A Visit to Vientiane?

[gmpwt]

Always fancied a visit to see the place but never managed so far.

 

Is anyone up to date on current Laos visa rules for a UK passport holder and a Thai passport holder to fly up for a weekend visit?

 

We are both fully vax'd so got that bit covered but I am unsure between getting an e-visa or visa on arrival & pros & cons of each.

 

 

[KhunLA]

Been 9 yrs since, so far from current.  Always enjoyed my visits.  Most things walkable, good food, inexpensive Beer Lao ... what's not to like.

 

Just get the VOA, too easy, or was.  You'll need USD for VOA, exact change and photos, or use to need.  Do NOT use any visa services at Nong Khai, as unnecessary & overpriced. 

 

They take THB/USD, usually, or can change a wee bit of money at border, then more at the bank if wanting.

 

Use to be a bus into town at the border, not advertised very well, if not taking one of the intern'l buses from TH to downtown Vientiane.  Plenty of touts offering rides into town.

[brianthainess]

I don't think anything has changed. one month Visa on arrival but if you want to save a whole page of your passport then imo e-visa is better. No problem with Thai passport, i would spend at least a week in Laos, especially now they have 'the train', some lovely spots up north Vang veng, on the Song river and Luang prabang have stunning scenery, on the Mekong.

[HungDonger]

Easy to do... Visa on arrival .Bring $US40, passport photo and proof of vaccination. Takes 10 minutes at Wattay Airport.

Entry paperwork will ask where  you are staying in Vientiane,.

Visa good for 30 days.

Don't think your Thai wife has to pay the $40.

[KhunBENQ]

5 minutes ago, HungDonger said:

Don't think your Thai wife has to pay the $40

Maybe someone is up-to-date with the rules for Thai people using passport or ID card (with some 3? day pass)?

All I know is that procedures for passport are different from using ID card.

For a weekend and refraining to Vientiane the ID card might suffice.

[KhunBENQ]

Sounds like things have eased:

"Thai citizens can enter neighboring Laos without a visa for up to 30 days. "

https://www.visalaos.com/visa-requirements/thai-citizens/

 

[KhunLA]

11 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Sounds like things have eased:

"Thai citizens can enter neighboring Laos without a visa for up to 30 days. "

https://www.visalaos.com/visa-requirements/thai-citizens/

 

They always could, since 2000. that I know of, as long as getting a 'border pass' (?) beforehand, if not having PP.

 

Wife w/PP just had to sign some form & pay small fee 50 (?) baht.  Last time there was 2013.

Edited November 11, 2022 by KhunLA

[gmpwt]

Thanks all, think I will organize flights / hotel & carry the cash & photos for VoA

[perry21]

Just back from a 1 week visit from BKK to Laos. Flew into Vientiane (Lao Air) and returned from Luang Prabang (Bangkok Air). My entry experience as per Hungdonger. V easy provided you have USD. I'm told they prefer/insist on brand new notes. Its a great time to visit since relatively quiet (few China tourists). A couple of observations from my visit. LP is much more interesting imo than Vientiane but it depends on what you like. V is a sleepy capital that has a certain charm but LP is a major tourist destination. Highlight for me in LP (among many) was the one day river trip organised by Manifa Travel (check out on google maps) - excellent in every respect. I took the new China-Laos high speed train from V to LP; 2 hours compared to 9-10h bus journey or a 1 hr flight. Great views of the landscape compared to the plane, and you can stop over in Van Viang, a sort of adrenalin activities place for backpackers. Getting ticket for the train is not straightforward and requires a separate thread due to the complexity. My hotel sorted everything but not all offer this service. 

[huangnon]

Similarly to the OP, thinking about spending a week (holiday) in Laos next month, starting in Vientiane.

Never really spent much time there, only visiting the large power plant in Hongsa, where my company does regular work.

A few questions I had have been answered in this thread. Thanks to the contributors. I will update this thread hopefully after our visit. ????