Huai Kon Border Crossing is located in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, approximately 140 kilometers from Nan city. This checkpoint was upgraded to an international border crossing on December 21, 2008, with its parallel checkpoint being Muang Ngeun in Xayaboury Province, Laos.

Significance and Role

• Economic and Tourism Route: It is a major land route for transporting goods between Thailand and Laos and a quick alternative for traveling to Luang Prabang (approximately 230 km via Lao Highway No. 4B) and other major cities in Xayaboury Province.

• Border Trade: It is the location of the Thai-Lao border trade market, where goods are actively exchanged between the people of both sides, especially every Saturday.

• Local Agencies: Consists of Huai Kon Immigration Checkpoint, Customs Checkpoint, International Disease Control Checkpoint, and military forces.

Important Information for Crossing the Border
Documents for Individuals

• Passport: For those who wish to travel deeper into Laos and travel across provinces (e.g., to Luang Prabang).

• Temporary Border Pass: For those who wish to travel only to nearby areas (often limited to areas in Xayaboury Province, with a stay of 1-3 days). It can be obtained at the Chaloem Phra Kiat District Office.

Documents for Taking Cars/Motorcycles Across the Border
Bringing a private vehicle across the border requires prior documentation with the Department of Land Transport. Key documents include:

• Original vehicle registration book

• International Vehicle Permit (purple book) and "T" letter sticker

• International driving license or Thai driving license (with English translation)

• Third-party insurance (mandatory) of Laos

• Power of Attorney (if the vehicle owner is not driving)

Precautions:

• Vehicles under finance must obtain permission from the finance company before preparing documents.

• After crossing into Laos, immediately switch lanes as Laos uses right-hand traffic.

Traveling to Laos

• International Bus: There is a van service directly from Nan to Luang Prabang (check the bus schedule from the Transport Co., Ltd.).

• Local Bus (Lao side): After passing through the immigration checkpoint on the Lao side, there will be vans/songthaews to Muang Ngeun, Muang Hongsa, or other destinations.

(Information is subject to change according to government announcements. Please check the latest information before traveling.)

---

How to Get There

By Plane:

• Arrive at Nan Nakhon Airport (NNT), then take a rental car or van to Huai Kon Border Crossing (total distance approximately 140 km).

By Private Car:

• Take Highway No. 1080 (Nan–Thung Chang–Chaloem Phra Kiat) approximately 140 km to the border crossing.

By Bus (Van/Minibus):

• There are vans from Nan Provincial Bus Terminal to Huai Kon Border Crossing (Thai-Lao border market) several times a day. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours.

International Bus Service:

• From Nan to Luang Prabang

---

Travel Tips

• Operating Hours of the Border Crossing: The immigration checkpoint is open from 08:00–20:00, while the customs checkpoint (for cars/goods) often closes earlier at 18:00. Please allow sufficient time for procedures.

• Border Market: If you want to see the atmosphere of the product exchange market, you should go on Saturday morning.

---

Admission Fee:

• (Entry-Exit Fees) There is no admission fee to the border crossing itself (but there may be entry-exit fees, overtime fees, or vehicle crossing fees according to the regulations of the Immigration and Customs Departments).

Opening Hours:

• Immigration Checkpoint (Individuals): Open daily 08:00 – 20:00

• Border Crossing (Customs/Vehicles): Open daily 08:00 – 18:00 (approximately)