How do I get from Thailand into Laos?

What is the best way to get from Thailand to Laos?

Okay, so you wanna know how to get from Thailand to Laos, huh? Easy peasy, sorta. Like, there’s a few ways, really.

Flying is def the fastest; it’s like, 3 hours or sumthin. Costs you though, think $85 – $230. Ouch!

Or, uhm, there’s the train via Nong Khai. Cheaper. I’m talkin’ $9 – $55. But get this, it’s nearly 12 hours!

Then there’s always the bus via Udon Thani. Budget option, $13 – $26. Get ready for a long ride. Like, uh, 13 hours. Rough!

Now, that buss.. uh where does it arrive? Mmm, I believe it arrives in Vientiane, Laos.

• Flights: Quickest, most expensive.
• Train: Okay price, loooong journey.
• Bus: Cheapest, longest, perhaps less comfort.

How to cross into Laos from Thailand?

Thailand to Laos? Bridges and checkpoints. Paperwork matters.

• Friendship Bridge, Vientiane. Obvious choice. Always crowded.
• Mukdahan. Second bridge. Less chaos, maybe.
• Smaller crossings exist. Dig deeper. Hours vary.
• Passport. Visa. Duh. No entry without.
• Insurance? Your call. Mine’s useless, I swear.

Borders close. Check. Always. The world shifts on you.

• Border requirements change. Daily, hourly, maybe.
• Corruption? Possible. Smiles and patience help. I once bartered cigarettes.
• Don Det awaits. Or nothing. Depends. Is it worth it?

Travel light. Or don’t. Ultimately, matters little.

Do I need a visa for Laos from Thailand?

Okay, so Laos, huh? Visas. Right. If you’re just popping over from Thailand for like, a quick trip – less than 30 days – nah, you don’t need a visa. Cool, isn’t it?

But like, uh, say you wanna, wanna stay longer? Maybe like, a month and a bit? Then you gotta get an electronic visitor visa. For real. And this is like, for business or touristy stuff, okay?

• 30 days or less: No visa needed. That’s the good news.
• More than 30 days (Business/Tourism): e-visa time! No way around that.
• You CANNOT stay in Laos without one if it exceeds the allotted time.

It’s pretty simple to understand, really. I went, like, last spring, I think. Or was it Autumn? Anyway, yeah. Oh man, their, their food is amazing! Seriously. I’m pretty sure the e-visa is easier now than, like, a real visa. But get it. You do NOT wanna get stuck with out one.

Can I drive my car from Thailand to Laos?

Driving your Honda Civic from Thailand to Laos? Piece of cake, almost. Think of it as a meticulously planned, slightly chaotic, border-crossing opera.

First, the paperwork: Imagine it’s a bureaucratic tango with the Thai car department. You’ll need their official blessing – a “car passport,” if you will. Expect paperwork, lots and lots of paperwork. Think filing taxes, but with more stamps. And fees, naturally. Don’t forget the car tax, because, well, taxes.

Next, insurance: Laos awaits, but not without its own demands. You’ll need Laotian car insurance. It’s like getting travel insurance, but for your beloved vehicle. Acquire it on the Laos side, for the duration of your stay. Simple enough, right?

• Thai side: Car tax payment, “car passport” acquisition. Prepare for paperwork.
• Laos side: Car insurance purchase upon entry.

Let me tell you, navigating these border crossings can be as thrilling as a rollercoaster and as predictable as a sunrise. Don’t forget your passport, seriously.

Is there a train from Bangkok to Luang Prabang?

Ugh, Bangkok to Luang Prabang? No direct train. Seriously? That’s a bummer. I was picturing myself on some rickety old train, you know, the kind with the open windows and crazy smells? That would have been awesome.

Okay, so no train. Plan B. I guess a flight. Or maybe a bus? Buses are cheap, right? But how long is that bus ride? My butt won’t like that.

Flights are faster. Definitely. Need to check those prices. Skyscanner, Expedia… Ugh, travel websites. They’re all the same. Gotta compare. Seriously though, Luang Prabang is supposed to be gorgeous.

Those Kuang Si Falls? Amazing photos. I need that in my life.

Wait, did I check visa requirements? Laos visa. Got to do that. Passport’s expiring next year, too. Note to self: renew passport.

Best time to visit? November to April. Dry season. No rain, perfect. Definitely want to go then.

Things to pack:

• Lightweight clothes
• Good walking shoes. Seriously.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50 at least!)
• Insect repellent – the nasty kind.
• My new hat, the one from that market in Chiang Mai.

Damn, this is so exciting! But also stressful. Travel planning is exhausting. Must…book…flight…now.

What airlines fly from Thailand to Laos?

Bangkok to Vientiane. Ugh, that flight. Last summer. Boiling. Sweating just standing there at Suvarnabhumi. Finally boarded a Lao Airlines flight. Delayed. Of course. Sticky seats. Remember thinking, never again. Should’ve booked Thai Smile. Heard their planes are nicer.

• Thai Airasia: Cheap, but cramped.
• Lao Airlines: Old planes. Food was okay.
• Thai Airways: Pricey, but probably worth it for the legroom.
• Bangkok Airways: Never flown them. Heard they’re good.
• Thai Smile: Supposedly decent. Consider this next time.

My flight? Landed in Vientiane. Wiped my brow. Glad to be off that plane. Immigration line forever. Wattay Airport needs an upgrade. Badly. Finally got through. Hit by a wall of humid air. Welcome to Laos. My hotel, thankfully, had AC. Saved me.

Best option? Depends on your budget. Airasia if you’re broke. Thai Airways for comfort. The rest? Somewhere in between. Do your research.