Lao crossing in Kenthao

Post by **Peterplay** » February 7, 2012, 1:50 pm

Does anyone living close know if the Lao side gives a Visa on Arrival in Kenthao (near Tali, Loei) already ?
Would be a nice change from the Friendship bridge and an interesting and new route to Xaignabouili.

Post by **arjay** » February 7, 2012, 11:19 pm

Peterplay, I crossed there once about 3 years ago and at that time I had to get a visa in advance from the Laos Embassy in Bangkok (or consulate in KK). Even then on the Laos side of the border I don't think they quite knew what they were looking at and asked me where I got the visa? So whilst the situation could have changed by now I somewhat doubt it.

Post by **Peterplay** » February 8, 2012, 9:14 am

I had hoped that the situation had changed. But if a VOA is already a problem, bringing a car over and insuring it there probably is even more of a hassle.
So I will go to the Friendship bridge.

Maybe I could drive back to Thai that way. But if they can't handle my return, then I have to drive a very long way back to get to either Nan province (via Hongsa) or Vientiane (via Kasi).
If I do decide to give it a try, I'll report back.
Thanks for your message anyway.

Post by **Peterplay** » February 20, 2012, 3:18 pm

I promised to come back here if I had some more info, so here I am for the one(s) that might be interested.

I crossed, with my car, the border in Kentao from the Lao side to the Thai side without any problems. At the Lao side the border closes during lunchtime

and I wouldn't be surprised if this is the case in the evening/night as well.

You now can get a VOA at both sides and at the Lao side there is a small office where you can buy insurance for car accidents, third party of course.

The first 40 km's or so from Sayaburi are pretty unpleasant driving, after that it's a good road. They are working on it though, which doesn't mean too much.
Also, there is a road from Paklai to Vientiane, hadn't spotted that one before, I will try next time.
Oh, and a big bridge is being built over the Mekong between Sayaburi and LP.

Post by **fdimike** » February 20, 2012, 4:06 pm

I would appreciate it greatly if you could check with the Thai authorites to se if they will allow one to ride a bicycle across the bridge as is done in Nong Khai. They will not allow you to ride across the bridge at Mukdahan.

Post by **fdimike** » February 20, 2012, 4:07 pm

Correction to my last post.

the Thai authorities will not allow you to ride or WALK your bike across the bridge at Mukdahan. You must put the bike on a vehicle.

Post by **Peterplay** » February 20, 2012, 4:21 pm

Mike, I wouldn't know, but I suppose it's a safety issue on a long bridge.
The bridge in Kentao is very short, so proabably it's not a problem there, but as I said, I don't know.

Post by **fdimike** » February 20, 2012, 4:58 pm

Well I guess I'll just have to test things out the next time I'm out that way. Thanks anyway