Mukdahan

[eljeque]

I am considering Mukdahan for my next visa run.

Can I get an entry into Laos at the border, or do I ned a visa from the Laos embassy in Bangkok first?

[farangsay]

Yes , but you will probably be overcharged.

I paid 1700 baht two months ago (which from what I've read is a ripoff) but so did the guy in front of me.

Weigh this against the 2 trips (and the time) to the Lao embassy in BKK.

[gzu88bv]

I am considering Mukdahan for my next visa run.

Can I get an entry into Laos at the border, or do I ned a visa from the Laos embassy in Bangkok first?

Yes, you can get that Laos visa at the Laos border for US $ 30 or THB 1500. This is at least what me (Swiss) and

an Australian paid a month ago. Figure out yourself.

[sjaak327]

It depends on your nationality really. If you are canadian you pay more, if you're from the czech republic, you pay considerably less.

Incidentally, if saving a little money is of any concern, pay in USD instead of baht.

I wouldn't go to the Lao embassy, it won't save you any money, since express service (next day) alone is 200 baht. Never mind the taxi ride or mrt/taxi ride.

[cali4995]

Eljeque, you can at least download the visa application form, might save you some time when you get to the friendship bridge.

http://www.bkklaoembassy.com/

If you look on the website they have a sliding scale for fees based on nationality. 1,700 baht is getting a little crazy. I guess it was only a matter of time before they caught up with Cambodian immigration in the corruption racket. Great 1st impression for a country.

[jdinasia]

Yes , but you will probably be overcharged.

I paid 1700 baht two months ago (which from what I've read is a ripoff) but so did the guy in front of me.

Weigh this against the 2 trips (and the time) to the Lao embassy in BKK.

The Lao Embassy in BKK is not around Lang Suan is it? (I think that is the Cambodian Embassy!) If not then 18 months ago (yes a long time , I know!) they issued my tourist visa for laos while I waited.

Edit Just looked at the map above ..... yeppers was the Lao Embassy!

Edited June 22, 2007 by jdinasia

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Eljeque, you can at least download the visa application form, might save you some time when you get to the friendship bridge.

Mac says:  Might not work.  I usually do that, fill the form out ahead of time, I have several blanks from my sister's family's visit to Luang Prabang this past December.  I filled out one of these forms for my visit to Vientiane via Nong Khai early this month.  Didn't work.  The Lao Imm guy pointed out that my form said "Luang Prabang" and that his form had a green stamp on it.  So, I filled out his form, and got several blank copies, with the green stamp, for my next trip.  Oh, well, just lost a very little bit of time, but at Thanaleng that could be important if a bus load of foreigners has just arrived and is about to line up for the visa application process!

Mac

http://www.bkklaoembassy.com/

If you look on the website they have a sliding scale for fees based on nationality. 1,700 baht is getting a little crazy. I guess it was only a matter of time before they caught up with Cambodian immigration in the corruption racket. Great 1st impression for a country.

[cali4995]

The visa application form worked for me at friendship bridge 2 at Mukdahan before but you're absolutely right in general.

Most of these forms have the heading of the local consulate (Savannakhet is an example) and they won't want to accept

any form but their own, so if you can't download it, you're

struggling for a place to write as you're jostled by the mob.

[eljeque]

Thanks to all.

I have the Thai and Laos visa application forms.

If the Laos border agents will not accept the ashington DC visa aplication form which was the one available on-line, then I will need to prepare a new one.

If the Thai consulate will not accept the visa application form from the Royal Thai embassy in Vientianne, then I will have to make a new one there as well.

Is there a visa service, which for a couple of hundred baht will same me the hassle of getting to the embassy, and still get me the passport back early in the afternoon/?

[farangsay]

Thanks to all.

I have the Thai and Laos visa application forms.

If the Laos border agents will not accept the ashington DC visa aplication form which was the one available on-line, then I will need to prepare a new one.

If the Thai consulate will not accept the visa application form from the Royal Thai embassy in Vientianne, then I will have to make a new one there as well.

Is there a visa service, which for a couple of hundred baht will same me the hassle of getting to the embassy, and still get me the passport back early in the afternoon/?

I checked the link in Cali's post and saw the price was 1400 baht (Ireland) so with the 200 baht express fee plus the time and taxi fares my estimation at the time that it wasn't worth the bother was correct.

I'm not sure it was a ripoff at the Lao border. It's possible the rather surly individual at the booth just couldn't be bothered to look up a price list and just charged everyone the max.

They give you a form there so I don't see the need to get them from elsewhere.

The Thai consulate has Savannakhet printed on their form , again available on the spot.

One suggestion , don't faff around looking to share a tuk-tuk when you get through Lao immigration. I wasted time doing that and every minute wasted is five places back in the queue when you get to the consulate. The guy will be more than happy with a 100 baht note.

[TerryLH]

There is a Lao Consulate in Khon Kaen. You can pay a little extra to get the visa the same day.

[eljeque]

I am arriving in Mukdahan on Sunday morning, and going to Laos immediately to get my feet set down, a hotel, a "visa service" lined up if available, or find out exactly where the consulate is located. I plan...hope to be able to be in as forward a position as poissible to get my passport to the consulate... but it might matter little.

I think arriving the day before will allow me to beat some of the crowd which is coming in the morning, unless they are with tour groups which have inside assistance. I would expect that a visa service would have the same connections--if they exist, as the tour services coming from Bangkok and elsewhere.

Upon returning, I will post a trip report PATTYA TO SAVANAKHET, with time on the bus, at the border, hotels, restaurants, prices, photos, etc.

Thanks to everyone for their information.

[Totster]

http://www.thaivisa.com/border-run/savannakhet-visa-run.html

totster

[Badbanker]

Upon returning, I will post a trip report PATTYA TO SAVANAKHET, with time on the bus, at the border, hotels, restaurants, prices, photos, etc.

Thanks to everyone for their information.

Thanks for offering to make a detailed updated visa run report for Savannakhet.   A couple of things I need to correct.  

You have to use a visa application form from the Savannakhet consulate as it is numbered and the number is the basis for you collecting your visa the next day.

As far I am aware there are no visa agents for this consulate.  It is very very easy to apply for a visa just get there at the 8.30 opening of the consulate to ensure you get a number as it can be hectic when the International bus arrives from Mukdaharn at about 9.30 or 10 am

I would suggest that you take USD to pay for your Lao visa at the bridge and make sure you take the following denominations 3 x 10 USD, 2 x 5 USD.  Research the cost of the visa for your nationality on the lao embassy site, before you arrive and have the money prepared to pay when you get to the ugly visa officer.

Savannaket is a very small town and the Thai Consulate is a short walking distance from almost everywhere.

Enjoy your trip.

Badbanker

PS Don't forget to try some of the GOOD LAO BEER at 25 baht per BIG BOTTLE

Edited June 23, 2007 by Badbanker

[eljeque]

My Trip to Savannakhet from Pattaya

Any questions, please PM me

THERE IS A NEW SHOP IN SAVANAKHET NAMED "24/7"

It is on Latsavongseuk, one street south of Cafe Chez Boune.

It is owned by a foreigner who is beginning to assemble a restaurant guide (small) and a hotel / guesthouse guide ( small), as well as other tourist information besides planning to rent bicycles and motorbikes. He is a good source of information. He is usually found sitting in front of his shop.

FROM PATTAYA

North Road Bus Terminal

657 baht VIP

8.30pm departure

Arrive in Mukdahan at 8.00 am

Cold bus

Internet cafes in the bus station square.

I took a tuk tuk alone to the bridge to cross the Mehkong for 100 baht

(There are buses which will take you from the Mukdahan bus station to the Savannakhet bus station for 50 baht which run every 45 minutes.)

I got off the bus at the EXIT THAILAND side of the bridge and got stamped out.

I then paid 50 baht for the bus to get to the other end of the bridge where Laos Immigration was located.

I paid 40 baht for little slips of paper, the TM card equivalent.

YOU NEED A PHOTO FOR THE LAOS VISA!!!!

I paid 1500 baht for a visa without waiting.

I was told that the cost should be $35 plus a no waiting fee of 200 baht.

I then paid 10 baht for exiting the bridge or using the bridge or God knows for what on a Sunday.. Over time, I was told. I liked that one.

I paid 100 baht tuk tuk to town, where ever in town it seems.

The first place I stopped was the Sounantha guesthouse 80,000 kip (300 baht) a/c h/ w etc. yuk!!

Not recommended.

Leena Guest House is good.

It is about 300 baht as well.

It is on the map.

Food

Au Rendezvous Restaurant, or however it is spelled.

Great food. No kidding, if it was in Pattaya I would be going there tonight and tomorrow night.

It is on a corner indicated on the map.

.... serves lots of good farang food and Laos food.

Do not get the idea that all of the streets have signs on them.

Nightlife, not much. A nice, quiet town.

I was not looking to go out at night, and there were not many foreigners... 8 in all , is the number which I saw in my 2 days there. There were not any foreign places to play around, although a few of the Laotian places were hopping, I do not think that I would have "fit in".

Au Ren Dez Vous

Dinner: Steak, fries, veggies, bread 95 baht!! (25,000 kip)

Also, Sabaidee restaurant is good

See the map

The people are all smiling and saying "hello", but do not speak much Thai, and even less English.

Fruit shakes available on the street for about 11 baht (3,000 kip)

Really not much to do. There is trekking for those who wish to spend several days there.

The Thai Embassy is next to the river (See map)

It opens for us at 9:00, even though the sign says 8:30.

You must fill in THEIR FORM, not one from the internet which has Thai Embassy -- Vientianne written on it. These forms are numbered, so you cannot take extras for later. There are two shops across the street for TWO (2) pictures and photo copies of your passport in case you did not bring them.

Visa fee is 1,000 BAHT. You are requested to fill out the form outside of the office. You can pick up your passport the next day at 2:00PM

After being in Savannakhet for 25 hours:

I have not seen a policeman.

The main couple of streets have no potholes in the main areas.

The poured concrete sidewalks are in good condition.

The drivers stop at the stop lights, most of the time.

There is no speeding.

That changed a little the next day, but not by much.

Egg sandwich and iced coffee for breakfast 8,000 kip.

There is not really much to do in town.

So, I did it.

Tuk Tuks want an exorbidant fee for the shortest distances, so I walked a bit, and as there was really nowhere to go, it did not make a differnce when or if I arrived anywhere.

Lots of people eating dinner on sidewalks on the river.

Your phone will work most of the time, and it will work best when near the river and/or in direct sight of the river (down a street).

Picked up visa at 2:00PM. Shared a tuk tuk to the Savannakhet bus station for 40 baht / person

Paid 50 baht for the bus fare back to the Mukdahan Bus Station

The bus stops on each side of the bridge for all to exit and get stamped out.

Then, carries on to the Mukdahan bus station.

Arrived at about 3:15PM

I went to Lotus 40 baht by tuk tuk, and wasted a couple of hours there. It has a food court and also a Pizza Hut + MK.

The VIP bus to Pattaya leaves at 6:30PM, and arives in Pattaya at about 6:00AM

It is a cold ride, and they inform you that a midnight snack is available while you are in the middle of a "good" sleep. You are given one blanket that would accommodate an 11 year old. I suggest that you bring your own large towel or blanket to stay warm. I was able to get two blankets.

Do not plan on going there on the same days as jacks golf tours does, as you will be on a bus across the bridge with hordes of visa runners STANDING ROOM ONLY. It was not any fun, and as hot as can be. Jack's tours leave from Bangkok on SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY.

I would not say anything bad about the place, but it is quiet.

Please PM me if you have any questions.

Oh, this is the only map that I was able to locate. I went to many shops, hotels, and could not find a map.

[Badbanker]

Cool report!

Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Badbanker

[shop24seven]

My Trip to Savannakhet from Pattaya

Any questions, please PM me

THERE IS A NEW SHOP IN SAVANAKHET NAMED "24/7"

It is on Latsavongseuk, one street south of Cafe Chez Boune.

It is owned by a foreigner who is beginning to assemble a restaurant guide (small) and a hotel / guesthouse guide ( small), as well as other tourist information besides planning to rent bicycles and motorbikes. He is a good source of information. He is usually found sitting in front of his shop.

//remove excess text//

Oh, this is the only map that I was able to locate. I went to many shops, hotels, and could not find a map.

Dear visa runners,

this is the first time i am writing in to the forum, I am the person who runs the shop 24seven in savannekhet,

[Digitalbanana]

Congratulations.

I stayed in Savanakhet about 16 years ago. back then the best hotel in town was the Phonepaseud Hotel. It was run by a guy called Somporn who was an ex Skylab (trishaw) driver who married into money there and made a name for himself. I notice on the map posted on this thread it is called Phonepaseud GH now. How does it rate vs other hotels in town nowadays?

Edited June 29, 2007 by Digitalbanana

[Humanoid]

I recommend going to the Lao embassy to get a visa in advance.  The 200 baht fee for express service gets you your passport back in one hour (or 2 hours, if you cross their 1 hour lunch break).  The express service is NOT for the next day as one poster seemed to imply.

It is only 50 baht by taxi from the subway station, plus 50 baht to return to the subway.  I took the taxi from Huai Khwang on the way to the embassy.  And when returning, I went to the Thai Cultural Center station.  I'm not sure which one is closer, but it looks about the same.

There is not much to do there while you wait.  But they have a driving range, which I had fun in for over 3 hours before going to get my passport back.

I like getting my visa in advance because it gives me some peace of mind.  I don't have to worry about having the money, pictures, or whatever else is needed to get the visa at the border.

Last time I was at the Vientiane border, I had two problems with the visa application process: 1- They only accepted US dollars, so I had to find a place to exchange my thai baht there. 2- It took over an hour to get my passport back!!  They were so slow, and there were a lot of people.  I had to stand there for over an hour waiting patiently, and carefully watching the passports they held out the small window to see if it was my passport.  Spending 1 or 2 hours peacefully at a driving range, with food and drinks sure beats spending an hour standing and watching carefully for your passport to be shown through the window!

In a few weeks, I'm going to Savannakhet, not Vientiane, but at least I have one less thing to worry about at the border.  This will be my first time in Savannakhet.  Maybe the visa application process is much easier there, but I rather not take the chance.  I'm glad I have it already taken care of.

I want to take the airplane one way to Savannakhet, and return by bus.  But I think it will be much cheaper if I take a domestic flight to an airport near Mukdahan and cross by bus.  Am I correct?

[cali4995]

Eljeque, congratulations on your successful trip. I'm thinking this 200 baht express fee for the processing of your Lao visa-on-arrival is just another scam. This is applicable at the Lao embassy in Bangkok, not Lao land border checkpoints and airport points of entry.

Your advice about travelling at different times than Jack Golf Tours is sound. I see they depart Bangkok on Sunday and Wednesday evenings at 22:00. So, Monday and Thursday mornings are a mess on the bridge and at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet respectively.

Edited June 30, 2007 by cali4995

[Badbanker]

I recommend going to the Lao embassy to get a visa in advance.  The 200 baht fee for express service gets you your passport back in one hour (or 2 hours, if you cross their 1 hour lunch break).  The express service is NOT for the next day as one poster seemed to imply.

It is only 50 baht by taxi from the subway station, plus 50 baht to return to the subway.  I took the taxi from Huai Khwang on the way to the embassy.  And when returning, I went to the Thai Cultural Center station.  I'm not sure which one is closer, but it looks about the same.

There is not much to do there while you wait.  But they have a driving range, which I had fun in for over 3 hours before going to get my passport back.

I like getting my visa in advance because it gives me some peace of mind.  I don't have to worry about having the money, pictures, or whatever else is needed to get the visa at the border.

Last time I was at the Vientiane border, I had two problems with the visa application process: 1- They only accepted US dollars, so I had to find a place to exchange my thai baht there. 2- It took over an hour to get my passport back!!  They were so slow, and there were a lot of people.  I had to stand there for over an hour waiting patiently, and carefully watching the passports they held out the small window to see if it was my passport.  Spending 1 or 2 hours peacefully at a driving range, with food and drinks sure beats spending an hour standing and watching carefully for your passport to be shown through the window!

In a few weeks, I'm going to Savannakhet, not Vientiane, but at least I have one less thing to worry about at the border.  This will be my first time in Savannakhet.  Maybe the visa application process is much easier there, but I rather not take the chance.  I'm glad I have it already taken care of.

I want to take the airplane one way to Savannakhet, and return by bus.  But I think it will be much cheaper if I take a domestic flight to an airport near Mukdahan and cross by bus.  Am I correct?

Sadly there is no airport to Mukdaharn!   I think the closest is Khon Kaen.  This is still a drive from Mukdaharn.

The bridge at Savanakhet has a very good Lao Consulate that gives a Lao visa in 10 mins.  You are booked on the bus manifest and this makes them work quickly.  Different system to Nongkai!  It is best to take USD to pay for your visa as you will save a bit on the exchange rate.

The bus from Morchit is fine and take about 10 hours.

Badbanker

[Digitalbanana]

Sadly there is no airport to Mukdaharn! I think the closest is Khon Kaen. This is still a drive from Mukdaharn.

When I last worked up that way the nearest airport was Sakon Nakorn (2 hrs drive) and Ubon Ratchathani (3hrs drive) in order to get to Mukdaharn. TG used to fly to both, but other airlines these days I notice.

[Badbanker]

Sadly there is no airport to Mukdaharn! I think the closest is Khon Kaen. This is still a drive from Mukdaharn.

When I last worked up that way the nearest airport was Sakon Nakorn (2 hrs drive) and Ubon Ratchathani (3hrs drive) in order to get to Mukdaharn. TG used to fly to both, but other airlines these days I notice.

Talking to a SVP friend of mine in a bank the other day, she mentioned that her bank would be very open to putting in an airport in Mukdaharn as she has seen a huge amount of business develop since the opening of the bridge.

As a pilot I was interested in the airport at Savanakhet as it would be a short hop from Bangkok and would be perfect for Visa Run Air

Seems the airport in Savanakhet is now not operational, so that cans that one. If the embassy was expanded in size and personel it would be ideal for a flight once or twice a day and would make an excellent visa run.

Badbanker

Edited July 1, 2007 by Badbanker

[Humanoid]

Sadly there is no airport to Mukdaharn! I think the closest is Khon Kaen. This is still a drive from Mukdaharn.

When I last worked up that way the nearest airport was Sakon Nakorn (2 hrs drive) and Ubon Ratchathani (3hrs drive) in order to get to Mukdaharn. TG used to fly to both, but other airlines these days I notice.

I tried to look up the prices on every airport I could find online.  Thai air (and PB Air) have daily flights to Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Ubon Ratchathani for about 3000 baht.  All three cities look about 2-3 hours away from Mukdahan, judging from my map.

Air Asia is the only one with a good price.  1069 baht to Ubon Ratchathani, daily.  But it arrives at 3:00 pm.  I wonder if that's enough time to get across the border on the same day, or if I should go one day before my visa expires to be safe. You say it's about 3 hours drive, so if I take the bus from there, and assume I have to wait one hour for the next bus, I'd probably get to the border at about 7 pm.  I think that should be safe?

Does anybody know at what times the border opens and closes there?

[sjaak327]

I recommend going to the Lao embassy to get a visa in advance.  The 200 baht fee for express service gets you your passport back in one hour (or 2 hours, if you cross their 1 hour lunch break).  The express service is NOT for the next day as one poster seemed to imply.

It is only 50 baht by taxi from the subway station, plus 50 baht to return to the subway.  I took the taxi from Huai Khwang on the way to the embassy.  And when returning, I went to the Thai Cultural Center station.  I'm not sure which one is closer, but it looks about the same.

There is not much to do there while you wait.  But they have a driving range, which I had fun in for over 3 hours before going to get my passport back.

I like getting my visa in advance because it gives me some peace of mind.  I don't have to worry about having the money, pictures, or whatever else is needed to get the visa at the border.

Last time I was at the Vientiane border, I had two problems with the visa application process: 1- They only accepted US dollars, so I had to find a place to exchange my thai baht there. 2- It took over an hour to get my passport back!!  They were so slow, and there were a lot of people.  I had to stand there for over an hour waiting patiently, and carefully watching the passports they held out the small window to see if it was my passport.  Spending 1 or 2 hours peacefully at a driving range, with food and drinks sure beats spending an hour standing and watching carefully for your passport to be shown through the window!

In a few weeks, I'm going to Savannakhet, not Vientiane, but at least I have one less thing to worry about at the border.  This will be my first time in Savannakhet.  Maybe the visa application process is much easier there, but I rather not take the chance.  I'm glad I have it already taken care of.

I want to take the airplane one way to Savannakhet, and return by bus.  But I think it will be much cheaper if I take a domestic flight to an airport near Mukdahan and cross by bus.  Am I correct?

Right, of course if it will give you peace of mind, just get the visa beforehand, in my experience it's still not worth the trouble, as I have crossed the friendship bridge many times, and every time, there were just a few people waiting for visas, also I always pay in Baht, can't be bothererd to get USD beforehand, also never had a photo, but no problem, sometimes they charge you and additional 50 baht, sometimes they just let it pass. Visa cost has always been 1500 baht, and that's what I always hand them over, together with my passport, then I just wait for about 5 minutes to get my Passport back. Actually they have a new 20 baht fee once you passed the passport control. Had to pay it the first time in March.

Regarding going to Savanakhet, indeed Sakhon Nakhon is the closest, but only one flight per day on PB Air, and they aren't cheap, count on 5000 baht return. Same applies to Nakhon Phanom. I would still go for Vientiane, I mean cheap airfaires to Udon Thani on both Air Asia and NOK, and an easy bus ride to the friendship bridge from the airport. And since you have the visa in advance, you could even take the bus from Udon straight to Vientiane.