HKT-BKK to Savannakhet via Bus/Van/Air Non-O Marriage Oct'15

[cadcat]

Some weeks ago, I found a post here explaining an alternative way to go from BKK to Mukdahan/Savannakhet (Visa run)
I like to thank this poster and all the other people that were so generous sharing info. It made it possible to easily research and book online in advance. In my case 3 weeks before departure.
I will provide info about the full trip plus some details, cost and times that I could not find anywhere.

My Trip started from Phuket intl. via AirAsia arriving 18:35 Don Mueang.
I decided to take the VIP Bus to Mukdahan. There are several operators available.
All buses leave from Mochit 2 Busstation. A shuttle bus to Mochit is going from Terminal 1 every 20 minutes. Fare is 30B. If you arrive by air, you just go down to the departure hall and right in front of you is entrance No.6. 10 more steps and you are in the bus clearly marked "A1"
The shuttle will take you directly to the Bus Station (Mor Chit 2)
Note: Do NOT leave the bus at the (Mo Chit)/MRT station stop. Wait for the stop at the (Mor Chit) Bus station.
This is how the bus goes:
A 1 : Don Mueang Airport – BTS station (Mo Chit)/MRT station (Chatuchak)- Bangkok Bus Station (Mor Chit)- return to Don Mueang Airport

Why did I take the VIP? The bus leaves BKK at 20:30 and arrives at Mukdahan 06:15. Plenty of time to reach the embassy before 9am.
You will find the bus operators online, the time table and the seat layout. Google will translate the page.
I did not book via one of the big agents because they only offer a reservation for the double seats.
You will absolutely prefer one of the upper single seats. After I found the operators Tel. number, my wife called and made the reservation. You will be asked what seat you want and get a Booking Number. Payment is easy at every 7-11. (In my case 550
The printout is proof of purchase and has all info on it. You show it when boarding.
My Bus left exactly 20:30. from booth 47 street level.There was a 20 minute stop at midnight. The road to Mukdahan is 4-lane, the driver will just put the pedal to the metal.
The only drawback are the freezing temperatures during the 10 hour trip. There is a blanket provided, but it blows from the top and you can not turn it off.
You will need socks, at least a shirt with long sleeves and a cap or hood to protect your head and face. Arrival Mukdahan 6:15am

The first "international bus" from Mukdahan bus station leaves around 7.30 and costs 50 Baht. You will purchase a ticket at the clearly labeled counter. ( And will see at least about 50 Lao people nicely waiting in line) Don't worry, they have to show their papers. Just have 50 Bath ready and you will get the ticket in no time. (Jump the line)
Nobody will ask you for it until you cleared Lao immigration and re-enter the bus.
No tuk tuk or walking over the bridge!
Entering Laos, you will need a visa. There is a booth on the left where you provide your application and fee (depending on nationality) and get the visa on the spot. I paid 30US$. If you are Swiss, it's free. Download the application from the net and have it ready. No problems at all.

The bus will wait for all passengers to clear Lao Immigration and then proceed to the Savannakhet bus station. No stop,- as you will pass the new consulate on the right and arrive at the station at around 08:20am. An easy 15min walk back the road where you came and you'll see the Thai consulate on the left.
If you prefer a tuk tuk, have 100B ready or share for 40B each.
No coins accepted. Have plenty of 50 and 20B bills handy. People speak Thai and accept Thai baht. No need for Lao currency.
Tuesday morning at the Consulate was an easy affair. About 10 people only , 2 in front of me. In and out in 10 minutes. Have docs and visa application (front and BACK !! ) ready plus 5,000B for muliple Non O. Friendly service.
Collect passport. following day at 14:00 hrs.

I booked a room in the "AVALON residence" convenient located 5min from bus station and 20min from consulate. If you just care for getting the visa done, the location is great. Friendly staff, new and clean rooms. Spotless bath. Quiet a/c, good and free internet all for 23US$. And the best: I got the room at about 10am (no surcharge). A very pleasend stay.
Opposite the hotel 50m to the left you will find an friendly open restaurant with simple but tasty food. ( full plate fried rice/chicken for 50B) And they have large bottles beer in the fridge (!) for ~50B.
Checked out next day at around 12:30. Walked slowly back towards the consulate. Had a nice coffee at a fancy place on the right. From there 10 more minutes walking,- arrived 13:50. In and out in 5 minutes.

You have your visa now and want to get back asap to Mukdahan.
Again you will take the 2:30pm international bus back to TH. Share an tuk tuk to the station. It only takes 5 minutes or walk again. Buy the 50B ticket at the counter.
The friendly lady will ONLY sell you one 1 hour max before departure.
Back at the bridge, clear Lao Immi, get back on the bus, on the Thai side get the departure card, clear Immigration/customs and board the bus (ticket ready) again. The bus will wait again for everybody. Arrival Mukdahan station 3:40.
Grab a tuk tuk quickly (50B) if you booked Nok Fly'n'ride

Nok Air offers Fly'n'ride from Mukdahan to BKK. The van leaves at Ploy Palace Hotel 3:45pm. As you have booked and CONFIRMED your flight, the driver has your name on the list and will wait.
We arrived 6:15pm at Ubon Ratchatthani airport. Departure 19:05
Arrival BKK Don Mueang 20:05. Last Flight to Phuket 21:20.

Use the Net and Google Maps, print out the visa applications. Print out or have your boarding passes on the cell. CONFIRM your flights. Get about 70US in 10s.
I did the round trip for about 5,500 B - plus visa fees. 520 Baht parking.
Left home late afternoon Monday, was back Wednesday midnight. Happy wife. Happy me.

Did I mention there is NO beer available at the BKK bus station and all the way to Laos? You have to find a restaurant to get one. Forget 7/11,- mai mee!
I manged to get 2 cans that helped to sleep a little bit after departure.
All the time friendly people. Big smiles. Bus full with young women sleeping under the blankets. Daylight breaks and out comes the make-up set. Young people eager to practice their English. Not one without a cell. Facebook all the time. No True3G from Mukdahan to Ubon Ratchatthani. Free internet from Nok at the airport.
Hope this is helping. Have a nice trip!