Scenic Options For 90 Day In And Out (On Non-B)

[waters]

Hi All,

I'm looking for a relatively comfortable option for my 90 day in and out visa run.

I posted earlier concerning a marriage extension - but have only a week left on my current 90 day stay, and doubt we'll get all our docs together in time.

I have a 1 year multiple entry non-B - and this next 90 day in and out will bring me up to the end of the validity period of my visa. I have not been working in Thailand for the period of this visa and so do not have a work permit (at the moment).

I recall there being differences between land crossings - vs. international air.

So my first question - is whether there is any reason to be concerned about doing a land crossing - say to Savannakhet, or Vientiane? A very long time ago in Phuket - doing a 90 day visa run on a Non-B - and coming back by land in the South of Thailand without being able to show a work-permit could have potentially got you a 30 day tourist visa waiver instead (they were cracking down on dive masters and dive instructors at the time). Is there any chance that could happen now?

My second question is what would make for a relatively pleasant journey - just to cross the boarder, maybe stay a night (on either side), and then come back to Bangkok.

I've read several of the Savannakhet reports (although these are mainly for new visa applications) - including a recent poster that flew to Nakhon Phanom via Nok Air. This might be fun. Fly to Nakhon Phanom, take a bus to Mukdahan, cross the border and then come back immediately - taking the bus back to Nakhon Phanom and then Nok Air back to Bangkok the next day? I've left it late - but Nok Air offer 4,800 Baht return to Nakhon Phanom. Bus fairs and visa on arrival to Laos plus one night in Nakhon Phanom and this option would cost about 6-7,000 Baht I guess.

Thoughts?

I also don't mind the idea of taking a VIP coach out of Bangkok, and doing things at a relaxed pace - again spending a night on either side.

My last boarder run was a rather dull flight to Changi Airport and back on the same day - and flights are anywhere from 8,510 Baht (Air Asia) to 11,000 Baht (Thai Airways) to Singapore - all more expensive now since I've left it late.

Any suggestions, tips or advice greatly appreciated...

[lopburi3]

Any entry will get the normal allowed stay (90 days in your case) while visa is valid.

[waters]

Thanks lopburi3,

I've also just seen an AirAsia flight to Nakhon Phanom for 2,326.50 THB all-in.

So maybe the following is an option: Fly to Nakhon Phanom, then a bus to Mukdahan, cross to Suvanakhet - cross back to Mukdahan (within the same hour or so). Take the bus back to Nakhon Phanom - spending a night there before flying back to Bangkok the next day.

[lopburi3]

Udon and a night in Vientiane or either Nong Khai or Udorn would likely be easier done and not more expensive. Or could could do in one day as many flights.

[ubonjoe]

How about an overnight train in 2nd class sleeper to Ubon (about 500 baht). Then mini van from bus station to Chong Mek (about 2 hours) cross over the border there and return to Ubon the same day.

You can also fly to Ubon on Nok or Air Asia.

You could also rent a car for the trip to Chong Mek.

Instead of returning to Ubon the same day a trip to Pakse Laos from the border for an overnight stay is possible.

[waters]

Thanks ubonjoe - the sleeper train to Ubon and crossing at Chong Mek sounds like it might be fun. I'm a shutter bug as well - and so a trip like this might make for some nice photography.

[ubonjoe]

Thanks ubonjoe - the sleeper train to Ubon and crossing at Chong Mek sounds like it might be fun. I'm a shutter bug as well - and so a trip like this might make for some nice photography.

I have done the sleeper trip several times and have been able to get a pretty good nights sleep.

You should look into making the trip to Pakse.

A return option from Ubon if you just do the border run would be to spend the night and take the first class train (around 500 baht) the next morning that arrives in Bangkok early afternoon.