Vientiane, Laos/Nong Khai, Thailand, on the Friendship Bridge—Laos - Border Crossings on Waymarking.com

The Kingdom of Thailand and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, in various guises, share a long and complex history, due in no small part to the fact that they also share a long border. The principal crossing of this border is adjacent to the Lao capital, Vientiane, and, while in the past this proximity has caused a number of the above concerns, it is convenient for travellers.

From Vientiane one can take a bus from the central ('market') bus station in the city centre. For the princely sum of 15,000 Kip (~$2) one will be conveyed from Vientiane to the Lao side of the crossing. At Lao immigration your Laos visa stamped out, you will hand over your departure card, and then return to the bus. Once on the bus you will be conveyed over the sturdy and excellently (Australian) built 'Friendship Bridge' to the Thai side of the border.

At Thai immigration visa on arrivals are available for western and many non-western countries, or your pre-acquired tourist visa can be activated. Next, your bags will be scanned and then, with a few more paces, you are in the Land of Smiles. Back on the bus for the completion of your trip to the Nong Khai, provincial capital, bus station. Total time, one hour. Not half bad.

There are no facilities as such at each checkpoint, however, outside and around there are the usual sets of vendors. On the Thai side there are several folk offering printing and photocopying services for those who need documents copied or produced.

As I was on a bus I could not obtain a good set of photos of the buildings, but enough to convey the overall feel.

Type Of Crossing: Country Where is the border located?: Interstate Welcome Center/Facilities: No

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Date Logged Log User Rating   04/14/2014 Torgut visited it