Answered4 years ago

What should I know before doing a border run from Chiang Rai to Laos?

Border Runs Chiang Rai Laos Visa Visa Run vs Border Bounce Visa on Arrival Travel Tips

Blake ***********

asked Dec 27, 2022

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Hello,

I am looking to do a boarder run from Chiang Rai, has anyone done one recently? My friend told me the Myanmar boarder is closed, but I think the Laos boarder is still open. I haven't found anything online to indicate that it is not open. 

I am going to cross over at friendship bridge 4 and come back. I assume they will have any forms I need to fill out. I have copies of my passport, vaccinations, and my residency(TM30) in Thailand. I have never done a visa run before, so I am just assuming it will be as easy as getting my passport stamped and turning around and getting it stamped again.

Any tips or advice would be most appreciated!

Answer summary

The user is seeking advice on performing a border run from Chiang Rai, considering the open status of the Laos border and the closure of the Myanmar border. Comments confirm that while the Myanmar borders are closed, the Laos land border is open. Travelers should be aware that a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is required when entering Laos, which is approximately $30 if paid in US dollars, and that getting the visa can take about 15-20 minutes. It is noted that there may be no forms required other than possibly a TM6 form at some land borders. The discussion clarifies that this process is termed a 'border bounce' rather than a visa run.

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Steve ********

Laos land borders are very straightforward, although you will need a VOA when you enter Laos. It's cheaper if you pay in US dollars (I think it's about $30). There's no minimum time to spend in Laos. Getting the visa takes about 15-20 mins depending how busy it is. You then walk back into Thailand and get a new 45-day entry stamp. No forms required, although I understand some land borders still want TM6 completed. By the way, you're not doing a visa run, you're doing a border bounce. Two completely different processes

4 years ago

Paul *******

@Steve *******

all land borders still use the TM6.

4 years ago

Blake ***********

@Steve *******

What is the difference between a border bounce and a visa run? Is border bounce lingo that the officials at boarder would recognize?

4 years ago

Steve ********

@Blake **********

As Brandon has said, a visa run is a trip to another country in order to get a VISA. A border bounce is simply to get an entry stamp

4 years ago

Brandon ************

@Blake **********

visa run means you're going to a Thai embassy and applying for a visa. Border bounce means you're just going to cross the border and bounce back.

4 years ago

Will ************

@Blake **********

you need a visa on arrival to cross the border into Laos

4 years ago

Stuart *********

You are correct that the Myanmar borders are closed to foreigners.

Laos land borders are open but I’ve not used a Laos land border so I’ll let others advise on ease of use etc.

4 years ago

Paul *******

It hasn't been confirmed yet whether Mae Sot is now allowing foreigners across. Note that all the others are, generally speaking, not allowing anyone but traders across. They're basically still closed to all normal travelers irrespective of nationality.

4 years ago