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What are the best options for traveling back to Chiang Rai with an Education Visa from Laos?

Education VisaVisa ApprovalTravel OptionsBangkok AirportUdon ThaniNong KhaiImmigrationFlight vs Bus Travel
Dec 10, 2023
a year ago
Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Education Visa Question.

Hi All, I am currently in Vientiane, Laos, and have all the docs (from the school) for my Education Visa appointment on Tuesday. I’m wanting to organise getting back to Chiang Rai.

Has anyone had issues with Education Visa approval through Bangkok BKK Airport?

I think I read on here somewhere DMK airport isn’t a good option for Visa approval?

Or should I just do the 13 hour bus trip from Nong Khai?

Thanks very much!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on traveling back to Chiang Rai after obtaining an Education Visa appointment in Laos. They are concerned about potential issues with Visa approval at Bangkok BKK Airport and mention that DMK airport might not be favorable for Visa approval. Suggestions include flying from Udon Thani as a cheaper option and utilizing mini-bus services for border immigration.
Namphu **********
I of course reply too late but it's good to know that a mini bus services at airport take you right away to nong khai immigraion at the border...
8 months ago
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Nigel **************
Fly from Udon Thani airport, only 1 hour south of Nong Khai by bus.
a year ago
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Paul *******
Good luck on the border bus. Im not sure about the train that crosses the border from Vientiane to Nang khai
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 take it as it comes
a year ago
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Nigel **************
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Paul *******
Location of Vientiane Central Bus Station

Vientiane Central Bus Station is located 1.1 km walking distance from the Patuxai Monument.
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 fantastic. Thanks very much
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Nigel *************
 two different bus types one from The transport company Thailand and one from Laos. both buses are okay
a year ago
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Paul *******
December 15, 2023

16:30

Vientiane Transfer

3h Taxi+Bus. All connections guaranteed

19:30

Udon Thani Bus Station 2

Arrives on Fri, Dec 15. Travel time 3h

THB 292

per adult

FRom12GO only a reference point. > Its best to go to the bus station the morning you are leaving with a copy of your passport as they record your details. Buy the ticket at the bus station and arrive early for the departure time . The 1630 above is shown on 12Go website however the bus may leave upto an hour after that. Happy travels
a year ago
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Paul *******
I don't have a timetable however you will have time to go to the bus station during your down time waiting for your visa. Unless they have changed you can only buy the ticket on the day of travel. Another hint is be early for the bus as its free seating and its a mad rush to board and retain a seat. They do pack passengers in like sardines to get to the border and you could be standing if you arrive at the bus station ontime for the bus
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 not getting a visa just doing a border bounce. But thanks for the heads up about the bus. I am almost 2 meteres tall and need an extra leg room seat
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 I hear you - tallest chick in the room 180cm
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 I somehow stumbled across the Bus Station today and here is the timetable - apparently everyday
a year ago
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Paul *******
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Ali *******
 great work.
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 super thanks really helpful
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 do u happen to have accurate up to date departure times for the bus to UT? I cannot find a timetable that I trust. 🤔🤔
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 Hi Nigel I actually stumbled across the Bus station today. To Udon Thani it’s 85 Thai Baht, the bus takes 2 hours and leaves from 8am, 10, 12, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm everyday
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Ali *******
 gosh thank u so much Ali
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 Important!

I found out this today - you can only book the bus on the day you want to travel (!!!) unless it is the first bus for the next day (8am). So I booked a ticket today for the first bus tomorrow. I’m not sure how quickly the buses fill. Other tourists were frustrated by this because you pick up visa from Embassy between 1.30pm-4pm and they wanted to book 3pm bus but couldn’t until the following day.

- Also you need to pay in Thai Baht 80-85

- And then you need to pay 80,000 kip at the border
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Ali *******
 thanks Ali this is all very useful info. It is so hard to get correct info from all the conflicting posts. Cheers. I just found out I cannot book the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane until 3 days before travel. Why on earth do they do this? Good luck tomorrow
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 Gotta love Thailand right?! All the best for your border bounce.

I think I’ll write a post about getting my Education Visa here in Vientiane - who knew I needed a Police Check, that I got overnight (super stressful 4.30am messaging company in Sydney), lined up at Embassy for nearly an hour again, get to counter - no, too busy come back tomorrow. Came back, guy didn’t even look at the Police Check document and just gave me my passport with Ed Visa 🤦‍♀️. Also requested a bank statement which I had heard is rare to be asked but can happen - luckily I had one printed. I’m hoping tomorrow is uneventful and I can go check out the Red Lotus Lake!
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Ali *******
 very best of luck. That sounds like one very stressful day.
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 cheers mate. Very helpful information. I am planning the trip for next month border bounce
a year ago
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Nigel **************
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Paul *******
a year ago
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Paul *******
a year ago
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Paul *******
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Nigel *************
 The international bus will get you to the bus station in Udon Thani then you will need to get a local transfer to the airport you can get evening flights upto 9 pm.
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 thanks
a year ago
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Nigel **************
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Paul *******
Once you have your visa you shouldn't have any problems with immigration. Go to Udon Thani and fly back to Bangkok as it will workout cheaper than flying from Vientiane. Land crossing back into Thailand makes your flight to Bangkok either airport alot cheaper.\
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Pa**
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Ali *******
 after lodging your application it may take 3 days before you can collect your passport from the embassy so don't book any airline tickets until you have you passport. Today's prices for next week from Udon thai to Bangkok DMK is only about 1500b and to BKK about 1800b. You can get the international bus from the bus station in Vientiane to Udon Thani. The bus stops at both of the borders for passengers.
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 I am planning to take this bus from Vientiane to UT. Where is the bus station in Vientiane to get the international bus.
a year ago
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Paul *******
Location of Vientiane Central Bus Station

Vientiane Central Bus Station is located 1.1 km walking distance from the Patuxai Monument.
a year ago
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Paul *******
@Nigel *************
 go by songtaew or tuk tuk as its a distance from the THai Embassy
a year ago
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Nigel **************
@Paul ******
 cheers. Is it called the International Bus Station?
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pa**
 Thanks again - this is super helpful
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Ali *******
 stay put until visa approved
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ph**
 yeh I get that Thanks Phil. I’ve been traveling for the last year. My question is for after visa approval. I think Nigel’s suggestion is the way I’ll go - unless you have a better suggestion?
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Ali *******
 go for it
a year ago
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Phil ******
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Will ************
You have your visa now ?
a year ago
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Ali ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wi**
 not yet - appointment Tuesday, so hopefully on Friday
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Ali *******
 honestly if you don't have the visa yet how do you propose to enter Thailand?
a year ago
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Phil ******
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