Answered4 years ago
What are the recent experiences and requirements for border bouncing between Thailand and Laos?
Border bounce update
I managed to successfully do a solo border bounce at Chiang Khong today. Quick and easy, no questions asked.
A few days ago I had tried a border bounce at Huai Kon, but was told you need a Laos visa in advance to cross there as they don't have an office to issue the VOA.
I managed to successfully do a solo border bounce at Chiang Khong today. Quick and easy, no questions asked.
A few days ago I had tried a border bounce at Huai Kon, but was told you need a Laos visa in advance to cross there as they don't have an office to issue the VOA.
Answer summary
The user shared a recent successful border bounce experience at Chiang Khong, noting it was quick and without issues. They previously attempted to bounce at Huai Kon but were informed that a visa for Laos was necessary as that border does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Commenters shared additional insights, including that Huai Kon is primarily for local traffic and others mentioned successful crossings at different borders.
23 repliesnewest first
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Ian ********
Did you have to buy a Laos visa or did you just pay a fee to u-turn and return back to Thailand?
Tod *********
@Ian *******
you have to buy a visa to lao, stamp in and out and then you can stamp back in to thailand.NT ********
Yea that border stop doing VOA a few years ago. It use to be my favorite border crossing with my motorcycle.
NT ********
I just did a border bounce today at Chiang Khong. Well I asked if I could take my bike into Laos. Easy peasy. No police Tea money. Only visa $40 and 140 baht to customs. And they filled out all my paperwork for me. What a great day. Will stay in Laos for a few days riding the bike. Great to be back in Laos on the bike. Forgot how much I love this country.
Sam ******
@NT *******
That great to know particularly regarding motorbike.
Brook ********
@NT *******
What exactly was the ฿140 for, and to which government (Thai or Laotian) did you pay it?NT ********
@Brook *******
It was to the Laos Customs
Christian *******
@NT *******
Take the bike into Lao is free ?NT ********
@Christian ******
yes pretty much
Nick ************
My mate also did a successful border bounce on Thursday across the bridge at Nakhon Phanom. Got his 45 days.
Tod *********
Yep, AFAIK that border in Nan province is only for local traffic, thaiz/laotianz, although they would let a foreigner in to Lao if they had a visa already.
NT ********
@Tod ********
yes. Would have to get visa in BKK.
Andy *********
OP@Tod ********
Yes, it seems so. Nice area though so still worth the trip.
Stephen *********
Did you have extensions prior?
Andy *********
OP@Stephen ********
Yes, a 30 day extension and a 60 day family visit extension on this stay alone. I've been in Thailand since July.James ********
Thank you for your helpful report.
You speak about the VOA Visa on Arrival..
Curious... What is your passport nation?
You speak about the VOA Visa on Arrival..
Curious... What is your passport nation?
James ********
@Andy ********
Yes... Thank youJames ********
@Andy ********
IF you had recently arrived into Thailand and stamped in for 45 days... That is a Visa Exempt Entry.You are eligible for a one time 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.
And now you have re-entered Thailand Visa EXEMPT... That can be extended for 30 days extension of stay at Thai immigration office.
David **********
Sorry I’m getting mixed messages. Is it possible to do a border bounce at Chiang Khong? I’m carrying US passport on a 30 day extension for visiting Thai family & I don’t have a visa to enter Lao. Thanks
Andy *********
OP@James *******
I think I wasn't clear. They said I needed a Laotian visa in advance, because it can't be issued at that border.Andy *********
OP@James *******
I'm American. I'm not sure where you got the idea I was German (though my name is indeed German).James ********
@Andy ********
my error , as there's Another post in preview which is from a German.What is your passport nation?
Andy *********
OP@James *******
I carry a US passport. If it turned out I didn't need to go to Chiang, it could have saved a lot of driving! It was at least a beautiful drive though.Activity
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