| IATA Code | BOR |
| ICAO Code | VLBK |
| City | Ton Pheung, Laos (opposite Ban Saeo) |
| Distance to Centre | ~5 km to the "Golden Triangle" zone |
| Status | International |
| Annual Passengers | Up to 2,000,000 (design capacity) |
| Schedule | Seasonal and scheduled |
To get from Ban Saeo, located in Thailand, to Bokeo International Airport, it is important to understand a key feature: the airport is located in Laos. The journey will require crossing an international border, which adds several important steps to the route. The main border crossing is located at the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting the Thai town of Chiang Khong with the Laotian town of Huay Xai, near which the airport is situated.
Taxi and Private Transfer
The most comfortable method is to book a private transfer that can arrange the border crossing. However, a more common and often cheaper option is to take two taxis: one will take you to the Thai border post in Chiang Khong, and after completing all formalities, you will hire another taxi on the Laotian side to the airport. Please ensure you have your passport with you and check visa requirements for entry into Laos in advance. Taking into account travel time and border control (which can take from 30 minutes to one and a half hours), the total journey time will be approximately 1.5–2.5 hours.
Public Transport
This is the most budget-friendly but also the most time-consuming option. The route will consist of several stages: first, you need to get to the Chiang Khong bus terminal by local transport (e.g., songthaew), then to the border checkpoint. After passing passport control in Thailand, you cross the bridge on a special shuttle bus (crossing on foot or in a private vehicle is usually prohibited). After passing immigration control in Laos, you will need to take a local tuk-tuk or taxi to Bokeo Airport. This method is suitable for experienced travellers with ample time.
Car Rental and Parking
If you are travelling in a rental car from Thailand, crossing the border with it will likely not be possible due to rental company restrictions and insurance policies. The most practical solution is to drive to Chiang Khong, leave the car at one of the paid secure car parks near the border crossing, and then cross the border, using a taxi or public transport on the Laotian side.
When planning a route through the Golden Triangle region, consider alternative air hubs as well. Depending on your onward journey, Chiang Rai International Airport in Thailand or Tachileik Airport in Myanmar may prove convenient.
Bokeo International Airport (BOR), also known as Meng Ton Pheung, is a modern and compact terminal complex. Its structure is as simple and convenient as possible for passengers, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.
One Terminal for All Flights: The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international destinations. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about finding the right building or transferring between terminals — all services and zones are located under one roof.
Layout and Navigation: The terminal building has a logical and simple layout. Check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located at the entrance. After checking in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, beyond which lies the general departure lounge. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in close proximity to each other. The arrival hall houses passport control counters and baggage claim belts.
Processing Time: Due to the small size of the airport and moderate passenger flow, check-in and security control usually take minimal time. Typically, the entire process from entering the building to arriving at the gate takes no more than 30-45 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities calmly.
Recommendations for Passengers: Navigating the terminal will not cause any difficulties. Signs are provided in several languages, including Laotian and English. The entire path from the check-in counter to the boarding gate is a direct and understandable sequence of actions within a single building. You will not require shuttles or long walks, making your stay at Meng Ton Pheung Airport maximally comfortable and predictable.
The history of Bokeo International Airport (BOR), also known as Meng Ton Pheung, is not a story of decades of operation, but rather one of rapid and ambitious development. Being one of the newest airports in the region, it stands as a vivid symbol of modern economic transformations in northern Laos.
Construction of the airport began in 2020, and its grand opening and reception of the first commercial flight took place in December 2022. This event was a pivotal moment for Bokeo Province, as the new airport replaced the old and significantly smaller airfield in the town of Huay Xai, opening the region to wide-body aviation.
The primary goal of creating the airport was to serve the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone and to stimulate tourism and investment. From the very beginning, the project was conceived as a major international hub. The airport is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a runway 2,500 metres long, capable of accommodating large aircraft, up to the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. As the airport is brand new, it has not undergone renovations but was built immediately to the latest standards.
An interesting fact is that the project was implemented with the support of private investors managing the economic zone. The strategic location of the airport in immediate proximity to the borders of Myanmar and Thailand makes it an important gateway for travellers from all over the world. It significantly simplifies access to the northern regions of Laos for tourists arriving from neighbouring countries, including settlements such as Ban Saeo.
Bokeo International Airport (Meng Ton Pheung, BOR), being a modern transport hub, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is designed taking into account the needs of modern travellers.
In the airport building, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat before departure, drink coffee, or try local cuisine. Shops are also available, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and gifts.
For comfortable waiting, the airport features lounges with comfortable seating. Passengers can make use of complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as find charging stations for mobile devices. For travellers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge may be available, offering a more secluded atmosphere and additional services (access conditions should be checked on-site).
Financial services are represented by currency exchange points and ATMs, making it easy to resolve cash issues upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, a medical point operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.
The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with children — here you can find nursing rooms. For travellers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Nevertheless, to receive assistance with boarding or moving through the terminal, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.
Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity, within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. Transfers to them usually take minimal time. Specialized business centres or conference halls are generally absent in the terminal, although basic business services may be provided in the VIP lounge.
Bokeo International Airport (BOR), being a modern and compact transport hub, offers passengers basic but convenient dining options. Although there is not a wide variety of restaurants here as in major global hubs, you will easily find a place to have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for your flight.
The majority of catering establishments are small cafés and snack bars, located both in the public area before security control (landside) and in the departure hall (airside). The menu usually features simple and popular dishes that are ideal for a quick snack or a light lunch.
Regarding local cuisine, it is worth paying attention to traditional noodle soup (pho), fried rice with vegetables or chicken, as well as sandwiches and fresh pastries. This is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of Laos right before departure. In addition, the cafés will offer you a good selection of hot and cold beverages, including local coffee, tea, and fresh juices.
Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegans, or those adhering to a gluten-free or Halal diet) should note that specialized menus at the airport are likely to be unavailable. Simple vegetarian dishes, for example, fried rice with vegetables, are possible to find, but for stricter dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you. Prices in airport establishments are higher than in the city but remain quite moderate by airport standards.
Most cafés and snack bars operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one departs. For a quick snack, coffee with a sandwich or pastry is ideal, and if you have time for a more substantial lunch, order a bowl of hot soup or rice — it is filling, tasty, and will help pass the time before boarding.
Travelling through the new Bokeo International Airport is an opportunity to discover a unique region at the junction of three borders. To ensure your flight experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, we have prepared a number of practical tips that will help you confidently navigate the terminal.
Optimal Arrival Time
Since the airport is an international hub, control procedures may take some time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights within Laos. This will give you a time buffer in case of queues at check-in counters or passport control, especially during the high tourist season.
Check-in and Security
To speed up the process, keep your passport, ticket, and visa documents (if required) handy. Standard international requirements apply in the security screening area: remove outerwear, belts, and take out metal objects. Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, should be placed in separate trays.
Seat Selection on the Plane
A flight to this region is often accompanied by picturesque views. If there is an option to choose, book a window seat. During take-off or landing, breathtaking panoramas of the Mekong River, the green hills of Laos, and the geographical "Golden Triangle", where the borders of three states meet, may open up to you.
Hand Luggage: What to Carry and What to Check In
Observe the rules for carrying liquids: containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml must be packed in one transparent resealable bag. Important: portable chargers (power banks) and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage; they are strictly prohibited in checked baggage for safety reasons.
Tips for Transit Passengers
If Bokeo is a transfer point for you, ensure at check-in at your first point of departure that your luggage is checked through to your final destination. If you have a self-transfer, allow at least 3 hours for the connection, as you may need to go through passport control and customs procedures again.
Customs Control and Nuances
Be attentive to the customs regulations of Laos. The export of antiques and Buddha images without special certificates from relevant ministries is strictly prohibited. also remember the strictest prohibitions on the transport of narcotic substances — severe laws apply in the region. If you are carrying a large amount of cash, it must be declared upon arrival.
How to Save Time and Money
The exchange rate at the airport may be less favourable than in the city or in the Golden Triangle SEZ. It is recommended to have a small supply of local currency (Lao kip) or Thai baht (which are often accepted in the border zone) for minor expenses. For transfers, it is better to use official taxi counters or a pre-booked transfer from your hotel to avoid inflated prices from private drivers.
Actions in Case of Flight Delay
In the event of a departure delay, remain calm and monitor the information boards. Contact an airline representative for information. If the delay is significant (more than 2–4 hours), you may be entitled to drinks and meals according to the carrier's rules. It is recommended to have a charged phone and downloaded offline maps or books to while away the wait in the terminal.
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