Crossing in to Laos ???
 

Just heard some news that Laos is no longer open to Motorbikes, has anyone some more info on that???? We are just about to enter Cambodia from Thailand and then plan to go on to Laos
Thanks Mark

Never had any trouble a few months ago (~July) but I came in from Thailand on a wee boat to the west. The other main border is via a busy bridge and no probs there however can't say whether they've since changed their entry requirements.


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As of December 2008 entering Lao from Thailand with a Foreign Registered bike is fine at Chiang Khong (north) and Nakhon Phanom (east).
Entering Lao from Cambodia at the one crossing is also possible, Stung Treng I think.

Entering Laos at ANY of the "Friendship" bridges wasnt possible.
Leaving Laos from any of these bridges is a piece of cake however...

Thanks Guys, let you know how we went...
Mark
1150Gs

Cambodian - Laos Border crossing with foreign bike
 

There is absolutely no problem with crossing into Loas from Cambodia at the Dong Kralor border crossing north of Stung Treng (Cambodia). You may need to pay a little USD to the customs officer or you could just sit there and wait a while as they don't have much traffic and you're a novelty.

From what we've heard the rumour about Thai Laos border crossings being difficult (or closed) only applies to Laos registered motorcycles entering Thailand. There is absolutely no problem with Foreign registered bikes getting into or out of Laos to or from Thailand and Cambodia. I know Five others on 'big' bikes that have done these crossings in the past weeks and months.

No worries mate!

Cheers,
TurboCharger

No Problem
 

We crossed into Laos a fewe days ago at the Dong Kralor boarder north of Stung Treng no problem at all! We where charged US $ 5.- for the bike and 2.- each for us to leave Cambodia. To enter Laos was US$1.- each and they stamped the Carnet for the bike, thats it " Welcom to Laos" :thumbup1: the whole process lasted about five minutes. I wish all crossings where like that.
Mark

Hey guys,

Im wondering do you get a visa before or just at the border for Laos and Cambodia? Me and my friend are hoping to get our bikes out from the harbour in Bangkok soon. They are a bit hard to deal with there!!! Then we are heading over there.. Does anyone have experience geting a biger then 200cc bike into Vietnam? we are going to th\ry get our 650 DR in there, any hints???

Cheers

Hope your bike isn't too rusty after the trip to the harbour! lol

You can get a Cambodian visa at the border, Laos visas can only be obtained at the airport and the friendship bridge Thai border. You will need to get a visa from the embassy if you plan to enter Laos from Cambodia. Recommend you do that in Phnom Penh as the city is much easier to get around than Bangkok.

Very few have made it with any bike into Vietnam. Recently a Norwegian couple got in with support from their embassy. Otherwise consider storing your bike in Laos or Cambodia and hire a bike in Vietnam.

Good luck

Having just spent a little over a year in Thailand and been in Laos 3 times I would like to add a few corrections:

Leaving Laos via "Friendship" bridge 2 in Savannakhet was only possible with the help of the chief of immigration. I have met an American couple who spent several days trying unsuccessfully.

Lao visas are available at most borders, but not at Muang Pakxan and not at Donglor (from Cambodia). See my post about Laos elsewhere here.

To enter Cambodia from Laos now requires a customs permit from Phnom Penh. We were asked for a 20$ bribe each to pass without, which we declined to pay. I have met several other travellers who were simply turned back: "No permit, no go."

Good luck with getting your bike out of customs in Bkk. You will need it. You may find that the officials won't do their job without a fat bribe. Bkk port is not recommended for shipping.

Yeah sorry, was thinking about going in to Laos but not coming out again. I have always taken a Cambodian registered bike so have never needed import documents.

My info re Laos visas came from my colleague who has lived in Laos since 1985, I have been in Cambodia since 2001, our info can be out of date as things change very quickly here.

Sorry couldn't be more help

Mick

From my experience the biggest problem when taking bikes into Laos is with Thai registered bikes, especially if they are not registered in your name (i.e. rental bikes).

If the bike's registered on you and from your home country, it shouldn't be a problem. You can get up to date infos and suggested routes etc over at Motorcycle Touring & Maps: Thailand : Laos : Golden Triangle

3 of us with Chinese registered bikes entered Laos from Boten in March gone through without any problem. Visa is also available at the border as long as you pay US$30 visa fee. Coming back into China from the same crossing is like a breeze as long as RMB10 is paid at the Laos side.


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