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

Mar 22, 2019
7 years ago
John ********
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 !
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Mark ******
HCMC staff are very helpful. No long queues also
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Been HCMC - great city for sure. Heard mixed reviews about Hanoi
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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.
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Ron ******************
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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.
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Ron ******************
Depends on your nationality. Some countries cant obtain visas in Vietnam and Malaysia. Stating your nationality makes giving advice easier for members.
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Robert *******
Savannakhet Laos, HCMC Vietnam, KL or Penang in Malaysia, Yangon in Myanmar. Just to name a few.
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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.
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Shayne - I thought you would post a reply ;)
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Shayne **********
Teleport
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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Robert - whats the best way to get to Savannakhet Laos - should google it sorry
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John ********
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