🚌 Thailand Laos Chiang Khong - Huay Xai

Terrestrial · Laos

The Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge opened in 2013 and connects the Thai riverside town of Chiang Khong with Huay Xai on the Lao bank of the Mekong — the gateway to the legendary two-day slow boat journey downriver to Luang Prabang. This crossing is enormously popular with backpackers and long-term travellers doing the classic Southeast Asia overland route. Bus connections on the Thai side reach Chiang Rai (2 hours) and Chiang Mai (4 hours), while on the Laos side the slow boats to Luang Prabang depart from a pier just below town. The border is open daily 6:00 to 22:00. Laos visa-on-arrival is available here, and the Laos e-Visa is accepted. The Lao immigration office does not accept the e-Visa when purchased same-day; pre-arrange it at least 3 days ahead. There is no significant corruption at this crossing — it is one of the friendliest and most organised in the region. Chiang Khong is a charming, sleepy Thai town with excellent guesthouses, riverside cafes, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere — well worth arriving the night before and spending the morning at the market before crossing.