Best place to apply for tourist visa (from Chiang Mai)

[Hikage]

I'm an Australian in Chiang Mai on a 30 day stay and wish to apply for a tourist visa. From here, where is the best place to apply (most likely to grant) and how long will the application process take? I'd prefer to fly!

Thank you.

[theoldgit]

Seems like your wanting a tourist visa for Thailand, I will move this to the appropriate forum.

[ubonjoe]

At most nearby locations other than Cambodia (4 days) the visa is ready for pick-up the next afternoon after applying in the morning of first day.

You could get a 1 or 2 entry tourist visa in Vientiane Laos. Check Nok Air for flights from CM to Vientiane that are fly/ride via Udon Thani.

The next option would be Penang Malaysia for a single entry. Some people would say KL Malaysia as another option but I do not agree because they have been turning people away recently without a visa.

[JeremyBowskill]

Could get a flight to Yangon....

[Hikage]

At most nearby locations other than Cambodia (4 days) the visa is ready for pick-up the next afternoon after applying in the morning of first day.

You could get a 1 or 2 entry tourist visa in Vientiane Laos. Check Nok Air for flights from CM to Vientiane that are fly/ride via Udon Thani.

The next option would be Penang Malaysia for a single entry. Some people would say KL Malaysia as another option but I do not agree because they have been turning people away recently without a visa.

Thanks.

How long does it take to process the visa in Vientiane? Is the consulate closed sat/sun? Or do you think Cambodia is the better option?

[ubonjoe]

No embassy or consulate is open on weekends.

In Vientiane you apply in the morning and pickup the next afternoon at consular section.. See: http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/en/consular/consular_check/

Cambodia takes up to 4 days to get the visa.

[Hikage]

No embassy or consulate is open on weekends.

In Vientiane you apply in the morning and pickup the next afternoon at consular section.. See: http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/en/consular/consular_check/

Cambodia takes up to 4 days to get the visa.

Thanks, so Vientiane looks like a 4 day exercise.

day 1 = arrive

day 2 = lodge pp before 11:30

day 3 = pick up pp arvo

day 4 = depart

Or would it be possible to get back to Chiang Mai on the afternoon of day 3?

Cheers

[ubonjoe]

Whether you can get back to CM on the day you pick up would depend upon your flight schedule. You should have your passport back and on the way to bridge easily by 3pm. It is less than an hour from bridge to the airport in Udon.

I suggest you avoid making your application on Monday and Wednesday. That can be the busiest days.

[Hikage]

Whether you can get back to CM on the day you pick up would depend upon your flight schedule. You should have your passport back and on the way to bridge easily by 3pm. It is less than an hour from bridge to the airport in Udon.

I suggest you avoid making your application on Monday and Wednesday. That can be the busiest days.

OK, thanks for your help.