Answered7 months ago
What is the process for entering Laos from Nong Khai for a visa, and what should I know about traveling there?
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60 day visa exempt ends March 27th flights horrendous back to UK thinking of getting train to Nong Khai what’s the process in entering Laos there might do a couple of weeks there and wait for flights to come down ?
Answer summary
The post discusses the difficulties of returning to the UK from Thailand and considers traveling to Laos instead, given concerning flight prices. Various commenters provide insights on the travel process from Nong Khai to Vientiane, Laos, including visa options, transportation costs, and the procedure at the border. Recommendations include securing a visa on arrival for $40 (or 2000 baht), using public transport like buses for crossings, and options for train travel from Bangkok. Important notes include the need for a digital arrival card for Laos and suggestions for having US dollar cash on hand.
33 repliesnewest first
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Greg *************
Are you joking or what?
Richard *********
There are several flights available on your dates with Skyscanner for under £470…with stop overs and total flight times of around 17 hours. What’s your problem?
Graham **********
Best exchange is actually in a pharmacy there. Sorry I cant remember which one. I was very surprised when some family members took me there. Not as surprised as getting some official documents translated in an earthworm farm. Yes they exist and this one was in a residential street. My uk bank, natwest will not recognise use of their atm machines, but you can draw cash from a bank with a debit card and your passport.
Geoffrey *********
Graham Margetts If you notify your UK bank before or even after arrival in Laos, will they not allow use of cards at ATM's - like mine did ?!
Richard ***********
OPThanks Graham
Robert ***********
There is very little prospect of flight prices (particularly direct flights to Europe) coming down in the short-medium term.
Rising fuel prices, longer routes, (and high demand for direct flights especially), continued disruption of the fuel market, and a reduction in global refinery capacity will mean no rapid change.
Rising fuel prices, longer routes, (and high demand for direct flights especially), continued disruption of the fuel market, and a reduction in global refinery capacity will mean no rapid change.
Frank *********
You will be waiting a long time
Geoffrey *********
Went to Vientiane in January, having been kicked out of Thailand , prematurely , because of newly enforced Visa exemption/ extension rules . Train journey from Korat to Nong Khae (change at Udon Thani) 63 Baht, TukTuk to border control/bus 100 Baht, bus over Friendship Bridge 30 Baht.
On arrival at Laos border control, find men at desk who will complete and expedite your 30 days Visa (2000 Baht) Application , for a 100 Baht tip. After crossing into Laos, a taxi driver will extort about 500 Baht from you, for the (30 kms?) journey into Vientiane. Everything paid for in Thai Baht, which is generally welcome in Laos.
Ps. There is also a requirement for an online entry permission application, foc, within three days of arrival date. This will automatically show up against your passport number, at Laos Immigration control.
On arrival at Laos border control, find men at desk who will complete and expedite your 30 days Visa (2000 Baht) Application , for a 100 Baht tip. After crossing into Laos, a taxi driver will extort about 500 Baht from you, for the (30 kms?) journey into Vientiane. Everything paid for in Thai Baht, which is generally welcome in Laos.
Ps. There is also a requirement for an online entry permission application, foc, within three days of arrival date. This will automatically show up against your passport number, at Laos Immigration control.
Andy ********
If you are travelling from Bangkok you have the option to get a train direct to Vientiane. You get off the train as you cross the border but get right back on.
With regards to a visa you can apply online first or get a visa on arrival. Applying for an e-visa will save you time at the border.
With regards to a visa you can apply online first or get a visa on arrival. Applying for an e-visa will save you time at the border.
Graham ******
Andy Oswald and save a page in his passport
Matt **********
Andy Oswald that sounds awesome. I did it decades ago and the train finished at the border and there was a bus the rest of the way
Richard ***********
OPThanks Andy
Ian **********
Richard Broderick Visa on arrival is $40 cash or 2000 baht so get cash dollars (good condition notes).They have a digital arrival card now, which I think works at this border crossing
Richard ***********
OPI might try for e visa Ian and thank you so much
Michael ********
You really want to spend 2 weeks in Laos
Ian **********
Michael Harmon Yes, it is lovely and cheaper than Thailand
Michael ********
Ian Morrison It may be cheaper but it's a lot more boring. Maybe for one week but not 2 weeks
Richard ***********
OPWas just going to give it a try
Steve *******
Michael Harmon Why not? Beautiful Country 👍
Frank **********
Why not apply for a 30 day extension?
Richard ***********
OPBored now here to be honest
Frank **********
Richard Broderick lol. Okay, good luck on your next adventure.
Richard ***********
OPThank you frank
Greg ********
Everything after that is an adventure. Have fun 👍 😁
Greg ********
Visa on arrival. 30 days. At least for me. Canadian. You should do the Mekong river two days one night. Pretty cool 😎.
Richard ***********
OPHi Greg how do you get from Nong Khai to Vientiane please thanks for your help and yes I will do that how much is the visa please ? Is it cash ?
Ant ***********
Richard Broderick
There is a transport bridge
You use to be able to walk over and do a stamp and come back .
There is a bus from Nong Khai
30 baht
There are people either side that , for a fee , will help
40 USD for a Visa to Laos
for most countries
There is a transport bridge
You use to be able to walk over and do a stamp and come back .
There is a bus from Nong Khai
30 baht
There are people either side that , for a fee , will help
40 USD for a Visa to Laos
for most countries
Ant ***********
Richard Broderick
I think the walking days maybe long gone ?
When you want to go to Laos - at the bridge area ( Nong Khai - Thailand side )
There is immigration of course to stamp you out & some forms
The 30 baht bus over the bridge takes 5 minutes
I think the walking days maybe long gone ?
When you want to go to Laos - at the bridge area ( Nong Khai - Thailand side )
There is immigration of course to stamp you out & some forms
The 30 baht bus over the bridge takes 5 minutes
Ant ***********
Richard Broderick
Sorry I will edit my post a bit more
From Nong Khai
You can get a Bus over
30 baht
Sorry I will edit my post a bit more
From Nong Khai
You can get a Bus over
30 baht
Richard ***********
OPThanks Ant yes it’s UK passport I’ll walk across then is it a long walk lol ? Back has gone
Greg ********
Richard Broderick can't remember. bus probably and cash for visa
Richard ***********
OPThanks Greg
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