Ok. So I've been doing the monthly runs for the past 4 or 5 months and now it's time to get a tourist visa.

I'm planning on making my first TV run to Vientiane from Chiang Mai. I've never applied or been issued a tourist visa before so I have some questions. I also have some questions regarding the trip to Vientiane that might be able to be answered by some have you that live near Chiang Mai.

Ok ..here goes.

1) I need a Laos visa. It seems from reading that I can get one from a travel agent. It will cost me between $30 - $40. This should allow me to enter Laos. I can't get this at the border or the airport ...correct? meaning I should get it in Chiang Mai before I leave. What is the time frame on this visa? Can I walk in and get it in a matter of minutes or do I have to wait a day or so.

2)Is there somewhere I can downlioad the TV application and fill it out ahead of time or should I just pick one up when I get into Laos at the consulate. Should I bring two small pictures with me or can this be done for a fee at the consulate.

3)From what I read it seems it will take a couple of days for the TV to be processed. If this is true...any suggestions on accomodation is Laos?

4)Finally...flying from Chiang Mai to Vientiane seems to be about $200 round trip. Is the airport close to the consulate or your recommended accomodation? How long is the trip via bus if I would go that route?

Thanks for any help and I may add to this thread if needed if a new question comes up.

1. You should be able to obtain visa on arrival. Don't know cost.

2. http://www.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/img/visa.pdf

3. No information but you may find in other posts and travel forum.

4. Airport in in Vientiane. Don't know Chiang Mai/Vientiane bus schedule but it a long haul.

1. You get either a visa upon arrival (international airports and friendship bridge). Costs 30 Dollars and is good for 15 days. Bring passport photograph. Otherwise they will charge you one Dollar for a photocopy. But you can also get a visa beforehand (although I don't see the reason why).

3. Villa Daraxay or Villa That Luang. Both are medium priced guest houses (around 500 Baht per night) in walking distance to the Thai consulate.

4. Airport bus? ROFL!!! There is none. Grab a taxi. If you don't want to be ripped off by the airport taxi drivers and don't have much luggage, walk towards the main road and get a taxi there. It is quite a trip (for Vientiane, that is). Be prepared that Vientiane is much smaller than Chiang Mai .