Visa Run Suggestion Needed

[sniffdog]

- around that time (14:00 and later) most Angkor Wat tourists arrive at Poi Pet and create a chaos at the border (both Cambodia EXIT as well as Thailand IN).

- the last train leaves at 13:40 and the last bus from Aran at approx 15:00

- there is no public bus service from Morchit to Aran anymore (this was confirmed by Morchit staff twice, but don't know it's true).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where did you get these silly information? they are quite different from talesofaisa.com.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Point out the differences by giving exact references instead of a vague URL.

Oh, yeah, where I got the info from? Well, maybe from around 30 visits?

BTW As you describe this info as 'silly', I suppose you've been there yourself multiple times, Bright Light?

And I really liked your previous comparison with smoking in a van and a bar .... Keep these clever posts coming, Michelbkk!

Edited October 3, 2005 by sniffdog

[Stube]

My girlfriend went for a visa run with a new company yesterday.

Left 10:00, came back 17:30.

That was quick, and I was even late to pick her up.

[Lobsterman]

- around that time (14:00 and later) most Angkor Wat tourists arrive at Poi Pet and create a chaos at the border (both Cambodia EXIT as well as Thailand IN).

- the last train leaves at 13:40 and the last bus from Aran at approx 15:00

- there is no public bus service from Morchit to Aran anymore (this was confirmed by Morchit staff twice, but don't know it's true).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where did you get these silly information? they are quite different from talesofaisa.com.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

must've been from www.talesofsniffdog.com.

[Lynnx]

- there is no public bus service from Morchit to Aran anymore (this was confirmed by Morchit staff twice, but don't know it's true).

A colleague of mine did a Visa Run from Morchit to Aran on Friday. No problem, there is a public bus service at least once every 30 minutes.

[klongmaster]

Ban Laem Visa Run

Disclaimer: I have no association with any visa run company…just a long-term poster sharing info for those who have similar needs

Jack Golf have changed their run on Saturday and Sunday from PoiPet to Ban Laem because of the long delays in PoiPet on the weekends.

On Sunday we left Bkk at 7am and arrived back at 4:15 so the time factor is about the same.

The trip takes about 30 minutes longer each way but there is no delay at the border.

You must present your own passport to Thai immigration both out and in and then JG take care of the Cambodian details while you have lunch in the casino.

At the moment there’s hardly anyone using this crossing so a whole bus is cleared in about 10 – 15 mins.

Lunch is Thai food and it’s the only casino I’ve ever been in where they use money and not chips.

JG accompanied this group himself and it looks like they will transfer their total operation here, every day of the week instead of just the weekend.

This is the same crossing that Philip uses in the runs from Ekamai, but he goes down to Klaeng (344) and across to Chathaburi (3) and then up to PongNamRon (317) and finally out to the border (3193) at Ban Laem.

JG goes the other way: takes the 304 from Bangkok to Phanom Sarakham and then the 359 towards Sa Kaeo where you turn right onto the 317 (which is exactly 200kms from BKK). After Soi Dao turn left at Wang Nam Yen onto the 3193 and out to the border at Ban Laem.

If you’re driving, Phil’s route is a much better road, with more traffic but more passing opportunities. It’s also much further and obviously takes a lot longer.

JG’s route is shorter and quicker. The roads are narrower but not as busy.

Personally I prefer JG’s route cause it’s much more scenic, especially as you come down the 317…very beautiful countryside.

[ilyushin]

When i did the visa runs i found going to Laos to be the most enjoyable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I no longer make visa runs , but if I did I would also go to Laos. It really is enjoyable.

Go there when I can.

[Michelbkk]

Lunch is Thai food and it’s the only casino I’ve ever been in where they use money and not chips.

Did you have a kiwi pie in the casino?

[klongmaster]

Actually MC the food was better than in the casino at Poipet

But no pies

[Ronpang]

My girlfriend went for a visa run with a new company yesterday.

Left 10:00, came back 17:30.

That was quick, and I was even late to pick her up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It would be much better if this company could leave at 8:30 & come back at 16:00.

[Lynnx]

I no longer make visa runs , but if I did I would also go to Laos. It really is enjoyable. Go there when I can.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is that? Any particular reason?

[Stube]

My girlfriend went for a visa run with a new company yesterday.

Left 10:00, came back 17:30.

That was quick, and I was even late to pick her up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It would be much better if this company could leave at 8:30 & come back at 16:00.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

10:00 leaving is perfect for me, I will have enough time to take kids to school and take my girlfriend to the visarun company. BTW they only charged her 1,000 baht last time.

[Michelbkk]

Actually MC the food was better than in the casino at Poipet

But no pies

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about a kiwi dessert?

[Kuipers]

depart 10 o'clock, a bit late for me, but it is pretty quick.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

did a visarun with them last Saturday, it was really quick, back about 6:00 PM.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lynnx,

8 hours trip sounds not too bad. Do you know which way do they take? I would like to drive there by myself.

Edited February 21, 2006 by udon

[Iain]

Rama9 > Motoway > Ban Bueng > Klaeng > Chanturi > PNR

[Kuipers]

that's right, this company only charges Laotian girls for 1000 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Stude,

Do you have any idea how they gonna charge an Indonesian maid?

[Stube]

that's right, this company only charges Laotian girls for 1000 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Stude,

Do you have any idea how they gonna charge an Indonesian maid?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2000 baht same as farang, I was told.

[Kuipers]

I have a Cambodian visa issued in Sa Kaew, Cambodian Consulate. My question is : can I go to Pong Nam Ron with this visa?

[thanwa]

that's right, this company only charges Laotian girls for 1000 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Filipinos, Laos, and Malaysians don’t need a visa for going to Cambodia, which is 1,000 Baht worth down the border. I guess Jack Golf and Fineday Tour overcharged these people for the visaruns.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Must agree with yr comment , recently did a lot of research n I would like to pass on following summarized info about the known ,new n upcoming operators .

All operators offer similar services .

In addition to the regular Buses from Morchid to Aran n the Train it is also possible to do the Visa Run with a private car , but not recommended as relative expensive .

Total distance from BKK-Poi Pet –BKK is 500 km n BKK-Ban Laem-BKK is 600 km .

Whatever you choose I recommend , for the time being , to consider the operators who go to Ban Laem/Pong Nam Rong .This Border Crossing is hasslefree n convenient .

You can turn around in 15-20 minutes .

1. Jackgolf , well known operator , Ad in BKK Post n Web www.jackgolf.com , 2 Buses every day to Poi Pet n Ban Laem , depart @ Sukhumvit Soi 12 , Cost THB 2,000.- .

2. Fineday Tours , long time operator , Ad in BKK Post ,Web www.finedaytour.com , 1 Bus n 1 Mini Van every day to Poi Pet , depart @ MRT Asoke , Cost THB 2,000.- for Bus n THB 2,200.- for Mini Van.

3. Quick visa run , relative new operator , Ad in BKK Post n Web www.thaivisarun.com , 1 Mini Van on Tuesday,Thursday through Sunday to Ban Laem , depart @ Ekamai , Cost THB 2,000.-.

4. East MeetsWest Travel , long time operator ,Ad in BKK Post , Web www.eastmeetswesttravel.com , 1 Mini Van every day to Poi Pet ,depart @ Sukhumvit Soi 12 , cost THB 2,000.-

5. Thai Visa Service , new operator , European Management , Flyers , Ad in BKK Post n Web www.thaivisaservice.com , 1 new Van ,every day to Ban Laem , depart @ Thonglor , Price hit with good service at THB 1,600.-, just did Visa Run last week , highly recommanded . For small groups 3-5 person private trip can be arranged with new car . Citizen from Laos,Malaysia n Philippines are charged only for the Transportation THB 600.- for round trip.

6. VipVisa Bus , not yet started ,but found Webside recently , FYI www.vipvisabus.com , depart @ Emporium , Cost THB 2,100.-.

7. Foreigner Marketing Co.Ltd , got Flyer yesterday in front of Landmark Hotel , no web ,contact 02-3900155 , depart @ BTS On Nut , THB 2,400.-.

8. Travel Mart Tours , Cambodian Tour operator , Flyer in Tom's Team Travel Agency @BKK Garden Condo , no Web ,call 02-6291300 , 1 Mini Van everyday ,not tried yet , quoted THB 2,200.-

Surely there are more operarors in BKK , specially for the huge amount of Asians (Japanese & Korean ) , but caption cater for the English speaking foreigners .

Based on the webside of Thai Immigration following are the rules . TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002), 18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005), passport holders from 40 countries and Hong Kong SAR do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days.

- The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

- Please also be advised that ordinary passport holders of 40 countries and Hong Kong who intend to engage in certain activities are eligible to apply for a visa when entering the Kingdom if their qualifications meet the conditions set forth by the Office of Immigration Bureau. For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration Bureau, Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Tel. (662) 287-3101-10 or at website http://police.go.th

• List of 40 countries and one region is as follows:

1. Australia: Commonwealth of Australia

2. Austria: Republic of Austria

3. Belgium: Kingdom of Belgium

4. Brazil: Federative Republic of Brazil 90 Days

5. Bahrain: State of Bahrain

6. Brunei Darussalam: Negara Brunei Darussalam

7. Canada

8. Denmark: Kingdom of Denmark

9. Finland: Republic of Finland

10. France: French Republic

11. Germany: Federal Republic of Germany

12. Greece: Hellenic Republic

13. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

14. Iceland: Republic of Iceland

15. Indonesia: Republic of Indonesia

16. Ireland: Republic of Ireland

17. Israel: State of Israel

18. Italy: Republic of Italy

19. Japan

20. Korea: Republic of Korea 90 Days

21. Kuwait: State of Kuwait

22. Luxembourg: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

23. Malaysia

24. Netherlands: Kingdom of the Netherlands

25. New Zealand

26. Norway: Kingdom of Norway

27. Oman: Sultanate of Oman

28. Peru: Republic of Peru

29. Philippines: Republic of the Philippines

30. Portugal: Republic of Portugal

31. Qatar: State of Qatar

32. Singapore: Republic of Singapore

33. Spain: Kingdom of Spain

34. South Africa: Republic of South Africa

35. Sweden: Kingdom of Sweden

36. Switzerland: Swiss Confederation

37. Turkey: Republic of Turkey

38. United Arab Emirates

39. United Kingdom: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

40. United States of America

41. Vietnam: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

[Lynnx]

that's right, this company only charges Laotian girls for 1000 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Filipinos, Laos, and Malaysians don’t need a visa for going to Cambodia, which is 1,000 Baht worth down the border. I guess Jack Golf and Fineday Tour overcharged these people for the visaruns.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Iain, you are right, much more honest people run this company. Last week my friend went there with her 2 kids, they just told her to let kids go home with the maid. Losing 2 clients by telling a truth, "kids don’t need to do the visarun". This is the first time they’ve ever been told.

[visarunner]

I'm puzzled . Anyone who is not Thai need a visa to stay.

Regardless of age or are the rules changed ?

Would appreciate some input.

Thank you

[lopburi3]

I'm puzzled . Anyone who is not Thai need a visa to stay.

Regardless of age or are the rules changed ?

Would appreciate some input.

Thank you

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A 30 day border entry is not a visa so no, everybody who is not Thai do not need a visa to stay. There are about 40 countries who do not need a visa for Thailand to stay for short periods.

[visarunner]

Hello Lopburi3 ,

thank's for the reply , know about the rules which are described in a reply earlier from Thanwa . I'm a frequent reader , but just started to post .

[Kuipers]

depart 10 o'clock, a bit late for me, but it is pretty quick.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

did a visarun with them last Saturday, it was really quick, back about 6:00 PM.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

did a visarun by my own car during weekend, it took almost 10 hours for the whole trip, and cost me over 15 hundred baht only for the gas bill, I guess I will try these guys next time.

[Ronpang]

Got me visa done at Baan Laem on Chrismas Day, it was really quiet out there. Talked to the guy who is in charge of the tourist centre, there were 5 big buses and 7 minibuses, totally less than 100 passengers. I was wondering how could these guys make some money?

Edited December 26, 2005 by Ronpang

[lingyai]

I was wondering if there is a easy way to get from PoiPet to Battembang?

If I am going to payout 1000baht to cambodia gov't I would like to stay a day or two but only if it is not super far (I have been to Siam Reap, Phnom Penn, Sihanoukville already)

there also seems to be a road from the Palin crossing?

anybody done this?

Last question, how about from Aranya Prathet to Praset Phanon Rung (in Thailand), which looks to be about 2 hours north?

[lingyai]

Also has anybody taken the train to the border? It looks like it takes an hour longer

I took the train to Hua Hin once and the scenery was a bit better than the bus.

[Isaanlover]

Also has anybody taken the train to the border? It looks like it takes an hour longer

I took the train to Hua Hin once and the scenery was a bit better than the bus.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't take the train, it takes much longer than the bus.

[klongmaster]

Also has anybody taken the train to the border? I

years ago i took the train...i like trains...

it's 305 kms to Arun...took 7 hours!!

3rd class seats everywhere

but only cost 44 baht

i came back on the bus for 144 baht

[sniffdog]

=====================================================================

The Filipinos, Laos, and Malaysians don’t need a visa for going to Cambodia, which is 1,000 Baht worth down the border. I guess Jack Golf and Fineday Tour overcharged these people for the visaruns.

=====================================================================

More nonsense of the King of Crap.

These people do need a visa. However there is no visa fee. JackGolf charges these nationalities only THB 900 (500 to and 400 from Aran/Ban Leam).

But I've noticed in Poi Pet that they are required to 200 baht 'entry' fee.

[visarunner]

don't know about PoiPet ,but in Ban Laem the Authorities started to charge independant Visa Applicants at least THB 1,100.- , so far the Phil are free ,but this could be changed any time .

Ban Laem is getting also more busy , a friend of mine needed over 1.5 hour for the whole procedure , as a group from Pattaya needed to clear overstay n the entry to Thailand was very slow .

Ban Laem is busy only from 11.00 to 13.00 as all tours from BKK n Pattaya arrive around the same time .

For any updates on Visa Run companies n their fees , pls take a look in BKK Post n check their relevant websites .