What are the Best & Easiest Visa Run options from Chiang Mai ?

[falangUK]

Hello everyone,

I’ve done some research on visa runs from Chiang Mai and would appreciate the latest updates from those who have done it recently.

Here’s what I’ve found so far:

Chiang Khong-Huay Xai (Laos) Border Run:

• I already know about the requirement to stay two nights in Laos before re-entering Thailand, with roundtrip costs around 2,500 THB and the Laos visa on arrival costing around 50 USD (~1,900-2,000 THB).
• Has anyone done this route recently? Any updates on the process or potential issues?

Flying to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur):

• I’ve also considered flying to Kuala Lumpur. If I fly to KL, do I need to stay two nights before re-entering Thailand, or is it more straightforward in terms of visa regulations?
• Is this the best and/or easiest alternative compared to land border runs?

Laos Visa Online:

• If I apply for a Laos visa online, will they still issue the old-style visa sticker at the border that uses a whole page of the passport, or is there a newer format? Trying to manage passport space.

I’m planning to make this trip towards the end of April, so any advice or updates would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance 🙂

[Upnotover]

27 minutes ago, falangUK said:

If I apply for a Laos visa online, will they still issue the old-style visa sticker at the border that uses a whole page of the passport, or is there a newer format? Trying to manage passport space.

You will get an entry permission sticker which together with the entry and exit stamps will take up half a page.