This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What is the process for re-entering Thailand after a quick trip to Laos from Chiang Mai?
Visa ExtensionThailand VisaLaos Border CrossingImmigration ProcessTraveling with ToddlersChiang Mai TravelCross-Border Travel
Mar 31, 2023
3 years ago
Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHey everyone... I am on a 30 day extension after arriving in Chiang Mai on 45 day stamp last month (feb).
I am needing to get a new stamp on my passport before the 24th of April while my visa app is being processed. Ive heard its easy and cheap to grab a bus ticket to Huay Xai, Laos and hop over the border and then back in..
Ive looked into the bus situation to get there and understand where to leave from Chiang Mai but once I get over the border and into Huay Xai, is it simple getting back in? What is the process? in order to get into Laos do we go through an immigration type thing at the border and have to go back through there to get back into thailand?
Ive never done this before and will be traveling with my toddler so just trying to get a good scope while there's still time for wiggle room.
Thanks 🙏
I am needing to get a new stamp on my passport before the 24th of April while my visa app is being processed. Ive heard its easy and cheap to grab a bus ticket to Huay Xai, Laos and hop over the border and then back in..
Ive looked into the bus situation to get there and understand where to leave from Chiang Mai but once I get over the border and into Huay Xai, is it simple getting back in? What is the process? in order to get into Laos do we go through an immigration type thing at the border and have to go back through there to get back into thailand?
Ive never done this before and will be traveling with my toddler so just trying to get a good scope while there's still time for wiggle room.
Thanks 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on the re-entry process into Thailand after a short trip to Huay Xai, Laos, while their visa application is being processed. They are concerned about maintaining their visa status and the necessary immigration procedures at the border. Comments suggest potential issues with visa applications related to recent entry stamps and provide personal experiences regarding the border crossing process.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Jeffrey **********
There is no charge coming into Thailand 45 day exemption on arrival
Jeffrey **********
I messed up getting my year visa let money drop below required amount so had to go Lao couple weeks back to get another 45 days went across Nong Khai had lunch at border straight back no problem cost 1900 baht Thai side for Lao visa 🇹🇭
Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTERBesides the visa questions, can anyone tell me what the process is after I hop over to Laos border? Is it similar to the process when you fly in?
Yvonne *******
@Nami *******
I went from Thailand to Laos over land (Ubon Ratchathani- Pakse) and it was with 1 bus. So you get off the bus in Thailand, walk to immigration Thailand, get an exit stamp, walk to Laos, fill in paperwork, pay 30-35 dollars (or Kip or Baht), get visa in Laos, get on the bus again (bus crosses border without passengers). This was in my case, but it can be different! Not all checkpoints allow VOA in Laos I've heardNami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yvonne ******
thank you so much!!!Tom *********
@Nami *******
Yeah, do an e-visa in advance !Reply to
Tom *********
Reply
Nigel *********
What visa or extension are you applying for?
Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel ********
applying for Muay Thai Ed visa with chiang mai Muay Thai for 6 monthsReply to
Nami ********
Reply
Brandon ************
If part of your visa application required you to submit a copy of your entry stamp, then leaving the country may cause your application to be voided because it no longer matches the information in your passport regarding the most recent entry.
Nami ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
the visa lady told me I needed to go out the country 👀Bob **********
@Nami *******
yes you need to exit and return some borders are requiring you to spend the night then return with a new 30 day stamp and you’ll also need a visa to enter LaosGlen-do **********
@Bob *********
not true at all that they require you to spend a night.Bob **********
@Glen-do *********
well obviously you haven’t read recent reportsGlen-do **********
@Bob *********
just not the case at all. Never has been.Brandon ************
@Glen-do *********
things have changed a lot since covidGlen-do **********
@Brandon ***********
did a run not long back, known others who have done them, no mention of staying over night.Bob **********
@Glen-do *********
did you do the Poi Pet border??Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Brett **********
@Nami *******
was this a visa agent or somebody at immigration?Reply to
Brett **********
Reply
Jack ****************
@Brandon ***********
I don't know about now but during covid they were VERY titchy about that sort of thing.Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
8 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
2 years ago
13 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
2 years ago
Is traveling to Laos for a new tourist visa to Thailand a safe plan given my current visa situation?
17 comments
3 years ago
113 comments
3 years ago
6 comments
3 years ago
5 comments
3 years ago
22 comments
3 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
12 comments
6 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
9 comments
6 years ago
13 comments
6 years ago
6 comments
6 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
0 comments
7 years ago
28 comments
7 years ago
3 comments
7 years ago
7 comments
8 years ago
24 comments
8 years ago
40 comments
8 years ago
10 comments
8 years ago
5 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.