What are the best options for a border bounce from Chiang Mai to Laos?

Chiang Mai Border Run Visa on Arrival Laos Travel Tips Visa Types Immigration Rules

Sep 4, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I'm in Chiang Mai and need to do a border bounce in the next 10 days. I've been weighing my options and it seems the cheapest way to do this is by land? My main priorities are keeping it cheap and returning to Chiang Mai ASAP. 

If this is the case:

1. Is Laos still the closest available option?

2. Can anyone recommend a specific business in Chiang Mai that does border runs with a good reputation? And any idea of the prices?

3. Would it save me time to get a visa for Laos online or should I just get a visa on arrival at the Laos border?

Otherwise, if anyone can recommend flight options for a border bounce from Chiang Mai airport that would be fast and cheap, that would be great as well. Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

User in Chiang Mai seeks affordable options for a border bounce within 10 days, particularly to Laos. They inquire about the proximity of Laos, reputable businesses in Chiang Mai for border runs, visa options (online vs. on arrival), and possible flight alternatives. Respondents confirm Laos as the nearest border, caution about visa appointment procedures in Vientiane, and note restrictions on land border crossings.

Steve *******

Yep, Laos is your closest border

2 years ago

Howarth *********

You can cross the land border into Thailand only twice in a calendar year as far as I’m aware ? Not sure what Covid rules are still in play.

2 years ago

Steve *******

@Howarth ********

You can cross it as many times as you want if you have a visa. It's only visa exempt entries that are limited to 2 per calender year.

2 years ago

Howarth *********

@Steve ******

I’m on a 30

Day visa when I come over until I retire, two times for me to cross ! When it first came out I wasn’t aware the rules had changed until I crossed for the third time from Malaysia, I use the crossing all the time when I come in that route (depends on flight prices to Thailand or Malaysia)! The crew who man the post know me and my wife so he just stamped my passport and waved me through but told me next trip I’d have to fly in to Thailand until my year was up.

2 years ago

Reply to

Howarth *********

Brandon ************

@Howarth ********

you can enter visa exempt by land border twice per year. You can cross the border as many times as you want if you have a proper visa.

2 years ago

Ryan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Howarth ********

That's true from what I've read. I haven't crossed the land border and I have no covid extension history here so I don't expect any issues with that.

2 years ago

Howarth *********

@Ryan ******

I come in at Betong or Dannok borders if I fly in to Penang Malaysia, only about 2 hours by car or bus

2 years ago

Reply to

Howarth *********

Billy *******

We are looking to go to loas country Vientiane embassy been posting on other sites until now no response from anyone.

2 years ago

Kool *******

If you go to the embassy in Vientiane be aware that it is no longer walk-in. You must make an appointment online, then the process takes at least two days.

2 years ago

Steve ********

@Ryan ******

You'll be right with a simple land border bounce. This outfit used to do the van trip. Contact them to see if they're operating again

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2 years ago

Ryan *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve *******

Thanks, I'll give them a try! 😁

2 years ago

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