Well, the cheapest I could find was 237 USD round trip for a visa run from Chiang Mai to Savannakhet flight.

That's for a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok then Bangkok direct to Savannakhet. And then after you get the visa to turn around and do the reverse flight back.

Not the worst cost but I haven't been able to find a bus that goes from the Arcade in Chiang Mai to the border of Savannakhet, Laos. Anyone personally knows of a bus that goes from the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal to Mukdahan.

There are numerous buses from CM to Mukdahan , although you have to change bus in Koen Kaen .

   You can also get buses to nearby towns and get mini buses the rest of the way .

Ask in Arcade , the booth is next to the Green bus ticket selling both , one way is about 700 Baht .

   Get a bus from Mukdahan to Savankhet for 50 Baht

You might want to check Nok Air for their fly/ride service to Mukdahan. https://content.nokair.com/en/Booking/Where-we-fly/Flight-Service/Fly-n-Ride/Mukdahan

Then you cross the bridge to Savannakhet.

From Chiang Mai you could also fly to Udon Thani and take a bus to Mudahan.

36 minutes ago, tstcman said:

Anyone personally knows of a bus that goes from the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal to Mukdahan.

Yes, it goes from the New Arcade bus station (7pm?) and costs around 700bht each way and 13hr journey.

One ticket, but change at Khon Kaen. Overnight both ways.

 

If you fly to Udon Thani (Nok Air), there's no bus after the flight arrives (5pm landing) all the way.

So its a 4hr slow local bus to Sakon Nakon, stay overnight in a Motel near the bus terminal than a mad 5:30am 2hr VIP van to Mukdahan (they'll drop you off at Friendship bridge if you ask). Apply for VISA that day.

 

If you fly to Khon Kaen (Air Asia landing 7am), then get to Bus Station 3 on the ring, then another mad 4hr VIP van ride to Mukdahan, then bus to Savannakhet arriving sometime in the afternoon. Apply for VISA next day.

 

After getting my VISA I always take the overnight bus back as the times all match up.

Collect VISA, walk to Suvannakhet bus station, bus to Mukdahan, 5pm bus to Chiang Mai (changing at Khon Kaen about 9pm), arrives Chiang Mai about 7:30am

 

I usually do flight to KK out, overnight bus back.

I'm going next week.

Edited October 14, 20187 yr by BritManToo

Thank you, everyone, for your help. With the rules being pushed/ enforced with regards to the income letter now POSSIBLY, I can't use the US consulate income letter soon it seems, so this will be my only chose from now on for a Non O based on marriage visa. 

24 minutes ago, tstcman said:

Thank you, everyone, for your help. With the rules being pushed/ enforced with regards to the income letter now POSSIBLY, I can't use the US consulate income letter soon it seems, so this will be my only chose from now on for a Non O based on marriage visa. 

I would ignore all that you have read for now. If your extension will be due soon I suggest you apply for it by using the income affidavit you can do at the US consulate in Chiang Mai.

1 hour ago, tstcman said:

Thank you, everyone, for your help. With the rules being pushed/ enforced with regards to the income letter now POSSIBLY, I can't use the US consulate income letter soon it seems, so this will be my only chose from now on for a Non O based on marriage visa. 

You can still use the letter.  It is, in fact, still absolutely required to have that letter to use the income-method.  But, the CM office is reported asking for backup-proof of the income from Americans.  One's Bank, Pension, Social Security, Brokerage, etc statements can work for the backup-proof.

 

You can apply 30-days before the current extension expires, which gives plenty of time for a Savannakhet-trip, if something goes sideways.  Everyone should keep this Plan-B in mind, given how requirements at some offices can change without notice.

Edited October 14, 20187 yr by JackThompson