What are the best travel options from Chiang Mai to Savannakhet for applying for a multiple entry Non-O visa?

Aug 7, 2023
a year ago
Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Planning to go to Savannakhet from Chiang Mai to apply for the multiple entry non-o visa. What are some of the best options to get there and back? It doesn't seem like I can fly direct, at least from what I can find.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Savannakhet for the multiple entry Non-O visa involves several options, primarily focusing on ground transportation. While direct flights are not available, travelers can opt for an internal flight to Mukdahan and then cross the bridge or take a bus to Savannakhet. Red Ride service is also a recommended option. It's advised to book accommodation early and expect long lines at the visa office. The office is open on Sundays, which is a strategic time to avoid crowds, but it’s essential to arrive before 5 PM to ensure a smooth crossing.
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เตเต้ ******
I’ve done this service to Vientiane via Nok and its fairly simple. These days I just drive since I’m in Ubon and its only 2 hours away.

Would suggest booking your stay there soon as you can and prepare for long lines.

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Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@เตเต้ *****
book appointment or book the place to stay? Not sure how long lines impact the need to book a place to stay early.
เตเต้ ******
@Wylie ******
no, only meant to say the hotel bookings fill up fast depending on the time of the week you plan to submit your paperwork. No appointment here but the appointment criteria in Vientiane is why this consulate gets slammed. When I go I cross the day before late afternoon before 1700hrs (before Lao VOA office closes) so I don’t have to deal with the hordes of minibuses full of other runners.
Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@เตเต้ *****
ok, thanks. Do you know if the VOA office is open every day, Sunday specifically?
เตเต้ ******
Wylie Pfaff last time we stayed at the place, Machiatto, right across the street from the Consulate because I had some credit with Agoda that i had to spend but also because I could literally walk across the street and wait for the line to die down until I was ready to get in it .  I think i jumped in around 1230 and was out by 2 o’clock which was awesome because I’ve stood in that line before for six hours after showing up at 9 AM because you’re not going to beat the minivans coming in at 6 AM unless you want to just stand there literally all morning. there’s a place up the road behind Black Canyon coffee then I’ll probably go to next. Have to make that run again. I think it’s called Pilgrim resort or something and they also have motorbikes for rent.  stayed at Avalon and Vanpila there too And they weren’t too bad, but you’ve got to look for took took or walk to a lot of places you want to go.
เตเต้ ******
Wylie Pfaff yep, it’s open on Sunday and that’s normally when I go because there aren’t that many people trying to get over there in the afternoon prior to the Monday morning rush. Thai immigration won’t let you cross unless the Laos visa on arrival officer is still there and even if you get there and it’s closed, they’ll be able to find someone to get you in at a fee but I would advise against crossing any later than 5 PM as you’re pushing it.
Jeffrey **********
Red Ride provides a services to there from CM
Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Jeffrey **********
@Wylie ******
Yes

Red Ride

they are a transportation and rental shop in Chiang mai. Find them on Facebook
Steve *******
Bus might be your best option. Flying to any airport close to Mukdahan means going via Bangkok.
Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
thanks. That is something to consider.
Graham ******
Internal flight then cross the bridge at Mukdahan
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Wylie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
thanks. That would seem to say flying to Sakon Nakhon (SNO) is the closest you can get since Savannakhet only flys to Vientiane from what I can find. Then drive, bus or taxi the rest of the way. That's what I had come up with, but was hoping there may be something simpler. Although that's not too bad.
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