Nong Khai – Vientiane (Friendship Bridge I)
The main Thailand–Laos crossing over the Mekong, 20 km from Vientiane, with a short cross-border train too.
All border crossings · Thailand ⇄ Laos · Bridge, Rail, Road · checked 2026-09
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The two posts
Hours: About 06:00–22:00 (check)
Entering Thailand
Nong Khai (Friendship Bridge) · Nong Khai
- Visa on arrival
- Some passports
- E-visa accepted here
- Yes
Visa exemption for many passports; land entries can be capped per year. Fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you cross. (check)
Entering Laos
Thanaleng (Friendship Bridge) / Khamsavath rail · Vientiane
- Visa on arrival
- Yes
- E-visa accepted here
- Yes
Visa on arrival at most international posts (US$ cash, photo); the Laos e-visa only at listed posts. (check)
Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.
Getting across
- Night train Bangkok → Nong Khai, then the shuttle train to Khamsavath (Vientiane) or a bridge bus (check which runs).
- Direct international bus Udon Thani or Nong Khai → Vientiane Talat Sao terminal, about 1–2 h.
- Tuk-tuk from the Lao side to Vientiane centre, about 30 min; agree the price first.
Scams and traps
- Tuk-tuk drivers at the Lao exit charging several times the going rate.
- 'Overtime' fees at the Lao post on weekends and after hours: legitimate but small.
Tips
- Fly into Udon Thani for the quickest route from Bangkok by air.
- The Lao visa on arrival wants a photo and US dollars; the fee differs by passport.
Nearest places
Other Thailand–Laos crossings
Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.