Savannakhet Visa Run

Last updated 2007-10-15

Just a few kilometres outside Mukdahan is the second friendship bridge to Savannakhet in Laos where you can combine an interesting trip with a visa run/renewal. Savannakhet is host to a Thai Consulate and is a good option to renew your visa, especially if you're based in Isaan.

Getting there: From Bangkok you can get a comfortable overnight VIP bus from Mor Chit bus station for 7 or 8 hundred Baht. It's best to leave around 21:00 HRS to arrive in Mukdahan at around 06:00 HRS, perfect timing to head for the border. There is a local bus service from Mukdahan to the bridge that should cost no more than 50 Baht. The visa to for Laos should cost around 35 US Dollars (figures correct at the time of writing) and as far as we are aware, it is currently possible to get a visa on arrival.

Of course, get your exit stamp to leave Thailand. Once on the Laos side, you're dropped off at Savannakhet bus station, a tuk tuk to the Thai consulate should cost around 30-50 Baht. Note that the Laotian tuk tuk drivers will be very happy to take your Thai Baht, so don't worry about having Lao Kip in your pocket.

The Thai consulate in Savannakhet opens at 08:30 HRS. You'll need 2 passport photos, the completed application form (get them from the visa officers), 2 photocopies of the photo page of your passport, signed by you and the visa fee. If applying for a Non-Immigrant visa, you should bring with you all the supporting documentation.

Try and get there as early as possible if you want to make a quick getaway (but don't expect a quick getaway). Applications are only accepted before noon. It will be the next day, or two days later before you can collect your passport (we will update this page when we know for sure). Return to collect your passport when told to do so. Your receipt number will be called and make sure you check everything is in order with your visa immediately.

Accommodation is very cheap, perhaps just a couple of hundred Baht for a room with air and hot water (see our Savannakhet page) so why not relax and enjoy Savannakhet while you're there, you have to wait for your visa so take the time to relax. There's not much to do but you can get a decent meal for next to nothing.

There are some restaurants nearby on the river where you can enjoy fresh fish while savouring the lovely views over the Mekong to Thailand... and you're close enough to pick up the Thai cellphone networks and use your Thai SIM card if you have one.

Note: Do not try to use the ferry boat to Laos as we're getting reports that only local Thais and Laotians are allowed to use the boats to make the crossing... Use the bridge.