marginline

Really! Thanks for that Norrad...that's a useful tip.

Getting to Laos:

My partner and I departed Mo Chit using Chantour's VIP bus service (cost ฿450 each) approximately 20-minutes late from their scheduled time of 9:00pm and armed with banana cakes, chocolate biscuits and water (all kindly provided for free by Chantour) settled down to a ‘nice’ 8-hour trip to Nong Khai.

At 5:20am we were put off the bus (about half-a-dozen kilometers from Nong Khai Bus Station but only a couple of kilometers from the Friendship Bridge), where we were met by four tuk-tuk drivers vying, if not arguing a little amongst themselves for our business. The tuk-tuk we got into (cost ฿60) took us not to the Friendship Bridge; as it was closed, but to a place called Nongkhai Miracle Travel (about 1 kilometer from the Friendship Bridge and directly opposite Nong Khai Railway Station). Here they completed our Arrival/Departure cards for Laos immigration and – had I not already prepared my Visa Application Form for the Thai Embassy, would have completed this for me too. My big mistake here though, besides of course telling the tuk tuk driver not to stop but to proceed to the Friendship Bridge – cost us a few hundred baht (cost ฿1,800 for me, cost ฿50 for my partner); however the lesson learned here was; next time I do this visa run, I’ll ensure that I have US$35 with me in cash (which is the cost of obtaining a Laos Visa) and go straight to the Friendship Bridge.

Arriving at the Friendship Bridge we stamped-out of Thailand, boarded the bus that takes you across the Mekong (cost ฿10 each) and made our way to Laos immigration. There I was obliged to complete another form not provided by Nongkhai Miracle Travel (hence the reason why it’s perhaps best to avoid any so-called assistance by such Thai operators – preying at the border) before handing over my Arrival/Departure card, my passport and of course the US$35!

Altogether the entire process took us about 15-minutes to clear Laos immigration, where we opted to take a minivan (cost ฿150 each) instead of the regular bus service (cost ฿55 each) for the half-hour drive into Vientiane.

The minivan took us directly to the hotel we’d already pre-booked, that being the Mali Namphu Guest House (cost ฿550 per night ); which was a very clean, centrally located place – a pleasant 300 meters stroll from the scenic Mekong River. Here we stayed for 3-days, 2-nights altogether but budget minded people need only stay the one night when dropping-off/collecting passports; as appropriate of course.

Getting the (Tourist) Visa:

My partner and I arrived at the Royal Thai Embassy about half-an-hour after it had opened to be met by a slow moving 50-meter line, 40-meters of which was open to the elements. After about half-an-hour of waiting in drizzle that had steadily become a lot stronger – things started to become a little chaotic. There were people arriving who didn’t have the Visa Application Form – cutting to the very front of the line, where they would complete the form at the visa acceptance desk, thereby blocking those standing behind from submitting their paperwork. After about another half-hour of this my partner went to the head of the line and ‘tore a strip off' the two accepting officers (who FWIW were Laos citizens and not Thai) who immediately set-up a meeting with one of the Embassy's First Secretaries. At that meeting the First Secretary apologized for the apparent chaos but explained that as it was a day after a Laos public holiday, that was probably the reason why there were more people in line than usual. He also explained that as the Thai Government leases the Embassy compound in Vientiane, that was the reason they are unable to extend their existing structure - to protect those waiting outside from the elements.

Dirty Passport:

Handing the First Secretary my passport and Visa Application Form, my partner was told that my case was typical of many farang who come to Thailand; “they come on holiday then want to stay forever”. Mine was considered to be a “dirty passport” because of the number of stamps I’d received but my partner quickly combated the First Secretary’s comment by reminding him that it was in fact a sign of my respect of Thai immigration law that I had always adhered to the law; after all “what other choice does someone in his (my) position have?” my partner asked.

When advising the First Secretary too that I in fact wanted a multiple entry tourist visa, he queried why provisions to apply for a visa hadn’t been made during a proposed trip later in September – to which my partner countered that he was too busy to stay longer than we already were. The First Secretary’s response to that was that I could have “10 entries” if I needed them and that many people do not get multiple entries simply because they “do not ask” for them.

Back in line then, about an 45-minutes later – my partner began to disseminate what had transpired to me and a couple of other people who were waiting – and on the strength of this a Japanese man asked for but was denied a multiple-entry tourist visa; however, an American lady was permitted a multiple-entry tourist visa (without any supporting paperwork – such as copy of flight itinerary).

After my Visa Application Form was submitted there was yet another 20 to 30-minute wait to pay for it, and then it was off to the Mali Namphu Guest House for a shower and a change into dry clothes.

The following day, the collection process couldn't have been more different. On arrival my partner and I were probably in line for less than 10-minutes – after which time, we started the long trek home.

Cost of Trip:

Chantour VIP bus (Mo Chit to Nong Khai) - ฿-,450

Tuk-Tuk to Friendship Bridge ------------ ฿-,-60

*Nongkhai Miracle Travel’s fees --------- ฿1,800

Crossing Friendship Bridge -------------- ฿-,-10

Friendship Bridge to Vientiane ---------- ฿-,150

Hotel Accommodation --------------------- ฿-,550 per night

Return Transportation Hotel to Embassy -- ฿-,100

Tourist Visa Fees (2x entry) ------------ ฿2,000

Embassy to Vientiane Bus Station -------- ฿-,100

Crossing Friendship Bridge -------------- ฿-,-10

Vientiane to Nong Khai Bus Station ------ ฿-,-55

Chantour VIP bus (Nong Khai to Mo Chit) - ฿-,450

GRAND TOTAL ----------------------------- ฿5,735

Lessons Learned:

1. Take US Dollars with you ($35 to be exact to pay for your Laos Visa) and avoid places such as Nongkhai Miracle Travel – thereby saving an additional ฿200 to ฿500 off the 'Grand Total' figure.
   
2. Don’t buy the local currency, the Laos Kip (pronounced ‘gip’) because Thai baht does very nicely there and it will help to keep you grounded on just how much you're actually spending.
   
3. If funds run low, don't worry – in Vientiane there are ATMs; but you may need to walk several blocks to find one.
   
4. The Laos people are very hospitable and extremely friendly.
   
5. The food is great and as for Beerlao; what a beer!
   

In conclusion:

My partner and I really enjoyed our little sojourn to Laos; for both of us it was our very first time in Vientiane and for me it’s comforting to know that whenever Thailand does decide to ban foreigners altogether, there’s a quiet little haven just North of the Mekong waiting for me. Saying that I know some people would be bored to tears living somewhere as quiet as Vientiane but I found Laos to be charming, safe and full of surprises.

“Thank you” then Laos for your hospitality, I; we shall look forward to visiting you again – soon!

Greetings to all!

I know that tomorrow's a holiday here in Thailand because of the election held today. Will the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos open tomorrow? Some friends told me that it will be closed as well...but a Thai friend of mine said that it will be open for the holiday is just due to the election....people can spend the day tomorrow travelling from the places they were registered as voters back to their workplaces.

Thanks in advance for your reply

Well I am now sorted so a big "Thanks" to all of you who responded. I just want to say that before posting here...I wasn't really looking forward to going next week but by helping me with all your advice () you've opened-up a whole slew of ideas about what to do, where to go, what to eat, etc., - that I'm really looking forward to going now.

FWIW the first email back came from the Mali Namphu Guest House (Thanks again ozzydom and to you Mac) for US$16 (฿550) per night; so that's where I'll be staying.

To close then let me say that for others in my predicament, wondering where to stay and what to do whilst in Vientiane - kindly check-out LonelyPlanet, VirtualTourist, Travelfish and SmartTravelAsia too. There you'll find details of all the accommodations referred to above plus some ideas about how best to spend your time.

The Mali Nam Phou hotel at 700 bt per couple inc brekky in courtyard is a good place ,right in centre of town.

Hmmm...at that price I could very well be tempted to stay 'til after the weekend. You see I've never been to Laos before and a good, clean base (like the Mali Nam Phou Hotel) could be just the excuse I need to explore Vientiane over a weekend.

Thanks again!

Do you have a specific question?

I'm looking for an inexpensive place to stay next Thursday (the 16th) evening. Ideally this place should be close-ish to the Thai Embassy and cost around ฿750 to ฿1,500 per night. Any advice then would be gratefully received...Thank you very much.

Appreciate this advice george. As a comparison, does anyone have a list of what these fees are as of today please (so one can work out what the increase actually means in monetary and percentage terms)?

POMs - every Aussie is taught from an early age that those from the Mother Country only bathe once a week (if lucky)

Interesting you should mention the British jackspratt. Being British but living in the US for a 12-year stint, I can remember one American acquaintance telling me this joke:

Q. Where does an Englishman hide his wallet?

A. Under the soap

There was a certain irony though as the person who told this joke suffered from acute halitosis and when socializing - was always first out of the cab and last to the bar. Lesson learned? Some of the best complainers are also some of the worst offenders.

im in similar situation too.

I think our only option is something like an education visa unfortunately.

Im still looking into it.

Ha! Ha! Don't you see the delicious irony in obtaining a Non-Immigration (ED) Visa? Just as you and I are not really tourists eek, we're probably not edumacators either! So you and I end up trumping one lie with a bigger lie. Is that the definition of "getting legal" in LOS then?

have you put any thought into just getting legal somehow? why have the stress every few months (or every month) when it can be less than annually <every 15 months?>

Just following-up from MTW:

Can you please share your wisdom about how to do this if you are under 50, not married, not in business here, don't have a Thai child, or any of the other less obvious ways? How do you do it Jdinasia?

...would appreciate your advice JD as I'm in MTW's position and the whole visa exemption/tourist visa lark is beginning to get a bit lame for me too. Thanks a lot!

Can anyone throw any light on this for me please?

I am wondering,isn't bying an airticket at the border not much more expensive?

Would not surprise me that when people in need they will increase some prices?????

If one was forced into that situation tijnebijn then using a credit card, you could log onto AirAsia's web site (assuming you can find an Internet shop near the Aranyaprathet border post) and buy say a one-way air-ticket to Penang; so that needn't be more expensive. However, without a credit you'd have to find a travel agent where (I know) they wouldn't give you an option of purchasing just a one-way ticket.

Thanks , I was wondering, because you used before a Train Ticket in Aran and now you switched to Jack's and had to buy a Ticket for addl THB 200.-.

A friend of mine used yesterday a company from Pattaya and encountered no problem in Ban Laem, so I do not know why Jack's run into this situation .

They even mention it on their webside that if you use their service no need to show money.

http://www.jackgolf.com/en/photobbs/view.php?id=243&p=1

I switched to the 7 o'clock bus because the earlier one was just too early this time around. As for paying the ฿200 for the Cambodian bus ticket, I decided to 'keep mum' about a copy of a valid air-ticket in my possession, just in case the good-natured Thai Immigration Officer, realising that I didn't want to contribute to the little scam they're running there at Ban Laem - decided to become not so good natured.

FWIW although I could, most definitely have withdrawn the ฿20,000 requested...where on earth are there any ATMs on the Cambodian side at the casino?

Finally, I don't think I'll be using Jacks again any time soon, because it certainly isn't luxury travel when stuck in a middle-seat of a cramped little minivan.

Why did you use Jack's Visa Run Service yesterday?

As far as I know Aran need a real Air Ticket , Ban Laem accept if you purchase a Ticket at the border.

Yes visarunner, I used Jacks yesterday to Ban Laem and this (click here) is basically what happened.

Nope, no record of executions of farang in a Thai prison for quite a long time. But how about the descendant of European royalty who ended up dead due to getting sick while being held by Thai immigration police? I think the OP had everyone's best interests in mind. Sure, you can't have great sympathy for those who deserve it, but due to cultural misunderstanding and taking the Thai over the farang's side, I'm sure there are some farangs in jail who don't deserve it, and those who may deserve it, are getting far worse sentences then they should.

So are you advocating that VIPs, VVIPs and celebrities get preferential treatment in LOS to you or I Jimjim?

please, im still not sure about this visa nightmare, can i stay for a long time here as im doing a deal on a bar at the moment and need to stay long time, i got a 2 entrie visa with the blue sticker, after i have used this then can i get more visas?? and stay, or after 1 more entrie do i have to leave for 90 days?? i well appreicate anyones help on this many thanks

Don't worry punkrocker...I think you're going to be just fine. The "leave for 90 days" thing you mention only applies if you entered LOS using the Tourist Visa Exemption program. In your case, as you didn't use said Tourist Visa Exemption to enter Thailand - the clock doesn't start ticking (for you at least) until such time as you do.

What that means to you then is once both entries have been exhausted and any associated extensions (if applicable) used, you may then take advantage of the Tourist Visa Exemption program and stay-up to a further 90-day period before being required to depart LOS for a 2, maybe 3-day sojourn to obtain another visa.

Hope this helps.

i am german and 31 yrs old. i got a 2-month-tourist visa from pp, cambodia and extended it in bkk for another month. this month i will have to go on a border run. will go to aranya, i suppose. IS IT TRUE THAT NOW I WILL HAVE TO SHOW MY RETURN AIR TICKET AT THE BORDER???

please advise. thanks a lot in advance.

Assuming you were issued a single-entry tourist visa dilara, you will be required to show proof of onward travel.

FWIW when I did the Aranyaprathet/Poipet visa run on May 13th...I was permitted to use a rail ticket (from Bangkok to Butterworth, Malaysia) as my proof. 31-days hence though I don't know whether that alternative (to showing an air ticket) would be acceptable anymore.

Knowing that these funny vans traveling the highway with Logos like "Jack Golf's" or "Happy Visa Run" would make a tempting target for me if i was a hiway robber. Usually not much traffic on some of those roads by the border. A stop by an official looking car, a guy in a fake uniform, and 10K a pop from each passenger. Not bad for a day's work.

You're right chingching we were saying exactly what you wrote here. I think anywhere along the quiet stretch of Highway 317; from the Sa Kaeo turn-off to the deathly quiet Rakam turn for Ban Laem, would give ample opportunity and cover for anyone so inclined.

Also thanks Fred for your great tip:

I wouldnt advise telling the immi guy he's wrong regarding the amount. better to say something like "would 10K be ok?"

I might also 'just' happen to have a copy of the official regulations on me (as you do) on my next and last Visa Exemption during my current 183-day cycle. Finally ever aware that:

Entry may be refused to people with long, untidy-looking hair who are dressed in a manner considered by the authorities to be 'hippyish' or offensive!

I'll make sure I'm neatly groomed (as always) and wearing a friendly LOS smile.

Just got back from today's visa run with Jacks and thought it prudent to advise that everyone in the minivan was asked to show ฿20,000 in cash when re-entering LOS. In my case, I thought the Immigration Officer was joking, as he gave me a good natured wink and a broad smile for some earlier banter. When I politely told him it was in fact only ฿10,000 (in my case) and inquired the whereabouts of an ATM?, he said that it was "okay for today" but reaffirmed in his good natured manner that if I planned to use Ban Laem again next month, I would need to show ฿20,000 in cash.

FWIW although I was processed quickly, an American gentleman was questioned for about 5-minutes in not so friendly tones.

considering all the twists that have been thrown at borders recently I don't know that you can blame a company for having info one day that changed the next when they got there!

That's true JD but considering Jacks does this as a business and goes to the Cambodian border everyday, they should have a better handle so that customers; such as jeebusjones don't get browbeaten by disinformation. Said disinformation has cost jeebusjones time and money plus in another instance an aquaintance from a previous trip bought a non-refundable air ticket costing ฿4,500 on again, bad advice from Jacks!

IMHO Jacks just needs to be a better advocate for its customers (and drop the "mei pen rai" attitude ) instead of just seeing Baht signs before their eyes; ker-ching, ker-ching.

Here's one option jim (Thai Health Insurance Co., Ltd.). You can get yourself an online quote but as of writing, you're going to have to call them in order to obtain specific plan entitlements. Good Luck to you!

Last week I called and asked if a train ticket to Butterworth, Malaysia would suffice for the onward ticket requirement. They said it would. Today, first thing on the bus, they tell me that the train ticket is not acceptable, and force me to buy a worthless "bus" ticket from Ban Laem to Siem Reap for 200 baht. What a scam! Surely my genuine international train ticket is worth more than a blatantly fake "bus" ticket dated the same day I entered Thailand.

You're right, it IS! Respectfully you should have just stood-up to whomever at Jacks gave you this disinformation as in the following post:

Just Returned From Pong Nam Ron, Cambodian checkpoint Chantaburi province A.K.A. ban laem

...which you were a contributor to, you will see that cali4995 wrote a very detailed report ("Thank you" cali4995 ) on this matter.

In closing then, does anyone know of any other services - such as Jacks and if possible have associated phone numbers and/or URLs please?

So has East Meets West Travel stopped going also?

Uh huh (Yes).

Maybe I just had incredibly bad luck with Jack's, but I've heard other people complain that they always return to Bangkok really late as well. It seems they don't really know how to stick to a schedule.

If you want an early trip, I would recommend Fine Day Tours. I went with them a few times. They leave at 4:50 am and return to Bangkok at 1-1:30pm. Number is 0816217598 or 0819843134. I haven't used them since before the new visa rules came into place, so it's possible they've stopped going, but it's worth calling.

Yes they have; stopped I mean. FWIW Fine Day Tours (081-984-3134) join East Meets West Travel who have suspended their respective 'Visa Run' services.

It's ironic that he "blames society, the system and her" and yet doesnt seem to be prepared to accept any responsibility himself.

The girl was a stripper. One can safely make the further assumption that she sold herself for sex or, at best, had a colourful past.

If I was marrying someone like that, the first thing I would do is demand an HIV test before either marrying her or going in - how to say this politely? - bareback.

But, of course, one can't expect people to be responsible for their own safety. Much easier to blame everyone else.

Let me add to that. Look at the picture of her. Not only did he marry a stripper; he married one that looks like a freakin Telly Tubby.

Love's a wonderful thing baby . . .

Remind me NEVER to go to a strip club in Canada.

I think your assessment is spot-on bendix. Perhaps the only thing I would disagree with you on though is that IMHO she looks more like a Barbapapa.