You arrived in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption stamp. Perhaps you’ve completed a border run before, or maybe this is your first. You may have already extended your current stamp by 30 days at immigration — or not. We assess every situation on a case-by-case basis and can accommodate the vast majority of travelers.

Alternatively, you hold a different visa type (DTV, Non-B, Non-O, etc.) that’s nearing its expiration date, and you need to leave Thailand in order to re-enter on a fresh visa exemption, a new visa, or to activate the next entry on your existing multiple-entry visa.

⚠️ Long-term visas such as student visas, volunteer visas, or Non-B visas tied to a work permit must be formally canceled at immigration prior to departing on a border run.

1. Early Morning Pickup

   • Collection Window: Between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM from your designated pickup location.
   • The Drive: Sit back in our comfortable VIP minibus as we head toward the Chiang Khong border, with regular rest stops along the way.
   • Duration: Roughly 5 hours in each direction.
   • Full Day: Plan for 11–12 hours total, covering travel, breaks, and all border formalities.

2. At the Border

   • Leaving Thailand: We guide you through all the steps for a smooth exit on the Thai side and entry on the Lao side.
   • Entering Laos: Shuttle across the Friendship Bridge (25 THB per crossing) and collect your Lao visa on arrival — 2,000 THB or 50 USD (crisp bills required).
   • Even visa-exempt nationalities are typically charged a 200–500 THB processing fee by Lao immigration.

3. Quick Return to Thailand

   • Once Lao formalities are complete, head straight back over the bridge to re-enter Thailand.
   • We coordinate every stage so you can focus on getting your stamps — stress-free.

4. Evening Return to Chiang Mai

   • Leaving the Border: Approximately 1:00 PM.
   • Back in Chiang Mai: Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, dropped off at your original pickup spot.

• Your Passport — at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
• Cash for Visa Fees — Lao visa on arrival: 2,000 THB or USD equivalent in new bills. Visa-exempt nationalities may still pay up to 500 THB processing.
• Comfort Essentials — Water is provided on the bus. Pack snacks or a travel pillow for the long day.

1 Morning Collection

• When: Between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM
• Where: One of our established pickup locations across Chiang Mai.
• Pre-Trip Email: You’ll receive your exact pickup time and meeting point the day before.
• Be On Time: The minibus cannot wait if you’re running late.
• Comfort: Dress casually. USB charging ports are available on board.

2 Drive to Chiang Khong

• Travel Time: Around 5 hours.
• On Board: Air-conditioned VIP minibus with reclining seats.
• Refreshments: Complimentary water provided.
• Rest Stops: Every 2–3 hours for breaks.

3 Reaching the Border

• Arrival: Approximately 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Everyone exits on the Thai side and waits for driver guidance.
• Assisted Packages: Our team walks you through each step. Wait for instructions — do not cross independently.
• Transport Only: Proceed at your own pace. We won’t be able to assist if you encounter difficulties.

4 Thai Exit Procedures

• Head to the Thai departure counter with your passport ready.
• Receive your exit stamp. Be polite with immigration officers.

5 Crossing the Friendship Bridge

• Board the shuttle bus to the Lao side. Runs every 20–30 minutes, 25 THB.

6 Lao Visa on Arrival

• Officers fast-track your application since you won’t be entering Laos further.
• No photo required.
• Fees: 2,000 THB / 50 USD (new bills only). Visa-exempt nations: 300–500 THB processing fee. Takes 2–5 minutes.

7 Leaving Laos

• Get your exit stamp. Double-check you receive it before walking away.

8 Back Across the Bridge

• Take the 25 THB shuttle back to the Thai side.

9 Re-Entering Thailand

• TDAC QR Code: Completed online within 3 days of return.
• Passport plus any additional documents we recommend for your case.
• Always verify your entry stamp is correct before leaving the counter.

10 Regrouping for the Return

• When: ~1:00 PM at the designated Thai-side meeting point.
• Arrive on time so we can depart promptly.

11 The Drive Home

• Duration: Around 5 hours.
• 30-minute lunch break near the White Temple in Chiang Rai.
• ETA: Between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

12 Chiang Mai Drop-Off

• Same spot where you were collected. Check you have all your belongings.