|
7 Nov 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 43
|
|
Escort across 4th Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge
I came across this bridge the other day from the Laos side to Thailand and am still trying to work out if what happened was a scam or not.
I got stamped out of Laos but then they said that motorbikes need to be escorted across the bridge by a car from the immigration department. Of course I needed to pay for it - first it was 400 Baht, then 100,000 kip, then 1000 Baht, then $35, then 250,000 kip, later on 500 Baht - all of which just reeks of bullshit so I refused to pay. After wasting huge amounts of time they let me go without paying anything but they actually did come across the bridge with me which makes me think that maybe there is a regulation about motorbikes needing an escort. But I can't really find any good information about it.
Anybody else know anything? Is it actually required to have an escort across the bridge? What about coming from the Thai side? And what about the price - where they trying to line they own pockets or did I refuse to pay an official fee?
|
7 Nov 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,524
|
|
There has been a lot of fuzz about letting motorbikes cross these friendships bridges spanning over Mekong between Laos and Thailand. In general the authorietis dont like motorbike on the bridges at all. Maybe understandable to a certain extend as 98 % of all thailenders own one and quite many laotians also. So there is a potential for heeps of traffic there.
As I can read on the GT-rider forum it seems to be the norm nowadays at bridge nr 4 that one need escort over the bridge and need to pay for it as well. Its not exactly a busy crossing so its hard to understand why.....
Read more aout it on the GT-rider forum thread about this bridge..
4th Mekong Friendship Bridge Houei Xai - Chiang Khong Opening. - Touring Forums | GT-Rider
At which point did you entry Laos by the way?
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
|
7 Nov 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
There is also alot of talk about it on Ride Asia Motorcycle Forum
They are sometimes a bit funny about letting bikes go across there at all! They also mention about having to be escorted.
I am going to try and cross later on in the year so I can post another update, I am hoping to cross from Thailand to Laos
Wayne
|
25 Nov 2014
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 62
|
|
Wow things change so quickly. I crossed there in 2013 but there was no bridge. Had to catch a dodgy barge across with 2 fuel tankers. Was pretty hectic but a good laugh.
|
20 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
I crossed the 4th Bridge, update as promised
Info and a bit of video in my RT page 7
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...d-laos-79478-7
Wayne
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|