Visa Run

[scottjbarrow]

Hi,

I am looking to do a visa run this weekend by driving to the border myself from chonburi. I have a non-imm 'O' visa so just need to leave and re-enter the country. Can you help me with the following:-

1. Best Border to go to (want a nice quite border, but one where I can easily get a visa).

2. Directions to that border.

3. Do I need to get a cambodian visa before I go or can I get one at the border?

4. Best places to stay near the border.

5. Costs and money (baht or $)

6. Any thing else you can help with.

Thanks in advance.

Scott.

Edited March 15, 2006 by scottjbarrow

[thaiflyer1]

I know this isnt what you want to know but............

I seriously consider using one of the mini buses/coaches that do the border runs at least for the first time.

They cost approx 2000 baht including breakfast lunch and Cambo visa...........there are many operators out of Pattaya/Bangkok offering the service.

Most go to either Aranyprathet/Poi-Pet or Pong Nam Ron...........the first can be chaos the latter is quiet.........round trip is approx 9 hours.

Cambo visa's are available at the border.

Sorry can't be more helpful

[astral]

Don't go to Aranyaprathet.

Drive south, through Rayong to Trat.

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.

Crossing the border is relatively easy with minimal queues.

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 your country, or 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.

If you own your car then you can drive across the border with a minimum of fuss and stay a few days. You will need the registration book for the car, which must be in your name. Contact the Immigration desk on the Thai side and tell them you are taking your car, complete a simple form and pay 50 baht. The Thai Customs office will then stamp the paper. After completing normal immigration formalities drive across the border and clear Cambodian Immigration. Then proceed to the Cambodian Customs post, which is located on top of the small hill. They will issue a temporary laminated card number plate to be displayed at the front and back of the vehicle. They will also levy a small fee of 150 baht for a one week stay. You are limited to driving in the immediate area which is Koh Kong province of Cambodia with your car. On the most recent trip we were required to report to the Customs post every day. This appears to be an effort to stop people travelling to far from the border and is the result of a memo from the Deputy Prime Minister' office. However the customs officers did not seem to be too clear on the matter.

[scottjbarrow]

Sorry this isn't my first time, I have done many border trips using the vans as you suggest. I just want to try something different and take my time. Because everything is organised using the vans, I needed to find out the specifics of doing it yourself. Plus it will be nice to stop at a few places on the way :-D

Thanks for the suggestion though and taking the time to reply.

[h90]

I was happy at Ban Laem

Hi,

I am looking to do a visa run this weekend by driving to the border myself from chonburi. I have a non-imm 'O' visa so just need to leave and re-enter the country. Can you help me with the following:-

1. Best Border to go to (want a nice quite border, but one where I can easily get a visa).

2. Directions to that border.

3. Do I need to get a cambodian visa before I go or can I get one at the border?

4. Best places to stay near the border.

5. Costs and money (baht or $)

6. Any thing else you can help with.

Thanks in advance.

Scott.

[sungod]

Scott, closest border to you is (Prun) Soi Dao, there and back from Chonburi about 6 hours. I drive it myself and leaving early is a nice drive. If you wish to stay in the area the there is accomadation in Soi Dao itself and a 18 hole golf course if that floats your boat. PM me if interested and will send you a route card.

[visarunner]

would still go to Ban Laem , the road is much better and easier to find.

Directions you should have , however you can go the Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chantaburi,Pong Nam Ron Road as well.

A nice drive , just try to be there before 10.30am or after 12.30 pm .

Visa is THB 1000.-, however you will be asked to use a Visaagent, price is nego to about THB 100.-/person.

Thai require Passport to pass. On the Cambo side DAUNG you can visit a Casino in which people play with real cash.

Take 1 Photo with you.

[sungod]

So would I,its the same place Einstein! Never used an agent, not needed, stamp out Thailand, walk border, buy visa Cambodia, stamp in Cambodia, stamp out Cambodia ( may ask for 300 baht to leave Cambodia immediately) stamp in Thailand. 20 mins at the most.

[sriracha john]

So would I, its the same place Einstein!

Never used an agent, not needed, stamp out Thailand, walk border, buy visa Cambodia, stamp in Cambodia, stamp out Cambodia ( may ask for 300 baht to leave Cambodia immediately) stamp in Thailand. 20 mins at the most.

It was when I first utilized it with it's opening last year and there was only one other farang in sight.

Last time, with the Bangkok busses and the Pattaya mini-vans and throngs of farang now using it, it takes longer.

..... still, however.... the best bet going for closeness to the OP.

*edit*... btw, I was only charged 100B to get processed out... but then again, I did do some work for the Cambodian Immigration Department by writing out the names of what the cable television channel abbreviations meant for the immigration official with his new satellite tv in the office.

Edited March 16, 2006 by sriracha john

[udon]

would still go to Ban Laem , the road is much better and easier to find.

Directions you should have , however you can go the Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chantaburi,Pong Nam Ron Road as well.

A nice drive , just try to be there before 10.30am or after 12.30 pm .

Visa is THB 1000.-, however you will be asked to use a Visaagent, price is nego to about THB 100.-/person.

Thai require Passport to pass. On the Cambo side DAUNG you can visit a Casino in which people play with real cash.

Take 1 Photo with you.

Seconded and good roads all the way.

Maps

Go to Pong Nam Ron and East towards Pailin.