What are some visa run destination suggestions for an American expat with a Thai wife?

Dec 19, 2024
a month ago
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I need to leave Thailand for a visa run for 4 days. I am an American with a Thai wife. I've been to Danang Vietnam, is there any other suggestions for destinations? It's a general question i know there are different things for different people but just wanted some destinations to think about.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
If you're an American living in Thailand and looking for destinations for a quick 4-day visa run, several options are available to you. Popular suggestions from the community include: Laos (particularly Vientiane and Luang Prabang), Cambodia (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore, and Hong Kong. Each destination offers unique experiences, ranging from cultural exploration to delicious cuisine. Make sure to check visa requirements for each location, as some may not require a visa for short stays. Additionally, ensure that flight schedules align with your travel plans and consider booking accommodation in advance.
Vitico ********
Ho chi minh is great if you like vietnam but don’t need to visit the beach. If you want to go to the beach then nha trang or the place you already know, da nang. Phu Quoc island in Vietnam has many nice beaches too.
Harris **********
I assume you have a Non o multiple entry visa married to a Thai, so every 3 months you have to leave and re entertry Savannahket it's a great little city and great restaurants along the river, and also many good affordable motels with good amenities
Kevin ********
Laos 🇱🇦
Simon **********
Singapore is worth a visit if you have never been.
Peculiar ******
As an American with a Thai wife, you have various options for a quick visa run. Considering you've already been to Danang, Vietnam, here are some alternative destinations for a 4-day trip:

Nearby Countries

1. *Laos*: Vientiane, the capital city, is a short flight from Bangkok. You can explore the city's temples, markets, and scenic views.

2. *Cambodia*: Siem Reap, home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, is a popular destination. You can explore the ancient temples, vibrant markets, and enjoy the local cuisine.

3. *Myanmar*: Yangon, the former capital, is a fascinating city with a rich history. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, explore the colonial architecture, and experience the local culture.

Other Options

1. *Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia*: A short flight from Bangkok, KL offers a mix of cultures, delicious street food, and iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.

2. *Singapore*: This cosmopolitan city-state is known for its cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. Explore Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and enjoy the local cuisine.

3. *Hong Kong*: A bit farther from Bangkok, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of East and West. Explore Victoria Peak, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and enjoy the stunning skyline.

Visa Requirements

As an American, you may not need a visa for some of these destinations. However, it's essential to check the visa requirements for each country before planning your trip.

Tips

1. *Check flight schedules*: Ensure there are flights available from Bangkok to your chosen destination and back within your 4-day timeframe.

2. *Accommodation*: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

3. *Travel documents*: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, and you have any required visas or travel documents. You should also consider reading a book or two before your travel.. I'd recommend a book "Thailand Unveiled 2024-2025" by James Anderson on Amazon..it has all the info and recommendations you need..you should check it out 😀
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peculiar *****
thanks for all the information
Mary ********
Laos, Luang Prabang is definitely worth a visit
Neil *********
Vientiane Laos, Phnom Penh Cambodia

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

They tend to be the cheapest and easiest from bkk. Then when you’re there you can explore
Lynnette *******
Check how long it'll take for visa to be issued. Is 4 days enough time?
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
I'm going January 28th i have time
Jim ********
@Ken ******
All embassies will be operating eVisa from January 1st. You might be waiting longer than four days to have visa issued
Lynnette *******
@Ken ******
Im obviously confused. Lol. You said you were leaving Thailand for 4 days to get a visa. Thought it was imminent. And if 4 days was long enough for visa to be issued.
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
i have to leave Thailand on January 28th. I need to be gone for 4 days so that when I come back. I will the Visa exempt for 60 days. That way, I can get my 154 days or 5 months that I am in Thailand.
Lynnette *******
@Ken ******
you said you were going for a visa 🤦. That's why I asked check how long it would take for it to be issued. So. . you're not going for a visa, you're entering without a visa. 🙄
Cissi *********
@Ken ******
so you are not doing a visa run, but a border run to enter on visa exemption... FYI there is no rule saying that you need to be gone for 4 days to do that, however it is not a bad idea. You get a "mini-holiday", seeing a new place and you "act as a tourist" (only a plus when you enter Thailand again).
Andy **********
Hong Kong, she'll love going to the temples there. Strangely full of Thai people. YMCA great hotel, inexpensive but number 1 location.
Bill *********
I really enjoy Singapore 🇸🇬 Great food!
Baz *********
For Cambodia you can do visa on arrival..

For Vietnam you must have visa before you travel and you don't have time to do Evisa anyway..

Takes 4 to 5 business days for processing..

Unless you pay any agent for fast processing..

Cambodia would be easier and you could go to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh..

Doesn't matter, but Phnom Penh is probably more interesting if you don't want to visit temples of Angkor in Siem Reap..

Or you could even consider a flight to Malaysia as well which I don't think requires any visa for short visit for you..

Not sure about Thai citizens.
Duncanc **********
Danang is great
Will ******
Phnom Penh and stay in the french quarter
SJ *******
Siem Reap
Franklin ***********
Go to kathmandu it was cool
Eric **********
Depends on where you are. If Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur
Marcels *********
luang prabang is beautiful. 40 usd for your visa on arrival and i guess your wife gets a visa exemption
Michael ********
Hundreds depending what you want to do.

Climb Mt Kinabalu is cool and dont need visa for Malaysia. Siam Riep, Luang Prabang, Singapore.
David ***********
That got my attention, climb a mountain. But at 4,095m I will give that a miss.
Michael ********
@David **********
Its cool climb, i was only one in our group to make it, was only smoker and altitude sickness never affected me. But as someone else said Kota Kinabalu is good place and we did Kalimantan river trip that was cool. Saw the pygmy elephants, wild crocs, jungle cat and orangutans (over night trip)
Roy *********
@David **********
Kota Kinabalu is a nice destination anyway though, I've been there without climbing the mountain 😄
Xjwhudkwhry ********
American? With Thai wife?? Wow ...
Joseph *********
Go to Hoi An.

Take in Bana Hills...My Son....Hoi An Memories.
Joseph *********
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
??????....not really funny.
Eric **********
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
wow…

always has to be at least one 🤡
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
you are right, there is always a clown in the comments, and you are one of them for even making that statement.
Eric **********
@Ken ******
@Xjwhudkwhry *******
made the derogatory remarks. Why would you come after me ? He is the 🤡

I defended you.
Eric **********
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
apologies i don't post much
Eric **********
@Ken ******
🙏 I’m an American with Thai wife also. Good luck to you
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Didn't read that correctly
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
i was married for 33 years the first time to an American so I have a good Thai woman now for 6 years
Luit *****************
@Ken ******
Do you and your wife only visit Thailand?

When you live there, you should just get the proper visa and stop tricking the system.

Some day you will not be allowed in.
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luit ****************
i am only here for 5 months i get a proper married to a Thai 90 visa but this year multiple entry was not available. Not tricking the system. I will only use one 60 day visa exempt.
Luit *****************
@Ken ******
multi entry seems to be gone with introduction of e-visa
Karl **********************
luang prabhang
Frances ********
@Karl *********************
that’s always our city to visit. I believe we got our visa upon arrival.
Jack *******
@Karl *********************
can you get a Lao visa on arrival there now? before you couldn't you had to go to Vientiene.
Karl **********************
@Jack ******
thats a good question... i flew directly into LP, from Cambodia, but that was a few years ago...id be kinda surprised if you couldnt enter through LP though, as it gets international flights.

that being said, its a real gem if you can make it... dont miss Kwangsi falls or a trip up Mt Phousi ☺️
Dil ********
Cambodia
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