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!

Anyone has visa agent recommended for entering Thailand from Laos through Nong Khai border?

My bf and I traveling to Laos via bus, but the officer at immigration said now he cannot come back to Thailand via bus again.

He’s holding US passport.

Hi! We have DTV visa and it's our 6-month travel period. We're in Phuket and all the flights are expensive. Has anyone driven across any borders?

It is almost my 6 month mark. I simply want to confirm - can I fly into a nearby country, spend the day, then come back to Thailand on the same day? Or do I need to come back the next day and spend the night in another country? Thanks 😊

Hi, everyone

Chiang Khong Friendship Bridge Ok?

For DTV Border pass during this month.

Thanks

I know it’s easier to fly, but…

Has anyone in Phuket or surrounding areas done the Ranong / Kawthaung (Myanmar) ferry crossing? Can you go out and in same-day, or do you have to stay longer?

Is Cambodia ok for visa run?

Funny experience with DTV. Applied December 16 from Bali. January 6th return to Thailand as a tourist(never had a border run or over stay), January 13 get DTV approved.

I went to Padang Besar by train with an idea of the same day return as I changed my status from tourist to DTV. After arriving in Malaysia I immediately went to the walking border and got rejected to enter with an explanation that I should stay in Malaysia for at least 24 hours 😁. Went back to the train station as I had a return ticket with the idea of changing for the next day. Decided to take a chance and spoke to Thai IO at the train station, she checked my passport, told me to buy a ticket to the first train back to Hat Yai and let me in without any problems 😁. 7 hours exploring Hat Yai and getting on my train back home without any issues and additional questions. Pretty budget trip by the way, overall everything was around 70 USD for the trip.

Hi. I need help. An agent told me they not allow to exit Thailand via border to Laos, Vientiane. The agent told me must to exit only with a flight. However, I have never heard of such restriction before. I have booked a flight to Udon planning to cross there. My biggest worry that they will tell me to return to Bangkok and order a flight to Vientiane. I have heard they don't allow some people in but never heard they deny exit.

Trip Report: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Wang Kelian, Malaysia via Hat Yai Airport

Many people have asked for an alternative to international flights or for the van trips to Savannakhet (Laos) or Vientiane (Laos), either to obtain a 60-day entry stamp or to activate another entry of their DTV. After checking many options, we completed our first run on 13 January, and it was successful. From now on we plan to make this trip every Wednesday and Saturday.

We decided to take flight FD4202 at 08:30 to Hat Yai and then continue to the Wang Kelian border crossing (Malaysia). For the return, you can book any flight departing Hat Yai after 17:00.

Why Hat Yai and Wang Kelian? The idea is that travelers from Pattaya or other areas can also easily join the trip. This border is easy to reach from Hat Yai and works well for a same-day border run. Other border options have certain disadvantages: Chiang Khong / Chiang Saen / Nong Khai / Mukdahan (Laos borders): most Western passport holders require a Laos visa on arrival. Ranong (Myanmar border): connections are not very convenient. Other Malaysia borders: Tak Bai: cannot be completed in one day. Sadao: often very busy with heavy traffic. Padang Besar: not suitable for a border run.

With flight FD4202, you arrive at Hat Yai Airport around 09:50 AM. Exit the airport via Exit 7 or 8, pass the taxi stands, and go to the area next to the 7-Eleven in the parking lot, approximately 70 meters from the exit. The van will be waiting there.

The trip to the border takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. At the border, the van parks in front of Immigration. The driver will assist you and guide you to the Thai Immigration booth. After stamping out, walk about 50 meters to the Malaysian side. There is a booth where you will be stamped into and out of Malaysia within a few minutes (no MDAC required). Then walk back to the Thai side to receive your re-entry stamp.

Please make sure you have completed the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and check your stamps carefully before leaving. Once the process is completed, return to the van.

At the border, there are a few small shops selling drinks and snacks, but no duty-free shops. The entire procedure took us about 40 minutes; on weekends, it may take a bit longer.

The return trip from the border to Hat Yai Airport also takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. We will drop you at the airport to catch your return flight or continue with any other itinerary you may have.

We do not provide food, so please bring some snacks. As mentioned, there are small shops at the border but no 7-Eleven or restaurants. You can eat at the airport before your departure.

You will enjoy this trip. Expenses: Flights: depend on how early you book; roughly THB 1,200 each way if booked well in advance. Our service: THB 4,500 per person, which includes transfers and border assistance. This is organized by www.thaivisaservice.com

If you plan to do this trip on your own, expect costs of approximately THB 3,500 for taxi/van transport and around THB 2,000 at the border.