Anyone know the approximate cost of getting from Udon airport to the border and back, plus the fee for crossing into Laos?

 

I can get a return flight from Chiang Mai to Ho Chi Minh city for only 4,450 Baht. I doubt the Chiang Mai to Udon flight; plus transport to and from the airport; plus entry fee would be cheaper and there is less hassle.

Some options discussed in thread link.

You can grab a minivan from Udon airport to Nong Khai or from central plaza. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1274413-best-visaborder-run-from-bangkok-in-your-opinion/

hire a car maybe best and easy to do

Taxi drivers at Udon airport seem to ask 200 bt to Central . It should be possible to do Udon ---> border , cross into Laos , cross back , then NK ---> Udon in one day . Total cost ...200 + 55 + c. 1400 ( or $ 40 for visa ) + 60 ( bus across bridge x 2 ) + 55 = a grand total of 1800 bt . ( plus maybe 30 bt for snacks / drinks ) .

Backpack it like us young uns do.Overnight bus to NK,border run,night in NK(worth a visit) then bus home for about half you would pay by air.

11 hours ago, persimmon said:

Taxi drivers at Udon airport seem to ask 200 bt to Central . It should be possible to do Udon ---> border , cross into Laos , cross back , then NK ---> Udon in one day . Total cost ...200 + 55 + c. 1400 ( or $ 40 for visa ) + 60 ( bus across bridge x 2 ) + 55 = a grand total of 1800 bt . ( plus maybe 30 bt for snacks / drinks ) .

Citizens of Switzerland and Japan do not pay for visas.

Got no friends to take you? 

I have just done this exact Udon/Laos run. Laos entry Visa Bht1700!

15 hours ago, csaba81 said:

I can get a return flight from Chiang Mai to Ho Chi Minh city for only 4,450 Baht.

If you are from eligible country you can get 15 days visa exempt into Vietnam and a nicer experience.

Only problem comes if you need to go to the consulate.

15 hours ago, csaba81 said:

I can get a return flight from Chiang Mai to Ho Chi Minh city for only 4,450 Baht

Reasonable deal (from Bangkok 3600baht)

For anyone contemplating trip to Saigon ....I just had a 2 week in Saigon and ripper place.

No vax checks etc on arrival. 

From airport very easy bus ($1) to district 1 for chilled break..

 

Note you will need to show onward flight for return.