What is the border run experience from Chiang Mai to Laos like?

Just another Border Run Experience

(Chiang Mai → Chiang Khong / Laos)

Hey everyone, border run stories are nothing new – but I figured it’s always helpful to have an up-to-date report. Btw, if you prefer to read the story in German, head over to my FB page.

In little twist in my story: I told the officers straight away that I planned to come back to Thailand the same day (even though many say not to). And it turned out to be the best decision!

🚌 The trip

I caught the 8:30 AM Greenbus from Chiang Mai (Bus Terminal 3 near Central Festival) to Chiang Khong and about six hours later, around 2:30 PM, the bus dropped me and some travellers off at the junction near the Friendship Bridge to Laos. Tuktuks were already waiting for passengers and it was just a quick ride to the border (50 THB). Easy start!

🌏 The border crossing

Thai side? Super smooth – the officer joked a little and even spoke some German. Then I hopped on the border bus across the Mekong into Laos (25 THB). At the Visa-on-Arrival counter, I was upfront and told the officer I wanted to return the same day – and it worked like a charm. She stamped me in and out in one go – no photos, no forms, no fuss. The only catch: It cost 45 USD instead of the usual 40 USD if you stay in Laos. Since I didn’t have enough USD on me (I brought 40 but not 45), I just paid 2,000 THB. Yes, you can pay in THB and don’t need USD! A few minutes later I was already heading back to Thailand. The return trip cost another 25 THB. Just be advised that, coming from the Visa-on-Arrival counter without entering Laos, the ticket counter is a bit hard to find. Look for the exit where people entering Thailand come through and you can find the counter on the left hand side. On the Thai side, again super friendly – a bit of small talk, a smile, and I walked away with a fresh 180-day stamp. 🎉

🏙️ Chiang Khong

By then it was late afternoon (~4:30/5:00 PM), so I grabbed a tuk-tuk into Chiang Khong. Officially it’s 60 THB per person in a shared ride, but I paid 120 THB so the driver would take just me and 1 more woman without waiting. The town itself is small but really charming – I stayed the night, strolled the riverside boardwalk along the Mekong, and enjoyed good food with a cold Leo. 🍺 Perfect way to end the day.

🚌 The way back

Next morning at 10:30 AM, I hopped on the Greenbus again and was back in Chiang Mai by 4:30 PM – easy and stress-free.

💡Tip

Bring a warm jacket (the AC is *freezing* 🥶) and pack some snacks & water. The bus doesn’t stop for lunch – only a quick 10-minute toilet break in Chiang Rai – and there are no food options at the border.

📊 Facts & Figures

* Bus (Chiang Mai ↔ Chiang Khong): 870 THB (VIP ticket)

* Tuk-tuk to border: 50 THB

* Border bus over Mekong (return trip): 50 THB

* Laos visa/stamp: 2,000 THB

* Tuk-tuk to Chiang Khong: 120 THB

* Hotel: 1,000 THB

* Dinner: 235 THB

Total: ~4,325 THB (<120 EUR)