What are the best options for traveling from Thailand to Vientiane to extend my visa to a NON-O type due to marriage?

May 19, 2018
7 years ago
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm going to Vientiane to extend my visa so that I can switch to a Non-o immigrant when I come back (marriage to a thai)

My question is what is the quickest and most inexpensive way to get there? Fly to udon thani and take a bus, fly to BKK? Any suggestions to make this a quick and easy trip would be helpful.

I'm hoping I don't run into problems as this is my theirs land crossing this year but I'm going to bring all my marriage paperwork with me so they can see proof.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on the quickest and cheapest travel options from Thailand to Vientiane for extending their visa to a NON-O type due to their marriage to a Thai national. Various options are discussed, including flying to Udon Thani and taking a bus, or flying directly to Vientiane. Comments provide information on the need to arrive early to avoid busy visa processing days and outline required documents for obtaining the visa, emphasizing the importance of having all necessary paperwork ready for the consulate.
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Tod *********
And on that note I believe
@Mi***
has more than enough information to decide what she's gonna do..

We're done :)
Chrissy ***********
Have you done a 30 day extension on your current visa already? I just did that and applied for my non o right after. No need to do a visa run if you are able to do this.
Chrissy ***********
Oh ok, well then you will have to leave the country to get a new tourist stamp. Congrats on your marriage and good luck!
Tod *********
@Mi***
IF you don't have TWO 30 day visa exempt entries by land this year, you could bounce to Mae Sai - Tachiliek border with burma and get a 30 day visa exempt entry, then extend it by 30 more days at the immigration office so you have enough time to get the in country Non-O..
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My extension is what's up, I did that already and we didn't get married until after so I didn't have enough days left on my visa.
Tracy **********
join our group. heaps of info
Tod *********
@Tr***
then if they have visa questions please refer them to this group (y)
Tracy **********
sorry , its just for women . we talk about women sensitive stuff and im sure it would be uncomfortable for many to have a guy in there.
Tod *********
I tried to join that to give visa advice but no one would approve me. :/

I don't care if your a foreign guy married to a thai gurl or a foreign gurl married to a thai guy, I just want people to be able to stay here following the rules.
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm in it 🙂 thanks!
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for the helpful and valuable advice.
Cat *********
For Vientiane there are 4 options as far as I know:

1. Local bus. Check chiang mai buddy's page on visarun to vientiane on their website. You have to figure everything out yourself, but it's not difficult and the cheapest option.

2. Aya visarun services. This company is all by bus too, but basically holds your hand throughout the entire process. However, the bus is not as comfortable and its a bit more expensive.

3. By plane, obviously the most comfortable option, but a lot, a lot, a lot more expensive

4. Nok air fly and ride. Flies you to the border of Thailand, which is a lot cheaper because you don't have to pay the country taxes and takes you by bus afterwards.

I haven't been to other embassies, but I know Vientiane is the best for Thailand, especially if you're not going for a tourist visa. Good luck! 😘
Gordon *******
Dont go on Monday
Gordon *******
cool that will work
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Worst case maybe I'll leave here Monday night to be there for Tuesday morning
Gordon *******
OK be aware that all the tour groups do visa's on Monday it is insanely busy, You will need to get in the queue early around 06:00
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My visa expires on Tuesday and I'm dealing with some family matters so I don't have a choice. I think I'll likely take the bus Sunday night so I can be there first thing Monday morning
Tod *********
The ONLY down side with the flights to Udon from Chiang Mai is; even the earliest flight gets in too late for you to get from Udon to Nong Khai, cross the bridge, go to Vientiane and get to the thai consulate in time to turn in your paperwork. :/ It means you need to spend an extra day there.

The good news is the return flights are fine and you can pick up your passport, get back to the border, cross and skedaddle to the Udon airport in time to catch your 6 PM flight back to Chiang Mai.
James ********
A non-o from Vientanne is only 90 days also
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hahaha this is one of those few rare occasions that luck is on my side
James ********
@Tod ********
Wow. lucky!
Tod *********
she's married to a thai national and will get a year extension inside the country without any proof of funds (unlike foreign males married to thai females who show 400K banked or 40K baht a month in income)
Nina ****
Flying to udon Thani would be the cheapest and easiest way to get to Vientiane.
Sam *******
At the moment flights to udon thani are super cheap, I'm flying return from CM today for 1450Baht.
Sam *******
I'm actually flying air Asia
Tod *********
@Missy ******
Nok Air is running 705 baht promotions from Chiang Mai to Udon one way.
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
What airline are you flying with?
Tod *********
You need the following things to get a 90 day single entry Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai in Vientiane

original rose bordered marriage certificate

copies of:

data page of your passport

your Lao visa and entry stamp

front & back of the rose bordered marriage certificate

thai i/d card of your spouse

thai house book listing of your spouse

2 passport sized photos (really 3 because you need 1 to get into Lao)

filled out application and 2000baht
Alan *******
@Missy ******
Maybe some places, but not in Thailand 🙃
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sometimes I think being married to woman might be easier 😉
Tod *********
@Missy ******
I changed it to spouse ;)
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My husband you mean?
Gordon *******
There is a night bus, I have never used but know people who have, not too sure where it leaves from ask Mr. google
Tod *********
Okay, first off you can't EXTEND your visa by leaving the country.

I take it you're going to the thai consulate in Vientiane to get a 90 day single entry Non-Immigrant Type O visa based on marriage to a thai right?
Missy *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes sorry, that's what I meant. I just woke up
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