Chong Mek Border

[ajarnbill]

Last week I went along with some people for a visa run to Chong Mek. Anewly hired teacher had to stamp out for a new tourist stamp. I had been to Chong Mek many times and had no trouble previously just walking through. This time I was stopped at the border and told that I needed to stamp out of Thailand in order to go shopping there. This would have cancelled out my visa which I was on my way to extend that afternoon. I would think that this would have required me to get a re-entry stamp for Thailand and a visa for Laos. By my figuring thats 2500 baht just to be able to do some shopping and downing a couple of Beerlaos. Which country is behind this?

Bill

[Gary A]

Every time you leave Thailand you need an exit visa. They are correct. If you leave the country without the exit visa your current visa will be cancelled. A single exit visa costs 1,000 baht but if you plan to go out a lot there is a multiple exit visa available. I think it costs 3,800 baht. I am sure about the single exit costing 1,000 baht but have never had a multiple exit.

Last week I went along with some people for a visa run to Chong Mek. Anewly hired teacher had to stamp out for a new tourist stamp. I had been to Chong Mek many times and had no trouble previously just walking through. This time I was stopped at the border and told that I needed to stamp out of Thailand in order to go shopping there. This would have cancelled out my visa which I was on my way to extend that afternoon. I would think that this would have required me to get a re-entry stamp for Thailand and a visa for Laos. By my figuring thats 2500 baht just to be able to do some shopping and downing a couple of Beerlaos. Which country is behind this?

Bill

[citizen33]

I visited the market in January and had no problem myself. However, there was a crackdown on Thai citizens at that time and all my companions had to queue to get their ID cards photocopied for the officials. Perhaps this is the next step in tightening things up. Incidentally I was very surprised at the range of options for drinking a beer Lao in the market area. My friends were quick to shepherd me away from the attractions on offer at some of the small bars there.

[pnustedt]

Every time you leave Thailand you need an exit visa. They are correct. If you leave the country without the exit visa your current visa will be cancelled. A single exit visa costs 1,000 baht but if you plan to go out a lot there is a multiple exit visa available. I think it costs 3,800 baht. I am sure about the single exit costing 1,000 baht but have never had a multiple exit.

Although this is so it has not previously been enforced at this border - or many other crossings on the Mekong further north - I have crossed many times at Chong Mek to visit the market with my wife (last time also in Jan), usually paying a few baht to the customs post. I don't think that they are offering an exit visa, they will just stamp your pp with a 30 day stamp when you return which will invalidate your visa - and the cost of an exit just to spend a few minutes at the market would be impractical anyway. I saw that they were building a new customs post - perhaps they are looking for something to do with it!

I wonder if this will also apply for a visit to Chao Prah Vihan (Cambodia) near Kantralak?

[sezzo]

Every time you leave Thailand you need an exit visa. They are correct. If you leave the country without the exit visa your current visa will be cancelled. A single exit visa costs 1,000 baht but if you plan to go out a lot there is a multiple exit visa available. I think it costs 3,800 baht. I am sure about the single exit costing 1,000 baht but have never had a multiple exit.

Although this is so it has not previously been enforced at this border - or many other crossings on the Mekong further north - I have crossed many times at Chong Mek to visit the market with my wife (last time also in Jan), usually paying a few baht to the customs post. I don't think that they are offering an exit visa, they will just stamp your pp with a 30 day stamp when you return which will invalidate your visa - and the cost of an exit just to spend a few minutes at the market would be impractical anyway. I saw that they were building a new customs post - perhaps they are looking for something to do with it!

I wonder if this will also apply for a visit to Chao Prah Vihan (Cambodia) near Kantralak?

I took some friends from Oz down to Chao Prah Vihan in June and we also had to pay a fee to go thru the market area to the steps leading up to the sanctuary. I think the fee was around 50 baht but maybe a little more. Definately didnt need to stamp out and in with the passports during this process.

We also took the same friends to Chong Mek to so some shopping and all we needed to do was to get a photocopy of the passports and pay a small fee then we could get a day pass. Once again no need to stamp in and out plus get a Lao visa. Mind you, the previous time I had been there 18 months earlier a fee of 20 baht was all that was required.

[lampard10]

You still do not even need passports for Khoaw Pra Viharn. Although it is technically in Cambodia, there is no way to get to Cambodia from it(bar para gliding or abseiling) Previously at Chong Mek border crossing Falangs could go through on a 5 baht ticket and no passport. Not sure now though, although I met the OP yesterday and he told me that story. ( probably even posted it in my I-net cafe )

[pnustedt]

Which country is behind this?

I visited the Chong Mek border crossing yesterday to check this out. I was with two Thai nationals (one was my wife).

At the Thai side we were just waved through, we asked if we would need our pp stamped on return and was told that they were not concerned but to talk to the officials on the Laos side.

On reaching the Laos post we were told that I would need a stamp in my pp which would cost Bt1,200 (I was concerned that as I didn't have a re-entry permit this could invalidate my non-O visa). My wife was concerned about having to pay Bt1,200 to visit a market. Thais have to pay Bt50 and provide a copy of their ID.

She then proceeded to strongly question the parentage of the officials before we walked round the post and back to the Thai side where, once again, the Thai officials just waved us through.

[Cent]

Last week I went along with some people for a visa run to Chong Mek. Anewly hired teacher had to stamp out for a new tourist stamp. I had been to Chong Mek many times and had no trouble previously just walking through. This time I was stopped at the border and told that I needed to stamp out of Thailand in order to go shopping there. This would have cancelled out my visa which I was on my way to extend that afternoon. I would think that this would have required me to get a re-entry stamp for Thailand and a visa for Laos. By my figuring thats 2500 baht just to be able to do some shopping and downing a couple of Beerlaos. Which country is behind this?

Bill

Bill,

Yep, silly isn't it? You used to be able to enter the Chong Chum Cambodian border crossing here near Surin and just leave your passport with the Cambodian Immigration desk while you went shopping at the border market and even used the 2 newer casinos there. Now the past year or so they want you to stamp in and out and pay the 1,000 baht. They lost a lot of farang expat local shoppers this way, and even guys who would go in the casinos and play the slots for an hour or so while the wife was shopping at the market. Pure greed on the Cambos part to suck the money from the foreigners pocket without a thought of how it might affect the area's economy. Now I only use the crossing for a border/visa stamp every 90 days, and do my shopping in the Thai side border market (where many Cambodians go to sell stuff as well on a day pass anyway). As I am not a gambler anyway I could care less about using the casinos. There is one Cambodian girl selling some excellent French bread at the Thai market on the Thai side now, and one reason I will go there to 'shop' with my wife and family. Best French bread in Thailand!

Don't you just love the way these idjits shoot themselves in the foot nearly every time? Mostly to boost the government's coffers and to heck with the local economy if they suffer because of it. Also, the 'connected' guys who get the immigrations jobs always try to gouge each farang doing these border crossings for an extra 100 or 200 baht that they pocket. Silly buggers really. Worked much better before, and brought in some decent income for the locals. Whereas before I might go there once every couple of weeks to a month, now I only go there every 90 days to get stamped.

Cent

[Cent]

Every time you leave Thailand you need an exit visa. They are correct. If you leave the country without the exit visa your current visa will be cancelled. A single exit visa costs 1,000 baht but if you plan to go out a lot there is a multiple exit visa available. I think it costs 3,800 baht. I am sure about the single exit costing 1,000 baht but have never had a multiple exit.

Although this is so it has not previously been enforced at this border - or many other crossings on the Mekong further north - I have crossed many times at Chong Mek to visit the market with my wife (last time also in Jan), usually paying a few baht to the customs post. I don't think that they are offering an exit visa, they will just stamp your pp with a 30 day stamp when you return which will invalidate your visa - and the cost of an exit just to spend a few minutes at the market would be impractical anyway. I saw that they were building a new customs post - perhaps they are looking for something to do with it!

I wonder if this will also apply for a visit to Chao Prah Vihan (Cambodia) near Kantralak?

Pnus,

Last time I went a few months back to Khao Phra Vihan it was 200 baht on the Thai side and 200 baht on the Khmer side. No stamp in the passport. I liked it much better when the Thais were in control of the site. Sad to see how this site has deteriorated since the handover.

Cent

[phibunmike]

Which country is behind this?

I visited the Chong Mek border crossing yesterday to check this out. I was with two Thai nationals (one was my wife).

At the Thai side we were just waved through, we asked if we would need our pp stamped on return and was told that they were not concerned but to talk to the officials on the Laos side.

On reaching the Laos post we were told that I would need a stamp in my pp which would cost Bt1,200 (I was concerned that as I didn't have a re-entry permit this could invalidate my non-O visa). My wife was concerned about having to pay Bt1,200 to visit a market. Thais have to pay Bt50 and provide a copy of their ID.

She then proceeded to strongly question the parentage of the officials before we walked round the post and back to the Thai side where, once again, the Thai officials just waved us through.

At Chong Mek, if you only go one day to the market, it used to be that you just paid a nominal sum (70 baht?) and didn't even need your passport with you. Now Thais need to make 2 copies of their ID; I'm not sure if their is a new rule for falangs, as when I went through last weekend it was for a few days so I was getting stamped anyway

The Thai side was free, but the Laos side was 1500 baht for a visa-on-arrival and 70 baht tea-money for the jerk to give me back my passport

Coming back in was free both sides.

FWIW.

[bergen]

So far I've not crossed the border at Chong Mek.

I get my one year visa in Phibun, and sends them a confirming letter every 3 months.

But it sounds like the border crossing at Chong Mek is like a lottery, you never know what to pay.

It all depends on your smile, the officers mode, the weather, do they need extra money for a party, is someones daughter getting married.........................................................and so on .

Be prepared for the worst , and be happy if things go smoother.

[stament]

According to the Laos website you can't get a visa on arrival into laos. However, it looks like some people on here have been able too.

I think I'll get my Laos & Cambodia visa in BKK before going to Laos as you can't get a visa on arrival via Laos on land crossings apparently.

If anyone else has any more knowledge that would be helpful.

Thanks

[sezzo]

According to the Laos website you can't get a visa on arrival into laos. However, it looks like some people on here have been able too.

I think I'll get my Laos & Cambodia visa in BKK before going to Laos as you can't get a visa on arrival via Laos on land crossings apparently.

If anyone else has any more knowledge that would be helpful.

Thanks

At both Chong Mek and Mukdahan you can purchase your Lao visa once you stamp out of Thailand and go t the Lao side of the border. I have several friends who are required to do this every 3 months for their multi entry Non Imm visas. You cannot go across to Chong Mek on a day pass to visit the markets there. This was possible up until a few months ago.

[Tap Dam]

According to the Laos website you can't get a visa on arrival into laos. However, it looks like some people on here have been able too.

I think I'll get my Laos & Cambodia visa in BKK before going to Laos as you can't get a visa on arrival via Laos on land crossings apparently.

If anyone else has any more knowledge that would be helpful.

Thanks

At both Chong Mek and Mukdahan you can purchase your Lao visa once you stamp out of Thailand and go t the Lao side of the border. I have several friends who are required to do this every 3 months for their multi entry Non Imm visas. You cannot go across to Chong Mek on a day pass to visit the markets there. This was possible up until a few months ago.

I did the market run to Chong Mek five months ago, TW got me through and back no controls just signed on a photocopy of her ID, only problem was back on the Thai side mini bus full escorted to the local bottles and stoppers shop, consficated two cartons of smokes and a few bottles of cheap liquour, appears they had a genuine concern over ethonal? based liquour taking its toll.

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see, stop at the Sirinthorn dam floating restauraunt for eats and swim, good family day out.

Sorry to hear they have tightened up the border, I would have visited again.

Tap Dam.

[phibunmike]

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see,

You used to be able to get the boat driver to stop at a small village on the Laos side too, and visit the market there (no passport required). I don't know if that still happens...

[lampard10]

We're going to Chong Mek on the way to Tronds place on Sunday.....................keep yer'all posted. Last time it was 5 baht to cross the border and visit the duty free shop.

[stament]

We're going to Chong Mek on the way to Tronds place on Sunday.....................keep yer'all posted. Last time it was 5 baht to cross the border and visit the duty free shop.

Hi Lamps appreciate that. Can you find out if you can get a visa for 5 days for onward travel to Cambodia on arrival at Chong Mek if poss.

Cheers mate

(fellow CFC fan!). Come on you BLUES!!

[lampard10]

A customer has asked me if you can drive through the border at Chong Mek. Anyone know FOR SURE.

[sezzo]

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see,

You used to be able to get the boat driver to stop at a small village on the Laos side too, and visit the market there (no passport required). I don't know if that still happens...

Yes it does Mike. The name of the place is Khong Chiam. I did this about 6 weeks ago with a friend and his thai family. Excellant trip. 300 baht for 8 of us across the river into the village where farangs paid about 50 per person for ticket. The market was small but had all the attractions that we needed ie. cheap stuff (material, clothes etc) for the women and a very nice young lady selling Beer Lao to the farangs. My mate and I had to be dragged by the ears back to the boat.

Well worth the trip and having also had problems at Chong Mek will be using this venue to take visitors again.

[lampard10]

A customer has asked me if you can drive through the border at Chong Mek. Anyone know FOR SURE.

I guess it's true..............................putting sensible posts on here DOESN"T work

[raslin]

A customer has asked me if you can drive through the border at Chong Mek. Anyone know FOR SURE.

I guess it's true..............................putting sensible posts on here DOESN"T work

So you need to get a DUKW. Were any used in the Vietnam war?

[phibunmike]

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see,

You used to be able to get the boat driver to stop at a small village on the Laos side too, and visit the market there (no passport required). I don't know if that still happens...

Yes it does Mike. The name of the place is Khong Chiam. I did this about 6 weeks ago with a friend and his thai family. Excellant trip. 300 baht for 8 of us across the river into the village where farangs paid about 50 per person for ticket. The market was small but had all the attractions that we needed ie. cheap stuff (material, clothes etc) for the women and a very nice young lady selling Beer Lao to the farangs. My mate and I had to be dragged by the ears back to the boat.

Well worth the trip and having also had problems at Chong Mek will be using this venue to take visitors again.

Hi Sezzo, glad it can still be done. I also enjoyed sitting with a Beer Lao while the girls checked the market out... . BTW, maybe see you at Trond's on Sunday ?? We will be there...

Also hope Lampy enjoys the Tohsang at Kong Chiam, a terrific place to relax and pamper yourself (and be pampered). Have a nice weekend Lampy .

[stament]

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see,

You used to be able to get the boat driver to stop at a small village on the Laos side too, and visit the market there (no passport required). I don't know if that still happens...

Yes it does Mike. The name of the place is Khong Chiam. I did this about 6 weeks ago with a friend and his thai family. Excellant trip. 300 baht for 8 of us across the river into the village where farangs paid about 50 per person for ticket. The market was small but had all the attractions that we needed ie. cheap stuff (material, clothes etc) for the women and a very nice young lady selling Beer Lao to the farangs. My mate and I had to be dragged by the ears back to the boat.

Well worth the trip and having also had problems at Chong Mek will be using this venue to take visitors again.

Hi Sezzo, glad it can still be done. I also enjoyed sitting with a Beer Lao while the girls checked the market out... . BTW, maybe see you at Trond's on Sunday ?? We will be there...

Also hope Lampy enjoys the Tohsang at Kong Chiam, a terrific place to relax and pamper yourself (and be pampered). Have a nice weekend Lampy .

Sorry guys I'm still a bit unsure if I can get a Laos visa on arrival. I will need one for about 4 days not just one (I'm a Brit and will be bringing my TG). We are then planning to go down the Mekong to Cambodia where I've been advised we CANNOT get a visa on arrival and must get this in BKK first.

Cheers

[lampard10]

UPDATE........................UPDATE......................UPDATE

1)Yes, Lampard10 you can drive through the border at Chong Mek, but only in your own registered car.

2)I tried to get through Chong Mek with just my 5 year driving license today, and was told I would need my passport, unless of course I wished to part with $30US.

3)Yesterday, we booked a longboat from the second boat restaurant at Kong Chiam quay for 300 baht on top of our meal. He took us along to Thai immigration, where he took my thai driving license and my wifes I.D. to show them. They cleared us for the crossing. Laos Immigration did not want to see our I.D.'s, only 70 baht. We went to the market, bought a few duty free's, and got the boat back. Direct to the restaurant, not immigration again.

4) On the way to Tronds, after Chong Mek, we turned off at the Emerald Triangle road. We were informed that the new border crossing there was now closed again, after Thai nationals were caught flaunting the rules, bring endangered animals into Thailand, and cooking & eating them. So unbelievable it's got to be true.

[lampard10]

UPDATE........................UPDATE......................UPDATE

1)Yes, Lampard10 you can drive through the border at Chong Mek, but only in your own registered car.

Thank you Lampard10...........I'm glad someone sensible has answered at last.

[lampard10]

UPDATE........................UPDATE......................UPDATE

1)Yes, Lampard10 you can drive through the border at Chong Mek, but only in your own registered car.

Thank you Lampard10...........I'm glad someone sensible has answered at last.

Yes...............it's funny that. Post a sensible question, and get no answers. Post a question on Rain, or how many times York(y)ie falls over, and it gets a record run

[samran]

Just to be clear, visa on arrivals are available at Chong Mek? Someone in the visa's to other countries forum was asking this question. He was a brit.

Thanks

Samran

[Bellatrix]

Just to be clear, visa on arrivals are available at Chong Mek? Someone in the visa's to other countries forum was asking this question. He was a brit.

Thanks

Samran

Yes, VOAs are definitely available at Chong Mek. The price varies depending on what country you got your passport from - usually US$30-35, or you can pay an inflated price in Thai baht. If you go any time outside of something like 9-4 on weekdays, the Lao border officials will make you pay 70 baht "overtime" to collect your VOA, and last time I went, they wanted another "overtime" fee to give me my exit stamp. This month will be the last time I go there, thank goodness, as these bullsh*t fees and the rudeness of the border staff on the Lao side really leave a bad taste in my mouth.

[phuketrex]

If you go any time outside of something like 9-4 on weekdays, the Lao border officials will make you pay 70 baht "overtime" to collect your VOA, and last time I went, they wanted another "overtime" fee to give me my exit stamp.

I take it they are there on saturdays!!? I'll be wanting to enter Laos saturday afternoon.

[sutnyod]

According to the Laos website you can't get a visa on arrival into laos. However, it looks like some people on here have been able too.

I think I'll get my Laos & Cambodia visa in BKK before going to Laos as you can't get a visa on arrival via Laos on land crossings apparently.

If anyone else has any more knowledge that would be helpful.

Thanks

At both Chong Mek and Mukdahan you can purchase your Lao visa once you stamp out of Thailand and go t the Lao side of the border. I have several friends who are required to do this every 3 months for their multi entry Non Imm visas. You cannot go across to Chong Mek on a day pass to visit the markets there. This was possible up until a few months ago.

I did the market run to Chong Mek five months ago, TW got me through and back no controls just signed on a photocopy of her ID, only problem was back on the Thai side mini bus full escorted to the local bottles and stoppers shop, consficated two cartons of smokes and a few bottles of cheap liquour, appears they had a genuine concern over ethonal? based liquour taking its toll.

If you are in the region it is worth going for the boat ride @ 10K North? on the Mekong where the Mun/Moon? river enters the Mekong and the river runs two colours and swirling backwaters are a sight to see, stop at the Sirinthorn dam floating restauraunt for eats and swim, good family day out.

Sorry to hear they have tightened up the border, I would have visited again.

Tap Dam.

Edited July 7, 2007 by sutnyod