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Crossing the Thai-Lao Border - Chiang Mai to Huoay Xai
Information on this border crossing is all fairly new, as the situation changed in 2013. Before then one would journey to Chiang Khong and catch a slow boat over the river. However in 2013 the new friendship bridge opened over the Mekong, and now you must catch a bus over the bridge for 25THB.
First, it seems we must catch a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This is as most of the information talks of buses from Chiang Rai, though we will check if we can get a direct bus in Chiang Mai. Tickets range from 130THB to 230THB depending on the level of comfort/speed, the journey takes around three hours.
Then catch a bus from Chiang Rai to Huoay Xai (Bokeo Province) for 225THB. These buses take about 3-4 hours and include the 25THB bridge crossing.
This post provides excellent information on the journey.
During the journey, after the bridge you will have to go through immigration. Visas for UK citizens are $35 and, as with a lot of borders, it's just cheaper to pay in dollars. You will need a passport sized photo (though they can take a copy for 40THB) and a completed arrival form, which you can get at the border. If you are travelling on a weekend, there is an extra $1 fee, or during the week after 16.00 there is also an extra $1 overtime fee.
Job Done :)
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