Vientiane Nong KhaiIt's 24 km from Vientiane to Nong Khai.And apart of the border crossing there is not much to tell about this road. The town of Nong Khai is 3 km from the customs service. From the bridge to Vientiane is another 18 km or so. If you come from Thailand, you may consider a visit to the Buddha park, 7 km east of the Friendship.
Visa for Laos can be obtained at the border and should cost $30 for 30 days (and not $10 as the official Laos website claims). The process is fast and easy. And if you need a visa for Thailand, this is also available at the border. Nong Khai has not much to offer, so you may consider not even stay here.
And if you do not even want to cycle to Nong Khai, the railway station is a kilometer from the Friendship bridge with a comfortable overnight train to and from Bangkok.
Be aware that coming from Vientiane, there are hardly signs on the road. The best way is, as usual, to follow the biggest road. And in doubt: ask! However, it's pretty straightforward.
If you have some time left, you may find it worth to visit the Buddha park. This somewhat strange collection of statues is 8 km from the airport and 26 from Vientiane. If you come from south Laos (or you're on the way south) you will pass the park. It's worth a visit. The Lao name for the park is: Xiang Khouan.
You are allowed to cross the bridge by bicycle. I found no one hindering me when I crossed the bridge.
Go back to the main North Laos page
Other pages about Laos:
|
The road to South Laos Pakse and Champasak are the obvious destinations together with the 1000 islands. Your Adventures in Laos What is your single most travel story in Laos? Have you cycled in a very remote area? Invited at a local wedding? Or did you do a boat trip? Traveled on the back of a truck in north Laos? Tell us! Map of Laos
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.