Border Crossings - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1029

New Border Developments
In Thailand, the big news is that there is now a direct through bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia,
run by Nattakan. These buses are a hassle-free way to navigate the scam-laden Aranya Prathet/Poipet bor-
der, but of course they cost a bit more.
On the Thailand-Laos border, a third 'Friendship Bridge' over the Mekong opened in 2011. It connects
Nahkon Phanom in Thailand with Tha Kaek in Laos. In late 2013, a fourth Friendship Bridge opened, con-
necting Chiang Khong in Thailand with Huay Xai in Laos. Both were formerly boat crossings.
Laos is seeing some serious infrastructure improvements as part of a regional drive to improve transport
links between Thailand and Vietnam. A major four-lane highway from Paksong (on the Bolaven Plateau in
Southern Laos) to the Vietnamese frontier should be completed during the lifetime of this topic; this high-
way will shorten the route from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, to the Vietnamese port of Danang. A new bor-
der crossing at Dak Cheung (Laos), east of Sekong, will be part of the equation. The Chong Mek/Vang Tao
border post near Ubon Ratchathani is also being expanded.
Crossings with Other Countries
Thailand/Malaysia
You can cross the border by road into Malaysia at:
» Kanger (T)/Padang Besar (M)
» Sadao (T)/Bukit Kayu Hitam (M)
» Betong (T)/Keroh (M)
» Sungai Kolok (T)/Rantau Panjang (M)
» Tak Bai (T)/Pengkalan Kubor (M)
The train route into Malaysia is on the Hat Yai-Alor Setar-Butterworth route, which crosses the border at
Kanger (T)/Padang Besar (M).
On the west coast, the crossing between Satun (T) to Pulau Langkawi (M) is made by boat.
Thailand/Myanmar (Burma)
There are three legal crossings: Mae Sai (T) to Tachileik (My); Ranong (T) to Kawthoung (My); and Mae
Sot (T) to Myawaddy (My).
Be sure to have a valid Myanmar visa when exiting and be prepared for unexpected charges from Myan-
mar officials at the border when crossing into Thailand.