Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
ຂົວມິດຕະພາບລາວ-ໄທ
The first cross-border bridge over the Mekong, completed in 1994, linking Vientiane with Nong Khai in Thailand. It is the main land border crossing.
The First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is about 1,170 metres long and opened in 1994. It was the first bridge on the lower Mekong, connecting Thanaleng in Vientiane with Nong Khai Province in Thailand. A metre-gauge railway runs across the centre of the bridge, and since 2009 trains have run between Thanaleng and Nong Khai. It is Vientiane's main land border crossing. International buses from the city run directly to Nong Khai and Udon Thani, connecting to Thailand's rail network and Nong Khai airport. When handling border formalities, check the weekend overtime fees and visa policies. It is not advisable to photograph the border facilities from the bridge.
Opening hours
Port approx. 06:00–22:00
Nearby sights
- Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park)
- Wat Sok Pa Luang
- COPE Visitor Centre
- Wat Si Muang
- Pha That Luang
- Haw Phra Kaew
- Talat Sao (Morning Market)
- Patuxai