Can I fly to Luang Prabang and back to Chiang Mai on the same day for a visa exempt stamp?

Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration Luang Prabang Visa Rules Flights from Chiang Mai Border Runs Visa Procedures

Aug 20, 2018

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Re-posting this due to moderator disabling comments before I could receive a helpful response:

Does anyone know if it's possible to fly to Luang Prabang and come right back to Chiang Mai the same day on a later flight? This is to get a visa exempt stamp when arriving back in Thailand obviously. Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

It is possible to fly from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang and return on the same day to obtain a visa exempt stamp, as there is no required duration for being outside of Thailand for this purpose. However, travelers should note that there is only one flight available each day, necessitating an overnight stay in Luang Prabang. Additionally, although there are no strict limits on acquiring multiple 30-day visa exempt entries by air, immigration officials may request proof of sufficient funds, onward travel, and accommodation when re-entering Thailand.

Ryan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@Billy ***********

and

@Tod ********

for the helpful responses

6 years ago

Lloyd ********

Not really visa related

6 years ago

Tod *********

There is no amount of time you have to be out of thailand so you could fly there and back no problem. Although it does beg the question why would you fly to a country where you have to BUY a visa to get in versus flying to say Malaysia where you get stamped in for free.

There is no official limit to the number of 30 day visa exempt stamps you can get when entering by air, BUT remember if the officer at passport control thinks you are living here on back-2-back visa exempt entries they can always ask for proof of 20K baht (or the equivalent) in cash, proof of onward travel (within 30-60 days) and proof of a hotel booking.

6 years ago

Billy ************

There is only one flight per day LP CM LP so you would need to stay overnight in LB

6 years ago

Geoff *******

I seem to remember that a visa to enter Laos at Luang Prabang Airport was quite expensive.

6 years ago

Reply to

Geoff *******

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