Since the opening of the Friendship Bridge linking Nong Khai in the northeast region of
Thailand to Vientiane in Lao PDR, a large number of tourists have shown an interest in
making the trip. Travellers should be aware of the following:
- In order to speed up customs and Immigration procedures, it is necessary for travellers
to carry correct papers. These include:
- Border pass (for Thai nationals). This can be applied for in advance if possible, at the
Nong Khai City Hall. The fee is 40 baht.
- Vehicle import and export papers have to processed at the Customs office at the Nong
Khai border. Necessary documents include vehicle registration, driver’s
identification card and passport. If the driver is not the owner of the car, then you also
need the vehicle owner’s authorisation papers and a copy of his ID card.
- Vehicle fees: 20 baht for passenger cars, 30 baht for small pick-up trucks, 100 baht for
large buses, 150 for six-wheel trucks, 200 baht for 10-wheel trucks and 300 baht for
larger vehicles.
- Third party insurance for Laos.
Policies cover 5, 7 or 10 days, with premiums for private cars of 2,000 cc and under at
219 baht, 2,000 cc and over 249 baht, commercial vehicles of 2,000 cc and under at 320
baht, over 2,000 cc at 362 baht, delivery trucks of 3.5 tons -10 tons at 449 baht for the
5-day policy. Car owners who do not wish to take their cars into Laos can leave it at the
Laos Check point for an 8 baht fee.
- Shuttle services across the bridge are available at 20 baht per person and bus or taxi
services are available at 20 baht and 200 baht per person respectively.
- Immigration fees for vehicles with passengers: 25 baht for each vehicle and 10 baht per
person.
- Visitors who wish to tour Vientiane must contact a registered travel agency in advance
to act as guarantor and guide.
Additional information about the bridge
- Motorcycle and three-wheelers or samlors are not allowed on the bridge.
- Speed limit is 50 km/hr.
- Driving is on the left side of the road until you reach the Laos side where driving is
switched to the right.
- Time: 0800 - 1800 daily.
Pedestrians, apart from bridge officials are not allowed on the bridge.
