Dreaming of riding your motorcycle from Bangkok to China? Here's everything you need to know about the route, border crossing, required documents, and customs procedures at Mohan Port.
Get Your Free Quote →The most popular overland route for riders going from Thailand to China is through Laos.
The most popular overland route for riders going from Thailand to China is through Laos:
Bangkok → Nong Khai → Vientiane → Luang Prabang → Oudomxay → Luang Namtha → Mohan (China border)
This route takes about 3–4 days of riding from Bangkok to the China border. The roads in Laos are generally good, with the main highway from Nong Khai to Oudomxay being paved and well-maintained.
Flat highway all the way to the Lao border crossing.
Cross the Friendship Bridge into Laos.
Scenic mountain road through northern Laos.
Good paved highway.
Continue north toward the Chinese border.
Final stretch to the China border crossing.
Get your documents in order before you reach the border.
Original document. Make sure it's in your name or you have permission from the owner.
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
International Driving Permit recommended, though we handle the Chinese temporary license.
Valid for both Laos and China.
Laos Transit Procedures: When you cross from Thailand into Laos at Nong Khai/Vientiane, you'll need a Lao visa (available on arrival), a Lao temporary vehicle import permit, and Lao insurance (available at the border). This process usually takes 1–2 hours at the Friendship Bridge.
Mohan Port is the main land border crossing between China and Laos.
Mohan Port is located in Yunnan Province, China, right across from Boten, Laos. It's the main land border crossing between China and Laos, and the most popular entry point for riders coming from Southeast Asia.
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Important: Always check the latest hours before you travel, as they change seasonally. We recommend arriving at the border before 4:00 PM to give yourself enough time for all the procedures. If you arrive too late, you might have to stay overnight in Mohan town.
Prepare these at least 20 days before you plan to enter China.
For entry through Mohan Port, Thai motorcycle pricing:
Service fee: ¥5,000–6,000
Customs deposit (guaranteed): ¥10,000 (refundable)
Vehicle insurance: Arrange before entry
Customs declaration
Immigration procedures
Chinese temporary driving license
Temporary license plate (3 months)
Exit clearance + route filing
From Mohan, most riders head north to explore China.
Most riders spend their first night here, just 5 km from the border. Several hotels and guesthouses available.
Tropical climate, Dai culture, great food. Perfect first stop in China.
The capital of Yunnan Province, "City of Eternal Spring."
Classic Yunnan destinations with stunning scenery.
Tibet: Must have a licensed guide throughout + Tibet Travel Permit. Tell us 1 month in advance.
Xinjiang to Tibet: Cannot take G219 or Kashgar-Rutog road. Must detour via Golmud on G109.
Beijing: You need a Beijing Entry Permit. We can arrange this for you.
Stay duration: Temporary plate valid for 3 months. Exit before your visa expires.
China does not recognize the IDP. We arrange a Chinese temporary driving permit for you as part of our service.
Yes. China allows right-hand drive vehicles to enter temporarily. The fees are exactly the same. Just remember to adjust to riding on the right side.
If you enter at Mohan but want to exit at Khorgos (or vice versa), we can arrange a cross-border package for ¥8,000.
Contact us today for a free quote. Send us your travel dates and motorcycle details.
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