The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Laos into Thailand: Crossing the Laos-Thailand Border
Hit the road and experience the thrill of crossing the Thailand border with your own car or motorcycle registered in Laos. Crossing the border between Laos and Thailand can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can navigate the border crossing with ease and confidence. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about crossing the Laos-Thailand border, including the requirements, procedures, and tips for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Requirements for Driving from Laos into Thailand
Before you begin your journey, there are several requirements that you must meet in order to cross the Laos-Thailand border. These include:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
- A valid visa for Thailand (if required)
- A valid driver's licence recognized in Thailand(ASEAN or International Driving Permit)
- TM2 Information of Conveyance form.
- TM3 Passenger List form – 2 copies. (Only if you’re riding/driving with passengers).
- TM6 Card (Arrival/Departure white card – Available at the immigration counter- Example).
- Simplified customs temporary Import/Export form (will be given by Thai customs). If this is your first time driving your vehicle in Thailand via the Sadao border, you can now pre-register your vehicle online
- Vehicle Registration Card(Grant / VOC). (Photocopy is acceptable but you will need to get the document verified at a police station near the border. Once verified, the officer will give you a slip.
- A valid vehicle registration and insurance (more information on the topic below)
You can acquire the first four essential documents from the Thailand border at no cost. Nevertheless, on certain occasions, you might have to pay a small sum of money to obtain them. However, the payment process might not be official, if you catch our drift. To avoid wasting time, you can download the TM2 and TM3 forms mentioned earlier and complete them before arriving at the border.
It's important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the purpose of your visit. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your vehicle and travel plans before you depart.
Required Insurance To Drive or Ride Into Thailand
This is a list of insurance you will want to have when entering thailand
- Compulsory Insurance
- Voluntary Insurance (Required Thrid Class Insurance)
- Personal Travel Insurance (optional)
Compulsory Insurance or what we called Por Ror Bor
Compulsory Insurance (CI) is designed to provide a specific amount of medical compensation, usually up to THB 80K, to anyone involved in a road accident with a vehicle in Thailand. It is important to note that under the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Act 1992, it is mandatory for all vehicles in Thailand to have Compulsory Insurance
Voluntary Insurance (Required Third Class Insurance)
Thailand Voluntary Insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for property and vehicle damage resulting from an accident in Thailand. It is categorized into three different classes, with Class 1 being exclusively available to Thai-registered vehicles. Foreign registered motorcycles can opt for Classes 2 and 3, while foreign registered Cars/MPV/SUVs are limited to only Class 3.
Here's a brief overview of the coverage provided by Class 3+ and Class 3 that you can get for your vehicle:
Class 3 insurance: Covers the costs of Third Party Property Damage and Excess Third Party Bodily Injury.
Class 3+ insurance: This type of insurance covers Third Party Property Damage and Excess Third Party Bodily Injury, as well as limited coverage for Own Vehicle Damage due to Collisions only.
We highly recommend obtaining a Voluntary Insurance of Class 3+ to protect your vehicle against unexpected events. Check out our collection from the top providers in Thailand and their pricing.
Personal Travel Insurance (optional)
Foreigners may face high medical expenses in Thailand. Therefore, it is strongly advised to obtain travel insurance for yourself and/or your passengers. Check out our collection from the top providers in Thailand that will help you in your emergency. Some providers also provide cashless access in their network hospitals.
Crossing the Border into Thailand
There are a total of 3 border crossings between Thailand and Laos.
- Savannakhet/Mukdahan
- Vientiane/Nong Khai
- Vang Tao/Chong Mek
Savannakhet/Mukdahan
Located in the northeastern region known as Isaan, Savannakhet and Mukdahan are separated by a bridge spanning the mighty Mekong River (the second "Friendship Bridge"). This crossing is very popular with ex-pats and tourists due to the Thai embassy in Savannakhet, which has long been known as one of the friendlier embassies where you can obtain a new visa and then re-enter Thailand. Savannakhet, although a fairly small, dusty provincial Laos town, does have a few markets, bars, and various restaurants, as well as a casino, and will keep you busy for a day or two while you wait for your visa to be processed (which is an overnight process).
Vientiane/Nong Khai
With a "Friendship Bridge" separating the two countries, this border can be crossed easily using international buses, private taxis, or a tuk-tuk. You should be wary of any taxi or tuk-tuk drivers trying to take you anywhere other than the crossing itself as they are likely trying to get you to use and pay for the service of a travel agent who won't do much more than fill out the forms for you.
Vang Tao/Chong Mek
The towns on both sides of this border are small and don't have much to see or do other than shop at some fairly basic markets or grab a bite to eat. Once through the crossing itself, there is a walk of a few hundred meters to enter the other immigration checkpoint. Chong Mek is around 100 km east of Ubon Ratchathani, takes around an hour and a half in a taxi, and costs around 1000 baht ($33). On the Laos side, Pakse is the first point of interest and is about 40 km or so east of the crossing, and takes under an hour to reach.
Conclusion
Crossing the Thailand-Laos border can be a smooth and hassle-free experience if you're well-prepared and knowledgeable about the different crossings. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a seamless journey to your destination.
Exiting Laos
- You can just drive through and you will only need to get your passport stamped.
- Present your passport and vehicle documents to the Laosn immigration officials at the border checkpoint.
- Get your passport stamped with an exit stamp.
- Proceed to the Laosn customs checkpoint to have your vehicle documents verified.
Entering Thailand
- Present your passport and vehicle documents to the Thai immigration officials at the border checkpoint.
- Get your passport stamped with an entry stamp.
- Proceed to the Thai customs checkpoint to have your vehicle documents verified.
It's important to note that the border crossing can be a time-consuming process, especially during peak travel times. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the crossing and avoid rushing or cutting corners.Some borders may require the passengers to be dropped off at the immigration complex and go through immigration separately from the driver. There could also be a small vertime fee when you stamp your passport to enter Thailand during out-of-working hours.This could be around 10-25 baht and a seperate fee per passenger of about 3-5 baht.
The Immigration officer will keep a copy of your forms for their records and PLEASE ensure they return you a copy of the stamped TM2/TM3 and TM6 (departure card) forms.Often, the officer will not ask you about these forms but the laws are in place and there is a fine for not having the forms on your return. Occasionally, you get a bad official who likes to make trouble if you don’t have all the copies & / or completed correctly. If you lost them, be polite, smile always and you can often get out of a fine. Remember, this is Thailand
Note: once you have the customer declaration form it is important to know that The validity of the form is usually 30 days and you MUST return the export form to the Customs Counter when you exit Thailand. Failing to do so, there is a fine of 1,000 baht a day, with a maximum of 10,000 baht.
That’s it!
You are ready to explore thailand. The official may stop you to check whether your passport has been stamped or not on your way in, just show it to them and they will let you pass.
Tips for Driving from Laos into Thailand
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free border crossing experience, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your travel route ahead of time and research the requirements and procedures for crossing the border.
- Avoid peak travel times, such as weekends and holidays, as the border crossing can be crowded and busy during these times.
- Be prepared for long wait times and bring plenty of snacks and water to stay hydrated and comfortable.
- Stay calm and patient, and avoid getting frustrated or angry with the border officials or other travelers.
- Be respectful of the local customs and laws, and avoid carrying any illegal or prohibited items.
Conclusion
While the process of crossing the Laos-Thailand border may seem complex and challenging, with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a relatively straightforward and stress-free experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and have completed all the required procedures to pass through the border smoothly. With patience, respect for the laws and regulations, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy all the amazing sights and experiences that Laos and Thailand have to offer.
