Answereda year ago
Can I do a same-day border run from Thailand to Laos and back for a visa extension?
My six month is almost up and im gonna head to Laos for the border run. Can I just book a couple nights in Udon Thani, cross the border same day, and come back to Thailand? Or should I stay in Laos 1-2 days and then come back?
Answer summary
You can do a same-day border run from Thailand to Laos without needing to stay overnight. Most users suggest that it's possible to cross the border immediately after arriving and return for another 180-day entry stamp. However, some recommend checking specific border requirements and potentially staying a couple of days if you plan on getting another visa upon re-entering Thailand.
19 repliesnewest first
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Toni *******
I drank 1 drink after crossing the border and came back (vientiane)
Anonymous ******************
I am going to golden triangle Lao crossing next week. Let me know if you wanna tag along. No need to sleep, can stay there for an hour. I am alone 😂
Anonymous ******************
I did the friendship bridge left Chiang Mai at 7am was back in chiang mai 6pm same day, just tell the immigration officer your doing border run he understood I paid 2000 baht it’s cheaper to pay in dollars but I didn’t want the effort of exchanging
Brad ********
Check your visa requirements. I had to pay, so made it a couple of nights like everyone said
Steve *******
You have a valid visa, you can return immediately.
Viktor *****
I stayed 7 days in Vientiane. Just to make sure, there won’t be any problems. However, leaving Thailand the officer asked me, if I just want to do the border run or stay in Laos for holidays… 🤔
Re entering Thailand, I got the stamp without any questions
Re entering Thailand, I got the stamp without any questions
Kool *******
You can take the night train to Nong Khai, cross the border into Laos as soon as you get there, then immediately cross back into Thailand, getting another 180 day entry stamp, and catch the next train back to Bangkok the same day. They are only making people stay in Laos extra days if they are getting another tourist visa exempt entry.
Flynn *****
OPappreciate it
Jef ********
If you are going to the effort of going across the border and buying a visa , I highly recommend spending a few days in Vientiane it’s a cool little city few things to do 👌
Sunshine ********
@Jef *******
I agree 💯
Dave ***********
@Jef *******
absolutely agreeFlynn *****
OPok cool. thanks
Jef ********
@Flynn ****
yeah there is something for everyone, ILived there for 5 years, if you like Thai people and culture , the Laos are like 30 years behind , so humble and nice
Jef ********
เอดี *******
@Jef *******
I really like laos and always make a ***
week cycling tour when I hop the border. Usually around the northFlynn *****
OPat the border can i pay n baht?
Andrew ********
Ask at the border when you leave Thailand
It depends on which border crossing point you use
It depends on which border crossing point you use
Flynn *****
OPLao Friendship Bridge Nong Khai-Vientiane
Andrew ********
@Flynn ****
Have heard different reports... Some people say can do the same day turn around, others have said 24-48 hours needed in Laos... As you have the Visa already, I would guess (and guessing the important word) you should be able to re-enter Thailand same day.... Perhaps just politely ask when you arrive at immigration before you exit Thailand...
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