Laos Visa Run - Quick, no frills?

Bandung_Dero wrote:I need to do a very quick visa run, not even stopping for duty free. In the considered opinion from those that do regular trips across the bridge:-

Which is the best time and day of the week to do it? My logic says Saturday morning.
Where is the best place to park and what should I expect to pay the scum bag parking touts?

Thanks for your advice.

i,ve found sunday morning around 8.30am the best time for me never many around either side of the bridge ,
carpark still 40bt , but theres roadworks all down the thai side just before the border ,
should take about 40 mins from leaving car to getting back . martyn .

If you want to do it quick you need to go on a day that the Thai Embassy/Consulate in Vetiene is open. ie Monday to Friday. I did it once and they made me pick up the visa (single entry non O)the following day so you need to go Monday - Thursday and stay there one night.

OT..........

Hi,
If you only want to go across the border and strait back get there at eight thirty. You can park your car just before the shops etc. at the border entrance gate on the left hand side. Used this for 4 years and also left car for three nights while in Lao. Never had any trouble and parking fee for morning was 50B. You will need 2 photos, and 35US dollars to pay on the Lao side to enter Lao. You can use Bhat or change at Lao border. Exchange rate used to be rubbish at border. so get in bank in Udon.
Or you can do it this way.
The shops on the left hand side will do photos, forms, etc. and the 35USD. Will take you across the bridge by car, wait for you on the Lao side and take you back across bridge. Far better than waiting for the bus to take you across. BUY duty free, will just take a few minutes and worth it. Do not go overboard with duty free. Just a warning.
The cost of this last year was 2200B but worth it. No waiting for buses etc and straightforward and seeing it is your first time you need somebody to show you the ropes. Next time you can do you own thing. The longest wait is on the Lao side, depending how many people are crossing. I have been through the Lao side in 15 mins, fastest, and 2hrs 30mins slowest.
Good luck.

BD

The aussie charge is $30 USD and u can buy this at the border just before the Thai Immigration area.

BKK Bank have a mobile van there with the same FX rates as their web site, so no scams.

Take plenty of coins, as the buses all cost , as well as some small charge on the Lao side to enter, even though u have the Visa.

Lovely Grange at the duty free, all kept under lock n key and at the correct temperatures !