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What are the best options for a U.S. citizen in Koh Phangan to do a visa run for a 60-day tourist visa?

Feb 27, 2018
8 years ago
Michele *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone. I am a U.S.A. citizen, on Koh Phangan, needing to do a visa run, wanting a 60 day tourist visa, and have to get it done by March 9. What are your suggestions at this time for the most comfortable, efficient, and decently priced? I feel overwhelmed with the possibilities and also I get car sick really easily, so wanted to avoid the vans I've heard you all mention being questionable. Best versions of this trip at this time? thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. citizen on Koh Phangan needs to complete a visa run for a 60-day tourist visa by March 9. Suggestions include taking a train from Surat Thani to Butterworth (Malaysia) and then a quick ferry to Penang, as a comfortable travel alternative to vans, especially for those prone to car sickness.
Ian ***************
Take a train from Surat Thani to Butterworth (Malaysia) then quick ferry to Penang.
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Robert *******
To avoid car sickness, go to Surat Thani and take the train to Had Yai and from there to Butterworth Malaysia, taxi to Penang.
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Michele *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
people are telling me now that the train way to go is a five hour wait in the middle of the night at the train station?
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Joaquin ***********
My experience with 12go.asia was negative...
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Chris *******
Ticket can buy easy on the surat thani train station or online. IMHO train is better comfort than the crazy rollercoaster van...
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Chris *******
The ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown (300m from the train station) is like 1,5rm or less.. I forgot, GrabCar from the trainstation to Georgetown is like 20-30rm because of the bridge toll. Applying for for visa can do by yourself without agent, agent can sort out "ticket-out" and going in and back from the consulate.
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Avi ********
Also, check out 12go.asia it's a good site for booking trips
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Robert *******
You can book yourself with help of the website of Thai Railway tickets:
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Michele *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you
@Robert ******
. Should I book it all through a travel agent here or just on my own? Do you know where I can find the logistics of everything I will need there? I have heard things about 20,000 baht to show, etc.
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Michele *******
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