How Do I Successfully Manage a Visa Run from Thailand to Laos?

May 6, 2023
2 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well I did it,.! Nong khai border Vientiane , got there 10.30am and went to enter border post in car and security man on entrance directed us to a young Thai girl ( fixer ) just outside gate, “Don’t ask me why but gate man said we couldn’t go over in car, so in my mind one less problem to sort out,”my Thai g/f spoke to her as her English was poor, so we followed her on her m/bike to a small parking lot and parked car, she took me and g/fs passports and a passport photo I gave her and filled in a couple of forms, 10 mins later tuk tuk taxi bike arived and took us to border post, she filled in some more forms and directed us to immigration window, stamped out of thailand and then escorts us to big bus to ferry us over friendship bridge to Laos side, she comes over with us and tells us window to go to for Laos immigration, 1st windows for Laos visa, that’s what passport photo was for, 1300 bht for visa for 30 or 45 days, ( not sure how long ) as dates were difficult to read, any way go to main Laos immigration window and gets stamped into Laos,. She offers us a mini bus taxi tour of Vientiane ( which my Thai g/f accepted) I wasn’t keen on it but went with the flow, after my suspicions were realised ( taxi man took us to half a dozen shops ) but g/f only exchanged 1000 bht into Laos Kip so she couldn’t break the bank, after a few various tourist type shops we went to a couple of massive temples and stopped for food and drink on way back to border, so for 1200 bht we had escorted service through immigration both ways ,. went through Laos immigration and back on big bus over friendship bridge and back into thailand, there got stamped back into thailand for 30 days, no questions asked, back onto tuk tuk taxi back to car and all sorted,. So 1300 bht for Laos visa and 1200 bht for escort/fixer/2 hour taxi tour around Vientiane/ plus 30 bht for tuk tuk taxi,. Our lives were made easy with this service, yes I could have managed it myself, but it wouldn’t have been easy, plus the fact there seemed to be “ fixers” everywhere, Nong khai seems like a good border to me,. No big Qs and fast moving short lines, good logistics to with the bridge buses and local Thai and Laos taxis around the border posts both sides,. I must admit my 1st impressions of Laos were not good, give me thailand any day of the week,. anyway mission accomplished thailand 30 day stamp in passport,.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post details a personal experience of a visa run from Thailand to Laos via the Nong Khai border. The author recounts the process of crossing the border with the help of a local fixer, the costs involved, and the overall logistics. Commenters discuss alternative methods, the ease of crossing without a fixer, and their own experiences with border runs. Insights about the costs of the Laos visa and the differences between travel in Thailand and Laos are also highlighted.
Marc ********
Going with the thai gf and still pay a fixer?

And then wasting time "shopping"?

Hmmm ok good deal
Paul *******
@Marc *******
Thai girlfriends are often quite clueless especially when it comes to neighboring countries. Definitely don't rely on them for anything other than translation inside Thailand, if you can't speak Thai.
Marc ********
@Paul ******
Not outside country. But for entering Thailand

She dosn't need to speak.

Having a thai person with you entering Thailand helps already
Kevin *******
1700 baht for the visa I hot 45 days on march 30th 20baht each way on the bus !
มาร์ค ********
I do this myself same place park my bike over back 1900 baht for me. Last time took maybe 90 mins. Very easy. Just a bit of waiting around
Colleen *********
The time you spent in Laos is nowhere near enough to draw the conclusion that you did about that country
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colleen ********
I know I’m not being fair on Laos , but I’m just saying on 1 st impressions, I agree it’s like thailand was Donkys years ago, I have watched a lot of “ now in Lao “ you tube videos tho, it’s a bit ramshackle at best in places , and roads leave allot to be desired,. everyone has different tastes,.but I guess I’ve been spoiled by TH,.
Colleen *********
@Mike *******
I get it. I too have become very comfortable in Thailand. I felt the same about Vietnam eons ago. I was glad to get back to Thailand... I'm still there lol
Antanas *************
45 days not exists anymore I’m sure you got 30 days anyway congratulations!
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antanas ************
I was commenting on the Laos visa,. I know TH is 30 days again now,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Laos visa was never 45 days. At one time they granted only 15 days, now it's been extended to 30 days. Some visa free nationalities get 15 days, others 30.
Michael *******
Laos is awesome! Kind of like Thailand in the old days! I remember one time I was heading into Laos to travel a bit around the countryside. Line going in was long, dude asked if I wanted fast track service. Of course I do I replied. I stepped out of line and proceeded to window number two 5 min later. Line never moved and folks were wondering what just happened. Good times!
Martin *****
Or stamp out of Thailand pay 20bht for the bus ,stamp in to Laos pay the 40usd for visa and another 20bht back to Thailand
Chris **********
Nice day.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Then you'd be 100% right.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *********
It was an expierience and sealed my thoughts on Laos,. I’m a thailand man tho, each to theire own, I’m not mad on any of the other Asian countries,. one thing I will say Laos is way cheaper than thailand,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
In my experience, Laos is more expensive than Thailand. Fuel (petrol/gas, diesel) is around 10% more expensive. Meals cost a little more too. Hotels are similar in price, but can be slightly more expensive at the more upmarket level. Entrance fees for tourist attractions, even for those that practice dual pricing = much cheaper than Thailand. Wine and beer = cheaper. Not a big difference when it comes to imported wines though, but Laos is definitely cheaper for beer.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
I was basing my observations on beer prices,…
Paul *******
Anyway, you managed well. Good to hear everything went well. The 1200 Baht for the tour, why not if it's your first time? I probably would have spent the night in Vientiane if I were you, but a couple of hours in Laos is better than nothing.
Paul *******
You can definitely cross over by car. I do it all the time. Not sure what made you attract the attention of the guard. You just drive on through, everyone assumes you're going to be driving across as thousands do daily. Presumably, that wasn't your intention anyway.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
It was in my thought process but once I got turned around it was plan B,. I’ve never attempted it in a rental, but I own this car, someone’s mentioned you need a car type passport or such like,. I had all docs with me to,. Car/bus:train/foot whatever gets you across the bridge works,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Sure. I'm just trying to picture where you drove such that you were turned around. Everyone else who drives through the first barrier is assumed to be heading to Laos and is allowed through without needing to explain anything. You just drive through, no one even stops you. Everyone needs to park before immigration and customs, do the paperwork, then get in the car and pass an official who checks the paperwork allowing you to proceed to pay the bridge toll and pass over the bridge
Graham ******
@Paul ******
You can with a car "passport"
Paul *******
@Graham *****
Of course. Just that when you drive through the first barrier, no one stops you. Hence why the OPs story sounds odd to me, someone who's been to that border dozens of times over the years.
Timothy **********
For a lot less money and a lot less hassle you could have got the train over the boarder 🤷‍♂️
Paul *******
@Timothy *********
Yes they even have a dedicated immigration service for the train.
Dimitris ************
@Timothy *********
can you give us details foe the train? Where to get it from? Have you done this before?
Timothy **********
@Dimitris ***********
just waiting for the admin to approve my comment with the link in it
Brandon ************
@Timothy *********
we don't check that too often 😅
Timothy **********
@Brandon ***********
thank you hope the information helps others, the train is easy and not well known
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Timothy *********
Funny you should say that, as bus had to wait untill train crossed friendship bridge today, I thought that to myself, I don’t know what the process is by train, I didn’t know there was a train service across the friendship bridge,.(what’s the process) ?
Timothy **********
@Mike *******
rather than confuse you here is the website information

***************************************************************************************
Us *****
Why didn't you do one of of the border run companies? I think it would probaby be cheaper and easier.
Daniel ********
@Us ****
what is a good border run company in your experience? I will be in Thailand for my first time
Us *****
@Daniel *******
you just apply for a multi entry visa in your home country
Us *****
I wish someone would have told me to get a multi entry visa. You can stay here for 9 months without doing a border run. Just fly in and out close to the six month and you will get up to 9 months
Tom *********
@Us ****
- how to get one ?
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
I’m based in Kamphaeng Phet and have my own car, so like being independent, not really feasible to get any border bounce buses in my area, not like you can in BKK/pattaya/phucket,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Next time just tag or message me. I know all the ins and outs of crossing land borders in this region and almost always do it by car.
David *********
Sounds wayyy too hard to me , and expensive extension .

Laos by the way is an incredible place , not doing that stuff though . Anyhow you got it ! Glad my days of doing Visa runs are long gone .
Steve *******
Just did my first visa run (border bounce) to Cambodia, Ban Pakkad, and it took maybe 25 minutes from the time we arrived until the entire group of 9 people was done. It had far fewer steps than your Vientiane run. I'd recommend going there next time if it's not too far for you.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
I’m done with visa exempts/border bounces/extensions etc. and intend to come back to thailand with a non o retirement next time,.
Steve *******
@Mike *******
I felt the same way and moved to the Philippines last year (tourist visa extendable up to three years for each entry, no agents, no limits, no financial demands). But here I am again, dealing with the fantastic thai immigration rules 🥳👌
Brandon ************
@Steve ******
that's a border bounce not a visa run.
Jeff *****
illustration looks helpful.
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
ah, check, I checked out halfway through the post, my mistake
Brad ******
Drive to nong khai catch bus across and back pay for visa and 70 baht for bus easy
Manfred **********
@Brad *****
that option only works with advance eVisa, they don't let you board the bus anymore without it.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad *****
Oh if only I had known that,! you make it seem like a walk in the park ,. I’m 69 y/o and I don’t admit to knowing it all,..
Ken ********
@Mike *******
it's never easy the first time. You did it well, stress free. Everything gets easier after the first time, except going to post office and driving licence, well done to you
Brad ******
@Ken *******
i wasn't my first time actually 3rd you will get there
Ken ********
@Brad *****
lol I did it many years ago Brad, hopefully I don't have to do it again . But it's simple when yer know 555.

The post office I use , no-one speaks English, it's always an adventure, fortunately I don't ho there often
Brad ******
@Mike *******
it's all experience if your mrs is thai you could do it easy the immigration guys are really helpful at this border on both side
Jonathan *******
I'm sure when I went to Vientiane and Suvanakhet everywhere except THB with no extra charges.

I know you said it was easier with the fixer but I genuinely don't see how. You just do the same thing as they did but on your own. Taxis and tuk tuks would probably be cheaper too
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
Plenty of Whites have been caught and ended up in immigration detention for overstaying. You're taking a serious risk by doing so. Only a matter of time before it becomes an even more serious issue than it already is.
Bill *******
@Jonathan ******
jonathan, you are so smart I believe it is accept not except THB
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ******
This wasn’t a cost cutting exercise, as my 30 day extension expires today and I needed a fresh 30 day Thai stamp in my passport pronto, i for one don’t mind paying for a service if it saves me hassle/stress/time for the sake of 1200 bht,. you be a cheap Charlie if you so desire but I’m not,.
Maxim ***********
@Mike *******
Btw, there is no deadline. Overstay is 500 baht per day. I've cross border many times while on overstay, you just pay the fine at the border and you are good to go, and allowed back 30 min later no problem.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
That is a terrible idea. Could have repercussions later down the line or if you get caught somewhere on the way while on overstay, BIG problem.
Maxim ***********
@Paul ******
It's a problem if you are from Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Africa, you know the drill. A lot of urban myths surrounding people caught on overstay and deported. The typical 3 days overstay newb don't ever get caught unless he gets ratted out. I've been here 10 years, I think I've been ask to show my passport once maybe 7 years ago. I'm white, so I get an automatic preferential treatment with stuff like this, I'm sure of it.
Jonathan *******
@Mike *******
I'm not being a cheap Charlie, I don't use land crossings if I need to do a border bounce, I fly to Penang or somewhere and enjoy the day there. It's not my fault you left it late lol

But when I did it, it was to apply for a new visa. And I was across the border the same time as everyone else, including those who were in your situation lol
Maxim ***********
@Mike *******
And yes, can go in with your car, but you need the proper documentation and all. Need to be sorted out in advance you can't just go there and cross.
Maxim ***********
@Mike *******
You didn't use a fixer because you are not a cheap Charlie, you did it because you were stressed out of your mind. Be honest and humble about the whole experience rather then trying to look good. Nothing wrong with what you did, but nothing wrong with not using a fixer which will save most people time and money. I'm doing my border bounce in Nong Khai tomorrow morning and I'll be out and back in quickly. It does not matter that it as your last day, the visa run process in Laos is always a piece of cake.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
I don’t do stress, but considering I got a no at Mae sot regarding border bounce Friday at midday and my alternative was a cross or up country drive for between 6 and 8 hours, I had to make a choice, I was winging it time wise on Friday, and was genuinely getting short of time as deadline was looming,. But I’m not trying to look good, but just stating my facts/expierience/thoughts for fellow travellers, I wished I had I double checked Mae sot status before I went there, as I would have not wasted a tank of fuel and many hours driving,.
Paul *******
@Mike *******
Difficult to know the status of Mae Sot in advance. You'd have to call immigration. Even at the border, customs agents have no idea and will direct you to immigration! Everything is compartmentalized, with one employee standing next to another literally not knowing what's going on.
Maxim ***********
@Mike *******
You took offense that Jonathan said this "I know you said it was easier with the fixer but I genuinely don't see how. You just do the same thing as they did but on your own.". I was replying to this part in which you accuse him of being a Cheap Charlie instead of accepting that you were anxious due to previous rejection. It was easier with the fixer for you because of your high level of stress. It's not a weakness per se, but a lack of experience on your part. All of Laos border run possibility from Thailand are some of the easiest in the world. No rejection, very little hassle and scam attempt, etc. You felt for the only one that they have at that border. You got targetted right away. They knew the second you got there that you were a begineer. For your own sake, avoid certain border like Poi Pet, you will probably end up with a heart attack.
Manfred **********
Can you DM me the contacts for the facilitating lady?
John ********
Sounds like lots of wasted time and even a bigger waste of money including buying Lao Kip.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
Yes I know what you mean. For the visa you want to pay in pristine USD, else you'll be stuck paying a higher rate in Baht or Kip.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
You pay more if you don't use Kip as the exchange rates they use aren't good. USD are no good for paying fuel, if you're driving though Baht are usually accepted.
Maxim ***********
@Paul ******
The hic is that your USD need to be in pristine condition or would be rejected. The best way is to go to a bank on your way to the border and get some USD. At the border, they do not push to be paid in USD because they make a fat cut with everyone who pay in Baht or Kip. Most countries the visa is around $30 (1k baht), but they will charge 1.2-1.3k baht if you pay in Baht.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
So to summarize: pay for the visa in USD. Everything else in Kip or Baht, but be sure to use up all your Kip before departure from Laos
Maxim ***********
Paul James This is factually incorrect. They have a fix USD price per nationality at Laos border. Anything from $30 to $45 USD. If you pay in Baht or Kip, you will pay normal exchange rates +200-300 baht on top.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
No, it's correct and I wasn't talking about the visa. For everyday purchases, they use an exchange rate of 480 Kip to 1 Baht but if you exchange your money at a money changer you'll get 494 or even 500.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
We didn’t waste any time, and my Thai g/f exchanged the bht for Kip and agreed the mini bus tour, I didn’t particularly want her to come over with me, but you don’t poke the bear !, going it alone wouldn’t have been as stress free (fixer wise) I went with the flow to at least have a little insight into Laos, I’ve been through many borders in my lifetime and it’s always a minefield as they are all different,. I’ve never had the good fortune to have someone help me out before, so as for wasting time I don’t get it ?
Bob **********
@Mike *******
they took you shopping as they get a kick back from each shop avoid these at the borders
Maxim ***********
@Bob *********
Yes, you get charge double-triple-quadruple the price, and they get a cut. It's no different then many roads in Bangkok.
John ********
@Bob *********
exactly total waste of time
Maxim ***********
John is saying this because Kip is not needed. You need to pay for your Laos Visa in USD or you get overcharge by a few hundred baht/many kip. Laos is a country with a dead currency which hold no value outside of Laos. In most of Laos you can pay in Thai Baht or USD everywhere.
Paul *******
@Maxim **********
Kip is the national currency and the use of foreign currencies is discouraged. USD can only be used in larger cities and for big ticket items. Baht can indeed be used everywhere, but change is almost always in Kip in both cases. Very difficult to exchange Kip back to foreign currency so only exchange what you need.
Maxim ***********
@Paul ******
I don't think I've ever use Kip. Mostly baht and sometimes USD. I always travel with my Thai wife so might be why it's so easy.
John ***********
Laos is great.
Bonnie *******
Oh my
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