Marathon And Visa

[Newington]

Hi Isaan,

I have tried to find this information without success so I apologise in advance for asking again. I am coming to Khon Kaen from Chiang Mai for the Marathon at the end of January and I also have to do a Visa run just afterwards. I thought that I would stay in the area for a few days and am hoping that you can possibly tell where is the best place to get a new stamp for my Visa from Khon Kaen and also the cost as I normally do this in Burma. Thank you so much.

[MrRed]

Go to the Laos border at Nong Khai,you can get a bus from KK 2 hours.

[Newington]

Thank you so much Red Shirt for your help. Can you possibly let me know how much the whole process costs just so that I am prepared and if they accept Dollars or if it is only thai Baht. Thanks.

[Lite Beer]

Bus ? not a lot.

Visa to enter Laos around 1,500 baht depending on your nationality.

[kdadane]

I cross into Laos at Nakhon Phanom and they do accept US 35.00 or like was said before cost is otherwise 1500 Baht. Exchange rate definately in their favor.

[MrRed]

The bus to Nong Khai leaves from the air bus station in the City(not the non air)the cost is around 170 baht.

You could get the train in the morning for 30 baht,the benefit of this is it takes you to the border or 30 baht in a tuk tuk. 2 and half hours on the train.

They do except dollars 35+1=36 dollars(1 dollar if you enter when they are on a tea-break ;-0)

I am in training at the moment for the marathon,yet to decide which one! hope you enjoy the city and have a great day.

[KhunBENQ]

From the KK aircon bus station there is a "LAO THAI INTERNATIONAL BUS".

I do not have experience with it, but I guess you can use it to get to the Lao side of the bridge directly (no changing of buses etc.).

Edited January 2, 2012 by KhunBENQ

[MrRed]

For the above bus you will have to get your Laos visa first at the Laos embassy in Khon Kaen as the bus does not wait for people at the border to do there inward visa applications.

As Khun Benq says if you just want to get off at the border it is ideal to get there without the changes.

On the Laos side you can get the local bus to the bus station in Vientiane for 20 baht(small blue buses...veer to the right after you exit passport check point),ie- walk past the touts for mini-vans and you will see the small blue buses.