By using Nong khai bridge you enter Laos from Thailand. You will be crossing Mekong river, Muang district, Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani districts. Yes visa is much needed to enter Laos. You need to apply online for checking is done in Lao Thai friendship bridge where you will be driving.
1) For backpacking from Bangkok to Laos, you can take a bus or hire a car. The journey is scenic and gives you a good feel of the countryside. As for visas, most people opt for a visa on arrival when entering Laos, but it’s always good to double-check the latest updates. I used matrix.in for my visa, and the process was fast and straightforward. 2) Here are some tips for your trip:
- Travel by bus from Bangkok to Vientiane; it’s affordable and offers a decent experience.
- Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at the border.
- Expect to spend around 1,500-2,000 THB on transport from Bangkok to Laos.
- Food and accommodations are affordable, with budget options starting from 300 THB per night. For visas, using matrix worked out great for me – quick and hassle-free.