First visit to Savannakhet for ME visa based on marriage: Advise needed

[Daz1966]

Dear All,

I will be going to Savannakhet to obtain my first multi entry visa based on marriage to a Thai citizen. I am a UK citizen. I hope someone can answer a few questions I have concerning the process. 

1. What size photos do I need for the Laos visa? and then for the Thai visa?

2. The documents I think I need is. Copy of marriage certificate/ children's birth certs - maybe not needed, Wife's house book and ID signed and dated, copy of the front page of my passport.  If I have forgotten anything, I would appreciate help. This is my first time doing this so I am a little apprehensive. 

3. Do I need to carry 20,000 in Thai baht when re-entering Thailand?

4. I will be flying into Kon Kaen from Chiang Mai: Is it easy to get a bus or car to Mukdahan?

Thank you in advance, 

 

[ubonjoe]

1. The are not picky for the size of photo for the Lao visa on arrival form. For the visa application they want 3.5 X 4.5 cm photos,

Download forms. Lao visa on arrival form.pdf  and Savannakhet 2501-01-31.PDF

2. They may ask to see the original marriage certificate so best to have it plus a copy. No need for birth certificates. Copies of your wife's house book registry and ID card must be signed by her.

3. Not likely to be asked for.

4. Not sure but you should be able to get buses and vans from the but staion in Koen Khen.

[MaeJoMTB]

1 Laos VISA smaller size, but they don't care if you only have a normal passport photo.

2 ORIGINAL marriage cert + signed copy (don't need birth certs)

3  extra money not required

4 Kon Kaen central bus station has a mini bus and shuttle bus service to Mukdahan every 30 minutes (around 200bht). The big bus tends to break down a lot, the van may be a more reliable option.

 

Mukdahan shuttle departs from Here (in a side road just off the main bus section)

https://goo.gl/maps/RYEwQJqkJFn

 

Don't go to the main bus stations on the ring road, they only run 4x a day.

I usually walk from the airport (out and turn right) to the main road (2Km), then wave down a songtaw to the central bus station (same road) 15bht.

 

At Mukdahan buy a bus ticket for Suvannakhet, sit near the front so you can get in the Queue at each immigration first, bus stops and starts at each immigration point, no need for any other transport. Suvannakhet bus station about 250m past Thai Consulate, just walk to it. Take $35 in new notes for your Laos VISA (cheaper than 1,500bht), available from SuperRich in Loi Kroh road.

 

Avalon Residence, nice quiet modern hotel 100m from Suvannakhet bus station (about 500bht).

 

Trip back, the flight times just don't work well for me, I get the bus from Mukdahan (about 5:30pm) to Chiang mai. (change at Khon Kaen outer ring bus station about 9pm for overnight bus to CM). Buy the entire ticket at the Mukdahan bus terminal, through the front door turn right, last but 1 booth on the right.

[anon789561]

there's direct flights to HCMC from Chiang Mai. Might be worth checking those if you haven't already booked. to get the non o ME is same as savannaket. it would be the cost of the flights. no visa needed for vietnam. taxi to the consulate and a night or two in a hotel. 

[Nong Khai Man]

1 hour ago, Happy enough said:

there's direct flights to HCMC from Chiang Mai. Might be worth checking those if you haven't already booked. to get the non o ME is same as savannaket. it would be the cost of the flights. no visa needed for vietnam. taxi to the consulate and a night or two in a hotel. 

MUCH More Expensive doing it THAT Way Though.....

[anon789561]

Just now, Nong Khai Man said:

MUCH More Expensive doing it THAT Way Though.....

maybe. didn't look at prices etc. just an option

[Goanna]

A tip for downloading the forms and printing them. My printer was set for A4 size, and missed the last couple of lines, so you may needt to reset to letter size. Arrive at the consulate early though, and in front of the shop across the road, there is a guy set up with computer and forms. He will fill them in and print for you, and check you have everything in order for I think it was 80 baht. Easy.

[Daz1966]

7 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

1. The are not picky for the size of photo for the Lao visa on arrival form. For the visa application they want 3.5 X 4.5 cm photos,

Download forms. Lao visa on arrival form.pdf  and Savannakhet 2501-01-31.PDF

2. They may ask to see the original marriage certificate so best to have it plus a copy. No need for birth certificates. Copies of your wife's house book registry and ID card must be signed by her.

3. Not likely to be asked for.

4. Not sure but you should be able to get buses and vans from the but staion in Koen Khen.

Thanks ubonjoe, I am thankful for your advise. Excellent as usual. Thanks again.

[Daz1966]

7 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

1 Laos VISA smaller size, but they don't care if you only have a normal passport photo.

2 ORIGINAL marriage cert + signed copy (don't need birth certs)

3  extra money not required

4 Kon Kaen central bus station has a mini bus and shuttle bus service to Mukdahan every 30 minutes (around 200bht). The big bus tends to break down a lot, the van may be a more reliable option.

 

Mukdahan shuttle departs from Here (in a side road just off the main bus section)

https://goo.gl/maps/RYEwQJqkJFn

 

Don't go to the main bus stations on the ring road, they only run 4x a day.

I usually walk from the airport (out and turn right) to the main road (2Km), then wave down a songtaw to the central bus station (same road) 15bht.

 

At Mukdahan buy a bus ticket for Suvannakhet, sit near the front so you can get in the Queue at each immigration first, bus stops and starts at each immigration point, no need for any other transport. Suvannakhet bus station about 250m past Thai Consulate, just walk to it. Take $35 in new notes for your Laos VISA (cheaper than 1,500bht), available from SuperRich in Loi Kroh road.

 

Avalon Residence, nice quiet modern hotel 100m from Suvannakhet bus station (about 500bht).

 

Trip back, the flight times just don't work well for me, I get the bus from Mukdahan (about 5:30pm) to Chiang mai. (change at Khon Kaen outer ring bus station about 9pm for overnight bus to CM). Buy the entire ticket at the Mukdahan bus terminal, through the front door turn right, last but 1 booth on the right.

Thanks MaeJoMTB, Thanks very much for your detailed response. Your advise and suggestions  are really appreciated. I have already booked the Avalon hotel, it looked like the best location and reasonably priced.

Thanks to everyone else who responded. Much appreciated. 

[Daz1966]

1 hour ago, Goanna said:

A tip for downloading the forms and printing them. My printer was set for A4 size, and missed the last couple of lines, so you may needt to reset to letter size. Arrive at the consulate early though, and in front of the shop across the road, there is a guy set up with computer and forms. He will fill them in and print for you, and check you have everything in order for I think it was 80 baht. Easy.

Thanks, appreciated. 

[MaeJoMTB]

You'll probably be spending 2 evenings in Suvannakhet, most of the food and drink places we would consider worthy of eating at are between the Catholic church and the river Here https://goo.gl/maps/T2qrJeho68p (not much of a choice, food stalls, coffee shops, burger shop, couple of bars)

 

If you're wandering around in the day, Memorial park and along the river is as good as it gets. Here https://goo.gl/maps/LtnvnWfGVeo

Sun hat required, it's bloody fierce compared to Chiang Mai.

[Nice Boyd]

THe town is Dreadful

[Kenegg]

8 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

1 Laos VISA smaller size, but they don't care if you only have a normal passport photo.

2 ORIGINAL marriage cert + signed copy (don't need birth certs)

3  extra money not required

4 Kon Kaen central bus station has a mini bus and shuttle bus service to Mukdahan every 30 minutes (around 200bht). The big bus tends to break down a lot, the van may be a more reliable option.

 

Mukdahan shuttle departs from Here (in a side road just off the main bus section)

https://goo.gl/maps/RYEwQJqkJFn

 

Don't go to the main bus stations on the ring road, they only run 4x a day.

I usually walk from the airport (out and turn right) to the main road (2Km), then wave down a songtaw to the central bus station (same road) 15bht.

 

At Mukdahan buy a bus ticket for Suvannakhet, sit near the front so you can get in the Queue at each immigration first, bus stops and starts at each immigration point, no need for any other transport. Suvannakhet bus station about 250m past Thai Consulate, just walk to it. Take $35 in new notes for your Laos VISA (cheaper than 1,500bht), available from SuperRich in Loi Kroh road.

 

Avalon Residence, nice quiet modern hotel 100m from Suvannakhet bus station (about 500bht).

 

Trip back, the flight times just don't work well for me, I get the bus from Mukdahan (about 5:30pm) to Chiang mai. (change at Khon Kaen outer ring bus station about 9pm for overnight bus to CM). Buy the entire ticket at the Mukdahan bus terminal, through the front door turn right, last but 1 booth on the right.

Central bus station in Khon Kaen has now closed down completely nothing only a Tuk Tuk from there now :-(

[MaeJoMTB]

1 hour ago, Kenegg said:

Central bus station in Khon Kaen has now closed down completely nothing only a Tuk Tuk from there now :-(

The VIP bus and mini bus were still there in Sept 2017.

And I can still see the vans on Google street maps (dated Dec 2016).

When were you there?

DID you see they were gone with your own eyes?

Or are  you just repeating something you heard (Cos some idiot was saying the same thing when I went there in 2017)?

I can't imagine anyone forcing the mini vans out of the town center, too many locals using them all the time.

[Enoon]

 

Be prepared for your nostrils to be filled with the stink of dog s*** everywhere you go.

 

Don't eat at the "8 Dao Restaurant" on Sissavangvong Rd, you'll see it on the way to the Avalon.

 

Be nice to the reception staff at the Avalon.  They're getting a bit sad because everyone only seems to be there for visa runs and no one wants to stay in their beautiful (obviously not Savannakhet) country.

 

 

[anon789561]

3 hours ago, Nice Boyd said:

THe town is Dreadful

i agree. shit hole but apparently cheaper than hcmc if pissing around on minivans is your thing

[JackThompson]

5 hours ago, Nice Boyd said:

THe town is Dreadful

My last visit, it wasn't that bad.  No fun / party like HCMC, of course.  But compare to something like "Poipet" for contrast to "dirty" in the region.

Food at the restaurant next to the Avalon was even good - though I was eating Thai/Lao food (which I prefer to Western), so that could be a biased report.  The only part of Laos I actively-hate are the Tuk-Tuk drivers, but you can share rides with others, to minimize the damage.

[Kenegg]

16 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

The VIP bus and mini bus were still there in Sept 2017.

And I can still see the vans on Google street maps (dated Dec 2016).

When were you there?

DID you see they were gone with your own eyes?

Or are  you just repeating something you heard (Cos some idiot was saying the same thing when I went there in 2017)?

I can't imagine anyone forcing the mini vans out of the town center, too many locals using them all the time.

shuts down after 44 years

 12/26/2017  NEWS  THE ISAAN RECORD

 

 

 

 

On 1 August, Khon Kaen locals celebrated the 44th anniversary of the city’s downtown central bus station. But as many commuters and vendors at the station had feared for years, it was the terminal’s last anniversary. Photo credit: Khon Kaen Municipality

A six-year-long clash of interests between locals and city officials about the relocation of the old bus terminal ended on 1 December, when the municipality started redirecting all buses to a new terminal, eight kilometer from the city center.

For four decades, the bus terminal, known as baw kaw saw 1, was a symbol of the city’s emerging status as a regional hub. Once a bustling community in the heart of the city, the shutdown announcement has left the old terminal deserted.

A map at one of the ticket counter windows of the old bus station informs passengers of the relocation to a new terminal that opened in 2014. For three years, the city had used both terminals.

About 300 shop owners and vendors made a living from their business at the old terminal. Close to the city’s poor settlements along the railway tracks, it also provided a source of income for the urban poor working as vendors, cleaning staff, and scavengers. After the 1 December shutdown, most vendors have closed up shop.

Duangjai Tunla had been selling food at the station for more than 15 years, making about 600 baht per day. But since 1 December there are no customers anymore. “It’s like I lost my job and all of my daily income. I really wish the authorities could let buses use the old terminal again so all the vendors could continue to make a living here.”

Pharadon Chailod lives in Phrayuen District, about 36 kilometers from the city. The 17-year-old highschool student used to take a bus to the city every week to attend tutoring classes downtown. But since the relocation, his commute has become less convenient as he needs to switch to a song taew to travel from the new bus terminal to the city center.

“I really don’t want them to move the old bus terminal so far outside the city,” says 21-year-old university student Sirilak Jampamun, who rents a room downtown. “I’m scared of getting into an accident when I drive my motorcycle from the city to the new terminal.”

Sombun Khaokaew, a 58-year-old day laborer from Waeng Yai District, was taken by surprise when his bus to the city stopped at the new bus terminal for the first time. Getting off at the downtown location was more convenient, he said, because he could easily walk to the government office area to run errands.

There are enough of options for passengers traveling to the city, says Rungrod Singmi, the operation manager of the new bus terminal. There are 13 song taew lines stopping at the terminal, a minibus shuttle, and taxi, tuk tuk, and motorcycle taxis. Vendors who want open a business at the new terminal can apply for a license, he added.

“At first, I didn’t like the new terminal at all because it is so far from the city,” says Wilaiwan Duangsapa, who works for a bus company at the new bus station. But after two years, she’s come to prefer her new workplace over the old terminal which, she said, was too small and crowded.

[MaeJoMTB]

I'm betting ALL the buses and mini vans from KK to MK will be running past the cross roads in town (near the old central bus station), and you can buy a ticket when you wave them down. Will let you know later this year when I try it.

[Kenegg]

3 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

I'm betting ALL the buses and mini vans from KK to MK will be running past the cross roads in town (near the old central bus station), and you can buy a ticket when you wave them down. Will let you know later this year when I try it.

Not sure as I only use Nokan Chai Air...but you don't see as many buses in town anymore only the new Khon Kaen airport to city centre buses, I think that is what they were trying to do stop buses from clogging up the roads in the centre of town. 

[anon789561]

19 hours ago, JackThompson said:

My last visit, it wasn't that bad.  No fun / party like HCMC, of course.  But compare to something like "Poipet" for contrast to "dirty" in the region.

Food at the restaurant next to the Avalon was even good - though I was eating Thai/Lao food (which I prefer to Western), so that could be a biased report.  The only part of Laos I actively-hate are the Tuk-Tuk drivers, but you can share rides with others, to minimize the damage.

i thought the food there, for decent enough food like pilgrims kitchen etc was pretty expensive compared to thailand. i take it back, it's not a shit hole but certainly boring and the hassle going over the border there on that awful bus. i'd rather fly to hcmc. but it was worth a look i guess

[MaeJoMTB]

Just now, Happy enough said:

i thought the food there, for decent enough food like pilgrims kitchen etc was pretty expensive compared to thailand. i take it back, it's not a shit hole but certainly boring and the hassle going over the border there on that awful bus. i'd rather fly to hcmc. but it was worth a look i guess

I always end up eating Thai street food in the night market, and the burger bar on the corner isn't bad.

[anon789561]

Just now, MaeJoMTB said:

I always end up eating Thai street food in the night market, and the burger bar on the corner isn't bad.

probably what we should have done. the market near the church looked alright but it was the mrs who googled where to eat so just followed like a good little boy 555

[Samuel Smith]

I was there recently.  Stayed near the night market area.  Had a couple of good nights out with fellow visa runners.  Avalon is good location for consulate & bus station, but out of town centre for evening.  Hired a mtb  from Bored Room https://www.facebook.com/The.Bored.Room.Movie.Club/ & explored the area in the daytime.  Owner (Canadian?) will advise you on nice rides.  Enjoyed my time there & the drive from Chiang Mai & back.  Free parking next to Thai immigration, by the bridge.

[Daz1966]

On 31/01/2018 at 5:03 PM, MaeJoMTB said:

You'll probably be spending 2 evenings in Suvannakhet, most of the food and drink places we would consider worthy of eating at are between the Catholic church and the river Here https://goo.gl/maps/T2qrJeho68p (not much of a choice, food stalls, coffee shops, burger shop, couple of bars)

 

If you're wandering around in the day, Memorial park and along the river is as good as it gets. Here https://goo.gl/maps/LtnvnWfGVeo

Sun hat required, it's bloody fierce compared to Chiang Mai.

Thanks very much for the additional info. You have been a great help. 

[Markc]

36 minutes ago, Daz1966 said:

You'll probably be spending 2 evenings in Suvannakhet, most of the food and drink places we would consider worthy of eating at are between the Catholic church and the river Here https://goo.gl/maps/T2qrJeho68p (not much of a choice, food stalls, coffee shops, burger shop, couple of bars)

Just an update to this.  The Night market is currently undergoing renovation and does not operate at the moment.  the burger bar is no more and is now called Laochalerm and has Lao/Thai food but still a good spot.  further down towards the river is a pretty good Indian Restaurant called Mirchi or something similar.

Dave at the Bored Room (mentioned in a post above) also hires motorcycles along with bicycles.

[Nong Khai Man]

Don't eat at the "8 Dao Restaurant" on Sissavangvong Rd, you'll see it on the way to the Avalon.........

 

I Think this is the place that charged me 400 Baht for a bloody Chicken !!!! NO Prices on the Menu though....

[anon789561]

the highlight for a very dull 2 days there was baguette and pate at a coffee place, think it was called macchioto or something like that, with nice chutney too. can recommend that