What are the current visa requirements and conditions for crossing at Huai Kon Border Checkpoint to Laos?

Huai Kon Border Checkpoint Laos Visa Requirements Border Crossing Motorcycle Travel Chiang Khong Expat Travel Tips Visa on Arrival

Jan 31, 2023

2 years ago

Eddie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all

Please see the edit below. 

I was thinking of doing a bounce at the huai kon crossing. Huai Kon Border Checkpoint

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I was there in 2019. They said i could cross into laos, but i could not bring my motorcycle (i went to chiang khong instead)

I wss thinking of the huai kon crossing juat for fun. Has anyone do it in 2022 or 2023?

Thanks. I have several days, and i plan to ride around nan, so i may just go and try. If not i can easily hit chiang khong. 

Thanks

Edit to add:

Ok. Feb 3, 2023. In order to cross at the huai kon checkpoint you need a laos visa in your passport. No e visa. No visa at the border. 

You must have the physical visa in your passport. 

Tomorrow i am Off to chiang khong.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the Huai Kon Border Checkpoint between Thailand and Laos, particularly regarding visa requirements for crossing into Laos. It highlights that travelers need a physical visa in their passport as of February 2023, with no e-visa or visa on arrival available. Additionally, it mentions the experiences of other travelers and suggests exploring alternative crossings such as Ban Huak.

Paul *******

You could also cross at the Ban Huak crossing, which I'd be most interested in finding out about because this border was only upgraded to international status in February 2020. Like all other Thai-Lao crossings, it closed 6 weeks later during the start of Covid restrictions but reopened back around June 2022.

Like this crossing, no visas on arrival are available. I doubt motorcycles are allowed across there but it would be good to ride there to find out just in case.

2 years ago

Paul *******

Ah yes right. They no longer issue visas on arrival here. Citizens of countries not requiring visas for entry to Laos can cross here without pre arranging a visa. Everyone else must have one beforehand. Unfortunately, Laos doesn't like foreign motorcyclists much so those entering at this border must come oh a tour. However, if you own a car, entering here is as straightforward as any other border.

2 years ago

Eddie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok. Feb 3, 2023. In order to cross at the huai kon checkpoint you need a laos visa in your passport. No e visa. No visa at the border.

You must have the physical visa in your passport.

Tomorrow i am Off to chiang khong.

2 years ago

Paul *******

@Eddie ******

what do you mean? This sign is on Thai territory so it's meant for Thais. Lao registered vehicles are only allowed a short distance into China. Beyond that they too need to go on a tour.

2 years ago

Paul *******

Luang Prabang is just 2.5 hours drive from this checkpoint, via a new Thai highway opened in 2018.

2 years ago

Paul *******

I like how they show the distances to cities in China and Vietnam, as if it were straightforward to drive there with a Thai registered vehicle. It isn't. Unless you're going on a pre arranged tour, the Chinese and Vietnamese borders are as far as you'll get and vice versa for drivers from those countries, who can't enter Thailand with their vehicles unless they sign up for a tour.

2 years ago

Eddie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul ******

maybe they go the direct route by laos registered vehicle……

2 years ago

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Eddie *******

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2 years ago

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Eddie *******