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What are the best options for leaving and re-entering Thailand to activate a new 6-month stamp with a DTV from Bangkok?
Visa ActivationThailandExpatsTransportationRe-entry OptionsDTV VisaCambodia Border IssuesAir TravelSleeper TrainBangkok to LaosImmigration Procedures
Aug 24, 2025
8 months ago
Thoughtfu*********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat options have people found for an affordable and comfortable way to leave and re-enter Thailand to activate a new 6 month stamp with a DTV. Starting in Bangkok. I know Cambodia is close but people say avoid poi pet so getting a bus to a different Cambodian border requires 2 bus’s I think. Long and uncomfortable. I have seen you can fly to Vietnam and back the same day. Less affordable but much more convenient.
Does any1 else have any better options? Trains? I’m 6f 5” also so lots of transport options become horrible if leg room isn’t sufficient.
Does any1 else have any better options? Trains? I’m 6f 5” also so lots of transport options become horrible if leg room isn’t sufficient.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion explores affordable and comfortable options for leaving Thailand to activate a new 6-month stamp with a DTV visa. Flying to nearby countries like Vietnam and Malaysia is highlighted as convenient, with affordable flights available. Other options include sleeper trains to Laos, given current restrictions on Cambodia's land borders. Participants share various travel methods, including trains and buses, while emphasizing comfort for taller individuals.
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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Paul *******
There are also 2 daily cross-border buses to Laos from Bangkok, both travel overnight: 1. Bangkok to Vientiane and 2. Bangkok to Pakse.
Paul *******
Why not catch a train to Khamsavath station in Vientiane (direct Bangkok-Vientiane train)? Perfect if you're tall and more comfortable than a bus. It's a sleeper train in both directions.
DTV_Be*******
Airasia is super cheap
30 hour train to Ubon from bkk to cross the border costs like ฿30
You can also hitch hike to the border it will cost a few beers
You can also walk
30 hour train to Ubon from bkk to cross the border costs like ฿30
You can also hitch hike to the border it will cost a few beers
You can also walk
Danielle *********
Given the borders issues with Cambodia happening, I’d avoid Cambodia at all costs as a re-entry point. KL or Hanoi would be my suggestions.
Craig *******
I never understood why it seems like most people want to return so quickly (<24hrs). So many cool places within a 2 HR flight. Why not stay 5-7 days? I have flown to Medan, Hanoi, Yangon, Mandalay, LP, Jakarta.....
Lorraine ******
Phu Quoc Vietnam
No visa needed: beach and beautiful,
Arrival and Departure: You must arrive in Phu Quoc and depart from Phu Quoc, either by air (Phu Quoc International Airport) or sea.
Around $100.00 RT
No visa needed: beach and beautiful,
Arrival and Departure: You must arrive in Phu Quoc and depart from Phu Quoc, either by air (Phu Quoc International Airport) or sea.
Around $100.00 RT
John *******
You can also fly to Cambodia - closer and probably cheaper. Also visa on arrival
Biff *******
Fly to KL and back
Kool *******
Sleeper train to Nong Khai, cross, and come back in time to catch the day train back to Bangkok
Ray *****
Plenty of flights return around 3000bt , KL, HCM. High volume routes so plenty of options for a day return
Christopher ***********
@Ray ****
OP says his starting point is Bangkok so he hasn’t got a long journey to a provincial airport then another flight leg to Bangkok. Makes good sense!Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
John **********
You won't be going to any Cambodian land border, they're all closed. So is Myanmar, except for 1 crossing in the south. That means Laos or a Malaysia by land, or hop on a plane
James ********
All Cambodian land borders CLOSED.
Andrew *********
You aren't going by land to Cambodia.
Christopher ***********
Assuming you’re not at the 360 day point, have you thought of applying for an extension at your local immigration office? There are reports of this being very difficult/virtually impossible. However, we don’t know what is true or not. Plus, it can all depend upon how you go about it. Taking a Thai person with you always helps to obtain results IMHO.
Brandon ************
@Christopher **********
immigration does not like the DTV visa and they do not want to process extensions for it. If you go to immigration to ask, they will suggest you do a border bounce instead. If you still persist they will give you list of requirements. When you return, there will magically be new items that were left off the list that you have to leave as obtain. Repeat this process until you they get you to give up or you run out of time. One example: in Chiang Mai they require proof of 500,000 in a Thai bank account, knowing full well that you can't get a bank account on a DTV.
Another example: they require you to have 15 days left on your stamp or they will not accept your application.
James ********
@Christopher **********
it's TRUE..VERY difficult to get the DTV extension inside Thailand at your local Thai Immigration office.
Christopher ***********
@James *******
My personal experience is the degree of difficulty with ‘required’ documents varies depending upon to whom you speak at the immigration office………..Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
Elías ********
There are affordable airplane tickets so you can hop to Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, China, you name it.
James ********
@Elías *******
BEST option... especially for the OP who said that he's 6'5" tallPaul *******
@James *******
Unless he flies Air Asia. Very uncomfortable due to short seat pitch. He should consider flying business class on THAI, Vietnam Airlines, SQ or MH given his height.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
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