Laos

[eirikur3]

Hi, i need to go to Laos soon, and am i little unsure about the procedure. Can i get a visa into Laos at the border easily ? I will drive from Pattaya on 4th august and arrive at the embassy the morning after, can i cross the border at maybe 9 am and sill reach the thai embassy in time, so i can get my passport the day after? Does anyone know if there are any official Thai holidays in that periode 4. august- 7. week ? Are there any other things i should be aware of in making that visa run ?

Best regards, Erik

[Tod Daniels]

There is a plethora of information available on the T/V Forum about going to Vientiane Lao PDR for visas in this thread (which is btw 47 pages long);

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Vientiane-La...sa-t158561.html

Read the last 4 or 5 pages to get the most up-to-date info.

Remember the Thai Consulate in Lao PDR celebrates both thai and Lao holidays, so it is best to either call them or peruse a Laotian calendar to see about upcoming holidays.

Yes, you can get a visa into Lao at the border, but depending on border traffic it is unpredictable time wise as to how long that will take. I've had good luck and bad, one time being held up there for over an hour while a single person did all the Lao Visa processing. The fee for a Lao visa is dependent on your nationality, with some countries paying far more than others, so check the Lao Embassy's website in Bangkok for current fees.

While I realize driving from Pattaya to Nong Khai might be a novel way to kill 10+ hours; you can take a comfortable bus for a fraction of the petrol costs of slogging it up there and back. Of course as the thais say "up-2-u".

Depending on the day you arrive; getting to the border at 9 will give you very little time to run for the consulate and turn in your passport and documentation. I'm not saying it couldn't be done, but if you're driving up there as you say, why not try to hit the border earlier, and not be pressed for time?

Read the link to the T/V thread concerning getting a thai visa in Vientiane. It should answer your questions.

[eirikur3]

There is a plethora of information available on the T/V Forum about going to Vientiane Lao PDR for visas in this thread (which is btw 47 pages long);

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Vientiane-La...sa-t158561.html

Read the last 4 or 5 pages to get the most up-to-date info.

Remember the Thai Consulate in Lao PDR celebrates both thai and Lao holidays, so it is best to either call them or peruse a Laotian calendar to see about upcoming holidays.

Yes, you can get a visa into Lao at the border, but depending on border traffic it is unpredictable time wise as to how long that will take. I've had good luck and bad, one time being held up there for over an hour while a single person did all the Lao Visa processing. The fee for a Lao visa is dependent on your nationality, with some countries paying far more than others, so check the Lao Embassy's website in Bangkok for current fees.

While I realize driving from Pattaya to Nong Khai might be a novel way to kill 10+ hours; you can take a comfortable bus for a fraction of the petrol costs of slogging it up there and back. Of course as the thais say "up-2-u".

Depending on the day you arrive; getting to the border at 9 will give you very little time to run for the consulate and turn in your passport and documentation. I'm not saying it couldn't be done, but if you're driving up there as you say, why not try to hit the border earlier, and not be pressed for time?

Read the link to the T/V thread concerning getting a thai visa in Vientiane. It should answer your questions.

Thanks very much for your help

[brisguy]

Hi Erik,

I live in Jomtien and will be going to Lao for a visa on either the 3rd or 4th of August. I will take a bus to Khon Kaen, then on to Lao. I stop at Khon Kaen to get my Lao visa, then can take a bus direct to Vientiane the next morning. Avoids the delay in waiting for Lao visa at friendship bridge. If you want to know more just send me a message.

[stokie]

Hi Erik,

I live in Jomtien and will be going to Lao for a visa on either the 3rd or 4th of August. I will take a bus to Khon Kaen, then on to Lao. I stop at Khon Kaen to get my Lao visa, then can take a bus direct to Vientiane the next morning. Avoids the delay in waiting for Lao visa at friendship bridge. If you want to know more just send me a message.

Where do you apply for a Laos visa in Khon Kaen because i have to go Laos in September? How much does the bus cost Vientiane?

[brisguy]

Sorry I can't give you exact address, it is on Th Prachasamoson heading East away from the "Ordinary" bus terminal, wouldn't be more than 1km. on the right. Only a small office, look for the Lao flag. tuk tuk will get you there no probs. You can be in and out in 10mins.

Bus to Vientiane, again can't remember exactly, but something like 100-120baht one way. It leaves from the Air-Con bus terminal. If you get your visa in KK you will avoid the line up at the bridge, that can be tragic at times. Only 2 buses/day. 1 in morning around 7am, next in the afternoon around 3pm.

Bus from Pattaya to Khon Kaen about 490baht VIP lower deck.

If you're pressed for time do the drive option for sure. If you have 4 or 5 days to spare the bus is a great option and you get to see some of the countryside. If you decide to go on the 3rd or 4th I might see you on the bus..

Good luck.