I haven't been to Vientiane for a visa for over ten years now.......

Since i married my wife and started getting Non-'O' one year extensions I was doing it in Chiangmai for the last ten years....... but when we went to apply for the extension last November the GBPound had dropped so that my pension didn't reach the qualifying 40,000 Baht.

Since then i have been doing the 15 day border runs to MaeSai from my home in Fang...... an inconvenience but cheaper for me....

Now with this new rule I shall have to go and get a Non-'O' marriage visa in Vientiane next week....

1. I want to do it as cheaply as I can so i've been told the night bus from Chiangmai to Udon is the best bet.... any ideas?

2. Also, would I be allowed to take a folding bicycle with me across to Laos and use it to get around on....cheaper than transport and useful to do a bit of touring....thoughts?

3. How much for a Laos entry visa...available at the Bridge i suppose?

4. I just missed the free visas...but I need a Marriage Non-O....what do I need i the way of paperwork? and fee?

5. are there any cheap guesthouses in Vientiane....around 300 Baht or similar?

I know I will be classified as a cheap bum by some here at TV....... I retired from 25 years in the British Army and decided to live here...... existing on my army pension. My wife and I and our two children and her parents all live together, and live reasonably well. I do not live a Western lifestyle, nor to a tourist's standards, but as a practising Buddhist am content with that.

now the GBP is at 55 Baht...if it doesn't drop...my pension now creeps over the 40,000 baht and I should be able to apply for a one year extension next month

Edited June 2, 200917 yr by fabianfred

Others will have to answer the details but:

1. Suspect that would be the transport to use.

2. Have no idea but expect there might be customs consternation on that.

3. Believe it varies by nationality but about 1,000 baht.

4. Marriage certificate/copy, copy wife ID card, I would also carry copy her home register and a short/dated note from her asking visa to be issued (helps prove current relationship). Single entry should be about 2k and if you can get multi entry about 5-6k I believe.

5. Read the Vientiane visa thread in the pinned items - many people give details of there trip with recomendations.

I am not sure how likely a multi entry is but at Penang or KL if you can show a bank account with about 100k (probably less if they like you) they are available. Travel by air can be quite cheap now so that might be a viable option as would cover you for almost 15 months. But read up on the Vientiane thread - perhaps you can also get there.

Link to a post in a 45 page topic about Vientiane visa runs from a member who did the Chiang Mai to Udon bus trip.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2699647

You can rent bicycles in Vientiane if you are brave enough to ride one.

Visa on arrival is 1500 baht and you need one photo.

Single entry visa is 2000 baht.

You can find some cheap rooms if you look around. Look through the topic I gave a link to and you may find some suggestions.