Driving to Vientiane

Post by **thalenoi** » October 29, 2006, 8:37 pm

Can I just drive over the friendship bridge to visit Vientiane?
No problems with car? Insurance etc?
Do I need to buy a visa there? How much?
Gf has thai passport, is that ok?

Thanks.

Post by **FrazeeDK** » October 29, 2006, 8:45 pm

1. Your entry into Laos will cost your $30 for a 15 day tourist visa. Have a visa size photo avaialable.

2. Your girlfriend on a Thai passport can get stamped in (should be no or minimal fee) for a 30 day visa.

3. Car entry:
- you must have an International Transit Book for oyur car.(the "Purple Book) and insurance applicable in Lao to drive here..

Post by **Mainer** » October 29, 2006, 9:05 pm

I was told today that the Laos visa is now $35, not $30. Maybe they are expecting a sudden drop in border runs???

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » October 29, 2006, 9:11 pm

International Transit Book

you wouldn't know how to get one of them things, would you? have thai registered car, my name, license also my name, house papers (yellow) resident my name. no usa or int'l license. usa passport.

if able to drive over, that visa and stamp might be worth it.

Post by **Dakoda** » October 30, 2006, 1:29 am

laphanphon wrote:
International Transit Book

if able to drive over, that visa and stamp might be worth it.

Bet you find the cost very expensive, plus the Lao insurance at the bridge, might need a business to justify

How about Boarder Runs, get in quick, before everyone else

Post by **BKKSTAN** » October 30, 2006, 3:38 am

Being that it sounds difficult or expensive to get a pass for taking a car to Laos,it makes me wonder how organized the car thieves must be to get the cars to Laos.A guy that was renting cars in NK,had one of his cars found in Laos with a new paint job!

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » October 30, 2006, 11:15 am

wonder how organized the car thieves must be to get the cars to Laos

a little tea money goes a long way, or maybe not so long, couple kms

amazing how the girlfriends bags, pocketbook and wallet are inspected and scrutinized, but that big car or truck of motorbikes or people isn't notices.

Post by **FrazeeDK** » October 30, 2006, 7:34 pm

all I got from a Thai citizen who regularly transits with their car was that it is the "International Vehicle Transit Book" also known as the "Purple book".. They didn't say precisely where to get it, but implied you could get it from wherever you normally register the vehicle.. Next time I pass over the bridge I'll ask on the Thai side for specifics.. As far as insurance is concerned I'd imagine you'd just have to ask your insurance company what is the mandatory liability coverage in Lao.. In fact, your insurance company might be able to answer the question on where to get the Purple Book..

Post by **Prenders88** » October 31, 2006, 12:30 am

It seems to much aggro for a "Farang" to take his/her car and drive in Laos. Is there Car Rent available with or without a driver? Seems easy for the Laotians, looking at all the cars and pickups with Lao plates parked up in the Tesco car park in Nong Khai, to drive in Thailand.

Post by **FrazeeDK** » October 31, 2006, 9:06 pm

Prender's question on rentals... yes they rent both motorcycles,cars and vans up in Laos.. I haven't done it personally.. Best bet if you're on a short trip is to get your Lao visa and talk to one of the (Lot Doo)tour van drivers on the other side of immigration.. You'll be touted by a dozen of them.. Go and inspect his van to make sure it's not a shitebox and that the A/C works, then negotiate a 1-2-3-4 day driveabout deal. They'll do it as there is usually 20-30 vans (plus ancient 1970's taxis) trying to get customers. As I told Ban Paeng (and he confirmed0 a van to town from the bridge is a total of 200 Baht. (but they'll ask 400). I'm sure you could negotiate a daily fee of 400 or maybe less..

Post by **Bump** » October 31, 2006, 9:13 pm

I think key phrase think you can get the permit for the car or motorcycle from the Lao Consulate in Khan Kean. if check out wwwgtriders.com there are several postings there about guys taking thier bikes in Loa for rides, and I beleive it is laid out in detail.

a friend just took his bike into Malayasia fro a ride and he obtained a letter from the motor department on the Khan Kean highway that allowed to do that. By the way it was marked 001 the first ever issued and they originally wnating to go to Bangkok for the letter, simple beacuse they di not know how,. Well he insisted they know how and are anxious to proof thie new found capabilites

Anyway with a little research it can be done