Savannakhet Visa Run - Non O Multi

[bmattey40844]

Hi there,

I just wanted to check that this visa is still available in Savannakhet. I am married to a Thai (2 kids). Can anyone confirm that this visa is still available and what sort of proof of funds do I need if any.

Thanks

[elviajero]

Yes you can get a single entry (2,000 THB) or multi entry (5,000 THB) non 'O' based on marriage from Savannakhet without any proof of funds.

[ubonjoe]

You can still get the visa with no financial proof needed.

[bmattey40844]

Cool beans!!

I will be heading up there on Thursday night, applying Friday morning to pick up Monday. Any advice on the best way to get there?

From what I see the bus seems to be the best option, leaving about 8pm from Bangkok, getting to Mukdahan 7am. From previous experience I was a bit concerned about making it the embassy before 11am.... A 4 hours window for error never seems to be enough in this part of the world.

Any advice appreciated.

[ubonjoe]

Bus would be best if you want to make the trip overnight.

Getting there at 7 will give you enough time to get to the consulate by eleven. Buses to Savannakhet leave from the same bus station you arrive at.

[bmattey40844]

Sure. Apparently they are roughly every hour. I will try to speed up my entry in to Laos by filling in my forms and having the money in USD for the visa.

Do I have to get the bus or will there be taxi's at that time in the morning?

[ubonjoe]

There are very few taxis that can cross the bridge into Laos. Most of those operate from just before the bridge.

The bus will take you the ot the bridge and wait for you while you clear Thai immigration. Normally they also wait for you on the Lao side also. You can get a tuk tuk from the bridge to the consulate.

[bmattey40844]

Ok, thanks Joe. A great help as always.

I will try to leave as early as possible on Thursday evening. I may not be able to leave until about 8:30pm and most buses seem to hang around and delay departure. with any sort of delay I am still a bit freaked out by missing the 11am window.

[elviajero]

Sure. Apparently they are roughly every hour. I will try to speed up my entry in to Laos by filling in my forms and having the money in USD for the visa.

Do I have to get the bus or will there be taxi's at that time in the morning?

You can buy a ticket on the International bus (100 baht) at the bridge. After you clear Thai immigration it takes you over the bridge, stops and waits at the Laos immigration, and then takes you to the main bus station in Savannakhet. Costs 100 baht. There are tuk tuks at the bus station.

You don't need USD for the visa. You can pay in baht (1,500) if you prefer.

[bmattey40844]

Thanks.

Where is the best place to get a bus from in Bangkok. Not fussed about the cost but would like something comfortable.

[MobileContent]

Thanks.

Where is the best place to get a bus from in Bangkok. Not fussed about the cost but would like something comfortable.

Go to Morchit Bus Station and their is a VIP Bus that leaves around 7-7.30pm. (Price 750++) The Single seats are great but you might consider two seats as you never knew who sits next to you. With two seats you get double food, double drink and two blankets as it is getting cold at night. Have not used VIP for a few years buy friends of my use them all the time.

You could also use Nokair Fly and Drive and they bring you as well via Nakon Phanom to Mukdahan.

Once you reach Mukdahan, you could take a taxi to the Thai border crossing (not sure how much it cost) as I always come with my own car to the border.

Their is a bu ticket counter at the Thai side of the border and you can buy a bus ticket or take a taxi that drives you over one way. If you are good in negotiation you can negotiate the price down to 800 Baht bit for the Thai consulate they will charge you 1200 Baht.

He can give you also his mobile number so you can call him to take you back from your hotel in Laos to Mukdahan bus station.

I have no experience with the Thai consulate in Savannaket and onyl use him for activating my next 3 months and buy some booze and cigarettes.

[waynec78]

Last trip to Savanakhet the bus leaves at 8:00 and arrives about 6:30 am and can get your ticket to the border for 50baht and usually load up at No. 1 area. They do not leave until the bus is full meaning standing room is filled. Arrive at Thai immigration and process through no problem and get back on same bus to Loas Immigration where you will go through and get another bus on the other side to the Savannaket bus station. Many places to stay close to the station and only about a 15 minute walk to the consulate. Negotiate with the tuk tuk as they will try to get 100 baht for a 5 minute ride and if other are there go as a group. Coming back the next day after you pick up the visa at 2 pm you just hop one of the tuk tuks waiting for 50baht to the border and process through immigration. When cleared from Laos immigration you will see a small building where you get the ticket for the bus to the Savannakhet terminal and get the return ticket as soon as you arrive. Back in Bkk around 5:30 am