What are the best visa run options from Chiang Mai if Vientiane is fully booked?

Visa Run Chiang Mai Vientiane Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City KL Savannakhet Laos Visa Application Expat Advice Travel Options

Mar 22, 2019

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I'm currently in Chiang Mai and need to do a visa run. Was going to do Vientiane, however, there is no booking slot available for the whole of next week, Please advice. I may have to KL or HCMC otherwise.  

Thanks in advance.

John

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TLDR : Answer Summary

John is seeking advice on alternative visa run options from Chiang Mai since he couldn't find any available slots to Vientiane for the upcoming week. Comments suggest flying to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with recommendations for booking returns easily and highlights about the helpful embassy staff. Additional suggestions include various cities like Savannakhet in Laos and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, while also mentioning considerations based on nationality regarding visa obtainment.

Chezza ***********

Hanoi airport....make sure your passport is in tip top condition. We lost a couple on our tour as hers got wet and wrinkled the pages...refused to let her fly !

6 years ago

Mark ******

HCMC staff are very helpful. No long queues also

6 years ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Been HCMC - great city for sure. Heard mixed reviews about Hanoi

6 years ago

Ron ******************

@John *******

HCMC is in its heart Saigon and Hanoi is well still Hanoi. The devide is still there after all the years. But both cities have their merits.

6 years ago

Reply to

Ron ******************

James ********

I would suggest flying from Chiang Mai to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon. round-trip costs less than $200....even as low as $110. to Hanoi.

I use Googleflights.com to search . Easy going staff in both Thai Consulate/Embassy locations. Just meet their posted requirements seen on their websites. Great cities to visit too. Apply morning first day, pick up afternoon second day.

6 years ago

Ron ******************

Depends on your nationality. Some countries cant obtain visas in Vietnam and Malaysia. Stating your nationality makes giving advice easier for members.

6 years ago

Robert *******

Savannakhet Laos, HCMC Vietnam, KL or Penang in Malaysia, Yangon in Myanmar. Just to name a few.

6 years ago

Shayne **********

@John *******

my other suggestion is walk but seriously, it's a long way. 12 hour bus to Khon Kaen and 5 hour local bus to Mukdahan. Did it once and not doing it again.

6 years ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Shayne - I thought you would post a reply ;)

6 years ago

Shayne **********

Teleport

6 years ago

John ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Robert - whats the best way to get to Savannakhet Laos - should google it sorry

6 years ago