I was booted out of Thailand prematurely, earlier this year - and went to Laos, by train/bus/taxi, for the remaining three weeks before my return flight date. A cheap hotel there, followed by a fairly pricey (Thai Airways/twice daily) ticket (6500 baht) from Vientiane directly to Suvanabhumi, allowed me to eventually remain in transit, pending my onwards flight to Europe. My heavy baggage was also checked through to my ultimate destination ! A sweaty palms/irksome experience, but all went well, finally !
Went to Vientiane in January, having been kicked out of Thailand , prematurely , because of newly enforced Visa exemption/ extension rules . Train journey from Korat to Nong Khae (change at Udon Thani) 63 Baht, TukTuk to border control/bus 100 Baht, bus over Friendship Bridge 30 Baht.
On arrival at Laos border control, find men at desk who will complete and expedite your 30 days Visa (2000 Baht) Application , for a 100 Baht tip. After crossing into Laos, a taxi driver will extort about 500 Baht from you, for the (30 kms?) journey into Vientiane. Everything paid for in Thai Baht, which is generally welcome in Laos.
Ps. There is also a requirement for an online entry permission application, foc, within three days of arrival date. This will automatically show up against your passport number, at Laos Immigration control.
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