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

Question

DTV 6 month update - Laos border - August 2025:
**Edit to add info: US passport holders on remote worker DTV**

We had a successful same-day visa update on our own (no agency) by driving to Chiang Khong, parking at the vehicle checkpoint, and then taking the Friendship Bus over to Houayxay and back.

Immigration in Laos (Houayxay) tried to push us to stay for a few nights in Laos, saying that Thailand wouldn’t let us back in same day. We kindly said we still want to try, as friends (aka posts from this group) said that they had no issue. We had a friendly conversation and he stamped us out, saying we would need to get a new Laos visa if we are turned around by Thailand.
To confirm - no issue on the Thai side!

We’ve previously done a crossing at the Golden Triangle (Van Pak Len), but I would recommend Chiang Khong/Houayxay instead! It was simpler and didn’t feel as sketchy.

Just make sure your USD are pristine 🫧💵 - they will reject any bill with even the smallest mark. 
We also encountered the 20B fee to exit Laos immigration - it seemed more official than other postings I’ve seen, giving you a QR code to scan to exit.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user shared their experience of successfully updating their DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) by crossing the Laos border at Chiang Khong in August 2025. They drove to Chiang Khong, took the Friendship Bus to Houayxay, and returned on the same day, despite being advised by Lao immigration to stay longer. The crossing was smooth, and they encountered a small exit fee of 20B in Laos, alongside a warning to have pristine USD bills for their transactions. Comments from other users included inquiries about the passport held, fees for Lao visas, show money requirements, and details about the Golden Triangle crossing.

Wannikea ********* · Answer

You mention Golden Triangle Van Pak Len, Is that the Laos SEZ side? As the Golden Triangle crossing in Thailand is Sop Ruak.

Rob ****** · Answer

Are you remote worker or softpower ? Any other “fees” involved ?

BrightAr********* · Answer

Is There still a fee to get a Lao Visa for most Nationalities on arrival ...?

Zoro ****** · Answer

thanks for the update , Can i check either side of the border asked for show money at any point?

Andi *********** · Answer

Very useful update!

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

May i know which passport are you holding?

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

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