bonerjams69
longtail driver
Posts: 6

#1 Posted: 19/2/2007 - 17:02


Hey,

I am looking for information regarding crossing the border from Thailand to Laos....suggestions if we want to cross from Eastern Thailand in to Southern Laos.

Also has anyone taken a bus from Bangkok to Laos - if so any details/recommendations/warnings are welcome!

Thanks!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2548

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 20/2/2007 - 06:43


Hi bonerjams69,

have you taken a look at the Visa and border crossing FAQ? All the international crossings between Thailand and Laos are covered in there.

bonerjams69
longtail driver
Posts: 6

#3 Posted: 20/2/2007 - 19:36


Thanks !!! - I had looked at this before but wanted to see if anyone had any extra info in regards to the actual travel from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom / Tha Khaek or Mukdahan / Savannakhet.

I.E. What is the cost and how long does it take?

Any info would be great as we plan to make this journey Monday!

Thanks!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2548

Located in:
Indonesia

#4 Posted: 20/2/2007 - 19:50


From Bangkok the best way to either crossing is overnight bus from Bangkok -- buses to both leave from Bangkok's northern bus terminal (morchit) -- not sure of the fare off the top of my head -- would guess under 500B, though could be wrong.

Once you're at the crossing, they're both super straight forward, but if you've got a little time on your hands, I'd suggest the following:

Get a night bus from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom, where you'll arrive the following morning. Then get a bus south (that's right, you're staying in Thailand another night!) to That Phanom -- one of my all-time favourite places in Thailand and stay at Niyana's Guesthouse -- Niyana opened the first ever guesthouse in Nong Khai and moved to That Phanom when it "got too busy" -- That Phanom is very quiet, there's just a handful of things to do -- bicycle ride to Renu Nakhon, gazing across the river etc etc, and just hang out at the guesthouse. When you're all done, north back to Nakhon Phanom and cross to Tha Khaek.

Otherwise, if you're in a rush to laos take either crossing -- little to differentiate the two -- if you're heading north then take Tha Khaek, south, Savannakhet.

bonerjams69
longtail driver
Posts: 6

#5 Posted: 20/2/2007 - 20:41


Awesome that is GREAT! We can not wait to start this trip...leaving Saturday morning from Germany then off to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia, at this rate maybe we will stay and not come back :)

cimn02
newbie
Posts: 1

#6 Posted: 5/12/2007 - 10:48


whats the best/cheapest airline to fly from Bangkok to Laos??

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2548

Located in:
Indonesia

#7 Posted: 5/12/2007 - 15:01


From Bangkok to Udon Thani with AirAsia is the cheapest (then overland from udon to Laos. Otherwise, look into Bangkok Airways -- depends on where in laos you are heading as well.