Chiang Khong to Huay Xai Border Crossing: 2026 Guide

Since Mae Sai stopped working as a tourist crossing, the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Chiang Khong has become the main land border run for people based in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. On the far side is Huay Xai in Laos, the starting point for the slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang.

Quick Facts

• Thai side: Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai province
• Lao side: Huay Xai, Bokeo province
• Hours: 06:00 to 22:00
• Bridge shuttle: mandatory, about 20 to 25 THB
• Distance from Chiang Mai: about 280 km

Getting There

GreenBus runs from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong, with a morning departure around 08:30 for about 434 THB. From Chiang Rai the trip takes roughly two hours by bus or minivan. The bridge is several kilometers outside Chiang Khong town, so take a tuk-tuk from the bus stop.

From Chiang Mai, the run is a very long day. Many people stay a night in Chiang Khong or Huay Xai, which also gives you a buffer if the shuttle queue is slow.

Crossing Step By Step

1. Get your Thai exit stamp at the bridge
2. Buy a ticket for the shuttle bus across the bridge. You cannot walk across
3. Complete the Lao arrival and visa forms, pay the visa fee and get stamped in
4. Take a tuk-tuk into Huay Xai, about 10 km from the bridge

Laos Visa On Arrival

Most visitors get a 30-day Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship Bridges. Budget roughly US$30 to US$42 depending on your passport (US citizens pay about US$35 to US$40), plus a small overtime fee early in the morning, late in the day or at weekends. Bring a passport photo and clean US dollars, since baht is accepted at a worse rate. The Lao eVisa is also valid at Friendship Bridges I, II and IV if you prefer to sort it out in advance.

Thailand’s Border Run Rules Since September 2026

Thailand changed the rules on September 15, 2026, and they matter more than any detail of the crossing itself:

• 30 days visa-free for eligible nationalities, for tourism only
• Two land-border entries per calendar year on the visa exemption. Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt from the cap
• Air entries are not capped, but officers screen repeat visa runners more closely
• One 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office (form TM.7, 1,900 THB)

If you have already used your two land entries this year, this crossing will not get you back in visa-free. Fly in instead, or apply for a Tourist e-Visa or the DTV before you go. Our Thailand border run rules for 2026 covers every option.

Turning The Run Into A Trip

If you are not in a hurry, Huay Xai is the classic start of the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang. Plenty of long-stay visitors use a visa run as an excuse to spend a week in northern Laos, then fly back into Thailand from Luang Prabang. Flying in avoids using one of your two land entries.

Bring Proof Of Onward Travel

Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one.

If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.

FAQs

Is Mae Sai still an option instead?

Not for most foreigners. See our guide on the Mae Sai to Tachileik crossing for the current situation.

Can I do the run in a day from Chiang Rai?

Yes, comfortably. From Chiang Mai it is possible but long, so leave early.

Do I need US dollars?

They are the easiest way to pay the Lao visa fee. Baht is usually accepted at a less favorable rate.

The Bottom Line

Chiang Khong to Huay Xai is the reliable northern border run in 2026. Check your land-entry count, bring dollars and a photo, and carry proof of onward travel for the return.