I have been to and received an ED visa back in 2012 I think it was, but that was over in Savannakhet; I am going to Vientiane tomorrow (Saturday) and intending to go to the consulate on Monday to start the process there. Has anybody been there and if so any tips/info on timing, prices etc? It would be much appreciated 

Cheers

You will be applying at the embassies consular section (it is not a consulate). Map is on this page of embassy website. http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php

You apply by 11:30 the morning of one day and pick up your passport the next afternoon. The fee is 2000 baht.

38 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You will be applying at the embassies consular section (it is not a consulate). Map is on this page of embassy website. http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/en/consular/visa.php

You apply by 11:30 the morning of one day and pick up your passport the next afternoon. The fee is 2000 baht.

Great thanks Joe. The Savannakhet consular was not too busy with around 200 people if I can recall, if anybody can mention their experience with the Vientiane location that would be great.

55 minutes ago, JustNo said:

Great thanks Joe. The Savannakhet consular was not too busy with around 200 people if I can recall, if anybody can mention their experience with the Vientiane location that would be great.

 

Busy, especially as you will be applying on a Monday. However, they are efficient and get everyone processed. There are fixers who can help you queue jump for a fee if you hate an hour or so wait.

5 minutes ago, BritTim said:

 

Busy, especially as you will be applying on a Monday. However, they are efficient and get everyone processed. There are fixers who can help you queue jump for a fee if you hate an hour or so wait.

Thanks! 

In Savannakhet I used a 'fixer' and I cannot remember the price, but they did a good job. My school has said to me that in Vientiane the staff do refuse more applications than in Savannakhet for some reason, is there any way I can heighten my chances? I have a fairly new passport and I am with a very reputable school with all of my documents in order, so I do not see any issues?? 

As long as your documentation is in order, you will be fine in Vientiane. Refusals there are usually for people trying for their umpteenth tourist visa.

Get there before it opens, i.e. before 8:30 if you can. Go straight to the official at the white table next to the seating area to get a collection number for the next day (if you don't get an early one, you could be waiting around for hours to pick it up).

 

Vientiane is a nice city to explore on foot on on a bicycle. You can rent a bike from most guesthouses (you don't need to be a guest) for about $2 a day. Cycling west along the river is very pleasant and relaxing, although the road becomes a dirt track so it could leave you with a sore rear end. 

It's a small city so you can pretty much see everything by bicycle - have a look at https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293950-Activities-Vientiane_Vientiane_Province.html for ideas. To get to the Buddha park take bus 14 from the main bus station on Mahosot.

At sunset, you should definitely go to the night market to see the views over the Mekong. Alternatively, there is a restaurant/bar called Bo Pen Nyang on the road behind the night market, on the 4th floor. You can get a great view of the sunset over the river, there. That place gets lively in the evening with both expats and Lao nationals.

Good luck and please report back on your experience!

9 hours ago, lookforzeros said:

Get there before it opens, i.e. before 8:30 if you can. Go straight to the official at the white table next to the seating area to get a collection number for the next day (if you don't get an early one, you could be waiting around for hours to pick it up).

 

Vientiane is a nice city to explore on foot on on a bicycle. You can rent a bike from most guesthouses (you don't need to be a guest) for about $2 a day. Cycling west along the river is very pleasant and relaxing, although the road becomes a dirt track so it could leave you with a sore rear end. 

It's a small city so you can pretty much see everything by bicycle - have a look at https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293950-Activities-Vientiane_Vientiane_Province.html for ideas. To get to the Buddha park take bus 14 from the main bus station on Mahosot.

At sunset, you should definitely go to the night market to see the views over the Mekong. Alternatively, there is a restaurant/bar called Bo Pen Nyang on the road behind the night market, on the 4th floor. You can get a great view of the sunset over the river, there. That place gets lively in the evening with both expats and Lao nationals.

Good luck and please report back on your experience!

Thanks, I have been to Vientiane 6 times before this but I have never gone there for am ED visa. 

Just to clarify, you suggest that I get a number for the next day, so that I should not intent to go on Monday only to get a number on Monday for Tuesday? Kind of confused lol 

36 minutes ago, JustNo said:

Just to clarify, you suggest that I get a number for the next day, so that I should not intent to go on Monday only to get a number on Monday for Tuesday? Kind of confused lol 

You get a number to pickup your passport the next afternoon after you give them your application and passport.

38 minutes ago, JustNo said:

Thanks, I have been to Vientiane 6 times before this but I have never gone there for am ED visa. 

Just to clarify, you suggest that I get a number for the next day, so that I should not intent to go on Monday only to get a number on Monday for Tuesday? Kind of confused lol 

As UbonJoe says, you get a number on Monday and keep it to pick up your passport and ED visa on Tuesday afternoon. Only I got my number before I submitted my docs. The lower the number you get, the less time you'll wait on Tuesday.