Ok, let's try this again ... I posted this yesterday, but my post has disappeared (without any notification). I see that I missed the "Read this before posting" message yesterday, so here goes again ...

I am an American of 40 years age and I'm getting ready to make the dreaded first visa run.

I would like NEW opinions (I found some older posts from 2006) on the best choice for a visa-run? I know "best" is subjective. So, here are some defining ideas ...

1. Whose got the best road service?
   
2. Who shuttles mostly pharang (English-speakers)?
   
3. Which way offers more safety, less hassles?
   
4. Is flying somewhere better than road trip?
   
5. Etc, etc.
   

If this is covered in another recent [2007-8] post, please point the way.

Edited March 6, 200818 yr by donnew08

Before we can offer advice on which service to use it would help to know where you live. Different border posts have different policies so first we need to know which is the most convenient location for you.

Air travel is a great way to do a visa run if you're near an international airport, but it's also usually the most expensive way. You didn't indicate if you're on a budget, or that money is no object.

I am in Nonthaburi, adjoining Bangkok. I am anticipating leaving from Bangkok.

As far as the money goes, I am not necessarily looking for a "first-class" experience or the cheapest way either ... mostly concerned about fast, safe, easy border crossing.

Visa run meaning you already have a visa? Or are you just going to obtain a 30 day visa exempt entry? How much longer do you plan to remain in Thailand.

I believe there are only 3 providers remaining for the Cambodia runs at present and suspect there are those who like each one more than another for various reasons. The standard price seems to be about 2,000 baht all inclusive from Bangkok.

Yeah ... got a 1-year Non-Immigrant that I have to "renew" every 90 days. I'll be here for at least a year, maybe longer.

* Bangkok: http://www.thaivisarun.com/otherservices.htm

* Bangkok: http://thaivisaservice.com/index.html

* 1 day Air Asia return trip to any nearby airports

* Ranong: http://www.chumphon-kohtao.com/

* Ranong: http://www.visa-tour.com/index.html

I dug these up from an old thread. I was going to try the one that picks up at Ekami. I have used Jack in the past but since I haven't done a visa run in a while so I am going to try something different this week.

Evidently there is an air con Thai bus service to Poiphet from Lumpini park for a 100baht or so, not sure how often they run but I think its every hour. The Thais use it for the casino run.

* Bangkok: http://www.thaivisarun.com/otherservices.htm

* Bangkok: http://thaivisaservice.com/index.html

* 1 day Air Asia return trip to any nearby airports

* Ranong: http://www.chumphon-kohtao.com/

* Ranong: http://www.visa-tour.com/index.html

I dug these up from an old thread. I was going to try the one that picks up at Ekami. I have used Jack in the past but since I haven't done a visa run in a while so I am going to try something different this week.

Both companies from Bangkok offer good, safe, reliable VisaRuns.

Vehicles are new and well maintained.

Owners are friendly and helpfull.

Evidently there is an air con Thai bus service to Poiphet from Lumpini park for a 100baht or so, not sure how often they run but I think its every hour. The Thais use it for the casino run.

I heard there was a Thai bus service from Central Bangna to Poipet.

Honestly is this is your first ever run and you shoose to do Cambodia. Do not do it alone, use a real service. (I like jack Golf)

That being said, a day out shopping in KL or Singapore is far nicer and not too expensive. Singapore in particular is a great break from Thailand (and makes coming home- to Thailand- feel good!)

Honestly is this is your first ever run and you shoose to do Cambodia. Do not do it alone, use a real service. (I like jack Golf)

I won’t use Jack again, took me to the border, got me only 1 day visa, and no apology, no refund.

Would you like to explain yourself - you do not get a visa at the border and certainly not from a visa run company. They provide a transportation service. And it seems they performed that function (unless there is something you have not mentioned - did they leave you at the border or something?).

The best "visa run" service for me is the one from Ekkamai. They take the time to look properly at your passport (contact ban laem before you even get on the bus if necessary,have a very good relationship with the officials there - don't ask more). Quality service, great staff - there is no comparison with Jack's golf, on this route anyway.

{The best "visa run" service for me is the one from Ekkamai.}

I totally agree,never had a problem in 3 yrs of regular use,Superb service,and you dont have to get up to early.

I dug these up from an old thread. I was going to try the one that picks up at Ekami. I have used Jack in the past but since I haven't done a visa run in a while so I am going to try something different this week.

thaivisarun that picks up at Ekkami only goes on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday only.

Yeah ... got a 1-year Non-Immigrant that I have to "renew" every 90 days. I'll be here for at least a year, maybe longer.

if you got a 1-year visa, why would you have to leave every 90 days?

Because that visa is valid for one year (can be used for entry) - but any stay is only 90 days max. Only the long stay non immigrant O-A visa provides a one year stay on entry.