DIY Visa run to Chiang Khong/Huay Xai
I drove from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong via Chiang Rai (298km), planned to stay a night and do the border in the morning.
During the evening at the bar a lady was asking me about my visa run, saying I need to stay for two days ect. I explained my visa situation and she called a family member who works as a immigration officer and checked with him if it's possible to return the same day. He said yes completely fine.
They did say however NOT to tell Laos immigration that you are returning the same day, as they will try charge you extra.
Anyway got my VOA for Laos. The process there for this has improved a lot since the last time I was at the border. Just bring USD.
Walked into Laos and U-Turned straight back to Thailand and had no problem.
Thai IO was super chill, I gave him my printed E-Visa, he asked a few questions about my address ect that he could see in the system from the TDAC, and he was curious about my online work. Stamped in back to thailand no problem.
Drove back to Chiang Mai via Phayao 312km. 1021 -> 120 Road. HIGHLY recommend this road, I haven't been impressed by Thailands landscape like this in a long time!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author shares their experience of a DIY visa run from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong. They drove a distance of 298km, planned to stay overnight, but later learned from an immigration officer that it was possible to return to Thailand the same day without issues. They received a visa on arrival in Laos, noted improvements in the process, and returned to Thailand swiftly with minimal questioning from Thai immigration. The journey back to Chiang Mai included a scenic route that the author highly recommends.
