Diy Border Run

[ivancampo]

Hi guys,

My first 90 day stamp of my marriage visa is about to expire so I'm about to enjoy the thrills of the border run.

I am living in ban Chang with my wife and daughter so I'm guessing Pataya is the best place to go from. (Maybe Rayong while it's closer if there is any runs from there?)

My wife wants to come with me for the first run and thinks we should travel by ourselves with the border being so close to here.

How much more easier is the process to obtain a stamp without using a visa run company? Is it safe, quick and what are the roads like?

If it is not advisable to go solo whats the best company to use? Will we have to travel to Pataya (No problems about that) or can we be picked up en route?

I wish to go this Saturday morning (26/9) and have just done some quick scanning around on the web at various companies.

Probably the best one I've seen used the most is from the Sportsmans bar (I like the thought of breakfast and free ale afterwards). But I don't know. Again, recomendations would be helpful.

If going solo is an option then maps/routes if anybody has them (from Banchang) would be nice. Also any walkthroughs for the Visa process would be good so we know what the script is at the border.

Thanks for your help.

Mat.

[SantiSuk]

Can recommend Sportsmans - efficient and luxury van; the breakfast and ale make it an event. I used it one time about 6 months ago but have one year non immigrant O now

Since they take care of everything I'm not in a position to guide you on process for DIY

edited to remove annoying repeat of original post

[astral]

Sorry I thought you wanted to Do It Yourself?

You can drive to a number of border crossings from the Pattaya area.

My preference is Had Lek, just beyond Trat, as it is a quiet crossing.

From Trat, follow route 318, heading for Klong Yai. It is about 100km to the border crossing and the road winds along the narrow strip of land between the hills that form the border with Cambodia, and the sea. Along the way there are many un-spoilt beaches with white sands, where basic accommodation is available in beach side huts.

Pass through the village of Klong Yai, and after a few more kilometres you will reach the border post at Had Lek.

All people, including Thai citizens, require a valid passport and visa to cross into Cambodia. The visa can either be obtained from the Royal Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok.

Alternatively you can get the visa at the border crossing.

Obtaining the visa at the border is preferable as it only takes a few minutes, whereas the Cambodian embassy will take several days.

The cost of the tourist visa is US$20, but the Cambodian officials at the border will only accept Thai Baht, and at the present they calculate the price as 1100 Baht.

This tourist visa is valid for one month and can be extended once. You need a passport size photo for the visa application.