Hi Folks! I wanted to write this post detailing my experience successfully applying for a DTV in Vientiane, Lao 😊🥳 This post also speaks about my time in Lao, so read on for pointers on that as well.
Heads up, it will be lengthy; I wanted to be super detailed to help those trying to get their DTV. Other posts in this group were super informative when I was applying and I’d like to pay it forward.
I arrived in Vientiane, Lao on Tuesday, October 14th. I got a Laos number and data at the airport, highly suggest you do the same. I submitted my application just before midnight. Tip: make sure to include your entry stamp/visa into Laos. You should get a QR code after a successful application, PRINT out the code.
Also, to upload multiple documents for specific sections (ie. to upload all my bank statements), I used the app “PDF Gear”. The app was free, straight forward and easy to use.
At 9am on Wednesday, October 15th, I went to the *Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy* (make sure you go to the correct location: 15 Rue Bourichane) to pay. Please, make sure you go with the QR code printed- only way the embassy will take your payment. I had Baht, so was able to easily pay the visa application.
You will not get a receipt when you pay. (Took me by surprise being from the states 555). Your online status once paid, will show the exact time you paid. So check the portal! Don’t bother the kind Embassy staff, they really are nice so help them help you.
Around 6:30pm on Friday, October 17th I was informed my interview would be for Tuesday, October 28th (2 weeks after I submitted my application). I was not asked for any additional documents- ensure you read directions and are thorough in your application!
I stood in Vientiane for a few more days and then I headed up North for the rest of my time in Laos. Firstly, for folks who say “oh Vientiane is so boring etc., etc..” I could not disagree more! I loved Vientiane. If you go anywhere expecting it to be like someplace else you’re setting yourself up for disappointment- life tip. Go with an open mind and heart and actually take the time to understand a culture better! Folks are open here and will let you in if you make a genuine effort.
Use KokKok Move, an app, to order electric TukTuks to get around town. The app is cash only, or QR code payment via another app called Loca. The Loca app can be used to get taxis (in most major cities in Lao) as well. I am a TukTuk girly, but if taxis are more your style Loca is the app for you. I would not suggest using Loca pay by QR code (at restaurants, shops, etc) as I had a tech issue where the app was telling me to try paying again when it took my payment. I was able to resolve it, but it was time consuming and annoying.
Please, do not leave Lao without learning about America’s Secret War, especially if you’re from the states. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. bombed Lao the equivalent of every 8 mins for 9 years- making Lao the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita. Go to the COPE Museum in Vientiane and if you travel up North you can go to caves where families had to hide out in, along with other local museums. It’s an ugly part of history, but I don’t believe we should shy away from understanding it or the impact it has today. Up North people are still loosing limbs and their lives, because of bombs that never exploded. I know no one asked for this info, but if you come to a country you should leave more knowledge about its history.
I took the bullet train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, then I traveled further up North. I spent 6 days up North enjoying mountain living and getting a complete different feel for Lao than I had in Vientiane. I used the app LCR Ticket to buy my bullet train tickets. Tickets are only available 3 days prior to when you depart and sell out QUICK, so keep that in mind. You have to go through security at all bullet train stations, so arrive 1 hour prior to departure to ensure you make your train. You will be turned away if you arrive too close to departure, don’t try your luck.
The morning of Tuesday, October 28th, I had my interview (same location where you paid for your visa). Get to your interview EARLY. Multiple people are given the same time and there is 1 interviewer, so it is first come first serve. You will check in with Embassy staff with your passport and the email that states your given appointment time. You will then get a number, which corresponds to the order you arrived in.
For those who may not be aware, the Queen Mother of Thailand sadly passed away on October 24th. Thailand is in mourning- Queen Sirikit meant a lot to so many Thai people. Be respectful of their mourning and the legacy of the Queen Mother, by wearing all black to your interview. Also, if granted a DTV be respectful of this mourning period when traveling in Thailand.
My interview lasted 10 minutes and I was definitely nervous! I didn’t allow myself to get anxious leading up to the day, but once I got to there the nerves for sure kicked in. I silently prayed and focused on my breathing to ground myself while I waited for my number to be called. Being nervous is normal, but don’t let the nerves overcome you. I was asked:
1. What do you plan on doing in Thailand?
2. Why did you pick your soft power course? (That’s the route I went. I cannot speak to working remotely.) To show proof of payment via credit card charge, done by pulling up my credit card statement on the spot.
3. If you are working or not? If you are not working (not an issue!), just explain how your time will be spent and your finances.
4. To pull up your banking app to show your current balance and past statements. (I provided 6 months worth of banking statements on my application, but I was only asked to see the past two months of statements.)
I was genuine during my interview, which I was a little scared about. I spoke from my heart and of course I had the finances, along with the correct paperwork. At the end of my interview I was told “You will receive a decision at 2pm today. IF you are accepted print out your visa to show once entering Thailand”. I had 3.5 hours before 2pm and yes, the nerves got even more intense. Don’t be cruel to yourself by checking the portal every 5 minutes. I’m very happy I saved myself the torture of checking non-stop lol
Seconds before 2pm on October 28th I received an email saying “ACCEPTED”. I belted out a happy yell, called my Grandma and purchased my ticket back to Thailand. I then went directly to print out my visa. Paid 5,000 kip for a color print.
Okay thanks for reading my DTV novel hahaha Hope you found this helpful :) This is MY experience- yours could be different and things change constantly. Do not take anything I said and run with it without VERIFYING the info is still up to date (this post was written October 28th, 2025) and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THE ROYAL THAI EMBASSY.
