I AM GOING TO LAOS 🇱🇦 THEY WANT MONEY FIRST | LAOS MOTORBIKE TRIP

The Laos Motorbike trip begins! 🇱🇦 The first step is leaving Chiang Rai (Thailand) and heading to the Laos border of Huay Xai.
Everything went very smooth, except one inconvenience at the Laos border, that I will share with you in this video.
So sit back, relax and enjoy this video ;)
P.S. Stay tuned for the next video, because is going to be full of beautiful places and beautiful people.
All the best,
Gabi
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[@ridewithgabi]

video 2 is here ;) SPECIAL MOTORBIKE RIDE IN LAOS 🇱🇦 kzbin.info/www/bejne/maXdemePbqt-b7M

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

If it would sooth your soul, my little brother got scammed, too. But it's more like blackmailing. It's the POLICE that did it! My brother was born and raised in San Diego, although my parents and I and other older siblings of his CAME from Laos. Obviously, my brother doesn't speak Lao; and he must looked out of place. He arrived at the International airport & stepped out. Again, he must look out of pace, not able to speak the language or understand the written words. Nor was he being received by pre-arranged people. So, he went to stand by some place and he smoked --- you know how 99.99% of these people smoke like rabbits, EVERYWHERE --- and there's some officers who told him my brother committed some offenses and unless he paid a $200 fine, PRONTO, that they'd take his papers away! That's POLICE OFFICERS blatantly targeting vulnerable people. These officers make only about $200 - $300 a month, so if they blackmail an ASIAN dude like my brother WHOM THEY KNEW must be Hmong from the USA (a Hmong man whose parents having been chased out of Laos, when the Communists triumphed over the Americans and those who fought with Americans)... the one or two officers doing such an illegal act immediately earned more than half of their monthly pay IN ONE STOP of one tourist, in less than 30 minutes of scare tactics! Alas, scamming and blackmailing is the life blood of some people --- officials and common thieves alike --- in every society, rich and poor. Some people and societies just do it more gently or more sophisticated than others... BTW, awesome on the motorcycle thing. I have thought about returning to Laos, after 45 years, and doing some traveling on a motorcycle, too. I bought a used Honda Shadow after college in San Diego, early 1990s, and traveled all over the Southwest & as well as up and down the California coast... and I thought it'd be so cool to return to the country I was born & do a motorcycle ride from southern Laos all the way to the border of Yunnan (I was born close to the Yunnan border, but I left Laos after First Grade, in 1975)...

[@robsfootprints1090]

Thank you for your warning about the scam 😎😎😎 I was there yesterday and they invited me to the police room. I answered: „I know about your scam. Don’t do it. The guy got a red face and felt ashamed. So thank you for the warning. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@cmpixermc9418]

hi Gabi .cross border from Nong Khai to Laos with motorbike Thai people have to pay 2000 baht like you but in the past no need to pay.Enjoy trip

[@Cesare389able]

Vor zwei Jahren war ich auch in Laos unterwegs. Schönes Land,ich liebe es.

[@heretotravel]

Excellent video as always! 😊 We’ll be crossing this border soon ourselves. We’re basically following your route exactly, albeit delayed.

[@ridewithgabi]

Happy to hear that :) I hope you enjoy Laos

[@boonlertnamkanaddy6409]

You'll be asked for another 2000B or more, when you come back in different border check point(make sure you get stamped well on your departure) if you do not give them they will delay you for many long hoursss. Thai people have that experienced

[@tarta5354]

ขอแนะนำ อย่าเข้าไป,ให้รีบออกจาก ลาว โดยด่วน เพราะ อันตรายต่อ ชาวต่างชาติมาก, คนไทย และ ต่างชาติ โดน, ช่วงนี้ ลาว มีวิกฤต เกิดความวุ่นวาย,ยิงกันตายทุกวัน, ขาดแคลน น้ำมัน และ อาหาร, มี อาชญากรรม ทุกที่, ทางการไทย และ คุณชูวิทย์ ได้ออกมาเตือน แล้ว

[@ridewithgabi]

Thanks for the tip 🙏🏻

[@ppjunggW]

@@ridewithgabi เป็นตามนั้นจริง คนไทยข้ามด่าเข้าลาวหลายคนเตือนกัน ต้องตรวจเช็คเอกสารที่เจ้าหน้าที่ลาวเขาประทับตราให้ดี

[@tpkkr.3642]

@@ppjunggW คือค่าปรับอะไรครับ

[@lynney45]

Scammed shouldnt have to pay, that money went into the border officers pocket, no way that was registered

[@c0olking]

theft eitherway

[@dotcomerford716]

Differently they know exactly what they doing dude bummer 😥

[@putsompontan5651]

If you don't pay, you will plunge into a lot more trouble.😁😀

[@DirtyBird506]

I would like to see more border crossing videos like this. In 2003 I tried to buy a bike in Laos for half the price as Thailand and cross into Thailand with it but they wouldn't let me. I never understood why, and I just gave it to someone to get back across to Thailand.

[@abdulahmoula7196]

Gabi, the way you direct your content is full of elements of suspense to make us follow your dramatic episodes. Wishing you a Merry Christmas; love, good health, and happiness. 🌹🎄🎁❤️

[@ridewithgabi]

Happy to hear that, I try to make them as engaging as possible. Merry Christmas and happy new year

[@richardfardell3907]

Love your videos Gabi.They are very well presented. Looking forward to your adventures in Laos.I once had a fling with a girl fom Laos whilst I was in Thailand.She begged me to go there and meet her family but I refused .....wish I had done it now.Take care and enjoy the experience my friend.

[@ridewithgabi]

Glad you like them! 🙏🏻😉 I am sure you will have another opportunity to visit Laos again 🇱🇦

[@MrGvincke]

I have to say.. very nice video. i like the peaceful view at the end.. well done

[@martinh8873]

The immigration process you went through, its so typical south east asia, its not so fun then you are there but later you will always smile then you think about it 😄

[@ulrikeschuldt5851]

Grazie mile. Brave heart, pretty awsome Gabi. Enjoy the ride. Good luck and much pleasure.

[@jiraratboonwej2816]

Your Laos vid is super interesting , looking forwards to the next vlog , stay safe , by the way be careful with the drone!..

[@ridewithgabi]

Thanks! 😃🇱🇦 I hope the drone will stay with me 😅

[@Dan-xx5jq]

I am ashamed to say the only thing I know about Laos, is the name. Thank you for teaching me something more about the country. I finally found a country that drives on the same side as us in the US. 😂 And that everyone has an ant farm on their table. 😂 I do remember hearing the name of the Mekong River from movies about the Vietnam war. It conjures up sadness and a sense of melancholy from its past history for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@bachelorscookingvlogs4649]

U always make me to engaged in ur flow with ur volg ❤️🤗🥰 merry christmas ❤️

[@ridewithgabi]

Thanks 🙏🏻 merry Christmas 🎄

[@nandorbacso4625]

Merry Christmas Gabi, and I'm sorry for the curruption incident you had to endure 😢

[@ridewithgabi]

Merry Christmas… that was totally fine, glad I made it into Laos 🇱🇦 😉

[@twinflowerfioretta]

Hello Gabi, Merry Christmas🎄🎅✨ to you in Laos - i am happy you chose this fascinating country, it has a lot to offer and as i can see, the peoples are very friendly ! Adventurous journeys to you, and my best wishes for a safe travel👍💝

[@twinflowerfioretta]

...Laos is a Dictatorship country, same as Myanmar/Burma, sometimes officers show their power ....🤐🤐

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🇱🇦 merry Christmas

[@ldrtv86]

Nice man, i am following all your videos recently. Could you please make a short videos about what camera and gears you use while traveling. I am also planning to travel philippines in couple of months so curious to know. Thanks, keep it up. Love from Texas, USA.

[@ridewithgabi]

Happy to hear that, thank you 🙏🏻 There is no need to make a video as I simply use a gopro 10, a DJI mini 3 pro and sometimes my iPhone that’s it 😉 Enjoy the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@msp286]

Enjoy your trip..wishes from India. Waiting for your beautiful videos

[@moz1953]

glad to have found your excellent channel - happy new year and be safe and well

[@JohnDoe-Alien]

haha that bed is hilarious. Rock hard bed is so common here. Just got a nice 7cm latex topper for my room in Thailand. That worked great !!!!! Try to carry that on your bike haha

[@ridewithgabi]

🤣🤣🤣 crazy! Yes the topper can help a bit.

[@larswetterstrom7209]

I have been to Vientiane 2 times coming from Nong Khai in Thailand. As a farang you are asked a surprisingly hight amount just to get into Vientiane for a day visit. People say that is a way to pay for the expenses of the entry office or embassy or consulate (for visa extensions). I get this impression about the extra money for the police for you. The money goes into their pockets. As a sort of salary.

[@ridewithgabi]

Ohh I didn’t know that… thanks for sharing. I guess my border was less touristic and less expensive 😅

[@Ribro]

Poor countries have corruption problem. Sad reality. Government doesnt pay enough also judicial system is poor to curb corruption

[@harrymcfadden2572]

Your paying them for the risk of them not doing their job as you are probably missing a document.

[@ajaypalsingh3291]

Merry Christmas 💘🎄 brother.... Lots of love from India 🇮🇳 ❤️💜

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

Mr. Gabi,congratulations to you for your great trips from Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane,Laos this remarkable Merry Christmas Day in December of 2022.I wish you good LUCK in 2022❤❤❤

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you, merry Christmas to you 🎄🙏🏻

[@jujutobin1679]

Thank you for sharing your journey in Laos. It’s fantastic ♥️

[@Monica_22]

Happy holidays! Much love from Kenya Africa

[@lesstanley5906]

I'm really enjoying all of your videos. Crossing from Thailand to Laos by bike earlier this year I also got scammed in a similar way. They said it was for insurance!

[@rosanijbroek7328]

You are sooooo blessed....🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@annkk5037]

Merry Christmas and looking forward to your new adventures, Gabi!

[@nilsrbenjamin]

Thank you Gabi ! Great stuff !

[@tothemoon1406]

I like your way of explaining things

[@Mon-Imad2020]

It's a beautiful life

[@cecilyung3280]

I very addicted to your vloginlove.. watching your adventures lifestyles.. and hope you're safe travels in magical laos ❤️

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@4985muhammadali]

In Laos 🇱🇦 scam start at the border ...

[@RangsantBandhukul]

Merry Christmas Khun Gabi.

[@VeeruAhibaran]

Wao amazing bike 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

[@burgerr.5599]

That officer robbed you already first impressed my friend.

[@sonevongkot6046]

Welcome to Laos

[@SyBaoThaiTai]

good lucky in Laos

[@darrenbadger6814]

Merry Christmas Gab You should've gave him a thousand baht and said merry xmas, l bet he would've accepted it. Always check the bed first dude, it's my golden rule

[@ridewithgabi]

Yeah I think so… he was not confident in asking the money. But I didn’t want any drama and get into Laos asap

[@courtneysfoodtravel1269]

There's always people or police scamming you for money no matter what. We just came back from Laos and we got scammed a few times. I hated it so much.

[@TahoeUsedSkiAndSnowboard]

You got a good deal for 2,000 bhat at the border. If you watch Paddy Doyles video of entering Lao you will see that he used an agent and paid even more.

[@jomontanee]

But he paid once and include every thing. When Gabi departs Laos he will be scammed again.

[@mtsutphin3468]

I’m here now bro.

[@andylim5848]

You got ripped off at the Laos boarder. That’s all. 😢 is pretty common there. They picked you.

[@marcmules1088]

I've ridden a motorcycle through this border crossing. The 2000 baht the police grifted from you was because you have a big bike. I paid 300 baht for a honda 250.

[@panuwatdaoruang55555]

Every time you go to South East Asia by motorbike you need to booking hotel first and show booking at the border for clearing your travel in there.

[@panuwatdaoruang55555]

Thank you

[@tomdurover]

To the people of Laos ❤

[@MichaelHarbone]

I've already travelled the whole of laos, let me know if you need any advice

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you 🙏🏻🇱🇦

[@sheikhqazzafi2439]

May you tell that what documents required to cross border thailand and loas with motorbike? Thanks in advance

[@ridewithgabi]

It’s better to do a research on google. But in general copy of passport, copy of insurance, copy of green book. Then once you arrive there you have to fill up few documents 👍

[@zakazeka]

Nice video, and sorry for being scammed 😑

[@J.R_Gerson____from_Philippines]

In the highway what is the mean of double solid lane

[@supriadiramlan5545]

ok, what is that last 2000 bath all about? at least what is their "cover story" ? what they put on the receipt ?

[@floritravels9296]

Hello Gabi, thank you for this informative and entertaining video. Do you know if it is possible to go to Laos from Thailand with a rented motorbike and show two copies of the green book while the original green book remains with the owner (motorbike rental in Chiangmai) ? It would also be interesting to know if it´s possible to rent a motorbike in Huayxai. By the way, since October 1st I have ridden 8000km in Northern Thailand and Northeast on a Yamaha 125cc, I highly recommend the route from Nan to Loei and all the way to Bung Khan, but this should not be the topic here:) Surely I will watch any of your Laos episodes!

[@ridewithgabi]

I don’t think it’s possible to cross border with a rented vehicle, unless it’s an organized tour. But don’t quote me on that, I am not 100% sure. 8.000 km wow! That’s a lot kilometers man, you sure enjoy riding around northern Thailand. I was around Nan and Phayao last year and it was gorgeous. But there is so much more to explore around there In Huay Xai you can find some scooter rentals. 👍

[@beckzbend1]

brother GABI I AM GOING TO VIENTIANE THIS COMING MONDAY PLEASE SUGGEST MR FOR THE DOCUMENTS I WILL CROSS FROM NONGKHAI WAITING FOR YOU ...

[@davesivirn2283]

Lao is a great place for an adventure. Having ridden it twice over the years I can say you are in for a treat. I know it is frustrating when you know you are getting ripped off at the boarder, but people need understand, right or wrong this is just the way it works in some countries. Some commenters are so upset about this and I think it is classic first world arrogance to expect everyplace to be "fair" like their home countries. We travel to these "exotic" places seeking local experiences, and yet some people whine when they have a local experience that cost's them a few bucks. Gabi I am not referring to you, you where more surprised than mad, a totally fine response. Have fun Lao is a great country, great people, and of course let's not forget about the fantastic beer lao. 😀

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you for your comment Dave 🙏🏻 🇱🇦

[@FruitMarket000]

Figata il Laos, che corrotti 🤮😂 mi è successo lo stesso in indonesia se non pagavo non mi davano la valigia 😱😂 assurdi gli insetti allla reception 😂 👍🚀

[@wanisomran5168]

I think you should have resisted a little bit, say 2000 too much I have only 1000

[@williamnelson9332]

good enjoy buddy

[@tarta5354]

They tried to explain to you, Before you take a vehicle come to Lao you should have guarantee paper from motorbike owner ,,if you don't have, they will do guarantee paper for you, you have to pay 2000 If you have guarantee paper you don't pay , According to Lao law Limited motorbike engine is not over 250 CC They claim your money for guarantee paper over engine

[@ridewithgabi]

I own my motorbike and it’s 1.000 cc

[@tarta5354]

Where are you from? You said that you own your motorbike, but I saw passport motorbike from Thailand, So different from your passport

[@brayangleeberrospisalazar3514]

Bro did u find some place in Laos where I can a rent big bike ?

[@johnberry1107]

Thank you. Seems a good start. When in Mozambique I was told a fat policeman can not be trusted which turned out true in most countries. Recognized authority gets paid and it is still a privilege to be briefly immersed. Bless.

[@annaceglia8141]

Do italian passport holders need to pay for a visa to stay in Laos?

[@kitty_s23456]

Yes. Most western passport holders need a visa for Laos. Some Asian nationals don't need a visa, esp if they're SE Asian.

[@ianbowden4587]

Well Gabi, I guess that is a big thing with life in general. Things are going great then wallop, something happens to remind us that there are still problems in life to deal with. Seems wrong though. Anyway are you taking malaria tabs there in Laos???

[@ridewithgabi]

Yes that's part of life. I am not taking any tabs.

[@oasis7647]

5:33 ตกลง 200 หรือ 2,000 บาท เอาให้แน่ๆ 555

[@nilseckerbom6826]

Thats Asia , a lot of scams, did you get a reciep

[@brettchun38]

after watching paddy doyles entry in laos paying 1700 baht using a agent the cops ripped you badly

[@James-mt3gi]

✌

[@gerbob13]

Yeah I went across once years ago and they held my passport till I paid extra , in those days they had hand guns and rifles. I turned around and went back into Thailand. Just didn’t feel comfortable. Yeah keep me in private room several rooms away from the exit , no a/c .

[@xok6105]

ຊາດເຮັດຂາຍຫນ້າ

[@jabfree4eva]

Ride not drive. 😉

[@MrGhostpianist]

Can you please go to Myanmar with Motorbike? Now is the right time to visit it, because most people don't go there anymore.

[@kevinthailand2567]

Myanmar has been closed to all foreign nationals since the military coup two years ago. Motorcycle entry is strictly forbidden although before the coup you could go with an escorted prearranged tour. Sadly again that is not likely to happen in our times

[@N18DTK]

Definitely been scammed by the officers, that went in their pockets not the till! I remember Paddy Doyle saying you couldn't bring a motorbike into Laos without a tour guide booking to enter (even if your not on a tour) so not sure how you entered on your own without a tour booking for the bike?

[@johnrigby9594]

You got done over by bent Police , did they ask you to bend over before you got shafted ? sorry it happened but i have heard of this before !

[@jomontanee]

IT IS A BAD SCAM FROM THE OFFICIALS. I just asked Thai people on social media and they faced the same problem as you @2000thb. But they told the officers “I don’t have enough money, I will give you 600, ok?” The officers accepted 600. So sad. When Laos needs economy stimulation but the officials are crooked to their GUESTS OF THE COUNTRY.😢

[@thomasnontanovan657]

Please note that Laos is a country. Pronounce it the way it is spelled. Thai people call Laos, the country "Lao" but since you are describing the country in English, it should be called Laos, not Lao. The "S" is there for a reason. There is certainly a difference. Many people make this mistake.

[@dnwitte]

To my ears calling it "Lao" sounds like they're using an adjective when they should be using a proper noun.

[@thomasnontanovan657]

@@dnwitte To us Lao people, we call our country "Lao" but for the rest of the world, the "S" is added which makes it a proper noun. Lao people had nothing to do with it. Like in Thailand, Thai people call their country "Thai" but to the western world "Land" is added. Cheers.

[@dnwitte]

@@thomasnontanovan657 Thank you for the reply. I'm very much looking forward to visiting your country this summer.

[@artvandelay1555]

Hey $50. bucks is $50 bucks, but not the end of the world i suppose. You did not go to jail to get softened up so call it a win.

[@yotthongsuvannachantho172]

🙏🤍🇱🇦

[@sonevongkot6046]

I hate Scammers, not right to do that.

[@edwinodus]

Maybe you were flashing a lot of money

[@DarkstarDarth]

You payed a guys yearly income in 10 minutes…total scam.

[@mtsutphin3468]

I did not like the Lao immigration officers crossing into Vientiane. Not at all welcoming

[@davidescozzi9885]

Auguri, my man, after so much spirituality done in the past, you should go Vegan

[@ridewithgabi]

Auguri 😉

[@conman852]

Should of turned around Laos people don't deserve to be seen if the country tries to scam tourists

[@mjdirectsydney]

Sorry to hear you got fleeced by Laos police after paying all the right fees. Basically a luxury tax applied you having the freedom of motorbike crossing the border.

[@charnarongdeeying7632]

So sad for this country Laos don’t go again

[@heathbernhardt3031]

Colonial revenge tax. haha

[@kevinthailand2567]

As recently as March 2023 it was reported that the border agents were changed as a result of the illegal taxation and crossing has now become much simpler albeit time consuming

[@CokeKing-mq9jg]

We got scam too. Me and my friend want to Laos in 2012. My friend was stop at watta airport vetaine, by the security baggage check officer. He ask my friend where he going in Laos in broken English. My didn’t understand him and couldn’t answer him. The security officer took my friend into secondary room, I followed him in too for him to be safe. The commanding officer walk in and ask what’s in the laptops we carry blah blah bs question.. mind their own busy I told my friend to give the officer $20 so he just shut up. He even ask for more so my friend hand him another $20 and make it $40. He got happy and open the exits door and let us out to the lobby room. Cheap scam crap they still do.

[@mahamedjaajme]

Your Indian Road trips were the best of all your of contents on my side. I really enjoyed that part. I hope you will recreate it again.

[@douglaswilliams4274]

Welcome to Laos. The last time we went over Friendship Bridge 4, we also had problems. We ended going down to the next border crossing.

[@fatimazohrabenaicha9320]

Hi Gabi try to visit kuang si waterfalls

[@patriciastark7292]

Gabon, I’m so glad you are touring Laos and taking us along on your adventure. Laos is a beautiful country! A very Merry Christmas to you and a New Year filled with adventure and success!

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you so much, merry Christmas to you and happy new year :)

[@betweendrinks8885]

I did a tour down to capital in 07 beautiful

[@nealwright5630]

Yep. That was extortion bro!

[@Richard503442]

Yes,the bugs and popcorn I grew up seeing that so many times. It was always at an older couples house.

[@bunwinyt]

Paddy Doyle did a video on importing a bike to Laos. The general idea is to get an agent.

[@ridewithgabi]

Yes I saw that. But I couldn’t find any agent near the Huay Xai border

[@nickmondo222]

you need an agent if you ride a small bike, not if you ride a proper bike

[@carry8979]

मुझे अच्छे से इंग्लिश नही आता पर आपका सब वीडियो देखता हूँ ❤ 🇮🇳

[@4985muhammadali]

Good

[@ridewithgabi]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@fabiogardini5094]

Scusa tu fai i video so che sei italiano questi video vengono anche in Italia Ma perché non parli l'italiano non capisco io

[@ebx100]

When I was in Thailand the crossing into Laos was still closed from the pamdemic days. But needeng to bribe the officials to get in with a motorbike is par for the course.

[@erikbosscher2811]

Gabi, you know they want money, its near Isan.