This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the experiences with crossing the Laos border for a visa run from Thailand?

Border Run DTV Visa Laos Visa Visa Regulations Thai Border Immigration Expat Experiences Friendship Bridge Chiang Rai

Dec 10, 2025

4 days ago

Border run number 3 on 9.12., land border to laos, Friendship bridge 4 near chiang rai. We went to Laos for 2minutes and come back. No question asked at thai border coming back.

I have been here now and dtv since 31.8.2024 never been asked anything on enter, I have used cambodia border 1st time, laos vientiane 2nd time, and now FB4. Every time is so easy ❤️

I always drive at the border myself, and cross the border walking with only wallrt and phone.

Dont be afraid of the trolls, dtv is cool 🥰🥰🥰

There was a posr about this FB4 borser before that they ask for every document. No, not from me.

Laos border control suggested me I dont have to enter Laos, can just go back, but I didnt want to take "the risk" of not entering another country. If I had more time, i would have tried, but I had a tight schedule for this trip

3,731

views

35

likes

102

all likes

27

replies

1

images

13

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user describes their experience with their third border run from Thailand to Laos via the Friendship Bridge 4 near Chiang Rai, noting that they were not questioned by Thai border guards upon re-entry. They express satisfaction with the ease of the process, highlighting that they have never faced issues during previous border runs at different crossings. Several comments discuss the visa procedure, emphasizing that the Laos border control allows travelers to pay for a visa upon exiting without needing to fully enter Laos. Other community members share their experiences and thoughts on the DTV visa, some expressing concerns about sharing such experiences publicly due to potential trolling.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Ivan ************

With "Laos border control suggested me I dont have to enter Laos, can just go back", they still take the money for the visa and stamp you in and out. They just do it in one go, putting the entry and exit stamps in at the same time. It's just a slight time saving vs going in and coming back and presenting yourself a second time. From the Thai side, it looks exactly the same as whether you went in to Laos or not.

Like

Reply

Guy ********

You paid for the Laos visa ?

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

If something works well, it's best not to shout about it on social media, especially when there are so many trolls and haters regarding the DTV. The risks outway the benefits

Like

Reply

Joseph *******

Just leave and show respect no one cares about your border run thai don’t like it go leave and come later . What a waist of time to travel and turn around you not that important in Thailand lmao

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

with dtv, you can live here 5 years and no paperwork 🥰 you only need the money but thats easy

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

excuse me what? 🤣

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Waqar ********

That's why we spent 10x the price of normal visa, on DTV. So we won't have to face border issues.

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

10× the price of a normal visa? 🤣 You're funny. Do you even know how much a yearly multi-entry visa costs? You’re paying 10k for 5 years, or about 2k per year, and that’s to the MFA. Stop dreaming you’re holding the cheapest existing visa that gives no real benefit to Immigration.

Like

Reply

Waqar ********

Anonymous participant 445 your comment shows people can argue on anything. I was literally praising DTV and you started arguing without any context.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Waqar ********

Reply

Ray *****

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

whats the cost difference between dtv and tourist visa, in 5 years? I think dtv cheaper? Finland 2months for 70€, thats 420€ a year, 2100€ for 5years. DTV is 250

Like

Reply

Joseph *******

DTV is 250 ? Where you find this place ? Or you file yourself and pay yourself for Muay Thai or what cause that not cheap sounds like a scam lol . Show us you pay that cheap and not pay for anything else .

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

i applied myself, no agents.. the cost is

*****

thb, was about 250euros in august '24 i think. I didnt go soft power, i went for worckation

Like

Reply

Joseph *******

that’s dope!!! I had a friend do his that way and went to Laos . yea it went up the cost of Muay Thai with that is like 6-750 usd . Cheaper than student . I did the student to learn more thai language a lot of fun . And will help when I get my work permit . I want DTV but seems many take advantage of it so I’ll do work visa next . Opening a nomad cafe here Bangkok after visa ends . Hope to serve ya a cup of Specialty coffee someday .

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

i had ED for thai language before dtv, paid 30k for 1year and every 3months had to pay 5k for extension. So 10k for 5years dtv, not that much :)

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Waqar ********

yes over the time, DTV pays off. Specially if you travel a lot. Visit visa is around $46 in my country and DTV is $460 USD.

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes DTV is very cheap

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Andy **********

Is svein still in Laos in love 🤣🤣😬

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

khampaeng phet 🤣

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Andi ***********

Very useful update to dispel so many silly rumours regarding entry with the DTV. Yeah, the DTV is cool!

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

yes its so easy with dtv 👏👏👏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Nick *********

I'm probably going to take a drive down to Krabi and then further south to the satun border next month for mine lol. First border cross since I got the dtv so hoping for a smooth reentry.

Like

Reply

Joseph *******

just leave go have some fun show some respect to the country you won’t miss out any thing . Trust me go have fun it’s worth it and you make more cool stories then yea man I left for a hour came back so cool. Lmao most you sound so funny . I clown my friends for this same stuff you guys do. What a waist of your time to leave and turn around . Lmao go for a month or few weeks you have the money go enjoy it .

Like

Reply

Toni *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

i hope you enjoy your month, we with dtv enjoy our life here 🥰🥰🥰

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Angela *********

Thanks for sharing this

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I hate people who comment anonymously

Like

Reply

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Reply

What is the process and experience of obtaining a DTV visa in Laos for entry into Thailand?

2 comments

22 days ago

What is the experience of entering Thailand multiple times with a DTV visa?

12 comments

a month ago

What should I know about crossing the Nong Khai border with a DTV visa for my 180-day stay?

4 comments

2 months ago

Will I face any issues crossing the border to Laos for a DTV border run?

19 comments

2 months ago

What are the costs and experiences of a border run from Pattaya to Vientiane for a visa extension?

84 comments

4 months ago

What are the latest experiences and tips for visa updates at the Laos-Thai border in 2025?

12 comments

4 months ago

What is the process for entering Thailand on a DTV visa, and what should I expect at immigration?

8 comments

4 months ago

What was your experience with re-entering Thailand from Laos at Chiang Khong?

18 comments

4 months ago

Is it still acceptable to do a quick border run to renew my DTV visa in Thailand?

9 comments

4 months ago

Is it possible to cross into Laos from Khong Chiam on a DTV visa and return to Thailand?

14 comments

5 months ago

What should I know about completing a border run from Chiang Mai to Laos?

8 comments

5 months ago

What are the experiences and tips for doing a border run in Laos on a DTV visa?

3 comments

5 months ago

What is the process for extending a DTV visa by crossing into Laos and returning to Thailand?

36 comments

8 months ago

What has been your experience with re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa after a short trip abroad?

26 comments

8 months ago

What are the experiences of border runs from Nongkhai to Laos with a DTV visa?

2 comments

9 months ago

What are the requirements for a border run from Thailand to Laos with a DTV visa?

28 comments

9 months ago

What is the process for a DTV visa run to Laos from Chiang Khong, and are there requirements for staying overnight?

1 comments

9 months ago

Is re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa smooth and hassle-free?

9 comments

a year ago

What are the steps and tips for performing a border run from Thailand to Laos with a METV?

25 comments

2 years ago

How Do I Successfully Manage a Visa Run from Thailand to Laos?

83 comments

3 years ago

What are the tips and experiences for doing a border run from Nong Khai to Laos for Thai visa exemptions?

8 comments

3 years ago

What should I know before doing a border run from Chiang Rai to Laos?

8 comments

3 years ago

What was your experience with the visa run process in Vientiane, Laos?

3 comments

3 years ago

What should I know about doing a visa run at Chiang Khong border for an education visa in Thailand?

4 comments

4 years ago

What are the entry rules for Thailand when crossing from Laos, especially regarding visas?

12 comments

6 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago