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What are the best transportation options to get to Vientiane by 9:00 AM from Nong Khai?

TransportationNong KhaiVientianeVisaImmigrationLaose-VisaBorder CrossingTaxiBusTrainTuk TukTravel Tips
Jun 15, 2023
2 years ago
Nicholas *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is the best way to get to Vientiane by 9.00 am from Nong Khai please
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To reach Vientiane by 9:00 AM from Nong Khai, you have several options. The border opens at 6:00 AM, allowing you to cross early using a tuk-tuk or taxi to the border and then another tuk-tuk or taxi on the Lao side. Consider obtaining an e-Visa for quicker border processing, and ideally leave your hotel by 6:30 AM to catch a public bus on the Lao side after crossing. Other transport options include taking a train or driving with caution, as you will need a purple book for the car. For the fastest route, a taxi may be the best choice. It's important to consider traffic and visa fees, usually around 40 USD, and be prepared with cash for gas and other expenses.
Paul *******
Train, car, taxi or even the cross border bus (they may or may not require a visa for this). The border opens at 6am. I believe the Thai side has been lobbying the Lao side to extend the border crossing hours to open 24 hours a day (a change that should have been made years ago), but if you get to the border at 6 or 7am no issues getting to Vientiane city by 9am, even if there's a lot of people at immigration.
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do they still need purple book for car we have 1 year left on finance
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Nicholas ********
Yes. That won't be going away since it's part of the Thai-Lao cross border transportation agreement. Lao cars have an equivalent yellow booklet.
2 years ago
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Colin ***************
Set your alarm ⏰️ 😴
2 years ago
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Jeff ********
drive
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
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@Jeff *******
 Hi Is there any insurance requirements or permits required
2 years ago
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Jeff ********
@Nicholas ********
 maybe
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My Thai wife has a car is it possible to drive over any advise for or against
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Nicholas ********
It's a good idea, just remember to drive on the right. Traffic is lighter than on the Thai side but more chaotic. Roads aren't as good, even in parts of the city. Don't be afraid to honk your horn, though don't use it excessively either. Just a single honk at a motorcycle cutting you off is fine. Gas/petrol stations accept cash only. None of them accept credit cards. ATMs aren't as easy to find as in Thailand, especially outside of the cities and withdrawal limits are low. Be prepared.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
They open at about 6am at immigration checkpoint

Once you are through Lao immigration there will be ppl there offering to drive you into Vientiane
2 years ago
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Tito *********
You can apply for Laos e-visa in advance. It's cheaper than visa on arrival, and you can save lots of time at the border
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tito ********
 mHave just applied for E visa thanks Easy to do
2 years ago
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Jody *******
Tuk tuk from hotel to border, then tuk tuk on the other side. That would normally be fastest, unless you pay for a whole taxi van on the other side to save maybe 15 minutes.

If you leave your hotel at 6.30am you could just use the public bus on the other side. But depends where you want to get to exactly, of course.
2 years ago
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Mike ********
Train ?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Mike *******
Yes. They have their own dedicated immigration and within weeks the new Khamsavath station, much closer to downtown Vientiane will open.
2 years ago
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Manfred **********
Boat
2 years ago
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Richard **********
Early morning border run,you should be visa accepted and stamped within 1 hour
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *********
 great. Do you know the current visa cost. Do I pay Thai baht
2 years ago
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Richard **********
@Nicholas ********
 1900 baht for 30 day stay into Laos
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Richard *********
Best to pay in USD. It's around USD 40 for most nationalities. Get USD on the Thai side.
2 years ago
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Bob **********
Look to get e visa for Laos bus across the bridge get stamped in I hope you made an appointment
2 years ago
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Jim *********
Taxi
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
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@Jim ********
 Thanks
2 years ago
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Jon *****
Why not spend a night in Vientiane ? It's a nice place to have dinner and a few drinks
2 years ago
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Nicholas *********
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@Jon ****
 can you recommend a hotel. My question was not formed correct. I have to go in July and my appointment time at the embassy is 9.30 am. I live in Udon. First time for me p
2 years ago
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Jim *********
@Nicholas ********
 Vientiane Boutique Villa. Nice place o stay here before. 7 pm motor bike taxi take you to girls where you pick a nice girl for the night
2 years ago
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Henrik **************
Try to be at the border at 6 am when it opens up, you got roughly an hour from border to thai consulate/embassy in Vientiane.
2 years ago
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Dave *******
9am today? I think you are out of luck as it is already 11:30... if it's 9am tomorrow though you got plenty of ways and time to spare to try any or all of the options before tomorrow and make your own choice which is best
2 years ago
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Henrik ****
I guess the only way at any time is to cross the border? Or what do you mean? If you are asking for tricks for getting fast through the border, then there might still be the option of paying someone for jumping the queue or taking a public bus crossing the border if available in Nong Khai?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Henrik ***
The train is probably the fastest. Dedicated arrivals and train passes the bridge around 7 or 730am.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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