What's the equivalent of DTV for Vietnam? No work, just savings

First Visa Run 2026 - CM to Chiang Khong

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a quick sanity check on my first visa run of the year. (I haven't been in Thailand during 2025)

I'm currently in Chiang Mai and I'm traveling on a passport that qualifies for the standard 60+30-day visa exemption.

My current visa expires May 15th. I’m planning to DIY via the Green Bus to Chiang Khong/Huay Xai around May 13th.

My Plan:

1. DIY via Green Bus + Tuk-tuks.

2. Have $40 USD (pristine) for Lao VOA + 2 photos.

3. TDAC QR code ready for re-entry.

4. 20k THB cash + proof of onward travel ready.

Questions:

* Has anyone done this specific land border in the last week? Any issues with "same-day" turnarounds for a first-timer this year?

* How is the TDAC verification at the bridge? Does it add a lot of time to the process?

* Is it better to book the Green Bus a few days in advance, or is there usually space on the day?

* Is it actually worth spending the "peace of mind" money to the visa run agencies to ensure my reentry?

Thanks for any recent updates!

Hello everyone, wish you all good

i want to ask is there anybody did border run from chiang saen to laos and comeback in the same day?

my visa will expire in 4.29th i am planning go to chiang saen to do the visa run , i have been done it one year before, i don’t know if there are some change , please let me know if you have experience on this recently ， thank you very much

Has anyone used the crossing at Ranong to leave and reset the DTV? Or is it closed?

Hi, we are an Australian couple who usually live here for 3 months a year. Due to current ‘world climate and costs’ we want to stay an additional month. We have never done a visa run. This week in Phuket but from next week Khao Lak. Land boarder options are Malaysia or Myanmar (closer to Khao Lak but more risky???).

Any experiences/advice?

We think Malaysia is best?

🙏

Hi all, Im wanting to come to Thailand for 4 months to escape the rainy season in Da Nang, but all I can think off is a 60 day visa then extend another 30 days, so obviously thats around 3 months 🤔?? Any help or suggestions, thanks.

Border Runs on Visa exempt?

Can anyone advise on what would happen if a border run attempt was made with the new restrictions?

Arrived on 60 day visa exempt and then additional 30 day extension has been made whilst there

Can someone leave the country and re enter the same day or a few days later and get a new 60 day visa exempt?

A lot of previous years this has been done with a boat trip out and back again same day, unsure if this can now be done?

Know people can just apply for different visas in future etc, just asking for this occasion.

Asking for someone who is there and the 30 days extension expires in a few days and they’re unsure if return home or attempt a border run.

Thank you!

Hi everyone 🙏

I have a DTV visa, and I’m planning to apply for a dependent DTV visa for my baby (under 1 year old) while we are still outside Thailand.

My plan is:

1. Apply for her DTV dependent visa from abroad

2. Travel to Thailand before it’s approved (so she enters on a tourist visa)

3. Receive the approval while we are already in Thailand

4. Then do a short visa run so she can re-enter using the DTV visa

Does anyone know if this is acceptable, or if there could be any issues with this approach—especially considering she is an infant?

Thanks a lot in advance 🙏🙏🙏

Can i stay do the same day Lao golden triangle by boat for visa run? I've done 2 times heard its not ok now. Anyone cross recently? Thanks a lot.