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Laos - Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai Thailand to Vientiane)
From 2006/07 Travel Blog
The Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge connects the Thai city of Nong Khai with Laos, approximately 25 Km from the Lao Capital Vientiane. Completed in April 1994 at a cost of US$30 million and funded by the Australian government, the bridge was the first to span the lower Mekong River.
The bridge is 1170 metres long and has two traffic lanes, two footpaths and an unused railway line in the centre lane. There are plans to utilise this line to connect the Nong Khai railhead to Vientiane, although as at mid 2007 this project was unfinished.
The bridge pictured from the Thai side
Traffic travels on the left from Thailand to the Lao side, where a changeover lane operates as Laos traffic drives on the right. Shuttle buses operate between the immigration points at both ends of the bridge.
It is possible to drive private vehicles across with the appropriate permits, although we found it impossible to obtain permission to take a rented car from Thailand across the bridge.
It is also not possible to walk across. Most people use the shuttle bus service (about 20 baht a head) and take a taxi, minivan or jumbo into Vientiane from the Lao side. Currency exchange services operate at both ends of the bridge.
The bridge crossing the Mekong River
Both Thai and Lao citizens may cross without a visa, providing they hold a passport. Those without passports may obtain border passes which are limited to travel within Nong Khai province on the Thai side and Vientiane province on the Lao side.
In Laos, ASEAN passport holders obtain a 30 day visa free on arrival. All others require a visa at a cost of around US$30. Visas are available on arrival but are more convenient to arrange ahead of time.
In Thailand, many nationalities including most western countries are issued with a 30 day visa free on arrival.
Clearing immigration and customs is quick and easy on the Thai side, but slow and chaotic on the Lao side unless you are willing to buy your way out of the queue.
You can view the bridge up-close from a pleasant lookout on the Thai side, providing the Thai Highway Department staff are around to let you in when you arrive. We didn't try this on the Lao side as things are a little stricter, so any reports from readers as to whether this is possible would be welcomed !
Taken from the bridge, Laos to the left, Thailand to the right
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