Thai/lao Visas In Kunming

[ChouDoufu]

went to thai and lao consulates in kunming early this week for visas.....this may be

useful for anyone in china in need of visas....

thai consulate is at 145 east dongfeng rd in the kunming hotel compound.

phone 316-8916. hours m-f 9:00-11:30

cost of ED visa (for us citizens) is 450 RMB with next day pickup.

fast service, no waiting. ten-minute application, one minute pickup.

ED visa has a 90-day single-entry validity.

**there was no signage indicating free tourist visas**

lao consulate is at 96 east dongfeng rd in the first floor of the camellia (cha hua) hotel.

phone 317-6623. hours m-f 9:00-11:30 & 14:00-16:00

you're allowed to pick from a menu of options. cost of tourist visa (us citizen)

-seven days 260 RMB/three days 310 RMB/next day 360 RMB/same day 450 RMB

as at thai consulate, fast service, no waiting. ten-minute application, one minute pickup.

tourist visa is single-entry, valid for entry within 60 days.

directions to the consulates:

from kunming train station: after leaving the platform, follow the crowd to the exit gates.

from there go left for taxis (8 RMB) to the consulates. or go straight ahead and up the stairs

and to the street. to your left is a T-intersection with beijing rd. catch a red K1 bus (1 RMB),

ride four stops to dongfeng square. **this bus stop island is one of the worst spots in kunming

for pickpockets** head east on east dongfeng rd to the next intersection (bai ta rd). kunming

hotel compound is on the northwest corner. the thai consulate is in its own building to the left

of the front gate. visa section has a separate entrance on the north side of the building.

business center with copiers is available on the first floor of the kunming hotel.

for lao consulate, return to east dongfeng rd. continue east another 300 meters or so.

camellia (cha hua) hotel is on the north side. lao consulate is on the first floor. there is internet

access by the reception desk. cheap lodging available next door at the youth hostel.

from kunming airport: taxis to the consulates will run 20-25 RMB. public busses stop at the

roundabout in front of the airport. take the #52 bus (1 RMB). should take about half an

hour depending on traffic. in the downtown shopping district, you will be heading west on

dongfeng rd, cross over a canal, with a bus stop at dongfeng square on your right. bus will then

cross beijing street. another 300 meters or so will be your stop - "shi zheng <deleted>." kunming hotel

and thai consulate is across the street.

Edited June 26, 2009 by ChouDoufu