The Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is a border crossing between Thakhek in Laos and Nakhon Phanom in Thailand. This border crossing is particularly useful for travellers going over the border from Thailand to Laos to follow the Thakhek Loop, which is a 3 to 4 motorbike route much of the way along dirt roads and through stunning scenery.
Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge near ThakhekTravellers are not allowed to pass over the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge on foot, but there is an hourly bus service running both ways between Thakhek Inter Provincial Bus Station and Nakhon Phanom Bus Station, known as Thai-Laos International Bus, from around 07:00 until 16:00 every day.
About the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
The Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is located 14 km to the north of Thakhek Town. The bridge is 1,423 metres long and 13 metres wide, with twin towers at each end of the bridge. Against the backdrop of the Mekong River, the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is an impressive sight. The bridge was officially opened at 11:11 on the 11th November 2011 with members of the public permitted to pass over the bridge from the 19th November 2011. When the borders are open vehicles are permitted to pass over the bridge from 06:00 to 22:00.
The Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge spans the Mekong RiverFrom Nakhon Phanom there are direct bus services to a wide variety of destinations in the North Eastern and Central Regions of Thailand. Direct bus services from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok depart regularly and the journey takes around 10 to 12 hours depending upon which bus service you take. However, before you depart from Nakhon Phanom we strongly recommend that take the time to travel 55 km south to the town of That Phanom to visit Wat Phra That Phanom, which is one of the most important and impressive Buddhist temples in Thailand.
Location of the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
The Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is located 14.1 km by road from Nakhon Phanom town in Thailand.
