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Voykit

Chiang Khong – Huay Xai (Friendship Bridge IV)

The start of the two-day slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang.

All border crossings · Thailand ⇄ Laos · Bridge · checked 2026-09

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The two posts

Hours: About 08:00–20:00 (check)

Entering Thailand

Chiang Khong (Friendship Bridge IV) · Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai

Visa on arrival
Some passports
E-visa accepted here
Yes

Visa exemption for many passports; land entries can be capped per year. Fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you cross. (check)

Entering Laos

Huay Xai (Houayxay) · Huay Xai, Bokeo

Visa on arrival
Yes
E-visa accepted here
Check

Visa on arrival at most international posts (US$ cash, photo); the Laos e-visa only at listed posts. (check)

Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.

Getting across

  • Bus Chiang Rai → Chiang Khong (about 2 h), tuk-tuk to the bridge; the bridge bus carries you across.
  • Slow boat Huay Xai → Pakbeng → Luang Prabang, two days; or the bus to Luang Namtha and the Laos–China railway.

Scams and traps

  • Packages from Chiang Mai 'including the boat' that drop you at a guesthouse and sell a second ticket.
  • Boat seat 'reservations' that do not exist: seats are first come, bring a cushion.

Tips

  • Book Pakbeng beds on arrival, not from touts on the boat.
  • Buy the boat ticket at the pier office in Huay Xai.

Nearest places

Other Thailand–Laos crossings

Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.