Best Option For Visitors To Los Wishing To Make Side-trips?

[MacSpruce]

I have friends coming from Canada for a thirty day visit, mid-February to mid-March. They have expressed an interest in making side trips to Cambodia and Laos.

I originally told them they wouldn't need visas, as they will receive 30 days on arrival. But if we decide to make a trip to Angkor and/or up to Laos, would it be better for them to obtain proper tourist visas in Canada and then get exit/re-entry permits at the immigration office in Soi Suan Phlu? Or could they obtain such permits just on the VOA?

And if it's better they get tourist visas in Canada, how much will that cost them?

Thanks.

[Lite Beer]

If they are only staying for 30 days they will not need a Visa. When they visit Laos/Cambodia and return to Thailand they will get another 30 days if arriving by air or 15 days if arriving by land. They will need Visas to enter Laos and Cambodia.

Info. on Laos and Cambodia Visas. http://cambodia.visahq.com/embassy/Canada/

Or have a look here. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Southeast-Asia-Forum-f123.html

[Mario2008]

With a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days they don't need a visa. Every time they enter Thailand by air they get a permission to stay for 30 days. But when they enter by land they will get a permission to stay of only 15 days. So side trips are ok, but plan them.

[MacSpruce]

If they are only staying for 30 days they will not need a Visa. When they visit Laos/Cambodia and return to Thailand they will get another 30 days if arriving by air or 15 days if arriving by land. They will need Visas to enter Laos and Cambodia.

Info. on Laos and Cambodia Visas. http://cambodia.visahq.com/embassy/Canada/

Or have a look here. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Southeast-Asia-Forum-f123.html

In both cases, we would likely be entering/exiting by land. I know the Lao visa can be obtained at the border; is it the same with Cambodia?

Again, thanks.

[ubonjoe]

Yes a visa can be obtained at the border for Cambodia.

[MisterBean]

Cambodia is easy. Bring a passport size photo (they aren't picky) and US currency. $20 to get the visa $25 to leave at the airport if you fly. If you don't have US they give horrible exchange rates. Laos must dislike Canadians for some reason as they charge the highest visa fee for Canadians. I think I paid $41 which included an extra $1 for arriving in the evening. Again, bring US currency. If you cross overland from Myanmar they will only give 15 days but when I crossed overland from Laos I was given the usual 30 days.

As others have said they do not need to do anything for Thailand for that length of stay, they will be given another 30 days everytime they return.

[Mario2008]

The rule on visa exempt entries is 15 days by land and 30 days by air. (They probably gave you a wrong stamp, as Loatians always get 30 days).

[MisterBean]

The rule on visa exempt entries is 15 days by land and 30 days by air. (They probably gave you a wrong stamp, as Loatians always get 30 days).

My mistake, I made the crossing before the new rules came into effect.