Is flying to Vientiane and crossing Nong Khai a safe option for a METV extension?

Jan 5, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi I am currently on a METV and coming towards the end of my first 60 days.

 I was thinking of flying to Vientiane, then going through the Nong Khai border and flying back to BKK from Udon Thani. Would this be the best and safest way? (I have currently been in Thailand for 4 months of the last 12 months)

Also what is the best/least busy day to go through Nong Khai immigration?

Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is on a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) and seeks advice on extending their stay before reaching the end of their first 60 days. They plan to fly to Vientiane and cross the Nong Khai border back into Thailand and are looking for the best days to travel to avoid crowds. Responses suggest that Nong Khai can be busy, alternatives like using visa run companies to other borders exist, and highlight personal experiences with border crossing.

Ellie *******

Just wondering how you mean "safe"... depends on what you mean, your best choice could differ..

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Just the most hassle-free through immigration. I got some stick at my entry at swampy last time, so I just want no hassle. I think I will go to the Kanchanaburi border with the company

@Tod ********

sent. If I can do it all in one day, that will be the best for me.

5 years ago

Reply to

Happy *******

Rhett ********

I caught a bus from Vientiane bus station to Udon Thani bus station on a Tuesday around 4 months ago. Whole thing took around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Was hassle free.

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also

@Tod ********

. When I entered last time, they forgot to stamp me 30 60 days but I pointed this out quickly and they changed it to 60 days. So I have 2 expiry stamps, one late Dec and one late Jan (30 days later). The IO did stamp both tho, this should be OK right?

5 years ago

Ellie *******

they corrected that stamp already, it should be okay.

5 years ago

Reply to

Ellie *******

Tod *********

Why not just use one of the visa run companies in Bangkok that goes to the Phu Nam Ron border with Myanmar every day?

They take you there, get you stamped out of thailand, get you stamped in &out of Myanmar and then stamp you back into thailand and lug you back to bangkok..

***********************

goes every day

5 years ago

Steven ***********

Advertising! Quick shut this down! 😂🤣😂

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@Tod ********

. You're the man! I will decide over the next few days because I've been wanting to visit Luang Prabang for some time no.

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do they ask questions at the border? I got hassled pretty hard at Swampy last time, I have 30+ visa exempts over the last 4 years but no extensions.

5 years ago

Reply to

Happy *******

Tod *********

The Nong Khai border is busy all the time so it's gonna take as long as it takes.

BUT

you won't have any problem getting thru

What is your nationality? I ask that because there are other options that DON'T involve flying out of the country.

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok thanks for the information. So the border is only open in the morning on other days? Thanks for the information by the way, you're really helpful!!!!

5 years ago

Happy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I am British, I thought there were days where it was less busy because of VISA runs and such

5 years ago

Reply to

Happy *******

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