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What are my options for traveling out of Thailand while on a DTV visa with expensive flight prices?
DTV visavisa extensionThailand immigrationborder crossingtravel optionsPhuketMyanmarMalaysiatravel costs
Mar 25, 2026
a month ago
Fernanda *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi! We have DTV visa and it's our 6-month travel period. We're in Phuket and all the flights are expensive. Has anyone driven across any borders?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user on a DTV visa is seeking advice on travel options out of Thailand amidst expensive flight prices. Community members suggest various alternatives, like taking a bus or driving to neighboring borders, such as Ranong to Myanmar, or to Malaysia. Others mention the possibility of ferry rides or extensions at the immigration office, although the latter was reportedly not accepted by the local office. General tips about travel costs and the ease of border crossings for visa holders are shared.
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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Anonymous ******************
Can jump on a bus to Malaysia super cheap not that far
Anonymous ******************
Yes it makes no difference how you go out or come back. Walk,ride,fly bus,swim,boat there are lots of companies in phuket that will do the one day run. But hey plan a few days somewhere the money you save on flights will be well spent. I just crossed in Nong Khai ti laos for 20 day adventure. Rode my motorcycle Vientiane ,veng vieng,lapraubang ,slow boat 2 days u river to Chang Thong , stamoed inti thailand chang rai 5 days now in chang rai. Its fun and no questions asked
Karl *******
How about a ferry to Koh Lipe and from there to Langkawi and back? That said, you can get a return flight to Penang for about ฿3,400, so that's probably cheaper than the ferries.
Anonymous ******************
@Karl ******
Thats an awesome trip for a couple of daysReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Gianluca ******
I go with my girlfriend in Bkk 1 day then 2 days in Penang and then come back in Phuket
If it's expensive for you, Thailand is not your country
*****
baht.If it's expensive for you, Thailand is not your country
Anonymous ******************
30 days prior and the paperwork is crazy also photos of you in the bedroon,outside the house in the living room. Easier and cheap to go out his in phuket its international airport
Anonymous ******************
@Gianluca *****
he is phuket which does direct flights and much cheaperGianluca ******
Partecipante anonimo 309 I'm in phuket too!
he take a flight for Penang and come back for 3000 baht!
Cheap Charly stay home!
he take a flight for Penang and come back for 3000 baht!
Cheap Charly stay home!
Reply to
Gianluca ******
Reply
Fernanda *********
ORIGINAL POSTERWe went to the immigration office and they didn’t want to do the extension 😞
Fernanda *********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust said that they don’t do it and we have to go outside
Liber******
@Fernanda ********
sorry to read that. Why was it rejected?Reply to
Liber******
Reply
Nick *********
If your a Dtv holder I don't see why using a land border would make any difference tbh. Might need to pay like 2000 baht to the border staff like the agents generally do however. Not sure as never done one alone before. Plane to Malaysia and back is usually pretty cheap which is what I did last time.
Tons of people in this group have done land crossings so hopefully someone might be able to give you an account of their experience doing it at satun
Tons of people in this group have done land crossings so hopefully someone might be able to give you an account of their experience doing it at satun
Robert *******
an Extension of Stay with a new period of 180 days cost only 1.900 Thb at your local Immigation Office.
The cheapest option
The cheapest option
Nick *********
@Robert ******
apparently they hate doing that lol. Hel need to go well in advance of his expire date also. Considering giving it a go myself on the next one. I've heard it long winded but totally possible if you can submit updated versions of the same evidence etc. ...I think lol. Really don't want to fly to Malaysia again as ended up with a sinus infection last time I got on the plane.Robert *******
@Nick ********
I understand that many DTV holders hate doing it.Apply for the correct purpose and it is easy, apply with the rules set by anonymous DTV holders and Immigration will kick you out.
Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
Nick *********
@Andrew *******
in comparison with usual flights to Malaysia and back yes that's about double the usual price. He didn't say it wasn't affordable lolReply to
Nick *********
Reply
Steve **********
Go to Ranong and take the boat to Myanmar and come back 30 minutes later. Probably the closest option.
Nick *********
@Steve *********
the borders open now? I thought agents were sending everyone to satun instead?Steve **********
@Nick ********
Miss type I meant Ranong.Nick *********
@Steve *********
yeah but ranong I'm assuming is to cross over into Myanmar and back but I thought that wasn't an open right now due to the Myanmar issues? Has that since changed? (I ask as il be riding bike down to satun/Malaysia for the next reentry and I'm much closer to ranong and Myanmar than the satun border)Reply to
Nick *********
Reply
Terry ********
Would be a hassle to drive into Malaysia. Take a bus or drive to the border.
Anonymous ******************
@Terry *******
why a hassle its fun and with tge car you have flexability just need the blue book in your name and insurance which you get at border for not muchReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
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