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What are the best options for extending a DTV visa from Chiang Mai?

Mar 30, 2025
4 days ago
Looking for recommendations for extending my DTV.

I’m based in Chiang Mai, from what I’m seeing here it seems as if it’s easier to exit the country and come back rather than extending at immigration.

Has anyone done a same day border run from Chiang Mai?

I do also own my own motorbike so that is an option for me (have a 2 year thai license), just not sure it would be all that comfortable
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post seeks recommendations for extending a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) while based in Chiang Mai, mentioning the possibility of a same-day border run. Comments suggest that using a border bounce agency or a bus to Chiang Khong may be the easiest solutions, noting recent issues with foreign bank account requirements at immigration. Additional details include options for self-driving a motorbike to the border, though it's a long trip, and caution regarding certain borders such as Mae Sai being closed to non-Thais. Overall, a border run is deemed the most straightforward method to extend the visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Anonymous ******************
Mae Sai/Tachilek border is closed to non-Thais and non-Burmese.

If you use Chiang Saen border to cross to Laos by boat (Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone), you have to stay at least 1 night. 2000 baht entry for non-ASEAN citizens.

I would just do research of that area of Laos and you'll see why.
Dean *****
i used to ride a motorbike to the chiang khong border it takes about 4 hours to the border so you can leave in the morning and come back in the late afternoon
Sean ***********************
ChiangMaiVisaRun.com
Brandon ************
TLDR: Use a border bounce agency for the simplest solution. Or take one of the busses that goes from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong.

I've seen a recent report from Chiang Mai that they will not accept a foreign bank account, even though the official list of requirements states that a foreign bank account is okay. So it seems in general a border bounce is the way to go.

From Chiang Mai you have the option of international flight out and back.

I believe there are also busses from Chiang Mai that go directly to Chiang Khong, which is going to be where border bouncers go. I'm not sure on the logistics of timing for leaving and returning, what the bus timetables are though. You shouldn't have issues at the Chiang Khong border with a visa, it's only people without a visa that are subject to the 2 nights in Laos based on recent reports.

You also have the option of using a border bounce agency in Chiang Mai if you don't want to worry about the logistics at all. They'll drive you to Chiang Khong and back in a single day.

If you wanted to drive it yourself on a motorcycle, you're look at 5+ hours each way. It's possible, but you had better feel up for it. There's some pretty nice views up around that area, as I've driven from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong on motorcycle before. You could spend a night in Chiang Rai if you want to split up the trip.