Going to Savannakhet.

[Eddy B]

Hi guys

I will on the 27th of this month be driving to Mukdahan to enter Loas to Savannakhet. I have driven alot in Thailand but never this route before. It will be a long journey of about 680KM or at least 10-12 hours. I was hoping that guys who have done this trip could give me some advice on decent not too expensive places to stay in Mukdahan and also Savannakhet. Any advice is much appreciated, I will also be going with my wife and as we all know they like to have a good place to eat. Any info on good restaurants would be appreciated also.

Cheers Eddy B

[Alexuk]

Hi mate of U book savanvegas casino & hotel they have Free minibus service from mukdahan bus station(when u enter to bus station on the left a cross from bay's) to hotel and if u ask them nicely they will take u to Thai embassy for free too for make application and collect ur passport next day! Hotel is ok u can have look on their web site make a booking true agoda will be cheaper! Driven to there it's fine dual carriage way all the way watch out motorbikes as plenty from Laos :)

[Alexuk]

Don't take ur car to savanaket!! U can even park ur car at border they have office there as well show them ur bookings they will do everything for u

[seedy]

Moved

[BritTim]

Hi mate of U book savanvegas casino & hotel they have Free minibus service from mukdahan bus station(when u enter to bus station on the left a cross from bay's) to hotel and if u ask them nicely they will take u to Thai embassy for free too for make application and collect ur passport next day! Hotel is ok u can have look on their web site make a booking true agoda will be cheaper! Driven to there it's fine dual carriage way all the way watch out motorbikes as plenty from Laos

I am reasonably sure that Savan Vegas no longer has their Thai Visa package (or their minibus service from Mukdahan). For latest information on getting to Savan Vegas, see http://savanvegas.com/getting-to-savan-vegas.html.

I really think the Savan Vegas hotel only makes sense for people who want to use the casino.

The best hotel to use depends on ones priorities, language skills, and whether you know how to bargain on local transport prices.

[IMA_FARANG]

Maybe not what you are looking for just for info Lao air has a daily flight to Savannakhet from Swampy.t is a stop on it's flight to Vientianne.

Of course it is more expensive than a bus..... but you can avoid all that bus nonsense.It was about 6K Baht to Savannzkhet ad you can get a lao visa on arrival at Savannakhet.. You cn book Lao air on line if you want.

There are also overnight buses from Bangkok if that is what you want..... there are services that will do the trip and hotel package to Savannakhet for a visa..

Do a yahoo or google search on-line.

[recom273]

Why not take your car over the bridge ?

I would, I found savannakhet to be hot and dusty, I spent a fair bit on samlors and taxis and time walking. I missed not having my bike.

If I had my own transport I would have got out of sav and checked out the surrounding countryside instead of wasting my time sitting in a hotel watching movies on my notebook.

Is it expensive or difficult to take your car ?

I stayed in a cheap dump in muk as I stayed there as a backpacker 15 years ago, I should have chosen the ploy palace or riverside.

In sav I stayed at the leena - ok and cheap enough for a night.

[Amusements]

If your going to stay at Savan Vegas. The cheapest way to stay is by getting a casino membership card when you walk in. Then book at the front desk for 1000 baht a night.

http://www.savanvegas.com/gaming-vip-players-club.html

[ubonjoe]

Why not take your car over the bridge ?

I would, I found savannakhet to be hot and dusty, I spent a fair bit on samlors and taxis and time walking. I missed not having my bike.

If I had my own transport I would have got out of sav and checked out the surrounding countryside instead of wasting my time sitting in a hotel watching movies on my notebook.

Is it expensive or difficult to take your car ?

I stayed in a cheap dump in muk as I stayed there as a backpacker 15 years ago, I should have chosen the ploy palace or riverside.

In sav I stayed at the leena - ok and cheap enough for a night.

It is not about the cost for taking a car across the bridge.

It is about the paperwork needed. Not worth the trouble for just a couple of days or a one off trip.

If the car is financed it is not possible. It means getting a passport from the land transport department for the car and you need the original car book.

[Amusements]

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Why not take your car over the bridge ?

I would, I found savannakhet to be hot and dusty, I spent a fair bit on samlors and taxis and time walking. I missed not having my bike.
If I had my own transport I would have got out of sav and checked out the surrounding countryside instead of wasting my time sitting in a hotel watching movies on my notebook.

Is it expensive or difficult to take your car ?

I stayed in a cheap dump in muk as I stayed there as a backpacker 15 years ago, I should have chosen the ploy palace or riverside.

In sav I stayed at the leena - ok and cheap enough for a night.

It is not about the cost for taking a car across the bridge.

It is about the paperwork needed. Not worth the trouble for just a couple of days or a one off trip.

If the car is financed it is not possible. It means getting a passport from the land transport department for the car and you need the original car book.

Just to add. There is a manned car park at border, and if your going to stay at the casino, they have a free bus service.

Although it is possible to take your car, and does not actually take much longer to fill in the extra paperwork, you have to be prepared to drive on the right hand side of the road.

[PREM-R]

.....some advice on decent not too expensive places to stay in Mukdahan and also Savannakhet

In Mukdahan a great place to stay is the Riverfront Hotel, as its name suggests it is right on the river front and next to the Indochine Market. I have stayed there several times and found it excellent, costs around 900 baht per night and can be found on bookingdotcom. In Savannakhet i would recomend the brand new Avalon Residence, I stayed there at the end of March and found it to be very good. Located two minutes walk from the bus station and about 10-15 minutes walk to the Thai consulate for your visa. Takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the waterfront and 'old town' area of Savannaket. Avalon is still wating for its lift to be installed so you have to use the stairs, you can ask for a low floor room when booking, but it is only a four storey building so it is not such a problem. Avalon costs $23 US per night (about 750 baht) and is also availalable on bookingdotcom. I stayed at Savan Vegas a few years ago and it was O.K. but it is well away from the river and downtown area. Hope this is of assistance.

Edited April 13, 2015 by PREM-R

[DJH77]

In Mukdahan, The Mukdahan Manor B&B is a great place to stay. Their restaurant has been Awarded, Best Restaurant for the Past 4 Years. It has the most comprehensive Western Menu in Muk,and great Thai food also and a the best stocked Bar in Mukdahan. also available to book via Booking,com or Agoda. Check it out.

[Bangkok Barry]

.....some advice on decent not too expensive places to stay in Mukdahan and also Savannakhet

In Mukdahan a great place to stay is the Riverfront Hotel, as its name suggests it is right on the river front and next to the Indochine Market. I have stayed there several times and found it excellent, costs around 900 baht per night and can be found on bookingdotcom. In Savannakhet i would recomend the brand new Avalon Residence, I stayed there at the end of March and found it to be very good. Located two minutes walk from the bus station and about 10-15 minutes walk to the Thai consulate for your visa. Takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the waterfront and 'old town' area of Savannaket. Avalon is still wating for its lift to be installed so you have to use the stairs, you can ask for a low floor room when booking, but it is only a four storey building so it is not such a problem. Avalon costs $23 US per night (about 750 baht) and is also availalable on bookingdotcom. I stayed at Savan Vegas a few years ago and it was O.K. but it is well away from the river and downtown area. Hope this is of assistance.

Nice to read. I've booked the Avalon for next month.

[eliotness]

Stayed at the Riverfront in Muk last month, 1250 baht for a front room, balcony and river view. Good breakfast but no bar in hotel to hang out and chat to other farangs. Bedroom ok, good aircon, clean. Then stayed at Savan Vegas, never again, 1000 baht, room not cleaned, so we had to wait while the maid did the room, worse bed I've ever slept in, food not good, drinks vastly overpriced ( Lao beer 50 baht for a small can), and no bars or eating places in easy walking distances, no kettle, tea or coffee in room, shower so 1960s. Must visit is the duty free shop coming back, not cheap but the range of booze and smokes is amazing.

[lostinisaan]

Forget about taking your car to Sawannakhet, not worth al the paperwork. I did that trip quite a few times, always parked my car at the parking lot, right before the bridge.

Then wait for a shuttle bus, or ask any van drivers, if they give you a ride. Some of them actually do. Please be aware that your wife has to fill out an application form and has to get stamped out as well. ( Tell her to bring two photos, otherwise you'll have to wait.)

Don't give any money to the Lao custom guys, other than paying for the visa, as they're always trying to ask for an extra "fee", when you get into Laos. Visa for Laos is much cheaper if you have American bucks.

Once in Savannakhet, please look for a place to stay near the Mekhong, you'll have telephone reception and the Consulate is just around the corner.

There's a nice restaurant with a big Penguin in front, not far away from the consulate, with outstanding food, they also serve a cold Lao, or more.

Never make the mistake to get a round trip om one of these motorcycle Rikschas, not worth, as most of them only try to make a lot of money.

Be at the consulate early enough. to make sure that you make it on the same day, pick up your passport the next day at 2 pm.

Buy some cheap cigarettes at the duty shop in Sawannakhet, or Whiskey. Not too many other things there are actually cheap.

When you get back to Thailand, make sure that you're stamped out and stamped in. Drive safe.

.

Edited April 13, 2015 by lostinisaan

[kanook]

I am also going to Savannakhet on April 27, but flying from Chiang Mai via Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom. I assume I will not have any problems getting into Savannakhet the same day if my flight arrives on time at 11:30am in Nakhon Phanom. I think I have everything in order for a Non O.

1 Marriage certificate and copies

2 Signed and dated copies of wife's house book

3 Wife's ID card with signed and dated copies

4 Passport and copies of photo page

5 Two photos and completed application form with 5K฿ for multi entry

Optional

6 Wife (for general translation and just in case they want to see her)

Am I missing anything and what else is worth seeing in Savannakhet?

[Murf]

Someone told me it's possible to get a triple entry tourist in Savanaket... Is that true?

[ubonjoe]

Someone told me it's possible to get a triple entry tourist in Savanaket... Is that true?

There have some people that got one there but it sill only had 3 months of validity which made the 3rd entry worthless for all intents and purposes.

[Murf]

Ahhhh... Thanks for the reply.

I was thinking about going for my next visa. But if that's the case, not much point...

[Shaunduhpostman]

Agreed, Riverfront Hotel in Mukdahan is a very good choice. As far as Savanakhet, glad to hear about the Avalon, sounds like it might be a solution to the crummy logistics and crummy rooms to be had at the town center. Savan Vegas has never sounded like it is worth the outlay to me, lots of complaints about dirty rooms and bad service and at a premium. Rather pay 600 baht in town where at least there are several cafes to eat at and some fairly interesting walks if you are at all interested in the French Colonial buildings that are still in place all around the central part of Savanahkhet. You can easily take care of your own affairs as far as getting a visa, in most cases. Better to do it yourself than to trust Savan Vegas has always been my take on it.

[eliotness]

I am also going to Savannakhet on April 27, but flying from Chiang Mai via Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom. I assume I will not have any problems getting into Savannakhet the same day if my flight arrives on time at 11:30am in Nakhon Phanom. I think I have everything in order for a Non O.

1 Marriage certificate and copies

2 Signed and dated copies of wife's house book

3 Wife's ID card with signed and dated copies

4 Passport and copies of photo page

5 Two photos and completed application form with 5K฿ for multi entry

Optional

6 Wife (for general translation and just in case they want to see her)

Am I missing anything and what else is worth seeing in Savannakhet?

If you've got one it's worth taking your yellow book + copy. I know it's not a written requirement, but it seems to somehow satisfy thai officials.

[mikecat]

.....some advice on decent not too expensive places to stay in Mukdahan and also Savannakhet

In Mukdahan a great place to stay is the Riverfront Hotel, as its name suggests it is right on the river front and next to the Indochine Market. I have stayed there several times and found it excellent, costs around 900 baht per night and can be found on bookingdotcom. In Savannakhet i would recomend the brand new Avalon Residence, I stayed there at the end of March and found it to be very good. Located two minutes walk from the bus station and about 10-15 minutes walk to the Thai consulate for your visa. Takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the waterfront and 'old town' area of Savannaket. Avalon is still wating for its lift to be installed so you have to use the stairs, you can ask for a low floor room when booking, but it is only a four storey building so it is not such a problem. Avalon costs $23 US per night (about 750 baht) and is also availalable on bookingdotcom. I stayed at Savan Vegas a few years ago and it was O.K. but it is well away from the river and downtown area. Hope this is of assistance.

Couldnt agree more. Stayed at both places in March too. Comfortable enough, pretty handy to most things, obliging staff and reasonable prices. Also agree that it would not be worth the hassle to take your car over the bridge.

[Eddy B]

I would like to thank all you guys for the info. I will give an account of how the trip when I return.

[Tomtomtom69]

Why not take your car over the bridge ?

I would, I found savannakhet to be hot and dusty, I spent a fair bit on samlors and taxis and time walking. I missed not having my bike.

If I had my own transport I would have got out of sav and checked out the surrounding countryside instead of wasting my time sitting in a hotel watching movies on my notebook.

Is it expensive or difficult to take your car ?

I stayed in a cheap dump in muk as I stayed there as a backpacker 15 years ago, I should have chosen the ploy palace or riverside.

In sav I stayed at the leena - ok and cheap enough for a night.

It's neither difficult nor expensive to take your car across as long as it's 1) Thai registered 2) fully paid off and 3) you own it yourself, are travelling with the owner, or, you have a power of attorney authorising you to take the car to Laos.

Provided you own the car yourself, you go to your nearest land transport department office with your registration (title), your ID card/house registration (for Thais) or (for foreigners) passport/address verification letter (from immigration/embassy/consulate or a yellow tabien baan or work permit are also acceptable) and request a purple car passport. This process should only take half an hour to max. 2 hours, depending on how many people there are at the time you apply. If particularly busy, it could take all day, but this is unlikely anywhere other than at Mo Chit, which can get very crowded. However, even there it shouldn't take all day either and I don't think the demand for requesting car passports is particularly high either as relatively few Thais drive their vehicles across the border. There would probably be far more if finance companies weren't so strict about not allowing their vehicles to leave the country while still on finance.

The fee is officially 50 Baht plus a 5 Baht application fee, however, you'll also be getting a vehicle registration certificate, which costs 20 Baht and is an English translation of your title useful (and required) for Malaysia, which doesn't recognize the purple vehicle passport. In addition, you'll likely be hit up for 200 Baht for international number plates for a total cost of 275 Baht. These plates won't be issued immediately but will take up to 15 working days to arrive and need to be picked up later. The international number plates, which are a translation of your number plates into English but instead of the province they just say "Thailand" are not really required by any country that allows Thai cars in that I can think of. Laos certainly doesn't require them (besides, Laotians can read Thai anyway), though you'll occasionally see some Thai drivers using them there (not sure why?) I would probably consider putting them on in Cambodia or Myanmar, 2 countries which can't read Thai, provided you are driving away from the border areas. In the case of Myanmar you'll need to be on a tour to be allowed to do that though as Thai vehicles can otherwise only stay within the confines of the border town. Malaysia requires 2 black stickers with white lettering, in the form of a Malaysian number plate, to be stuck onto the front and rear of your vehicle, respectively.

Once you have your car passport, you present it along with your car title (and if required, power of attorney plus photocopy of ID of owner) and passport to immigration and then customs, who will process you and issue temporary export documents. It's normally quicker to drive a car across the border than standing in line with all the bus passengers and waiting for the bus to take you across, although at the second Friendship Bridge you'll notice a separate queue for Lao and Vietnamese, which probably makes things quicker if you're from another country as you don't have to stand in the same sometimes long line as these 2 nationalities.

There are also separate immigration queues for vehicles as well - car drivers and their passengers (irrespective of nationality) are not allowed to queue in the normal immigration lines and vice versa. Thai immigration shouldn't charge you anything for these documents if the car is Thai registered. Occasionally an overtime fee might be levied for passports, but normally this is only on the Lao side. Then you pay 50 Baht for the bridge toll and switch to the right-hand side of the road to cross the bridge.

On the Lao side, there will be a fee of around 200-250 Baht for the car temporary import documents (I've normally been asked to pay around 240 Baht on the Lao side but that wasn't at the 2nd Friendship Bridge, where I've only ever crossed in a Lao car so far) plus the cost of insurance, which reportedly is around 300 Baht for 1 week.

Now overall that's not a huge cost, only a little over 600 Baht if you don't count the international number plates and whatever the cost of obtaining the residency letter is, but I agree that for some travellers the perceived hassle of obtaining these documents, driving in an unfamiliar country (and on the right hand side of the road) might be challenging. But if you're prepared, are a good and safe driver, it can be very pleasant and straightforward. It's not for everybody though, but it is not a difficult process, as mentioned.

[Tomtomtom69]

Forget about taking your car to Sawannakhet, not worth al the paperwork. I did that trip quite a few times, always parked my car at the parking lot, right before the bridge.

Then wait for a shuttle bus, or ask any van drivers, if they give you a ride. Some of them actually do. Please be aware that your wife has to fill out an application form and has to get stamped out as well. ( Tell her to bring two photos, otherwise you'll have to wait.)

Don't give any money to the Lao custom guys, other than paying for the visa, as they're always trying to ask for an extra "fee", when you get into Laos. Visa for Laos is much cheaper if you have American bucks.

Once in Savannakhet, please look for a place to stay near the Mekhong, you'll have telephone reception and the Consulate is just around the corner.

There's a nice restaurant with a big Penguin in front, not far away from the consulate, with outstanding food, they also serve a cold Lao, or more.

Never make the mistake to get a round trip om one of these motorcycle Rikschas, not worth, as most of them only try to make a lot of money.

Be at the consulate early enough. to make sure that you make it on the same day, pick up your passport the next day at 2 pm.

Buy some cheap cigarettes at the duty shop in Sawannakhet, or Whiskey. Not too many other things there are actually cheap.

When you get back to Thailand, make sure that you're stamped out and stamped in. Drive safe.

.

If you don't want to take your car across, then why not take the Mukdaharn-Savannakhet cross border bus? It operates multiple times daily but I think you have to go to the bus station to catch it. Might make more sense than catching multiple modes of transport across the border and then from the other side into town when one bus can connect you between the Thai side and the Lao side.

[ubonjoe]

You can get on the bus at the bridge. When I was last there that was the only transport across the bridge.

[Tomtomtom69]

There is a Mukdaharn-Savannakhet bus operated jointly by the Transport Company and a Lao company. There are multiple departures a day, possibly 8? The exact details are up on the Transport Company's website. I think Thai registered buses are used one day, and Lao ones the following day. They obviously pass the bridge between the two countries, but no idea if you can join them at the bridge or not. Probably you'd have to join at the bus station but perhaps it might be possible to join at the bridge and pay the corresponding fare, which may or may not be lower than the full fare from the bus station.

The other advantage of this bus service, particularly if heading back into Thailand is that you can continue your journey to your next destination as you'll be dropped off at the bus station from where there are many services to other parts of Thailand.

[jonnyscot]

Hi eddy, where you driving from? Were also driving a fair stretch for applying for new non o next week, thinking of leaving tomorrow, although i think we'll have to leave our car at the border ( still has red plate), its my 3rd trip to savannakhet, driven each time overnight in mukdahan and cross over early next day,, hoping no probs as my previous 1 year non imm o multi is still valid until mid may, but just thought id apply a new one as old will be expired before i return to thailand next time from my work location

[jonnyscot]

Anyone know what time the thai/Laos border closes on Sundays???

Thinking I could make it across to savannakhet on Sunday late afternoon or early evening

[ubonjoe]

The bridge closes at 10 pm.

But the Lao visa on arrival office scheduled closing time is 6 pm. There have been reports of it being open as late as 7 or 8 o'clock if they are busy. Thai immigration knows if they are closed and will not let you leave if it is closed.