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What are the recent experiences and requirements for border bouncing between Thailand and Laos?

border bounceThailandLaosVisa on ArrivalVOAChiang KhongHuai KonNakhon Phanomexpat advicevisa requirementsimmigration procedure
Feb 19, 2023
2 years ago
Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Border bounce update

I managed to successfully do a solo border bounce at Chiang Khong today. Quick and easy, no questions asked.

A few days ago I had tried a border bounce at Huai Kon, but was told you need a Laos visa in advance to cross there as they don't have an office to issue the VOA.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared a recent successful border bounce experience at Chiang Khong, noting it was quick and without issues. They previously attempted to bounce at Huai Kon but were informed that a visa for Laos was necessary as that border does not offer a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Commenters shared additional insights, including that Huai Kon is primarily for local traffic and others mentioned successful crossings at different borders.
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Ian ********
Did you have to buy a Laos visa or did you just pay a fee to u-turn and return back to Thailand?
2 years ago
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Tod *********
@Ian *******
 you have to buy a visa to lao, stamp in and out and then you can stamp back in to thailand.
2 years ago
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Tod *********
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NT ********
Yea that border stop doing VOA a few years ago. It use to be my favorite border crossing with my motorcycle.
2 years ago
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NT ********
I just did a border bounce today at Chiang Khong. Well I asked if I could take my bike into Laos. Easy peasy. No police Tea money. Only visa $40 and 140 baht to customs. And they filled out all my paperwork for me. What a great day. Will stay in Laos for a few days riding the bike. Great to be back in Laos on the bike. Forgot how much I love this country.
2 years ago
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Sam ******
@NT *******
That great to know particularly regarding motorbike.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@NT *******
 What exactly was the ฿140 for, and to which government (Thai or Laotian) did you pay it?
2 years ago
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NT ********
@Brook *******
 It was to the Laos Customs
2 years ago
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NT ********
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Christian *******
@NT *******
 Take the bike into Lao is free ?
2 years ago
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NT ********
@Christian ******
 yes pretty much
2 years ago
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NT ********
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Nick ************
My mate also did a successful border bounce on Thursday across the bridge at Nakhon Phanom. Got his 45 days.
2 years ago
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Tod *********
Yep, AFAIK that border in Nan province is only for local traffic, thaiz/laotianz, although they would let a foreigner in to Lao if they had a visa already.
2 years ago
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NT ********
@Tod ********
 yes. Would have to get visa in BKK.
2 years ago
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Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 Yes, it seems so. Nice area though so still worth the trip.
2 years ago
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Andy *********
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Stephen *********
Did you have extensions prior?
2 years ago
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Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen ********
 Yes, a 30 day extension and a 60 day family visit extension on this stay alone. I've been in Thailand since July.
2 years ago
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Andy *********
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James ********
Thank you for your helpful report.

You speak about the VOA Visa on Arrival..

Curious... What is your passport nation?
2 years ago
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James ********
@Andy ********
 Yes... Thank you
2 years ago
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James ********
@Andy ********
 IF you had recently arrived into Thailand and stamped in for 45 days... That is a Visa Exempt Entry.

You are eligible for a one time 30 day extension of stay at Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht.

And now you have re-entered Thailand Visa EXEMPT... That can be extended for 30 days extension of stay at Thai immigration office.
2 years ago
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David **********
Sorry I’m getting mixed messages. Is it possible to do a border bounce at Chiang Khong? I’m carrying US passport on a 30 day extension for visiting Thai family & I don’t have a visa to enter Lao. Thanks
2 years ago
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Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 I think I wasn't clear. They said I needed a Laotian visa in advance, because it can't be issued at that border.
2 years ago
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Andy *********
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Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 I'm American. I'm not sure where you got the idea I was German (though my name is indeed German).
2 years ago
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James ********
@Andy ********
 my error , as there's Another post in preview which is from a German.

What is your passport nation?
2 years ago
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Andy *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 I carry a US passport. If it turned out I didn't need to go to Chiang, it could have saved a lot of driving! It was at least a beautiful drive though.
2 years ago
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Andy *********
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