Preface
I hold a deep reverence for the deities of Southeast Asia, and every trip I embark on is a pilgrimage! The winter in Hangzhou arrives with an exceptionally damp chill, prompting me to pray before the Buddha: “Grant me a journey to a place closer to you, where I can bask in the sun!” The Buddha granted me a trip, and the surprise came abruptly, with the itinerary arranged in an unexpectedly simple and smooth manner.
Travel Preparations
Documentation and Photos
- Identity card, passport, and four white-background color photos (two for Thailand and two for Laos).
- Our itinerary includes two countries, Laos and Thailand, with round-trip flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Vientiane Wattay International Airport.
- Laos offers a convenient visa on arrival, which we were able to process at night when our flight landed as we were the only flight at that time.
Laos Visa on Arrival (B3 Visa)
A visa that does not require prior application and can be processed on-site upon arrival at an airport or border crossing in Laos. The cost is USD 20, with a stay duration of 30 days. It can be obtained with a valid passport and is available immediately.
- 1-2 white-background color photos taken within the last 6 months, sized 2.5x3CM;
- Passport validity must be at least 6 months;
- Arrive by plane;
- Carry 5000 RMB or equivalent foreign currency (although during our actual trip, none of us were inspected, but if inspected, we could pool together the required amount).
Border Crossing
Laos and Vientiane are separated only by the Mekong River. If crossing the border individually, a fee of 4000 kip is required to take the border-crossing bus, which operates between the Laos Vientiane exit hall and the Thailand Nong Khai entry hall. However, most travelers to these two locations are likely part of a group tour, and the tour bus can directly transport passengers across the border, which is very convenient.
