Savannakhet vs Vientiane

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

Ignoring the visa question (I have a 'retirement' one) I've never been to Laos.  Which city would folk recommend for a short holiday.  Any travel tips would help leaving from Bang Saray Pattaya.

Although it has been a few years since I was there, and it may by now have become a complete tourist trap, in the past, the must see place in Laos was the old royal capital of Luang Prabang, When I first visited there in 1989, it was a truly magical experience. The last time I was there, mass tourism had changed the character of the place a lot, but it was still well worth seeing.

[bangkokairportlink]

20 hours ago, theguyfromanotherforum said:

Marriage. 

 

So, after I take a 50 baht bus from Mukdahan there should be (I assume) tuktuks to drive me directly to consulate after I cross the border? 

 

No, tuktuk won't cross the order, you must find a travel agency or pay the casino van to cross the border.

Usually people pay the 50 thb bus to cross the bridge and then a tuk tuk after laos border.

 

 

[bangkokairportlink]

1 hour ago, Laza 45 said:

50 Bt for a Tuktuk at Savanaket.. you would be lucky.. this guys are tuktuk mafia.. they will hit you for 2 or 3 hundred Bt..

 

If someone cannot from bus station to consulate he is either handicapped or too fat ass to have a life.

 

 

[alocacoc]

2 minutes ago, bangkokairportlink said:

 

If someone cannot from bus station to consulate he is either handicapped or too fat ass to have a life.

 

 

Nah, as I mentioned before. After a 12 hour ride on the bus I don't want to walk in the heat with the baggage. I prefer to spent this 50 Baht. Go to the hotel, take a shower. After then I love to walk around.

[franck1972]

At Mukdahan, take the bus to Savannakhet, 50 THB. 
Make sure you don't leave later than 8 30 from Mukdahan, because leaving with the 9 30 bus doesn't guarantee arriving on time at the consulate (opens at 9 AM, closes at 11 AM for applications)
Forget about walking from the bridge to the consulate, it's quite a walk, with luggage and heat, you'd arrive drenched.
Tuk Tuk or Van, 100 THB if you are alone, maybe 50 THB if you share with others.

If you are fast enough at the Lao immigration, you might also have a chance to catch the bus that goes on to Savannakhet.
From Bus station, it's do-able by walk, approx 1 Km.
You get your visa the next day at 2 PM. 
After, take a tuktuk to the bridge, pass lao immigration, and take a bus ticket to Mukdahan.

[alocacoc]

2 minutes ago, franck1972 said:

At Mukdahan, take the bus to Savannakhet, 50 THB. 
Make sure you don't leave later than 8 30 from Mukdahan, because leaving with the 9 30 bus doesn't guarantee arriving on time at the consulate (opens at 9 AM, closes at 11 AM for applications)
Forget about walking from the bridge to the consulate, it's quite a walk, with luggage and heat, you'd arrive drenched.
Tuk Tuk or Van, 100 THB if you are alone, maybe 50 THB if you share with others.

If you are fast enough at the Lao immigration, you might also have a chance to catch the bus that goes on to Savannakhet.
From Bus station, it's do-able by walk, approx 1 Km.
You get your visa the next day at 2 PM. 
After, take a tuktuk to the bridge, pass lao immigration, and take a bus ticket to Mukdahan.

That's a good summary. I like to book an extra day and go the second day to the consulate. Then I'm rested and clean. This time I arrived at the Sunday. So it was perfect anyway.

[Laza 45]

1 hour ago, alocacoc said:

The Tuk Tuk was menat from the Savannakhet Busstation to the Consulate. 50 Baht.

Ah!.. I was thinking from the bridge... lol...

[Mattd]

29 minutes ago, bangkokairportlink said:

So, after I take a 50 baht bus from Mukdahan there should be (I assume) tuktuks to drive me directly to consulate after I cross the border? 

 

30 minutes ago, bangkokairportlink said:

No, tuktuk won't cross the order, you must find a travel agency or pay the casino van to cross the border.

 

[alocacoc]

1 minute ago, Mattd said:

 

 

The Bus from Mukdahan brings you to the Busstation Savannakhet. There are waiting Tuk Tuks. In case the Bus is not waiting for you while you applying for your visa on arrival at the Laos Border, you could take also a Tuk Tuk from there, or wait for the next bus.

 

 

[Pat in Pattaya]

15 hours ago, Nong Khai Man said:

Yeah I've Seen it Mate, Any Good ?? I've provisionally booked The Avalon Residence for August,But Can cancel for Free.....

I just got back from Savannakahet, stayed in Avalon only after Pilgrims was fully booked.

I would definitely recommend Pilgrims, it is in a much bettter area in the old town with cafes and little bars littered around and it is close to the Mekong.

 

Avalon is located in a real dull area, the only benefit is you can walk to the consulate from there, that apart it offfers nothing.

[Mattd]

Just now, alocacoc said:

The Bus from Mukdahan brings you to the Busstation Savannakhet. There are waiting Tuk Tuks. In case the Bus is not waiting for you while you applying for your visa on arrival at the Laos Border, you could take also a Tuk Tuk from there, or wait for the next bus.

 

 

The point was that the OP mentioned getting a Tuk Tuk AFTER the border and the comment later was that the Tuk Tuk's cannot cross the border............

[alocacoc]

1 minute ago, Mattd said:

The point was that the OP mentioned getting a Tuk Tuk AFTER the border and the comment later was that the Tuk Tuk's cannot cross the border............

I guess he meant, take the bus ticket at the busstation, not at the bridge. I'm not aware that one can buy a ticket at the border.

 

However, when I came back, there were Tuk Tuk after the Lao border and asked 50 baht to Mukdahan bus station.

[jeab1980]

2 hours ago, alocacoc said:

The Tuk Tuk was menat from the Savannakhet Busstation to the Consulate. 50 Baht.

Yes from border to pilgrims kitchen and back to Consulate 200 bht great price

[BritTim]

42 minutes ago, alocacoc said:

I guess he meant, take the bus ticket at the busstation, not at the bridge. I'm not aware that one can buy a ticket at the border.

You can buy bus tickets at either bus station, and at the border on both sides.

[Brunolem]

17 hours ago, Nong Khai Man said:

I've Booked Avalon Residence Is it Any Good as you have stayed there before....& Is it Walking distance from The Consulate ??

I stayed twice at the Avalon, no problem, staff efficient and welcoming, big rooms with wifi, good and cheap food next door, and easy walk to both the consulate and the bus station.

 

Only weak point is television which has a terrible signal and is almost impossible to watch.

[Brunolem]

3 hours ago, BritTim said:

Although it has been a few years since I was there, and it may by now have become a complete tourist trap, in the past, the must see place in Laos was the old royal capital of Luang Prabang, When I first visited there in 1989, it was a truly magical experience. The last time I was there, mass tourism had changed the character of the place a lot, but it was still well worth seeing.

I would agree with that.

Luang Prabang is still the most interesting city by far...as far as I am concerned, the other cities have no interest at all.

I would also recommend the road trip between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, an incredible experience with unique landscapes...as long as one is not in a hurry...

[Nong Khai Man]

7 hours ago, Laza 45 said:

50 Bt for a Tuktuk at Savanaket.. you would be lucky.. this guys are tuktuk mafia.. they will hit you for 2 or 3 hundred Bt..

They Would'nt get it from Me.....Maybe 200-300 Kip !!!

[Nong Khai Man]

6 hours ago, alocacoc said:

That's a good summary. I like to book an extra day and go the second day to the consulate. Then I'm rested and clean. This time I arrived at the Sunday. So it was perfect anyway.

That's My Plan Also Mate, Arrive Mukdahan on Sunday Afternoon....Leave Monday Morning Refreshed !!

[BritTim]

4 hours ago, Nong Khai Man said:

They Would'nt get it from Me.....Maybe 200-300 Kip !!!

They will laugh at this. Maybe, away from the main mafia, you might find someone to take you for 30 baht, but the only way to avoid the inflated prices in general is to use shanks' pony.

[Ti Baan]

In the bus from Mukdahan to Krungthep now.

Did apply for the second time for a Non O multiple ( thai wife) yesterday, got my visa today without any problem.

Did use the tuktuk as they always offer good services and are really friendly.

Stayed in Mukdahan the night before (new hotel close to Big C), got a meters taxi from there in the morning direct to the border ( taxi did charge an extra 50 baths on top of the meters price  to drive us there). Pass the thai border at 7:30, no queue, visa on arrival in Laos , bus to Savannakhet station and tuk tuk to embassy, was there around 9 am. No queue. Gave the documents at the counter and we was at the hotel at 10:30.

last time we stayed at the Avallon but this time stayed down the river (Daosavannh resort cause we have all day to spend and the pool is great). And some nice live music bar just a 10 min walk from there ! No probleme for early check inn and late check out , who is always great.

We got the visa back at 2 pm, no queue, back to Mukdahan, we got the 8 pm bus so went to the Indochina market and the fresh market just 5 mn walk from here for some food..

No heading back south thailand ! Long trip for a basically 8 minutes in total spend inside the consulate wall !!! But worry free !

( Note for Ubonjoe, yes the change of passport number was not a problem)

[Jeremy50]

22 hours ago, jeab1980 said:

So why not book a room with windows?

What is it with Laos hotels that have no windows?  I've come across quite a few. No way would I stay in one. 

[jeab1980]

24 minutes ago, Jeremy50 said:

What is it with Laos hotels that have no windows?  I've come across quite a few. No way would I stay in one. 

Just a way of making use of the space they have i expect. Plus will generate  more money for them.

[Nong Khai Man]

11 hours ago, BritTim said:

They will laugh at this. Maybe, away from the main mafia, you might find someone to take you for 30 baht, but the only way to avoid the inflated prices in general is to use shanks' pony.

It Was Said " Tongue In Cheek Mate " But there is still NO Way I'd give them 200-300 Baht for a 50 Baht Ride....I'm NOT " f&&&&&g Stoopid LOL !!!

[SunsetT]

On 15/06/2017 at 9:06 AM, Brunolem said:

I would agree with that.

Luang Prabang is still the most interesting city by far...as far as I am concerned, the other cities have no interest at all.

I would also recommend the road trip between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, an incredible experience with unique landscapes...as long as one is not in a hurry...

...But dont take a minibus......U get thrown from side to side on every bend!

[andrewgordon]

I assume you will be getting a 1 month extension

 

Cheers

AG

[Nong Khai Man]

2 hours ago, andrewgordon said:

I assume you will be getting a 1 month extension

 

Cheers

AG

Who, Me ?? NO I'll be Getting a Yearly Non-Imm " O " Multi.......Hopefully !!!

[andrewgordon]

Yes i have same visa, last time i went Laos i just got a 1 month stamp this time next week i will get the 1 year non-imm multiple entry but it will take me 3 days to obtain.

 

1st day travel from Seka to Nong Khai where i will be too late to submit my documents (08.30 to 11.30)

2nd day submit docs..

3rd day pick up visa 1.00pm to 3.00pm,, travel home

 

 any chance  you know website where you can do it online

 

Cheers

Andy G 

[Nong Khai Man]

6 minutes ago, andrewgordon said:

Yes i have same visa, last time i went Laos i just got a 1 month stamp this time next week i will get the 1 year non-imm multiple entry but it will take me 3 days to obtain.

 

1st day travel from Seka to Nong Khai where i will be too late to submit my documents (08.30 to 11.30)

2nd day submit docs..

3rd day pick up visa 1.00pm to 3.00pm,, travel home

 

 any chance  you know website where you can do it online

 

Cheers

Andy G 

Andy, Then why not travel from Seka to Mukdahan & Cross into Savanakhet ( You will NOT get a Multi Entry in Vientianne ) Anyway.....Leave Seka VERY Early & Get to Savanakhet before 11.30 ( It Can be Done ) Then you'll get you're Multi Entry the very NEXT Day ( 2nd Day ) then Home to Seka.....

 

I Don't Think it can be done Online,But you can ask Ubonjoe,He WILL KNOW........

[ubonjoe]

15 minutes ago, andrewgordon said:

Yes i have same visa, last time i went Laos i just got a 1 month stamp this time next week i will get the 1 year non-imm multiple entry but it will take me 3 days to obtain.

1st day travel from Seka to Nong Khai where i will be too late to submit my documents (08.30 to 11.30)

2nd day submit docs..

3rd day pick up visa 1.00pm to 3.00pm,, travel home

 any chance  you know website where you can do it online

 

You will not be able get a multiple entry visa in Vientiane of any kind.

If you are married to a Thai you can get a multiple entry non-o visa in Savannakhet with no financial proof.

There is no online application possible.

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, Nong Khai Man said:

.Leave Seka VERY Early & Get to Savanakhet before 11.30

Warning: in Savannakhet, they stop taking visa applications at 11:00 am. You need to be at the consulate gates by 10:45 at latest, I would say, allowing time for photocopies, and possibly scribbling a new form if they have changed it.