Answered2 months ago

Are same-day border runs from Thailand to Laos possible now?

border runs Thailand visa visa rules Laos border DTV holders Chiang Khong

ChummySqu*********

asked Sep 11, 2026

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Are same day border runs possible Thai-Laos No.IV?

Ie just take the bus there, tell Laos you’re doing a border run, pay $ get stamped in/out immediately, the return to Thailand? I did that 3 years ago but any recent reports?

Answer summary

The possibility of same-day border runs from Thailand to Laos has become increasingly restricted. Many users report that you can no longer return to Thailand on the same day without issues; most require a minimum stay in Laos of two nights. Travelers have shared mixed experiences, with some reporting successful same-day returns at certain borders, while others faced complications, especially when dealing with varying immigration officers. DTV (digital nomad visa) holders seem to have differing experiences based on recent rules and individual circumstances, and using a border run service or agency is advised to navigate the complexities of immigration.

23 repliesnewest first

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Ian **********

It is certainly not as easy as it used to be. The practise depends on what IO you get. I personally have never understood why people are so desperate to come straight back.

a month ago

Tanisha *******

Yes

We go daily border from chiang mai and pai

U can do same day but dpnd on officer , go with us or any agency they will help incase of any problem at the border

a month ago

Gary **********

Just do it legal

a month ago

JazzyGu*******

I don't know if it differs from bridge to bridge but last 2 times I did border run at friendship bridge number 2, I came back same barely an hour after I stamped out and it went super smooth no questions asked.

a month ago

DTV_Pag*******

Yes it’s possible. I do my border bounces every six months to Chiang Khong or Chiang Saen.

Go with a border run company or have a driver/agent escort you. I used to do it alone, but the borders are more strict in the past year.

2 months ago

Giving*******

DTV_Pag_Backer any company recommendations ?

a month ago

DTV_Pag*******

GivingZebra12 If you’re in CM, there’s Chiang a Mai Visa Run if you want to take a shared van. Or Lanna Transport if you want a private ride.

a month ago

ChummySqu*********

DTV_Pag_Backer Any agent or company recommendations? I don't mind driving myself there but it seems like a good idea to guarantee same-hour return...

2 months ago

DTV_Pag*******

ChummySquirrel9622 Are you in CM?

2 months ago

SkilledPh*********

I arrived there today as a solo traveller. The immigration surprised as i do not enter Thailand on the same day. They said most of DTV holders enter Thailand on the same day and asked me why. I told them I am solo travelling woman and hard to arrive back to catch the bus in the evening. So, I am staying at Laoa for a night. Some of my friends told me Laos immi ask to pay 500 Thb if we enter on the same day. I went there six months before and it was fine to enter Thailand on the same day and didn't have to pay 500 Thb.

2 months ago

ChummySqu*********

SkilledPhoenix6895 Thanks for the update! So it seems like DTV holders can do a same day border run no problem?

2 months ago

SkilledPh*********

ChummySquirrel9622 it is legal actually. Only the immigration makes complicated for 💰. You know, right?

2 months ago

Luit *****************

SkilledPhoenix6895 It is legal, but since it is a loophole Immigration might make it difficult.

Since they are in a position to decide about your entry, you best do it the way they want.

2 months ago

LongTimeLivi************

No, standard same-day turnarounds at Friendship Bridge IV (Chiang Khong – Huay Xai) are largely a thing of the past. The minimum stay is 2 nights too. It's well known.

2 months ago

ChummySqu*********

LongTimeLivingInThailand So multiple others have told me in-person and now on this post that it's fine on DTV. Where did you hear that you can't do same-day on DTV border bounce?

2 months ago

LongTimeLivi************

Multiple sources:

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_nights_in_laosnew_policy/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=I%20just%20came%20back%20from%20there%20last,before%20they%20will%20allow%20you%20stamp%20out.

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%20SUSPENDED!%20Join%20our%20Chiang%20Mai%20border,Mon%20%E2%80%93%20Sat.%20Book%20Your%20Border%20Run.

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_nights_in_laosnew_policy/?hl=en-CA#:~:text=I%20just%20came%20back%20from%20there%20last,before%20they%20will%20allow%20you%20stamp%20out.

a month ago

Ivan ************

LongTimeLivingInThailand none of that references DTV. This was an issue for visa exempt.

a month ago

ChummySqu*********

LongTimeLivingInThailand dang I thought that was just for visa on arrival or low level tourist visas. So DTV now too can’t do it? 2 nights is crazy too I’d do 1 night maybe but 2 is too much.

2 months ago

James ********

ChummySquirrel9622 do yourself a BIG FAVOR and use an experienced BORDER BOUNCE service company to take you with a same day return to get the New 180 day stamp.

Where are you now living in Thailand?

a month ago

พอล *******

ChummySquirrel9622 yep that’s why it’s not worth it. You’re buying 10 plane tickets during the course of the five year Visa. Plus hotels, etc.

a month ago

Artis ********

Do you have Dtv, or just torist visa? I just did border run to Laos and got told I won't get back to thailand and was stuck on Laos for few days, only got back with visa company.

Giving*******

which company?

ChummySqu*********

I’m on DTV proper.