Must do a visa run on Tuesday to Vientiane. I have done many visa runs before but never in Vientiane.

As I am looking for as little hassle as possible when I get there I would appreciate as much advice as I can get from people who have done this before.

I am going for a single entry tourist visa, travelling by bus which I believe leaves Mochit at 8 30 pm but don't know the time of the return bus the next day yet.

How far is the office from the bus station in Nong Kai, what time does the office open? how much for a taxi? How much for the visa? what time will I get my visa the following day? any recommendations for a cheap room nearby? Any advice you can give will be much appreciated!

You have to cross the bridge to Laos from Nong Kai. Then from there to the consular section in Vientiane to apply for the visa.

The consular section opens at 8:30 and closes at 11:30 am for visa applications. You then pickup your passport the next afternoon at 1:30 pm.

I would guess at least 2 hours will be needed to get from the bus station to the consular section.

You will pay from $30 to $42 dependent upon your nationality or 1500 baht for the Lao visa on arrival.

Effective yesterday there will no fee for a single entry tourist visa.

Can't help on the room question.

You have to cross the bridge to Laos from Nong Kai. Then from there to the consular section in Vientiane to apply for the visa.
The consular section opens at 8:30 and closes at 11:30 am for visa applications. You then pickup your passport the next afternoon at 1:30 pm.
I would guess at least 2 hours will be needed to get from the bus station to the consular section.
You will pay from $30 to $42 dependent upon your nationality or 1500 baht for the Lao visa on arrival.
Effective yesterday there will no fee for a single entry tourist visa.
Can't help on the room question.

Hotel opposite visa section about B1000


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Is there a bus from Nong Kai to the consul?

33 minutes ago, dereko169 said:

Is there a bus from Nong Kai to the consul?

No

You will need to get a taxi or tuk tuk to the bridge then a shuttle bus after the clearing Thai immigration to the other side of the bridge. Then after clearing Lao immigration you can get a taxi or tuk tuk to the consular section.

Thanks Ubon & Maverick, think I may take the overnight train might be a better option!

1 hour ago, dereko169 said:

Thanks Ubon & Maverick, think I may take the overnight train might be a better option!

 

I loved the Train option, including the connection to the one that crosses the bridge.  But unless the trains have begun running on time in recent months, be prepared to not make it to the consulate on-time, and have to wait to submit your passport the next day, adding an extra night in Vientiane to the trip.

Yes there is a bus from the bus station in nong khai to the bus station in Vientiane it cost b50


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7 minutes ago, Maverickthai said:

Yes there is a bus from the bus station in nong khai to the bus station in Vientiane it cost b50


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But he may need a Lao visa to use that bus. They don't wait for people to get a Lao visa on arrival.

Train is your best option, get the lower bunk for a better nights sleep, the top bunk is small and has a light in your face. I never had any trouble making the embassy from the train, but maybe some folks have been unlucky. Stay in a hotel down by the river, much nicer than some depressing place by the embassy. Don't check out of your hotel before 11.30am or you will have a lot of waiting around.

20 hours ago, dereko169 said:

Thanks Ubon & Maverick, think I may take the overnight train might be a better option!

Even if money is so important, I trust the planes more then buses and trains in TH and much more convinient, with a bit planning you get very good low prices with the Airlines. Bangkok - Udon Thani

DMK-UTH-DMK

Airlines offer also shuttle service Udon Thani - Vientiane after the flight with Bus. 

23 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

You have to cross the bridge to Laos from Nong Kai. Then from there to the consular section in Vientiane to apply for the visa.

The consular section opens at 8:30 and closes at 11:30 am for visa applications. You then pickup your passport the next afternoon at 1:30 pm.

I would guess at least 2 hours will be needed to get from the bus station to the consular section.

You will pay from $30 to $42 dependent upon your nationality or 1500 baht for the Lao visa on arrival.

Effective yesterday there will no fee for a single entry tourist visa.

Can't help on the room question.

When in town I use the hotel down the road, at one time I Used to stay at the embassy, but  that's another story.