Double Entry 60-Day Tourist Visa Options from Rayong

[BeyondME]

I've read extensively about visa runs, acquiring tourist visas in various neighbouring countries, etc. from past months and years. There's a lot to filter, plus the situation has changed somewhat in recent months. So I want to ask *specifically* for this upcoming trip:

What's my best option for traveling from Rayong (or BKK) to a neighbouring country to acquire a new double-entry 60-day tourist visa? Leaving in a few days. Will have a new passport (probably not relevant, I suppose).

Let me break it down, so you good folks can answer any/all parts of your choosing, if you're so kind.

1. I believe Laos is the only choice for a double-entry tourist visa. Is that correct?

2. In Laos, I have two choices: Vientianne (been there a few times, has the only official embassy) and Savannakhet (been there once a couple years ago, I believe, has a consulate that issues visas). Correct?

3. If 1 and 2 are correct, what's the most convenient way to make that run without spending mucho Baht? I am open to budget flights, air-conditioned overnight buses, etc. What I want to find a way around is taking 5 or more modes of transportation to get from point A to point B, if you get my drift. Obviously, if flying, I would drive to BKK first.

4. If I were to make the Savannakhet run, where should I spend a night on each side of the border? Don't need luxury. Backpacker accommodations fine. WiFi useful. Air con if not too expensive and fans won't cut it.

If anyone has a moment or two to answer any of the above, I'd really appreciate it. Other additional info pertaining to this visa trip that is useful would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[theoldgit]

As you're asking about a visa to Thailand, I'll move this to a more appropriate forum.

[nzexpat]

Do you intend arriving with a visa and how long are you hoping to stay ?

(Visas can be obtained from a Thai embassy/consulate in your own country)

[ubonjoe]

1 and 2 yes

3 and 4 Check the pinned topic latest reports of getting a visa on the main pace of this forum.

[BeyondME]

As you're asking about a visa to Thailand, I'll move this to a more appropriate forum.

Sorry about that. I thought I was posting in the Visa forum. Perhaps that wasn't specific enough? In which forum would I now find this post and other posts related to my questions?

Thanks, again, for any help.

[BeyondME]

I should clarify: I am currently in Thailand, down at the beach in Rayong. Just under a month ago, I got a 30-day extension on a visa waiver coming back from Laos.

Perhaps I could just make a run on my own to the nearest Cambodian border and get another 30-day visa waiver coming back. But I had been planning to go apply for a proper double entry 60-day tourist visa.

Recommendations from the pros out there, plz?

[nzexpat]

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

I should clarify: I am currently in Thailand, down at the beach in Rayong. Just under a month ago, I got a 30-day extension on a visa waiver coming back from Laos.

Perhaps I could just make a run on my own to the nearest Cambodian border and get another 30-day visa waiver coming back. But I had been planning to go apply for a proper double entry 60-day tourist visa.

Recommendations from the pros out there, plz?

Attempting to collect back to back visa exempt entries is a very bad idea and could result in entry being refused.

If staying in Thailand for more than 30 days a proper VISA should be obtained.

[Mario2008]

Go for the double entry tourist visa.

[BeyondME]

Go for the double entry tourist visa.

I agree, and that's what I'll do.

I'm going to take a bus from Rayong to Laos (or, rather, to the Thai/Laos border). Seems about the same from here to Nong Khai or Mukdahan. Leave in evening, arrive in morning.

So which would be best? I've been to Vientianne and know the ropes. Not sure if the bus will get me to Nong Khai early enough to cross border and get to embassy in time to submit application with the big crowds I've seen there on other occasions. Savannakhet seems like a much smoother option, and I believe there is ample time from bus arrival (around 8:45 a.m.) to cross border and get to consulate. No lines, no hassles. Just submit quickly, camp out for the night, pick up visa at 2:00 p.m. next day, jump on bus in evening back to Rayong.

2 cents/baht/shillings/kip... plz?

[7by7]

As you're asking about a visa to Thailand, I'll move this to a more appropriate forum.

Sorry about that. I thought I was posting in the Visa forum. Perhaps that wasn't specific enough? In which forum would I now find this post and other posts related to my questions?

Thanks, again, for any help.

There are two visa forums.

This one, Thai visas, residency and work permits, is for questions and posts about Thai visas etc.

The one you originally posted in, Visas and migration to other countries, is for questions and posts about visas and migration to all countries except Thailand.

[ubonjoe]

In Vientiane if you apply on Tuesday or Wednesday it is not as crowed because Monday and Thursdays are when the visa run vans show up.

Getting to Mukdahan at 8:45 would be a big rush to get the consulate in Savannakhet by 11.