I have to go up and get my marriage visa and was noting the prices of flights are actually cheaper than the bus ride. The difference is the time the flight arrives. What is the general consensus about getting to the consulate if you take a flight up? Is it an extra night in Mukatan? I am not sure the distance from the airport to the border or what options you have when you fly up if the border closes by 6pm. Any input would be wonderful and helpful. It shows the flight landing at 4:20 means lucky to get out of the airport by 5pm not sure if its close enough to cross over that night and be the first in line or if its a waiting game? From what I understand transportation options are plentiful once you land.

On Ar Asia or Nok air websites, look for travel to Mukdahan (transfer). It will show the actual arrival and departure time by bus.

In short if flying you need to spend 2 nights there, because the return flight is too early.

The problem with arriving late is that the Lao visa on arrival has an official closing time of 6 pm. There have been reports of them stayomg open later if busy but you cannot depend upon that.

One option is to get the Lao visa at the embassy in Bangkok. The bridge is open until 10 pm.

Did you check Nok Air or Air Asia for flight to Mukdahan, They are are a fly/ride service via Nakhon Phanom. They will drop you at the bridge.

If you stay overnight in Mukdahan you can get the first bus from their to Savannakhet at about 7 am and still have plenty of time to apply for your visa.

Get the NOK air 10.00 flight to Nakhon Phanom. Still would not reckon on making the 16.45 Air Asia flight back to Don Muang! Ground transport not a problem