From Thailand: Vang Tao – Chong Mek Border

Overview

The Chong Mek (Thailand) – Vang Tao (Laos) crossing is about 45 km west of Pakse and about 90 km from Ubon Ratchathani. It is the easiest way to reach Pakse from Thailand.

Option 1: Ubon – Pakse international bus

Leaves Ubon Ratchathani bus terminal 2–3 times a day (sample: morning and afternoon).
Sample fare about 200–250 THB; around 3 hours including the border.
The bus stops at the border: get off, stamp out of Thailand, walk through the passage to the Lao side, clear immigration, then rejoin the same bus waiting on the other side.
It terminates at the Southern Bus Terminal (Lak 8) or a stop near Daoheuang market — take a tuk-tuk into town.

Option 2: Do it in stages

Ubon → Chong Mek by van or local bus (about 1.5 hours).
Cross on foot — stamp out of Thailand, then into Laos.
On the Vang Tao side, songthaews and vans run to Pakse: sample 20,000–30,000 LAK per person, or a private taxi for about 300,000–400,000 LAK per car (45–60 min).

Hours and overtime fees

Sample opening hours: roughly 06:00–20:00 (sample data — please verify).
Outside office hours, at weekends and on public holidays a small overtime fee may be charged, e.g. 10,000 LAK or about 40–50 THB.
Carry small notes in both baht and kip.

Visas

Visa on arrival is available at Vang Tao — bring one passport photo and US dollars.
e-Visa is accepted at this crossing (check the list of e-Visa ports on the official website).
Thai citizens are visa-exempt for short tourist stays — see "Visas & Entry".

Tips

You don't need a "visa helper" at the border — the form is easy to fill in yourself.
Change only a little kip at the border; withdraw or exchange the rest in Pakse at better rates.
During Songkran and Thai long weekends the border is very busy — allow an extra 1–2 hours.

Information is sample data — please verify with immigration and the bus operators before travelling.