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What are the best options for traveling from Chiang Mai to Vientiane and currency tips?

Visa RunChiang MaiVientianeTravel TipsBus TicketsFlightsCurrency ExchangeKipThai BahtVisa Requirements
Aug 5, 2018
6 years ago
Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey guys, I'm planning my first visa run to Vientiane from Chiang Mai in 1.5 days. I'm planning to buy my bus ticket back to Chiang Mai after I get my tourist visa but I'm still hoping to get an affordable flight at the last minute.

Can you please recommend me some sites where I can score some cheap bus ticket or flight back to Chiang Mai?

Also, where can I get some kip in Chiang Mai? I didn't have luck finding any today. Gracias!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is planning their first visa run to Vientiane from Chiang Mai and seeks recommendations for affordable bus tickets or flights back to Chiang Mai. The community offered various suggestions, highlighting the availability of low-cost flights like Nok Air and Lion Air, and advised that payments could mostly be made in Thai Baht even in Laos. Additionally, while some users suggested exchanging for kip, others recommended using baht for most transactions.
Tod *********
This doesn't seem all that thai visa related to me sorry guys
6 years ago
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Dan *********
I paid Laos immigration in Thai Baht and the cost was 1500 Baht which was $48.38 at the time or $45.17 at today’s exchange rate. I overpaid by $13.38 at the time that I crossed.

A visa on arrival costs US $35 for US citizens; the fee varies depending on citizenship, for as little as US$30 to as high as US $42. To facilitate processing, pay the visa application fee in exact change with USD although I think they may give you change in USD or Kip.
6 years ago
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Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all! All excellent suggestions, just saved me a day of my life and my sanity! lol 😁 Appreciate it!
6 years ago
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Rob ******
1. You won't need kip. Use baht and you can take your change in kip. But every place you go will accept baht, including taxis or small shops etc.

2. The flight is dirt cheap. There are several airlines offering it for what you pay for a bus ticket plus a meal. And you don't spend endless hours on a bus.
6 years ago
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Bob **********
I was there 3 days changed 1000 Baht got 265,000 kip but used Baht mostly
6 years ago
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Ben **********
Fly, it’s pennies. Lion Air. Should clarify; fly to Udon Thani, take bus from airport to the border for 150 baht.
6 years ago
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Alaa ********
*****************
6 years ago
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Alison *********
Hi
@Justine ********
, I'm planning on doing the visa run to Vientiane tomorrow or Tuesday too, but from Mae Sot. Thanks for posting this. I'm reading with interest. :)
6 years ago
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Alison *********
@Justine ********
 All my reading says baht is okay, but I'll use my atm card and get some local currency. Might see you in the line. Good luck :)
6 years ago
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Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Alison. Maybe I'll see you there then. I'm flying to Vientiane then gonna bus back unless I snatch a cheap flight back. Just budgeting now how much kip I need for 2 days there but seems people have different strategies w use of currencies lol
6 years ago
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Justine ********
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Stéfan ********
You don't need kip. Pay your room in baht and they'll give you change in kip. Word of advice... If crossing by land, pay your Visa in USD. If not, you'll get ripped off.
6 years ago
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Robert ********
Better to buy Kip in Laos...
6 years ago
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Bob **********
@Justine ********
 the’ll take Baht 200 I believe
6 years ago
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Robert ********
@Justine ********
 Fantastic for delicious and very inexpensive French cuisine!
6 years ago
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Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 I'm glad to know! Im looking forward to it
6 years ago
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Robert ********
@Justine ********
 You'll love it there....I am never required to apply for new visas, but still enjoy visiting Laos for pleasure, delicious food and great shopping.
6 years ago
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Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 yes precisely. Thank you! Hope it goes smoothly for a first run 😊
6 years ago
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Robert ********
Yes of course Justine, some folks don't think in advance much. It's always good to keep some local currency on-hand. Safe travels :-)
6 years ago
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Justine ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ***********
 yeah I prefer to have some bc my shuttle bus alone when I arrive at the airport is asking for kip.
6 years ago
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Robert ********
Many will say no need to have Kip, but I think it is useful to keep on hand. Regardless, exchange when you get there instead of doing in in CNX.
6 years ago
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Robert ********
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Joe ********
You can fly Nok Air for a little over 1,000 baht.
6 years ago
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Joe ********
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