Laos forum

Trying to get from Udon Thani Airport Thailand to the Laos visa checkpoint

chris1dna

backpacker
Posts: 20
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I am traveling to Luang Prabong in Laos. How is best to reach Lao Visa checkpoint at Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai from the Udon Thani Airport?

Is there a bus service catering to travelers who need to get to Laos from the Airport perhaps? Any help would be great!
Happy Traveling. Sawasdee, Chris

#1 Posted: 1/12/2006 - 20:24
somtam2000

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mahout
Posts: 5862
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Hi Chris,

THAI run a shuttle bus from Udon airport from Udon Thani to Nong Khai, from where it is straightforward to get to Vientiane. There are also six direct buses a day between Udon Airport and Vientiane for 80B

#2 Posted: 1/12/2006 - 21:56

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thorel

newbie
Posts: 1

can anybody tell me ( SOMTAM ?) what time are the last buses from Udon to Vientiane, because I will fly from Bangkok via nokair and arrive at 7 pm in udon; so will there still be a bus?

#3 Posted: 1/2/2007 - 17:45
somsai

som tam seller
Posts: 520
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I don't know if it was a regular bus or shuttle but I got a seat on a 10 person mini van at the bagage counter at 6pm. Took us to the border checkpoint only, not Nong Khai, and definatly not the prefferable Vientiane. We had prepared visa forms in advance and made Vientiane by 8:15.

Just a note for all you visa runners that might be reading. The regular bus out of the bus station (udon Thani)didn't want to sell us tickets a month ago. They say no tickets without prior visa on big sign. So if you are stopping off in Udonthani for the night you might need to take bus to Nong Khai, shuttle to bridge, tuk tuk to Vientiane. Pain in the butt. Or go back out to the airport where there is I believe a through bus.

#4 Posted: 2/2/2007 - 07:00
LancasterLad

tout
Posts: 62

Why not stop off in Nong Khai for a relaxing couple of days? Its a complete contrast to Bangkok with lots to keep you occupied before proceeding to the Friendship Bridge to get your visa and cross into Laos.

Sorry about the punctuation but Im on a funny keyboard in Fes (Morocco) at the moment.

#5 Posted: 2/2/2007 - 21:32
buzz129

backpacker
Posts: 11

Yes, stay a few days in Nong Khai and relax at Mut Mee GH. No I have no shares in it. But it is a fantastic relaxing atmosphere over there!

#6 Posted: 14/2/2007 - 04:57
buzz129

backpacker
Posts: 11

The minibusses from Udon Thani Airport are always there when a flight arrives. At any time they are very willing to drop you off at the border, although it is a detour for them. I doubt if you will be able to cross the border so late at night. I would not do it as transportation from the border into Vientiane can be quite rough. So better during daytime. If you have a reservation in one of the guesthouses in Nong Khai the minibus will drop you off there. Next morning you easy find a tuk tuk for a few baht to bring you to the border. Don't be scammed by buying a taxi ticket at the Lao side of the border for 300 Bt. These taxi's are worse and more dirty than the ordinary bus into Vientiane. And don't believe the promises of nice smiling young ladies at the taxi desk. You will see it yourself.

#7 Posted: 14/2/2007 - 05:08
buzz129

backpacker
Posts: 11

Yes, stay a few days in Nong Khai and relax at Mut Mee GH. No I have no shares in it. But it is a fantastic relaxing atmosphere over there!

#8 Posted: 14/2/2007 - 05:08
chris1dna

backpacker
Posts: 20
Located in:

Hello everyone,

Thank you all so much for the replys! We have traveled to Laos and Thailand many times but never by air to the border via UT. Thank you again. It's this specific kind of info that really impresses us. What a great resource! I found this site by chance while doing a google search on this subject.

Regards, Chris and Lamai

#9 Posted: 21/2/2007 - 09:03
Butch

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hi Chris,
The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is open 'til 10pm and the minibus should get you there before 9pm -- so plenty of time to spare if you're planning on getting to Laos the same day.

#10 Posted: 21/2/2007 - 10:18