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Is Vientiane a Good Place to Apply for a Visa or Should I Consider Other Options?
Visa ApplicationVientianeExpat LifeLaos TravelImmigrationThai VisaExperience SharingTravel Recommendations
May 23, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERDay 5 in Vientiane.
Application still stuck at the first step, was asked for a different passport photo on Tuesday which I sent immediately.
No further contact from them.
I'd seriously rethink coming here, not just for it being slow but every day in this city feels like a month.
The city is in ruin's and it's like a ghost town.
There are so many other beautiful surrounding countries that you could apply.
Even if it took 3-4 weeks elsewhere it would be a better choice than here.
Hope this helps others avoid this miserable place.
Application still stuck at the first step, was asked for a different passport photo on Tuesday which I sent immediately.
No further contact from them.
I'd seriously rethink coming here, not just for it being slow but every day in this city feels like a month.
The city is in ruin's and it's like a ghost town.
There are so many other beautiful surrounding countries that you could apply.
Even if it took 3-4 weeks elsewhere it would be a better choice than here.
Hope this helps others avoid this miserable place.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion reflects a user's frustrating experience with a delayed visa application in Vientiane, Laos. The user expresses dissatisfaction with the city, describing it as eerily quiet and lacking activities, suggesting that applying for a visa in neighboring countries might be a better option. Several comments offer varying perspectives, with some recommending travel to more appealing areas like Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, while others share positive experiences of enjoying the local life and encourage exploration despite the delays.
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Anonymous ******************
Well, Thailand is more developed than that in some tourist areas / Bangkok but not as much as you may expect. You'll need to ge used to a different way of living.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 322 I've been going to Thailand for 15 yrs and lived there for 5.
Thailand is like Dubai compared to Vientiane lol
Thailand is like Dubai compared to Vientiane lol
Anonymous ******************
Participant(e) anonyme I could agree comparing both only though 😂😜
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Anonymous ******************
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Gump ****
Sounds like you need to get off the anti depressant pills and go outside and enjoy life ✅
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGump 🍯 there's nothing to enjoy here lol, just trying to prevent others from experiencing it.
Gump ****
Anonymous I'll give you a list of things to do.
1) Go to the gym
2) Look online for local walking tracks and go walking in the bush
3) Buy a cheap fishing rod and go fishing
4) Get a rub and tug
1) Go to the gym
2) Look online for local walking tracks and go walking in the bush
3) Buy a cheap fishing rod and go fishing
4) Get a rub and tug
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGump 🍯 I walk 20k every day, gym every day, Muay Thai every day.
Gump ****
Anonymous participant so if you are already doing Muay Thai everyday, gym everyday and walking everyday then how are you bored there. Sounds like your days have been full each day while you are there......
Jordan *****
You don’t walk 20 km each day, stop with this bs. Maybe someone who does nothing but sleep and sit all day believes you
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jordan ****
you don't look like you have ever exercisedAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant and I haven't done my evening walk yet. Just because your a lazy C##nt 🤣🤣
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant it rained yesterday so I was under
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Anonymous *************
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David ********
Thank for your opinion it ain't worth Sh@#$it. I got my DTV there beautiful city heaps of nice cafes, restaurant,bars on the Mekong river,clubs, sights,l hired a scooter and got around also went up to veng vieng was awesome. Get out of your hotel room and explore. You are just waiting for embassy. Travel it's cheap in Laos
Nick *******
@David *******
why is your opinion worth more than his?Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *******
I'm guessing you are used to a very low quality of life. I walk 20k each day, gym and Muay ThaiDavid ********
Anonymous participant so what's your issue with Vientiane it's a beautiful city
Euan *********
@David *******
yeah I have no clue what Vientiane you went to mate place is a ghost townAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *******
I think we are in different Vientiane's lol. There's litter everywhere, the roads are all torn up, no footpaths, the dust is crazy, it's a dirty filthy 💩hole, the food is dripping of oil, there's next to no one around, everything closes early, I could keep going for hrs lol. I can't state one good thing about this place.I respect your opinion but we are obviously used to very different lifestyle's
Peter **************
Anonymous participant Yea .. I was there waiting for 5 days in Dec ..that was enough for me !
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Peter **************
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Adrian ******
Jump in a minivan and go to vang vieng. That's what I did. Got an email for the interview went back the next day and approved before I even got out of the compound.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Anonymous *************
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Wannikea *********
Take the high speed train to Luang Prabang for a few days
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
think I'll do that tomorrow, thank youReply to
Anonymous *************
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Anonymous ******************
Dude, there’s a high-speed train. I think you can leave that area. I mean I could be wrong. I didn’t do mine there, but why can’t you leave the area you can get back on the high-speed train quickly I think as long as you don’t leave the country you’re fine?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 388 thanks
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Anonymous *************
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Callum *******
Just doss out and chill with a beer 🍺 and forget you even did the application. I did it whilst in Da Nang and just got lost on the beaches and hiking etc and totally forgot about it until I got the approval email
Paul *********
@Callum ******
no beaches here just broken streets and pavements and buildings lol.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
you know lol, definitely getting out of here tomorrowCallum *******
Anonymous participant looks like i dodged a bullet with Laos then, glad i cancelled 😅 dw your visa will be with you soon enough
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Callum ******
I hope so man🤞Reply to
Anonymous *************
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Callum ******
it's totally different here buddy, there's absolutely nothing to doReply to
Anonymous *************
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Gabriele **********
Go hang out in Luang Prabang or further north, don't stay in Vientiane all the time.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gabriele *********
I can't leave Vientiane until I get my interview dateGabriele **********
Anonymous participant I went to Luang Prabang while I was waiting. They will send you an email, and the interview will not be on that same day. The train back only takes two hours.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gabriele *********
I was just worried in case I needed to do any more admin stuff, it's hard enough to find things in the city and was thinking way harder in remote areas.David ********
Anonymous participant your just guessing you don't really know. Where you staying what hotel
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *******
the AmariAnonymous ******************
Anonymous participant LP isn’t that remote. Most things you need done can be done there fine as well.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 353 excellent thanks, just didn't want to chance messing anything up
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Anonymous *************
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Greg ********
@Gabriele *********
LP is lovely. I coukd do a few weeks thereReply to
Greg ********
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