 

The trouble with forums and emails, is tones can be misconstrued or not appear as intended.  At second reading, my post does sound a little gruff.  In turn, I did misread your posts final sentence as questioning competence.  My apologies. Your post contained useful and direct information. I read the initial questions and answers.  Many of them incorrect. I did add what was factual and hopefully useful in post 13. There was still some question about translations.  Perhaps I have been on Thai Visa too long and just anticipate the usual debates.

[jethro69]

I guess most have been said. Due to that Xayabouri desaster I didn't ride into Laos for a year now. My crossings of choice were north of Nan, even if my nearest crossing would be Chiang Khong, but I don't see a reason to pay 500 bath to be escorted over that bloody bridge.

Translation never needed, but I had it anyways from a Myamar ride. In the past I rode most of the times on my Phantom, which was not in my name. It includes a bit more of paperwork, (from the owner), but can be done. The Phantom is a 200cc, so the 250 limit I don't know about. 

It's Asia, so a 200cc Chopper might be ok, and a 300cc scooter (Forza) not?.

[chrissables]

13 hours ago, jethro69 said:

I guess most have been said. Due to that Xayabouri desaster I didn't ride into Laos for a year now. My crossings of choice were north of Nan, even if my nearest crossing would be Chiang Khong, but I don't see a reason to pay 500 bath to be escorted over that bloody bridge.

Translation never needed, but I had it anyways from a Myamar ride. In the past I rode most of the times on my Phantom, which was not in my name. It includes a bit more of paperwork, (from the owner), but can be done. The Phantom is a 200cc, so the 250 limit I don't know about. 

It's Asia, so a 200cc Chopper might be ok, and a 300cc scooter (Forza) not?.

Hi, you are able to ride a Thai registered bike into Burma? Very interested to do if possible.

[jethro69]

3 hours ago, chrissables said:

Hi, you are able to ride a Thai registered bike into Burma? Very interested to do if possible.

Yes, but not on your own. I went 2 years ago with the Eastern Eagles MC (Tachilek)  up to Mengla (China border)

[chrissables]

2 hours ago, jethro69 said:

Yes, but not on your own. I went 2 years ago with the Eastern Eagles MC (Tachilek)  up to Mengla (China border)

Cheers. I hope oneday they will allow us freedom to look around!