Northen Border Crossings

[WilliamIV]

I am planning a round trip.

Bangkok by Train to Nong Khai

then to Vientane and Luang Prabang

then to Chiang Mai and Pai

and back to Bangkok.

My Main concern for up todate info is the

re-entry into Thailand from Luang Prabang.

Is there a Choice of Crossings?

If so which is the easiest transport-wise

And are "Visas on Arrival" available there.

Thanks for ANY advice.

I plan to book Sleeper Train Berths to Nong Khai

- or does the Train from Bangkok go thru to Vientiane

(we plan to have Laos Visas from their Embassy).

I will enquire about the Laos Sector in the Travel Forum

Thanks

Bill

[ubonjoe]

First I need clarify what you mean by visas on arrival. Are you asking about visa exempt entry the gives you an entry of 15 days by land or 30 by air.

Or a visa on arrival that you have to apply for and pay for that gives you 15 days that only citizens of certain countrys have to apply for.

The train stops at Nong Kai.

[Lite Beer]

I think you are British and are not entiltled to a VOA. You will get a 15 day Visa Exempt Stamp.

The train going north stops at Nong Kai.

[WilliamIV]

I think you are British and are not entiltled to a VOA. You will get a 15 day Visa Exempt Stamp.

The train going north stops at Nong Kai.

I am British with a Retirement Visa + Re-entry permit.

My 2 travelling Companions are Indian Nationals

and require "Visa on Arrival"

Thanks Lite beer + Ubon Joe for VERY prompt responses

[ubonjoe]

I had to have a clarification because many confuse the two types of entries.

For border crossings that have visa on arrival see the following link for a list.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2491

[WilliamIV]

I had to have a clarification because many confuse the two types of entries.

For border crossings that have visa on arrival see the following link for a list.

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2491

Thanks for that Link

Those of interest seem to be

7. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

8. Chieng Saen Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

9. Chieng Khong Immigration Checkpoint , Chiengrai

From my map No9 seems to be the one from Luang Prabang.

Has anybody any recent Experience of Obtaining VOA at this Border please?

[astral]

Another question is whether the Indian nationals will be allowed to enter Laos or Burma??

[WilliamIV]

Another question is whether the Indian nationals will be allowed to enter Laos or Burma??

We are going (hopefully) only to Laos.

We intend applying for Tourist Visas at the Laos Embassy in Bangkok

to remove any doubts.

Have you reason to believe there might be a Problem?

Bill

[ubonjoe]

They will not have a problem getting a visa for Laos. Indians are amongst those that go to Vientiane for visas.

For info on visas see the embassy website. You can also download application form.

Link: http://www.bkklaoembassy.com/

If you are going to be in Vientiane and still have concerns about the border crossing they could get tourist visas at the consulate there that would give them a 60 day entry for the same price as a VOA (1000 baht). You apply the morning of one day and get it back the next afternoon at 1. You need to be there early when they open and not on a Monday it is to busy that day.

Link to embassy website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consu...ervices_en.html

[siamiam]

.......

My Main concern for up todate info is the

re-entry into Thailand from Luang Prabang.

Is there a Choice of Crossings?

If so which is the easiest transport-wise

And are "Visas on Arrival" available there.

......

Thanks

Bill

Bill, About 8 or so months ago I was in the area and found the following to be true then:

To get to Thailand from Luang Prabang most easily, (overland that is), was to take a bus or mini van from Luang Prabang up to Luang Nam Tha, (4 to 6 hours depending on vehicle and service), spend a confortable night there and then the next day take a bus to Huay Sai, (about 4 hours). At Huay Sai you exit Laos at their immigration post and take a ferry across the Mae Khong to Chiang Khong,Thailand, where you will now be given a 15 day permit of stay. The roads on the above described route were paved and in excellent shape when I did this earlier in 2008. I have also done the same trip in years past by slow boat, spending a night in route at Pak Beng. I found the road route to be easier on my body as the boats can sometimes be very crowded. Some people will prefere the boat trip, as it may be a more exciting type of journey, but as far as 'ease of travel' goes, I would say the road route is more sure. You could take a fast boat and do the entire trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Sai in one day, but those boats are extremely loud and reported to also be somewhat dangerous, (I have never taken one). The road route described above also has great scenery, (as does the boat route), and the Luang Nam Tha area is well worth exploring. siamiam

[WilliamIV]

They will not have a problem getting a visa for Laos. Indians are amongst those that go to Vientiane for visas.

For info on visas see the embassy website. You can also download application form.

Link: http://www.bkklaoembassy.com/

If you are going to be in Vientiane and still have concerns about the border crossing they could get tourist visas at the consulate there that would give them a 60 day entry for the same price as a VOA (1000 baht). You apply the morning of one day and get it back the next afternoon at 1. You need to be there early when they open and not on a Monday it is to busy that day.

Link to embassy website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consu...ervices_en.html

Hi Ubon Joe

Thanks for your Time & Effort to help.

But I must doubt whether Indians can get Tourist Visas in ANY neighbouring Country

Are you sure about Vientianne?

Cos you are wrong on the Days of stay for a Tourist Visa - it is only 30 days for an

Indian Passport (or was the last time I checked).

Bill

[ubonjoe]

I am certain about them getting a tourist visa.

I think it was issued for 60 days but they were only given a 30 day entry before.

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

You could contact the consualte to be sure.

Link to website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

On the 5th they will be at a new location info follows.

No. 15, Bourichane Road, Ban Phone Si Nuan, Muang Si Sattanak, Vientiane.

Tel: (021) 214581 - 3 Ext. 600 - 601, (021) 453916, 415337, Fax: (021) 415336

[Lite Beer]

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

Yes there was but I cannot find it.

This from the Visa website in India does indicate that it is 60 Days

http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/visafees.html

[WilliamIV]

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

The above Link shows Tourist Visa stay 30 days

for those not on Visa Exemption List

[WilliamIV]

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

Yes there was but I cannot find it.

This from the Visa website in India does indicate that it is 60 Days

http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/visafees.html

Hi Lite Beer

This IS interesting.

One of my Indian Friends was indeed given 60 days

stay on his Tourist Visa last week at Suvarnabhumi.

But in view of >

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

we thought it to be a mistake - and were hesitant to apply for a Re-Entry Permit for fear of the "Error" being discovered and corrected.

For info - my other friend applied for Visa on Arrival and was given within 30 minutes of our landing.

Bill

[WilliamIV]

I am certain about them getting a tourist visa.

I think it was issued for 60 days but they were only given a 30 day entry before.

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

You could contact the consualte to be sure.

Link to website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

On the 5th they will be at a new location info follows.

No. 15, Bourichane Road, Ban Phone Si Nuan, Muang Si Sattanak, Vientiane.

Tel: (021) 214581 - 3 Ext. 600 - 601, (021) 453916, 415337, Fax: (021) 415336

Thanks again.

In the Past Indians could not get Thai Tourist Visas in Neighbouring Countries.

Do you know where we can get uptodate Official info on that - apart from Visiting the Thai Embassies?

Even NOW Indians cannot get an Education Visa for Learning Thai Languages (eg at Walen) in neighbouring Countries - they have to Return to India for those - hence my concern that

the old rules for Tourist Visas might still be in force.

Bill

[ubonjoe]

I am certain about them getting a tourist visa.

I think it was issued for 60 days but they were only given a 30 day entry before.

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

You could contact the consualte to be sure.

Link to website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

On the 5th they will be at a new location info follows.

No. 15, Bourichane Road, Ban Phone Si Nuan, Muang Si Sattanak, Vientiane.

Tel: (021) 214581 - 3 Ext. 600 - 601, (021) 453916, 415337, Fax: (021) 415336

Thanks again.

In the Past Indians could not get Thai Tourist Visas in Neighbouring Countries.

Do you know where we can get uptodate Official info on that - apart from Visiting the Thai Embassies?

Even NOW Indians cannot get an Education Visa for Learning Thai Languages (eg at Walen) in neighbouring Countries - they have to Return to India for those - hence my concern that

the old rules for Tourist Visas might still be in force.

Bill

I sent an email to the embassy in Vientiane aking about their new address and got a response to it within an hour or so.

You could email them for info. Email address is on this page of website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/contactus.html

[Lite Beer]

I have been looking around without success. There is hardly any Visa info. regarding Indian nationals.

As said get in touch with Vientiene Embassy.

[WilliamIV]

I sent an email to the embassy in Vientiane aking about their new address and got a response to it within an hour or so.

You could email them for info. Email address is on this page of website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/contactus.html

Yes ! - I will try but just now I get Error msg when I click on

http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

Bill

[WilliamIV]

Yes ! - I will try but just now I get Error msg when I click on

http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/

OK - I can open

http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/contactus.html://http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientian.../contactus.html

I didnt notice that link - when I was replying you - SORRY !!!

[WilliamIV]

The "English" link does not work for me on the Contact Page

Is [email protected] the e-mail mail address you are refering to please?

Bill

[Lite Beer]

I would have thought [email protected]

[WilliamIV]

I would have thought [email protected]

Ok - I sent there also

Thanks for helping me to think straight

I was thinking the Laos ISP to be the one.

The prompt assistance on Thai Visa is AMAZING !!!

Bill

[ubonjoe]

I knew the that it was in Thai and forgot to tell you taht the email address is obvious.

[email protected] is corect

[WilliamIV]

I am certain about them getting a tourist visa.

I think it was issued for 60 days but they were only given a 30 day entry before.

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

You could contact the consualte to be sure.

Link to website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

On the 5th they will be at a new location info follows.

No. 15, Bourichane Road, Ban Phone Si Nuan, Muang Si Sattanak, Vientiane.

Tel: (021) 214581 - 3 Ext. 600 - 601, (021) 453916, 415337, Fax: (021) 415336

I sent e-mail to Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane

and ask them if Indian Passport holders could Apply for Tourist Visa at their Office.

They have given a Prompt reply - but did not answer the question

They merely said they can apply for Visa on Arrival

and gave details of the requirements.

I have responded saying they wish to stay for 28 days

And repeated my Question.

Bill

[WilliamIV]

I am certain about them getting a tourist visa.

I think it was issued for 60 days but they were only given a 30 day entry before.

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

You could contact the consualte to be sure.

Link to website: http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/consularservices_en.htm

On the 5th they will be at a new location info follows.

No. 15, Bourichane Road, Ban Phone Si Nuan, Muang Si Sattanak, Vientiane.

Tel: (021) 214581 - 3 Ext. 600 - 601, (021) 453916, 415337, Fax: (021) 415336

Thanks again.

In the Past Indians could not get Thai Tourist Visas in Neighbouring Countries.

Do you know where we can get uptodate Official info on that - apart from Visiting the Thai Embassies?

Even NOW Indians cannot get an Education Visa for Learning Thai Languages (eg at Walen) in neighbouring Countries - they have to Return to India for those - hence my concern that

the old rules for Tourist Visas might still be in force.

Bill

UbonJoe

Despite your being CERTAIN, the Thai Embassy have confirmed what I thought.

Here is a copy of their e-mail ...

Several years ago I saw notices at the Thai Embassy in Hanoi to this effect

about Non Residents from the Indian Sub Continent in Vietnam.

I think it applies to all neighbouring Countries. >

Bill

On Mon, 29/12/08, Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane <[email protected]> wrote:

From: Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: Thai Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders.

Date: Monday, 29 December, 2008, 10:43 AM

Dear

Indians who are non-resident in Laos can not apply for tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

. If your is coming from India please advise him to apply for Thai visa before leaving. And in case he will fly to Bangkok before going to Laos then back to Thailand he has to request for multiple entry visa upon applying. In India we have an Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates-General in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.Royal Thai Embassy

[WilliamIV]

But there was a recent post by a member that that it had been changed to 60.

Yes there was but I cannot find it.

This from the Visa website in India does indicate that it is 60 Days

http://www.vfs-thailand.co.in/visafees.html

Hi Lite Beer

This IS interesting.

One of my Indian Friends was indeed given 60 days

stay on his Tourist Visa last week at Suvarnabhumi.

But in view of >

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2489

we thought it to be a mistake - and were hesitant to apply for a Re-Entry Permit for fear of the "Error" being discovered and corrected.

For info - my other friend applied for Visa on Arrival and was given within 30 minutes of our landing.

Bill

UPDATE

The Indian with the Tourist Visa who was given 60 days stay last week at Suvarnabhumi

today got a Re-entry Permit for the same 60 days at Suan Phlu.

So this would confirm that the Thai Embassy website info is current

and that The Ministry of Foreign Affaires Website needs updating.

Laos Visas were otained by both Indians this afternoon from the Laos Embassy

within one hour after paying for their Express Service.

Bill

[astral]

The Indian with the Tourist Visa who was given 60 days stay last week at Suvarnabhumi

today got a Re-entry Permit for the same 60 days at Suan Phlu.

So this would confirm that the Thai Embassy website info is current

and that The Ministry of Foreign Affaires Website needs updating.

Laos Visas were otained by both Indians this afternoon from the Laos Embassy

within one hour after paying for their Express Service.

Bill

That sounds like a good outcome.

Good luck Bill.

[ubonjoe]

Bill

I have gone through some of the posts on the Vientiane visa run thread. They have stopped giving tourist visas to some people from Africa and are giving them transit visas instead. They may be applying this to citizens of all VOA countries.

You might try another email or check with them while you are there to see if they can get transit visas which are normally good for 30 days.

Joe

[WilliamIV]

Bill

I have gone through some of the posts on the Vientiane visa run thread. They have stopped giving tourist visas to some people from Africa and are giving them transit visas instead. They may be applying this to citizens of all VOA countries.

You might try another email or check with them while you are there to see if they can get transit visas which are normally good for 30 days.

Joe

Hi UJ

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have just sent them a further e-mail asking if they can grant a Transit visa

and explaining we wish to avoid possible problems with Visa on Arrival at the Chiang Rai Border.

I will advise their reply.

As mentioned Earlier - some years ago I saw a notice in Hanoi

advising that all Citizens from the Indian Sub Continent

could not apply for Thai Visas in any Thai Embassy in neighbouring Countries

including Vietnam. They should apply in their home country.

I was never aware that this situation changed - although I concede it could have changed and

it never came to my notice.

But the Current situation now seems to be the same as then.

Bill