Laos to Nong Khai immigration opening times?

[fussychunk]

Anyone got any ideas on the times you can cross the border, or is it 24/7? Being Thailand I expect 8-4 with a 9 hr lunch break.

Thinking of a trip to Luang Prabang, starting at the Chiang Khong end of the Mekong and doing the slow boat down to Luang, a couple of nights R and R then bus to Vietienne then across to Nong Khai.

Anyone recommend a place to stop in Luang Prabang?

Cheers

Uncle Fussy

[arjay]

If you mean what time is the bridge crossing open, it's something like 08.00am to 6.00pm, possibly 7.00pm. Locals can cross a bit earlier and later than that.

[BobHelm]

I thought it was 24/7 FC, but I couldn't find a thread saying so....
I think that even if it is there extra charges payable outside 'normal' hours.
Neither side closes for lunch, but it is best avoided as staff obviously go away to have their lunch at this time..
Not sure if there is much about Luang Prabang on this thread or not..

http://www.nongkhaimap.com/nongkhaiforu ... 12141.html

[BKKSTAN]

Anyone got any ideas on the times you can cross the border, or is it 24/7? Being Thailand I expect 8-4 with a 9 hr lunch break.

Thinking of a trip to Luang Prabang, starting at the Chiang Khong end of the Mekong and doing the slow boat down to Luang, a couple of nights R and R then bus to Vietienne then across to Nong Khai.

Anyone recommend a place to stop in Luang Prabang?

Cheers

Uncle Fussy

Sounds interesting,hope you give us a detailed report as LA does on his excursions!Enjoy,and pass on your experience!

[douglas]

Hi,
Bob I think you are correct 24/7 as you say you have to pay a extra dollar to go through at night. The only time bridge shuts to traffic is when the trains cross the bridge, don't know what time they run but i think 2 return trips a day.
Cheers Doug
Oh Fussy have a good trip.

[arjay]

Douglas & Bob, the bridge is not open 24/7, possibly except for Emergency Ambulances and the like.

I believe it is open from 06.00am until 10.00pm, but that is only for Thais or Laos people or those with appropriate documentation. Indeed you will see queues of lorries waiting for the 6.00am opening.

For farangs who have to obtain a visa on the otherside, I would think 8.00am, possibly a bit earlier, until something like 6.00pm or 7.00pm, though I stand to be corrected on the finishing time. The first International bus leaves Nong Khai at 07.30am and thus reaches the bridge just before 8.00am.

It is certainly not open all night though. I have seen gates closed across after 10.00pm, and as I said lorries waiting for the 6.00am opening.

[cryptic]

Open 6am to 10pm everyday to everybody.

[douglas]

Hi,
I said i think. I have never gone over there at times of darkness. Just recalling something I'd read before. This is the time, when it is dark, I usually keep off the Thai. roads. Unless it is vital to travel at these times. Four years ago on the single carriageway road on the Udon ringroad i was confronted with a lorry without lights coming towards me on the wrong side, close shave. I'm going over to Lao in two weeks time and will get the full details as there are many conflicting reports.
Cheers Doug.

[fussychunk]

Anyone got any ideas on the times you can cross the border, or is it 24/7? Being Thailand I expect 8-4 with a 9 hr lunch break.

Thinking of a trip to Luang Prabang, starting at the Chiang Khong end of the Mekong and doing the slow boat down to Luang, a couple of nights R and R then bus to Vietienne then across to Nong Khai.

Anyone recommend a place to stop in Luang Prabang?

Cheers

Uncle Fussy

Sounds interesting,hope you give us a detailed report as LA does on his excursions!Enjoy,and pass on your experience!

Will do, looking forward to it. Will wait for the rainy season to finish before i partake in any river cruises though!