Huai Kon Immigration Checkpoint is part of the Ban Huai Kon Permanent Border Crossing, upgraded to an international checkpoint on 21 December 2008. It is located in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, with a parallel checkpoint at Ngeun (Muang Ngeun) in Sayaboury Province, Laos.

Importance and Role:

• Connectivity: Serves as a crucial transportation route for cross-border travel and goods transport, connecting Nan Province with Sayaboury Province. Travelers can continue to other major northern Lao cities such as Sayaboury (approx. 130 km) and Luang Prabang (approx. 230 km).

• Cross-border Trade: Functions as a trade and exchange center between Thai and Lao people. The Thai–Lao border trade market is held regularly every Saturday.

• Border Crossing:

  • Entry and exit require a passport or a temporary border pass (Border Pass), which can be obtained at Chaloem Phra Kiat District Office, Nan Province.

  • Cross-border transport services: Buses and vans operated by the Transport Company (BorKorSor) and private operators run from Nan Bus Terminal or the city to major Lao cities, including Luang Prabang, via Huai Kon Checkpoint.

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How to Get There

By Plane:

• Arrive at Nan Nakhon Airport (NNT), then continue by rental car or van to Huai Kon Checkpoint (approx. 140 km).

By Private Car:

• Take Highway 1080 (Nan–Thung Chang–Chaloem Phra Kiat) for approx. 140 km to the border checkpoint.

By Public Van/Minibus:

• Vans operate from Nan Provincial Bus Terminal to Huai Kon Checkpoint several times a day, taking approximately 2.5–3 hours.

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Travel Tips

• Travel Documents: Prepare a valid passport or Border Pass and check Laos entry requirements carefully.

• Border Market: Huai Kon border market is busy every Saturday from 08:00 – 12:00; confirm event details before traveling.

• Travel Beyond Laos: From Ngeun Checkpoint (Lao side), local vans or minibuses serve Mueang Ngeun and Hongsa, or book a direct cross-border van to Luang Prabang.

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Admission Fee:

• No fee for entering the checkpoint (there may be fees for cross-border entry/exit or vehicle crossing according to official regulations).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily 08:00 – 20:00.