Road conditions west of Vientiane in Laos
 

Does anyone know the conditions of roads leading west from Vientiane towards the border crossing to Thailand at Nam Hueang-Kentao (L) - Tha Li (T)? Can that route be used with a heavy bike.

The road goes over the mountains and may be too difficult to ride if it is non-paved as it has rained recently. It may be difficult even if it is paved. Some types of tarmac here are extremely slippery when wet, as I found out yesterday.

Also, there seems to be a ferry connection over Mekong River close to Kengsao/Pak Lay. Is that working daily? The frequency of operation?

At the border it seems that there is a bridge over the river. Is that correct? Thai visa on arrival should be possible according to GT-riders page.

Roads
 

Hi Jukka Neil here we did Laos 2years back bike were not allowed to use bridges over Mekong we had to get a boat I think to Chiang Khong . Visas are available for Thailand at border there . How is trip going I have been home now for a few weeks taking time to settle back In't normal life .goood luck neil

Bridges open
 

Hi Neil,

Now the friendship bridges are open for motorcycles but one has to pay 1000 baht for escort over the bridge. Weird system. I just thought it might be interesting to go further in the west before crossing to Thailand. Chiang Khong is just the place. There should be a bridge today. But how to get there? Mekong has to be crossed at some point anyway. And how is the road? You know my bike. Is it doable? And there seems to be point to cross the river by a ferry or boat upstream from Chiang Khong. Jukka

No, sorry, I mixed things up. I was thinking about the southern route to Tha Li, not Chiang
Khong.

However, there seems to be a bridge in Chiang Khong too.

This route
 

The one with blue is what I mean.

Yes there is a bridge at Chiang Khong, I used it back in January coming from Laos back into Thailand, they only charged me 500 Baht for the "Escort"!

As for the road conditions try going on this forum for up to date info
Ride Asia Motorcycle Forum


Wayne

Sorry Jukka not done that route did the road up to China border via Luang Prabang to China border then across to Huay Xai great scenery

First of all - there have never been any problems goijng from Laos and into Thailand using these bridges. Sometimes you have to pay an escorte though. Its from Thailand and into Laos that have been problematic. As Jukka is going from Laos to Thailand there is nothing to worry about.

Then to the route you asked about - I am not 100 % sure but I dont think you can get all the way to the Thai Li bc from Vientiane using the suggested route. I think you have to ride north past Vang Vieng and then deviate west to Xayaboury and then down to Tha Li (in Loei province of Thailand) You can in this case also use the road from Xayaboury to the border crossing in Nan province of Thailand called Muang Ngeun (Laos) - Huay Kon (Thailand) a much much more scenic route by the way at least if youride the eastern route from Huay Kon via Bo Kleua.

Please remember that you will only get 15 days visa exemption at the thai border as you cross a land border. Only UK, US, german, french, italian and 1-2 more nationalities get 30 days at the land border crossing. So consider strongly to get to the thaiembassy in Vientiane and get a 60 day touristvisa.

Theres is nothing wrong with crossing the border at Vientiane to Ni g Khaiand then ride route 211 inThailand which goes along the Mekong river for several hundred kms and is a nice ride.

Chok dee khrap!

Thanks Snakeboy for your comments.

The fee for the bridges is not a problem and I know I could use it. I just thought to see more Laos by riding that route. But there are risks in terms of road condition, ferry schedule, and riding alone with a too heavy bike through unpopulated areas. Besides, I had fever just a day ago and am still quite tired. I'll probably drop that idea. And as you said the route along Mekong's south shore is probably as nice as the norths side would be.

Tha Li is not my goal. I may drive to Chiang Mai as everyone suggests that and therefore take road 210 (or 21).

You're right about the visa and that's a reason why I'm waiting in Vientiane. 15-day visa is too short. I don't know why it is so in Thailand. All other countries give longer visa also for Finns. Edit: The consulate is closed for holidays until Dec 11!