Thailand to Laos Border Crossing | Chiang Mai to Laos Adventure with Vadim

Crossing Thailand Laos Friendship Bridge!

Join us as we embark on an exciting journey crossing the Thailand-Laos border! My Russian friend and YouTube partner, Vadim, and I started our adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with plans to reach Laos in one day. Things didn’t go exactly as planned, making the trip even more memorable!

Our Journey:
Missing the Bus and Hitchhiking Attempt:
We originally planned to take an early bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but we missed it. Determined to keep moving, we decided to try hitchhiking. However, luck wasn’t on our side, and we couldn’t find a ride.

Catching Local Transport:
After some time, we managed to catch a local mini-van, which took us part of the way. From there, we hopped on a local bus and eventually reached Chiang Rai.

Bus to the Border Town:
In Chiang Rai, we took another bus to Chiang Khong, the Thai border town. This was the gateway to the famous Friendship Bridge connecting Thailand and Laos.

Crossing the Friendship Bridge:
At the border, Vadim didn’t need to pay for a visa as Russians have a free entry agreement with Laos. Meanwhile, I had to pay a visa fee of Rs. 4000 (around $48). The border process was smooth, and soon we found ourselves on the Laos side!

Reaching the Hostel:
Once in Laos, we realized our hostel was about 11 kilometers from the border. A tuk-tuk driver offered to take us there for an outrageous price of 400,000 kip (around $20+). We decided to skip the ride and started walking instead.

A Culinary Break:
On the way, we stopped to enjoy some delicious local Laotian food. It was the perfect energy boost for the long walk ahead.

Hitchhiking Success:
After walking for a while, we decided to try hitchhiking again. This time, we got lucky! A kind local gave us a ride, and we successfully made it to our hostel.

Highlights of the Trip:
Traveling through Northern Thailand’s beautiful landscapes.
The vibrant border town atmosphere of Chiang Khong.
The experience of crossing the Friendship Bridge into Laos.
Enjoying authentic Laotian street food along the way.
Meeting kind locals who helped us on our journey.
This adventure taught us the importance of patience, adaptability, and staying positive during unexpected challenges. Whether it was figuring out transport, navigating visa requirements, or simply enjoying the journey itself, it was an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning to travel from Thailand to Laos, this video will give you an idea of what to expect and how to make the most of the journey!