Hi guys,

 

I've read few reports on how to obtain a SETV from countries bordering with Thailand. I've never done it before, but so far my choice is getting SETV in Vientiane end of January.

 

I plan on taking night train from Bangkok on 26th (Thursday), and arriving in Thai consulate in Vientiane on 27th (Friday) - as early as possible. I'd like to pick up SETV successfully on Monday and take night train back to Bangkok the same day. I'm planning this trip with my friends who need to be back at work on Tuesday, so it would be great not needing to stay for another day.

 

How can I successfully apply on Friday morning and pick it up on Monday ?

 

In below report, in comments, the success rate of above mention operation is questioned.

 

Help and feedback much appreciated.  

 

 

Should work, no problem.

In principle, what you are planning is fine. There is one, not improbable, issue however. I do not know how much experience you have with Thailand long distance trains. They frequently run several hours late, and this could prevent you arriving in time for the visa application Friday morning. I like using the overnight trains, but recommend you do not do so for traveling to Vientiane (by all means, use the train  for the return). Better is to fly to Udon Thani (an hour by minibus from there to the Friendship Bridge) or take a VIP coach to Nong Khai or even fly into Vientiane Thursday on Air Asia.

If everything works correctly it is possible but that don't bet on schedules in Thailand as train may not run on xchedule as stated above.

 

As I said it is possible.

However, be advised that Monsay is when many of the Visa rum buses arrive from Bangkok and it can be very busy there then for that reason.

 

26 minutes ago, IMA_FARANG said:

As I said it is possible.

However, be advised that Monsay is when many of the Visa rum buses arrive from Bangkok and it can be very busy there then for that reason.

 

 

I do not think the visa run groups affect pick up on Monday afternoon. Their main impact is on the applications in the morning. In fact, one of the advantages of what the OP proposes is that there will be relatively few people doing what he is doing.

Always best to apply on a Friday and pick up on a Monday. A LOT less people...

But, as has been mentioned above, the train to Nong Khai is notoriously late, you'd be very lucky to be able to make it to the TH Consulate. Better is to arrive on a Thursday, and apply Friday.

All flights from BKK to Vientiane, arrives too late, you'd have to fly in on a Thursday.

Flying in to Udon Thani, no problem making it to the Consulate in time. Calculate no more (or less...) than 3 hours from Udon to the Consulate. Consulate sometimes close the gate at 11:30, so make it well before that.

And as the overnight train from Nong Khai to BKK is in the evenings, no problem.

But the trains are normally sold out...so book asap.

Thank you for all comments ! I didn't take into account train being late, so it was wise decision to ask about the trip.

 

I checked the flights, but none of them is particularly good timing wise. My friends would need to take a half-day off, or pay extra (Udon Thani or Vientiane on Thursday/Friday).

 

I'm considering taking a bus which I suppose should be a more reliable service (kindly correct if I'm wrong). Below is an excerpt from 12go.asia regarding BKK - Vientiane route.

 

Quote

There is direct international bus service from Bangkok to Vientiane. The service is operated by Transport Co Intl based at Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. The bus departs daily at 8pm from and reaches Talat Sao bus station in Vientiane by 7am the next morning. If you are heading to the Thai consulate in Vientiane to apply for your Thai visa, this bus is a sure bet to get to the consulate in time. Tickets cost THB1000 which is in fact approximately one third more than you would spend if taking a bus to Nong Khai and then catching the international bus to Vientiane from Nong Khai bus station.

 

Does the above sound correct ? It seems that switching from train to a bus would solve the potential issues just fine.

Advice much appreciated.

From my experience taking overnight train to Nong Khai has little risk of being late. I took it 5 or 6 times and was never late. Every other option is too much hassle. Taking a train back in my opinion is worse as you have to wait all day for it to depart without having a hotel room. That's why I would usually take a train in and plane out.

I can't comment on whether buses and trains will run on time but assuming you get to the embassy by around 11am, you should have no problems.I did this in April and September of last year and both times there were no more than 2-3 other people handing in their visa applications. It doesn't matter how many people are applying for visas on Monday as they will all be gone by midday and you will pick up your passport at 13.30.

9 hours ago, Matt199 said:

Thank you for all comments ! I didn't take into account train being late, so it was wise decision to ask about the trip.

 

I checked the flights, but none of them is particularly good timing wise. My friends would need to take a half-day off, or pay extra (Udon Thani or Vientiane on Thursday/Friday).

 

I'm considering taking a bus which I suppose should be a more reliable service (kindly correct if I'm wrong). Below is an excerpt from 12go.asia regarding BKK - Vientiane route.

 

 

Does the above sound correct ? It seems that switching from train to a bus would solve the potential issues just fine.

Advice much appreciated.

That seems correct. I took the bus with my now wife up to Vientiene to  get a single entry non-o which I converted to an  extension of stay based on retirement  within the last 30 days of the visa in BKK. Bus left Mochit  at  8pm and arrived at Vientiene bus station at 7am. Checked into Hemera Hotel ( formerly Lane Xang Princess Hote ) 200 meters from bus station droped off lugage and took taxi to Thai Embassy.  Dropped off all paperwork and picked up visa the next day in afternoon.

I did it this weekend.

 

Overnight train BKK-Nong Khai - very comfortable, heaven with compare to the "VIP" busses that are piece of sh!t (just take sleeping mask because they don't bother to turn off the lights). We arrived on time, 30thb tuktuk to the border, 100thb to Thai consulate where were 4 people. Out by 9:30am to get transport to Vang Vieng.

 

Monday 10am back from Vang Vieng, pick the passport 2:30pm, chill out... bus to Udon Thani 24k kip, great meal at the night market 150m from the bus station and 100thb tuktuk to the Airport. We arrived Sukhumvit at midnight. Imo it's stupid to take train on the way back. You can fly for 625thb and it takes 50 minutes. On the way there it's hustle with the timing + waking up like a zombie at 4am for a plane.