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What is the process and experience of a border bounce from Thailand to Laos like?
Border BounceVisa on ArrivalThailand ImmigrationLao ImmigrationMotorbike TravelChiang MaiVisa RulesTravel Experiences
Jan 23, 2026
3 months ago
Fabian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI just did a border bounce at the Chiang Kong - Huay Xai border. Got a visa on arrival in Lao then turned around and went back to Thailand. I had my dtv acceptens document printed out and gave it with my passport to the immigration officer.
I was asked verbally how long i will stay in Lao by Lao immigration officers and panniced and said one week. So then also wrote 7 days on the paper you need to fill out. But they didnt care when i exited Lao minutes later. The thai immigration officer asked me if i still stay in chiang mai and i said yes.
I drove my self from chiang mai. Most of the road is under construction. Wasnt the nicest ride by motorbike.
I was asked verbally how long i will stay in Lao by Lao immigration officers and panniced and said one week. So then also wrote 7 days on the paper you need to fill out. But they didnt care when i exited Lao minutes later. The thai immigration officer asked me if i still stay in chiang mai and i said yes.
I drove my self from chiang mai. Most of the road is under construction. Wasnt the nicest ride by motorbike.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses a person's experience with a border bounce from Thailand to Laos at the Chiang Kong - Huay Xai border. They obtained a visa on arrival in Laos and returned to Thailand shortly after, presenting their documents to immigration. The individual expressed panic when asked about their stay in Laos, which led to some light discussions in the comments about border crossing norms, the treatment of travelers by immigration officers, and travel tips related to motorbike riding in the area.
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Marie-Eve ********
Thanks for sharing. I read that it was difficult to take your motorcycle to Laos, that you had to go through an agency and that you had to organize things by giving a little money to customs? Did you have to do that? Thanks again!
Ivan ************
@Marie-Eve *******
if he came straight back I imagine he parked the bike on the Thai side. There would be no reason to go through the paperwork and insurance needed if he's coming straight back.Marie-Eve ********
thx! :)
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Marie-Eve ********
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Biff *******
Not sure why you felt the need to lie to Laos immigration. Bit weird
Anonymous ******************
@Biff ******
because for an individual IO they might not take kindly to you using their country like thatBiff *******
Anonymous participant 647 and you think that lying to them then coming straight back anyway would be better? I’m not sure where you people get these crazy ideas from.
Anonymous ******************
@Biff ******
stop putting words in my mouth mate. I never said it is what I would do. I'm currently using the opportunity to have a holiday rather than a visa bounce. Since I'm filthy rich and young.Biff *******
Anonymous participant 647 someone should put words in your mouth because the ones you put there yourself are quite embarrassing
Anonymous ******************
@Biff ******
what's embarrassing is you needing to pay for a woman to look at you, while you sip Happy Hour Chang in your sleeveless shirt stinking of sweat.Fabian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThis biff guy has no sabai sabai haha
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Fabian *********
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Chris **********
I don't get why people panic at the border if you're not smuggling anything 😂 but great to hear mate
DTVPeck********
@Chris *********
The reason to panic is that they usually want you to stay in Laos for 2-3 days before returning to ThailandIvan ************
DTVPeckerBeggar this is specifically for visa exempt and it's a Thai requirement. DTV don't have to do it.
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Ivan ************
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Fabian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI red on this group that they dont like it if you go back the same day and ask for extra money. But probably not true like many other stories here…
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Fabian *********
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Pierre **************
Nice ! Which motobike you drive ?
Fabian *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHonda Cl500. Along the renovation its single lane so if there is a lot of traffic it could be quite slow.
Reply to
Fabian *********
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