Yes, you can cross into Laos from Thailand. Thailand has many land border crossing locations with Laos; tourists can choose the one that is most convenient for them based on their location. Regardless of the checkpoint chosen, travelers entering Laos from Thailand will be required to provide a visa for Laos.
The Laos eVisa is approved at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges I and II, making these crossings simple for foreign travelers.
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I: Nong Khai to Vientiane
This is a wonderful choice for those who want to start in Laos’ capital city, Vientiane. The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge I spans the Mekong River and is 1.17 kilometers long.
The bridge is close to Udon Thani, a significant Thai city with good public transit. Nong Khai, the border town, can be reached in under an hour by bus from here.
During bridge opening hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., a shuttle bus crosses the bridge every 20 minutes. The ticket is around 20 Thai Baht ($0.60 USD). Normal working hours are 8 a.m. to 16.30 p.m.; to cross during other times, an extra overtime charge must be paid.
The Friendship Bridge is not accessible by foot or bicycle. Passports and eVisas should be ready for examination by border officers.
Can you drive from Thailand to Laos via the Friendship Bridge?
The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge may be driven across. Motorists should use the lane designated for private vehicles.
The exit charge for driving across the bridge is 200 baht. On the Thai side of the border, traffic drives on the right, with a switch at the opposite end while traffic in Laos drives on the left.
Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II: Mukdahan to Savannakhet
This bridge connects Thailand’s Mukdahan province with Laos’ Savannakhet province. This is a good option for people staying in or around Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, which is about 2 hours away from the border crossing.
Two buses depart Mukdahan every hour and cross Friendship Bridge II to Savannakhet. It is 1.17 kilometers long. A one-way ticket costs around 50 baht ($1.60 USD).
Anyone utilizing this border should apply for a Laos eVisa in advance to avoid long lines at the checkpoint.
Other land border crossings between Laos and Thailand
People holding an eVisa who want to enter Laos should use one of the two land border crossings described above. Travelers who are ready to wait in line for a visa on-demand at Thailand-Laos border crossings can also use any of the following:
- Friendship Bridge III: Nakhon Phanom in Thailand to Thakhek in Laos
- Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos
- Nakaxeng in Thailand to Kaen Thao in Laos
- Chong Mek in Thailand to Vang Tao in Laos
- Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos
Those crossing the border from Thailand to Laos with a visa on arrival should plan ahead of time, especially during high season.