Answereda year ago

Is it possible to cross into Laos from Khong Chiam on a DTV visa and return to Thailand?

DTV Visa Border Run Laos Visa Chong Mek International Border Visa on Arrival Expat Travel Tips

Roy ********

asked Jul 17, 2025

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Hello everyone here !

I am on a DTV visa. I am in the city of "Khong Chiam", near the border with Laos.

I want to do a Border run & I wanted to ask someone who knows this land border:

There is a border crossing 30 min from here to Laos ("Chong Mek International Border").

Is it possible to cross into Laos and get a visa on arrival, stay a few days in Laos, maybe in the city of Pakse, and return to the same border back to Thailand & get a new stamp on my DTV ?

They give visa on arrival ?

Do they make problems at this land border for DTV visa holders who have stayed a few days in Laos and want to return to Thailand ?

*BTW - I have a rented scooter. I'm sure they not let me in with it into Laos (or maybe yes ?!).

Can I park there at the border my scooter safely for a few days until I come back into Thailand with a new visa ?

Thank you so much,

Any help Any help appreciated !

Answer summary

The user inquired about making a border run from Khong Chiam, Thailand, to Laos via the Chong Mek International Border while on a DTV visa. They asked if it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Laos, stay in Pakse for a few days, and return to Thailand for a new DTV stamp. Comments confirmed that it is feasible to cross the border, get a visa on arrival (approximately 2000 baht or 40 USD), and re-enter Thailand without issues related to their DTV visa. Suggestions included bringing a passport photo for the visa process and considering parking options for their rented scooter during the stay in Laos.

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Steve *******

Yep. The Chong Mek border crossing is pretty relaxed and Pakse is a great place to stay.

a year ago

Keith *******

@Steve ******

Correct. It's probably one of the friendliest land borders in Thailand

a year ago

Roy ********

@Keith ******

Good to know !

Hard to find online which land border gives VOA, so I understand that there u get it without a problem 👌

a year ago

Keith *******

@Roy *******

You can get Laos VOA at any Laos land border. I think I paid US$30 last time I went over, which is a couple of years ago, as I had some US cash on hand. I think paying in US actually works out cheaper. You can apply online for an eVisa

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a year ago

Bent *************

Pakxe is a nice little city

a year ago

Marcels *********

u can just cross the border pay 40 usd and get voa (best is to bring a passport photo). no problem. enjoy pakse

a year ago

Stefan ************

Pakse is nice. If you go up a little further to the Highlands you can see the coffee plantations and a few scenic waterfalls.

a year ago

Andrew ********

You DTV so you're fine.... May have to stay 1 night in Laos. Laos visa 2000 baht (I do this trip last month)

When you depart Laos, completing the TDAC is straightforward....if you get stuck, they have staff (Thai Immigration) who can help complete the card...

Enjoy

a year ago

Roy ********

@Andrew *******

Good ! So you know this border !

The DTAC is online so I just fill it before I come back, right ?

BTW - can I park at this border my scooter safely ? I rented here scooter...

Thanks man ! 👌

a year ago

Andrew ********

@Roy *******

If you're coming same day they have parking at Thai immigration....

Think there are 1 or 2 place where you can park for a fee....

a year ago

Phil ******

Roy you will be fine. Show them your dtv to re-enter. You may not get in the same day

a year ago

Roy ********

@Phil *****

So Laos immigration gives there visa on arrival for 30 days ?

Btw - do I need to complete the TDAC online before re-enter Thailand ? They check it on a land border ?

Thanks 👌

a year ago