This article will focus on how to get to Thailand from Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.

Crossing the friendship bridge was not originally in our Vientiane itinerary but we thought why not? We combined our visit with the nearby Buddha Park. Interestingly, there is a larger Buddha Park just across the border in Nong Khai which was built by the same artist who fled Vientiane after the revolution in 1975.

Overview

How to get to the bridge?

A direct bus is available at Talat Sao bus terminal, which is located right behind the Talat Sao shopping mall. 

Walk past all these long-distance buses and then you will see a separate bus station on the right. That’s where the bus #14 is located. Let the bus driver know that you would like to get off at the friendship bridge. The journey should cost 8,000 kip. The same bus also takes you to the Buddha Park if you are also planning to combine the two attractions on the same day.

Alternatively, a shared tuk tuk will also cost the same but provided you have more than 6 of you.

VISA on Arrival

We are holding ASEAN passports which allowed us to pass the immigration like the locals. However, if you need a VISA, VISA on arrival counter is open from 6am to 10pm. The price varies accordingly to your nationality and cost between US$20 to US$42. There is a $1 surcharge on public holidays, weekends or after normal working hours on weekdays.

Crossing the bridge

You’ll be required to pay VAT of 10,000 kip at the Laos border. Keep the slip of paper in case they check upon your return to Laos. After crossing the Laos border, you need to purchase a bus ticket at the only ticketing counter you’ll see and take a short ride to the Thai border where it cost 4,000 kip.

What to do in Nong Khai?

Get your baht!

There is only ONE private money changer near the border (trust us, we walked to look for more) and obviously the rates are pretty bad and they don’t accept small amount transaction, below US$100. If you don’t mind, you could find this shop right beside 7-Eleven nearest to the immigration. Alternatively, ATM is also available at the same place.

7-Eleven

We’re in Thailand. It’s where they have impressive convenience stores stocked up with local flavours of Lay’s, hot and crispy toast, amazing pork sausages and an entire shelf of instant noodles. Long story short, we couldn’t just pass by it. Grab a few bags of snacks to go.

Sala Keo Kou (Buddha Park)

From the immigration or outside 7-Eleven to be precise, you could jump on board one of the tuk tuk to reach here.

The creation of this park by the artist, Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat follows a similar style to the earlier Buddha Park he designed in Vientiane. However, Sala Keo Kou is constructed on a bigger scale with larger structures reaching 25m. The main structure here is the 3-storey building that enshrines Sulilat’s mummified body. 

Entrance fees: 20 baht

Asawann Shopping Complex

For those looking to exchange baht, you could do it in this shopping complex where there are many banks and private money changer offering reasonable rates for any foreign currency.

There is also a food court here selling local food at low prices. I mean we came looking for Thai pork knuckle rice that we have been missing dearly and we found it! You could also explore the Thai hypermarkets – Tesco and Big C that Laotian visit Nong Khai for. 

Night Market

Thai knows night market better than any other countries and does it the best in the region. Before you cross the border back to Vientiane, drop by the night market near Nong Khai train station. 

We took a tuk tuk from Asawann Shopping Complex to the immigration and it cost 30 baht each.

Save to Pinterest!