To get to Vientiane from outside of Laos, there are basically two ways. One is to cross the Friendship Bridge from Thailand, the other is by direct flight from nearby countries. As a result of an agreement between French, Laos and Thailand in 2005, there may be a train from Thailand into Vientiane at some point in the future. Indochina holidays
Crossing the Friendship Bridge
Bus trip from Bangkok to Vientiane-source: www.youtube.com
Linking Laos and Thailand, the Friendship Bridge, which was opened in 1994, was the first bridge to across the Mekong River and to separate the two countries for much of their mutual border. This bridge crosses between the eastern edge of Vientiane and the city of Nong Khai in Thailand.
To get to Nong Khai, you can go by train from Bangkok or by air via Udorn Thani. Besides Thai Airways, Udorn Thani’s international airport is also serviced by the low cost carriers Air Asia and Nok Air. Even though a bit more time consuming, it can be much cheaper to get to Vientiane via Udorn Thani, rather than taking a direct flight, thanks to plenty of the low cost air options.
Minivan service from Udon Thani airport to the border-source: www.globaltravelmate.com
You can be taken directly to the Friendship Bridge for 150 Baht (5.12 USD) by a Thai Airways van service when you land at Udorn Thani. Just outside of baggage claim, the counter is well marked. Taking about one hour, the van will take you directly to the checkpoint of the Thai immigration. There is a bus that will take you across the bridge for 15 Baht (0.38 USD), after passing through Thai immigration. Then, on the other side, you will have to go through Lao immigration. Here, they also offer visa on arrival services. You can find plenty of touts on the Lao side selling you taxi rides into Vientiane once getting through passport control. It will cost you about 250 Baht (6.40 USD – the taxis generally prefer Baht to Kip) for a taxi ride. It will cost you less if you choose a shared van. It should take less than 30 minutes for the trip into Vientiane. Laos travel tours
It is advisable to contact a tour operator in Nong Khai or Bangkok to arrange “door to door” service from Udon Thani to Vientiane if you are traveling with more than a simple carry-on bag.
Getting to Vientiane by Air
Getting to Vientiane by Air-source: charterair.com.au
Located about six kilometers west of the center of the city, the Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport is served by only a small group of airlines including: Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Lao Aviation, China Eastern and EVA.
Visa
Lao Airline flight-source: 12go.asia
At both the Friendship Bridge and the Vientiane International Airport, you can obtain a visa on arrival. Depending on early or late you arrive and what country your passport is under, the cost is at least US$35 and may be more. Remember that only the US Dollar fee is payable. You will be grossly over-charged if you try to pay in another currency. Besides, a passport size photo is also necessary to obtain a visa. Getting a Lao visa in advance from the embassy in Bangkok is much cheaper. However, as the embassy is tucked away in a rather obscure area of Bangkok, this has traditionally been discouraged.
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