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Can I make a same-day visa run to Laos from Chiang Mai on a Muay Thai visa?
Visa RunDTV VisaThailand-Laos BorderScooter TransportationBorder Crossing ProceduresVisa RequirementsThailand Immigration
Dec 27, 2025
4 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI want do a visa run to laos using fb4 chiang khong->huay xai. I'm going to drive my scooter from chiang Mai to the border. I've gotten conflicting information about if you can re-enter immediately or need to stay 1 or 2 nights, so I'm not sure if I should bring my scooter across. I'm on a muay thai soft power dtv, this will be my second entry. Will I be asked for supporting paperwork? Proof of ongoing classes? Proof of funds? Any and all advice is a appreciated if you've done a similar trip recently.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to do a visa run from Chiang Mai to Laos via Chiang Khong and is uncertain about the rules for re-entry, particularly regarding the need to stay overnight and whether they should take their scooter. Comments suggest that same-day re-entry might be possible with just a passport for those on a DTV visa. However, there are doubts about taking a scooter into Laos, with advice leaning towards not bringing it as it likely won't be allowed. Additional suggestions include using a border bounce service for ease and reliability.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Wannikea *********
You're not getting your scooter into Laos.
Paul *******
@Wannikea ********
Yes, that's what I said too. The Thai-Lao agreement covers only cars though large bikes might be able to cross too.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
not helpful broWannikea *********
Anonymous participant extremely helpful because it's the truth.
Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Paul *******
Your scooter probably won't be allowed across. Even if you did manage to drive it across the bridge then obviously you'd want to explore Laos because literally no one goes to the trouble of 1 hour of shuffling paperwork and filling out at least 6 pieces of paper (just on the Thai side alone) only to ride 1km then come straight back.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
right... my post says I would only bring my scooter if I needed to stay a few nights. I'm not asking if I should be filling out paperwork to drive back and forth on the bridge🤦🏽♂️Paul *******
Anonymous participant To me, the idea of driving to a border is to cross it with my own vehicle (my car) and that's what I always do...it's part of the excitement, even if I've crossed into neighboring countries (all 4 of them) with my car a total of almost 100 times...I still like doing it.
However, I do realize that many if not most people like you are simply looking to do a border run, not a tour of [in this case] Laos.
However, I do realize that many if not most people like you are simply looking to do a border run, not a tour of [in this case] Laos.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Toni *******
I did that border 9.12., stayed laos 1 minute, no questions asked. I posted here about it. I drove myself and walk out and in. After seeinf dtv laos IO said i dont need laos stamps i can go straight back, but i got the stamps anyway
James ********
Thanks for your helpful reply ✅
Paul *******
@Toni ******
The Thai side will definitely need to see the stamps so what you were told is nonsense...the Lao side checks Thai stamps too...without them, they'll send you back.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Toni ******
thanks! Appreciate it. Is there a safe space to park your bike if I do end up staying a night in laos?Toni *******
Anonymous participant free
Toni *******
Anonymous participant theres a big parking lot 20meters before departure
Reply to
Toni *******
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James ********
Suggest you do yourself a BIG favor.
Use an experienced border bounce service company to take you to the border, bounce out and back with SAME DAY return. They know what is happening and prearrange your new same day entry AND return.
Use an experienced border bounce service company to take you to the border, bounce out and back with SAME DAY return. They know what is happening and prearrange your new same day entry AND return.
Lmk *****
@James *******
what's the van service 🤔James ********
Where are you living in Thailand?
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
I thought it might be nice to explore northern thailand along the way. Really just trying to make sure I'm prepared for the border and following the visa requirements.James ********
Enjoy exploring Thailand
James ********
The key is whether or not the border you choose to bounce is allowing same day reentry... or whether they will accept the DTV visa for entry by their land border crossing. The border bounce company has pre-arranged for same day reentry ETC.
Paul *******
@James *******
You can certainly use a DTV for a land border crossing but it is recommended that you spend a little time outside the country before coming back.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Elías ********
You're not doing a "visa run" as you already have a visa.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
lmfao... did that sound helpful in your head?Elías ********
Participante anónimo it's totally relevant as the rules for entry/reentry AREN'T the same for visaless tourists and people with visas
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
ok would you like to expand on that?Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Greg ********
Someone posted recently on a Chiang Mai group same day is fine with DTV. Only needed passport.
Reply to
Greg ********
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