How easy is it to make a same-day land crossing from Chiang Khong to Laos?

Chiang Khong same-day land crossing report: smooth and easy.

Short version: it’s quiet here. Park left side at facility, walk to immigration, 25 baht to Laos, 2k baht visa on arrival + stamped me in and out, 40 baht back to Thailand, all done under 2 hours from parking my car then coming back to my car. Total cost 2,065 baht (and the mileage to drive there of course).

Details: Drove myself and parked at the first lot on the left. It was VERY quiet- I was the only farang going into Laos, and saw only 1 other farang out leaving. The short bus to Laos was 25 baht. Only a few of us rode that bus- I think 2 tourists, and 2 Thai or Laos people. 5 total IIRC. Very quiet compared to the visa exempt border run days 3 years ago!

On Laos side I asked just to be stamped in and out, and the immigration officer was kind enough to double check I have the DTV so I wouldn’t have issues. The visa on arrival in/out fee I paid via 2k baht cash.

I had to pay 40 baht to ride the bus back to Thailand. I didnt have any Laos currency on me.

There were some tourists going into Thailand too and also some bored locals (traveling or living/working?).

Back in Thai side no problems… besides forgetting my TDAC before running up to be lol. Whoops.

Immigration was nice, no questions or issues. He asked to see DTV email but it was posted in my passport- so make sure you have your email ready or print out (I think they have free WiFi by the way, better to print though and keep it simple).

All in all it was for sure <2 hours from the parking lot back to the parking lot. I forgot to set a stopwatch but Google Maps tracked it as taking from 17:32 until 18:52.

I’d just say download a podcast or bring a book, most of the day’s effort will be the drive to the border crossing, and the immigration bits are super fast. Most of the time was spent just waiting for the bus or sitting in the bus to cross the bridge.

So, this is a solid option for those traveling within Thailand. A quick drive from Chiang rai totaling half a day and you’re set for another 180 days!