Keeps

I recently visited Kasikorn on Koh Samui to update passport details, telephone number, obtain a new bank book and ATM card. The only thing I didn't need to do was update my address. I did check on the address they had on their system and this was only in English language (as provided when I originally opened the account some 15 years ago). The whole process took around 40 minutes with a mountain of photocopies to sign but was a painless experience. I took my expired passport with which I originally opened the account but they didn't require this.

Thanks for the useful advice. I recall reading somewhere that Thai's could enter Laos at a land border for a limited number of days (3?) without requiring a visa but for an arrival by air for a 7 day stay would require either an e-visa or visa on arrival. Is anyone able to clarify this point? Thanks in advance. I am assuming that as long as I have Thai baht cash with me I will only need US$ to pay for the visas on arrival plus a few extra just in case. Thanks again

Good evening, Myself and Thai GF will be visiting Luang Prabang for 1 week early next year arriving by air from Thailand. I will probably apply for E-visa prior to the trip, my GF will probably opt for the visa on arrival. With regards to day to day cash expenditure could anyone advise on best currency to use? I appreciate that I might need some pristine USD for certain payments (GF's visa for instance?). It would make life easier If I could just take Thai baht to use in restaurants, shops etc. I am not expecting any major outlays as flight/hotel already paid for. I don't want to be incurring credit card charges for minor purchases. Any guidance and helpful comments very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Very useful information. Thanks very much for your input.

Thanks for this. I understand that the Yi Peng Lantern festival is also on the 8th/9th which I am told is quite an eye-catching sight.

The hotels are in different parts of the city. I can cancel the second and third bookings should I choose to. The first booking is only for three nights. With regards to moving, it's just putting a few things in a suitcase and getting a taxi or tuk-tuk to the next hotel. Noted regarding hiring a car.

Thanks for your replies. I'll be in Thailand for several months as I do most years. We will be travelling to CM after a few weeks on Samui which is where I'm normally based whilst in Thailand. I've never been to CM and it's on the list so we thought we'd see what's it like. All my hotel bookings are free to cancel so if we feel it's not for us we can easily move on. Thanks for your input.

Hi all, I am a longtime visitor to Thailand but am planning on visiting Chiang Mai for the first time early November for 17 days with my Thai GF. I have hotels booked (3 different venues but all in what I understand is 'central' Chiang Mai city). I am looking for suggestions for places of interest to visit and things to do during the daytime. I will be reliant on public transport or scheduled tours etc. Also, I would welcome any restaurant recommendations for both Thai and International cuisine along with suggestions for bars/live music venues that are worth visiting. Any other suggestions/pointers for our stay would be very welcome. Thanks in advance for your insights.

You mention that you haven't yet booked your air ticket. I did have to submit evidence of my booked flight to obtain the visa.

My most recent application was submitted on Monday 8th August and visa received at 8.30pm on Saturday 13th August. I think that the time it was received concurs with the earlier comment that the visas are not manually processed in the UK.