I need to make a visa run to Laos for a new tourist visa as was wondering if anyone can personally recommend a company they have used. If so please can you let me know the name or the contact details :-)

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This should be "Visa Run" of course

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Sawadee transport LTD They leave from On Nut Tesco Lotus in Bkk every Sunday and Wed 7pm(8pm) They also do daily runs to Cambodia I think that one leaves at 6-7am. I have used them for years as have many other people. The service was slipping a bit and the Tout drivers at the hotel are getting a little bit too much but its not a bad deal. If you go to Laos do not use the driver from the hotel he is a scam artist ended up charging multiple groups 800baht for a taxi ride to the river. 8x100. Just walk to the end of the entrance and call for a saleen we must punish the scumbag touts with the only way they can feel it in the pocket. http://www.thaivisaservice.com/

Edited March 17, 201412 yr by BigRick

Big Rick, that's the same company I've contacted. Their next availability to Laos is in April. And I'm hoping to go next week. Why would you need to use hotel drivers for anything? Doesn't the company take care of that? If anyone else has any recommendations of anyone they have used previously please give me a shout!!

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Because you spend a night at the hotel and most people like to spend a night out in exciting Laos! No they take care of transportation from A-B the paperwork/fees at the border and consulate(Also helpful for new passport stamp transfers),room and meals for the duration of your stay. It is a well oiled machine the hotel is not fancy the food is not amazing but the price is perfect for what you get. There is another service that seemed to be pretty on it also but I did not copy their name down. The only time they do not go to Laos is during major Thai holidays because the consulate is closed. The most important thing to remember if this is your first trip "Don't panic" They know what they are doing they have a system that has worked for many years. I actually enjoy the Laos aspect of the trip you can meet a lot of really nice people(Loads of drunken train wrecks also).

Because you spend a night at the hotel and most people like to spend a night out in exciting Laos! No they take care of transportation from A-B the paperwork/fees at the border and consulate(Also helpful for new passport stamp transfers),room and meals for the duration of your stay. It is a well oiled machine the hotel is not fancy the food is not amazing but the price is perfect for what you get. There is another service that seemed to be pretty on it also but I did not copy their name down. The only time they do not go to Laos is during major Thai holidays because the consulate is closed. The most important thing to remember if this is your first trip "Don't panic" They know what they are doing they have a system that has worked for many years. I actually enjoy the Laos aspect of the trip you can meet a lot of really nice people(Loads of drunken train wrecks also).

Thanks Rick. If I don't find someone else for next week, I'll go with them. How much did your trip cost because I think all in for me including visas I'm looking at around 4,500 baht? What's the journey there like? What's Vientiane like as a place?

I actually need stamps transferring to a new passport. I know you mention they are "helpful" with this. Is that something you've had experience of? Yes I am nervous about it and want the whole thing to go quickly and smoothly. I dread immigration offices for some reason probably watched too many films haha :-)

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6200baht for a double entry tourist visa 2m+1e + 2m+1e(Get a double if you are staying 6 months better to pay that extra 1k baht vs doing the trip over). I think his nieces name is Rin just let her know you have to transfer the stamp to a new passport and the driver will take you while everyone is waiting for the border to open. It costs 40baht and I was out before they even opened(Start of the national anthem). Vien Tien is sleepy to say the least. There are a few happening places the Riverfront bar is the most popular followed by the on top of the hotel across the river, Late night it closes down except for a few after hour clubs, They are ok but you will not find many westerners in there. The only time you will even talk to the immigration at the consul is when they ask you "Is this you" "Yes" the next day you will be handed back your passport at the border(Again back to the dont panic). The transfer is a formality and is very quick the office is about 3km from the border they will help you and not charge you anything(Sawadee the Thais charge you 40baht for the paperwork). If this is your first tourist visa remember its "Enter by/before date" it is easily the most overlooked aspect about a tourist visa. You also get to hit duty free on the way back into Thailand. Don't worry about immigration in Thailand just be polite and they are polite right back and professional.

Edited March 17, 201412 yr by BigRick

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54

Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54

Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.

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I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54
Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.




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Which "immigration" charges 400 Bht to transfer stamps ?

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54

Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.

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Which "immigration" charges 400 Bht

to transfer stamps ?

Laos.

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<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54
Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.




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Which "immigration" charges 400 Bht
to transfer stamps ?

Laos.


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Laos immigration officers do not "transfer" Thai immigration stamps !

So where, exactly, were you charged 400 Bht for stamps to be transferred .

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54
Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.




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Which "immigration" charges 400 Bht
to transfer stamps ?

Laos.


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Laos immigration officers do not "transfer" Thai immigration stamps !

So where, exactly, were you charged 400 Bht for stamps to be transferred .

I wasn't. Was told by someone who does the trip twice a week every week that they do. Click on the link above and ring the number if it bothers you that much. #ExclamationMark


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<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I did a search and found this one, http://www.meesuktravel.com/?page_id=54
Don't ask me about a recommendation because I have never done one. I drove myself from here.

Thanks Ubonjoe. They quoted me 5,900 baht all in. More than I'm looking to pay (4,500 baht) BUT they can do this Sunday whereas the other guys can't. For reference immigration charges 400 baht to transfer stamps from old passports to new.




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Which "immigration" charges 400 Bht
to transfer stamps ?

Laos.


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Laos immigration officers do not "transfer" Thai immigration stamps !

So where, exactly, were you charged 400 Bht for stamps to be transferred .

I wasn't. Was told by someone who does the trip twice a week every week that they do. Click on the link above and ring the number if it bothers you that much. #ExclamationMark


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All that concerns me is the deliberate posting of false and misleading information which in turn leads to confusion among those seeking genuine help.

As I said see my above post. I'm done with trolls.

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Nope they charged me 40Baht as in "forty" and it was at the Thai Amuphor/Immigration building down the street from friendship bridge Thai side. My full hole punched passport having the stamp transferred to my new US passport. They put a half page red stamp with a bunch of information on it(Sorry too lazy to run upstairs and pull it out and take a picture). I tried the Chiang Wattana(1.5 years ago) route and it was a wasted trip they told me to do it at the border.

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Nope they charged me 40Baht as in "forty" and it was at the Thai Amuphor/Immigration building down the street from friendship bridge Thai side. My full hole punched passport having the stamp transferred to my new US passport. They put a half page red stamp with a bunch of information on it(Sorry too lazy to run upstairs and pull it out and take a picture). I tried the Chiang Wattana(1.5 years ago) route and it was a wasted trip they told me to do it at the border.

Exactly.

Thai Stamps transferred to a new passport by Thai immigration officers.

Not as someone tried to suggest done by Laos immigration officers at a cost of 400 Bht!

Nope they charged me 40Baht as in "forty" and it was at the Thai Amuphor/Immigration building down the street from friendship bridge Thai side. My full hole punched passport having the stamp transferred to my new US passport. They put a half page red stamp with a bunch of information on it(Sorry too lazy to run upstairs and pull it out and take a picture). I tried the Chiang Wattana(1.5 years ago) route and it was a wasted trip they told me to do it at the border.

Rick. It would be better for me to get the stamp transfer done within Bangkok. Infinitely better. Where is this place you mention & how long ago approx did this happen? Thanks also for the info on Laos.

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<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Nope they charged me 40Baht as in "forty" and it was at the Thai Amuphor/Immigration building down the street from friendship bridge Thai side. My full hole punched passport having the stamp transferred to my new US passport. They put a half page red stamp with a bunch of information on it(Sorry too lazy to run upstairs and pull it out and take a picture). I tried the Chiang Wattana(1.5 years ago) route and it was a wasted trip they told me to do it at the border.

Rick. It would be better for me to get the stamp transfer done within Bangkok. Infinitely better. Where is this place you mention & how long ago approx did this happen? Thanks also for the info on Laos.


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If Ricks post is read he tells you ! Go here -------------

http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/location1.html

Unfortunately the place is closed owing to the protests !

So for accurate up to date information look here !

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696226-immigration-services-at-cheang-wattana-now-suspended/

Edited March 17, 201412 yr by thepool

I think I'll pay the 400 baht at Laos. Seems easier.

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I think I'll pay the 400 baht at Laos. Seems easier.

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I guess Chaing Wattana(Might still be Bang Na not sure if the monk is still laying siege) is a gamble you have to decide to take Thailand you can expect more than one answer. I went(400baht in cabs getting there at 7:30) they said do it at the border I did at the border got this lovely stamp in my passport (Sorry its blue not red my mistake) problem solved. Sawadee understands all the various issues they got it covered. Just remember things work in Thai time so you got plenty of time to stand around at the border at the consul etc etc. The price you got is for a single entry not a double. You can do it yourself but incidental costs add up I do not mind paying what amounts to a few 100baht to have it done smoothly and efficiently. I have never seen a company offer under 5k unless you are from one of the ASEAN countries.

Edited March 17, 201412 yr by BigRick

I think I'll pay the 400 baht at Laos. Seems easier.

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I guess Chaing Wattana(Might still be Bang Na not sure if the monk is still laying siege) is a gamble you have to decide to take Thailand you can expect more than one answer. I went(400baht in cabs getting there at 7:30) they said do it at the border I did at the border got this lovely stamp in my passport (Sorry its blue not red my mistake) problem solved. Sawadee understands all the various issues they got it covered. Just remember things work in Thai time so you got plenty of time to stand around at the border at the consul etc etc. The price you got is for a single entry not a double. You can do it yourself but incidental costs add up I do not mind paying what amounts to a few 100baht to have it done smoothly and efficiently. I have never seen a company offer under 5k unless you are from one of the ASEAN countries.

Thanks Rick. That's the thing it cost me almost 400 baht to trek right across town to Major Hollywood. It was hot and just a ball-ache to get there. Not difficult, but you know I've got better things to do than stand in a sweaty immigration office which is organised (ahem) chaos. I may well go with Sawadee. It's sailing close to my expiry which probably does even matter in the end but all I'm looking for is a single entry 60 day visa. Do they give at the border support Rick? Because I'm going to have to get stamps transferred and have heard that some companies are pretty 'hands off' when you get to the border and you have to figure things out for themselves.

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There is good chance that if you go to an immigration office for a stamp they will turn you away and tell you to do it as you are leaving the country unless you are on extensions of stay. Nong Kai is an exception because they do not it at the bridge.

It has been reported that some immigration office charge for a stamp transfer although there is no official fee for it. Apparently Nong Kai immigration is doing that.

Have only ever used Sawadee......

But there is another and they use the big double deck 40 seat tour bus http://www.thaivisarunservice.com/visarun-detail.html?vsarun_id=23 they go there everyday anyway, 5 days a week do the Visa Service... No idea as never used, but a long way in a Mini Bus, even with Sawadee and only 9 seat mini bus. Do check as some Mini buses are 15 seats

Edited March 18, 201412 yr by ignis

There is good chance that if you go to an immigration office for a stamp they will turn you away and tell you to do it as you are leaving the country unless you are on extensions of stay. Nong Kai is an exception because they do not it at the bridge.

It has been reported that some immigration office charge for a stamp transfer although there is no official fee for it. Apparently Nong Kai immigration is doing that.

Joe I'm actually on an extension of stay. Would they transfer the stamps at immigration or the border? Or both?

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Have only ever used Sawadee......

But there is another and they use the big double deck 40 seat tour bus http://www.thaivisarunservice.com/visarun-detail.html?vsarun_id=23 they go there everyday anyway, 5 days a week do the Visa Service... No idea as never used, but a long way in a Mini Bus, even with Sawadee and only 9 seat mini bus. Do check as some Mini buses are 15 seats

Ignis. Thanks very much. What has your experience with Sawadee been like? What have you paid for what etc? Also what's their support like, pretty good? I need to get stamps transferred so wondering if they are helpful with things like that too?

Has anyone used the company in the link?

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There is good chance that if you go to an immigration office for a stamp they will turn you away and tell you to do it as you are leaving the country unless you are on extensions of stay. Nong Kai is an exception because they do not it at the bridge.

It has been reported that some immigration office charge for a stamp transfer although there is no official fee for it. Apparently Nong Kai immigration is doing that.

Joe I'm actually on an extension of stay. Would they transfer the stamps at immigration or the border? Or both?

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When I did my post I should of said a long term extension of stay. They will not do it if you have a tourist visa extension.

There is good chance that if you go to an immigration office for a stamp they will turn you away and tell you to do it as you are leaving the country unless you are on extensions of stay. Nong Kai is an exception because they do not it at the bridge.

It has been reported that some immigration office charge for a stamp transfer although there is no official fee for it. Apparently Nong Kai immigration is doing that.

Joe I'm actually on an extension of stay. Would they transfer the stamps at immigration or the border? Or both?

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When I did my post I should of said a long term extension of stay. They will not do it if you have a tourist visa extension.

Sorry I'm confused. I'm on a tourist visa 60 day. I got a 30 day extension of stay which expires on April 9th. The stamp is in my old passport. I want to get a new tourist visa 60 day single entry from Laos. And I want to get the stamps transferred at Laos. Is that possible?

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Transferred to my new passport obviously.

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The stamps are not transferred at Laos the are transferred at the Nong Kai immigration office.

The only stamp they move over is your last entry to Thailand with an annotation about the type of entry you had.