Savannakhet, Laos Step-by-Step Guide

This is a complete and easy-to-follow guide when applying for a Non-Immigrant B Visa at the Thai embassy in Savannakhet, Laos. Applying for a Non-Immigrant B Visa is different from doing a border run, as that is for a tourist visa exemption of 30 days. When departing for a visa run, it is possible to catch the bus from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Mae Sai, and most other provinces in Thailand. Some companies provide packages for visa runs; for some companies, the van will leave from Chiang Mai for a Chiang Mai visa run, and another company will depart from Bangkok for a Bangkok visa run.

*Very Important Note*

Timing Your Visit: Before planning your visit, the first thing to do is book an appointment at the Embassy by visiting this link. Appointments must be made in advance via the Visa Application Appointment System. The visa process takes three days. If you submit it on Monday morning, your passport will be returned on Wednesday afternoon. You must be in Laos for the weekend if you submit on a Thursday or Friday.

Pre-booking a return plane or a bus ticket is not advised.

Not booking return tickets is a precaution in case something unexpected happens.

It is safe to book return tickets only once your documents have been handed into the consulate and accepted by consular staff.

Before you Leave for your Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa Run

Have your appointment booked for the submission of paperwork and your passport. Note that the processing time does not include the submission date.
Have all of your visa paperwork/documents packed and ready (you cannot get a Non-Immigrant B Visa without the correct paperwork)
Have extra photocopies of your passport, and have a photocopy of the Thai stamps in your passport.
Have at least three passport-sized photos (bring a few extras for backup)
Have your accommodation reserved in Laos (you will need an address for the Laos visa on arrival)
Have your current school’s address in English
Have your current Thailand address in English
Have your headteacher or staff representative’s full name, address, and phone number (in English to use as a guarantor)

Bus Tickets to Mukdahan, Thailand

You must purchase a ticket from the bus station the day before or the day of your journey. It can sometimes be challenging to book tickets far in advance. The destination is Mukdahan, Thailand. Double-check the departure times when you purchase your ticket, and make sure to arrive early, but expect the bus to come a bit late. Communicate with the bus driver to ensure you are not left behind at the Savannakhet bus station after completing immigration tasks upon arrival in Laos.

If you want to look at bus schedules and some websites for Thailand, but the sites do not contain a complete listing of all companies and routes, nothing beats going to the bus station and asking in person for information.

Here is a link to a website called Easybook.com; you can check some routes within Thailand for various types of transport. Another helpful site is busonlineticket.co.th; however, not all routes are listed, and nothing beats going to the bus station and asking directly.

Here are Some Common Thailand Bus Routes

Sukhothai Province to Mukdahan Province

Tak Province to Mukdahan Province

Phetchabun Province to Mukdahan Province

Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen

Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen

and then Khon Kean to Mukdahan

As mentioned above, if you can’t find your route on a website, go to the bus station and ask; the staff there are amicable and will be more than willing to help you.

The Journey by Bus to Mukdahan, Thailand and Savannakhet Bus Station

I recommend a window seat, so you don’t have to get up whenever someone gets on and off the bus at different stops.

Buses generally do not have WIFI.

Buses usually have a small, cramped bathroom for urgent use. You must pack tissues or toilet paper, as they are generally unavailable.

Sometimes, a tiny water bottle, a juice box, and a small snack are provided. I would recommend bringing extra snacks for the long trip.

Arrival in Mukdahan, Thailand

Once you arrive at Mukdahan Bus Station, you need to arrange to take a tuk-tuk to the Friendship Bridge. To reduce the costs, try to travel with others who are going the same way.

Once you arrive at the Friendship Bridge, you must go through the Thailand Immigration Exit checkpoint. Thai Immigration will stamp you out of Thailand and scan your fingerprints.

Once you’ve exited Thailand, you must buy a 50 baht bus ticket for sale from a booth on the left side. Once the bus arrives, get on the bus to cross the bridge into Laos.

Step-by-Step Guide For Getting into Laos

Once you’ve crossed the bridge and got off the bus on the Laos side of the river, you must obtain a visa on arrival for Laos. The office is on your left as you’re approaching immigration/customs.

You need to complete a form and attach 1 photo. The form requires an address in Laos, so use your Laos hotel address. If you haven’t booked a hotel in advance, quickly search Google and find any Laos Hotel address.

Submit the completed form, the Laos Visa Fee, which varies depending on nationality and is between 1,000 and 1,800 baht, and your passport. Usually, the wait to return your passport with your Laos visa inside is just a few minutes.

Proceed through the Laos immigration checkpoint and show your passport to the immigration officer. Once they have examined your passport, they will return it to you. Congratulations, you are now officially in Laos! Next, you must find a taxi or a tuk-tuk to the Thai Consulate. Costs vary but can be around 150-200 baht per person, so try to share if you can.

At the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos

The Consulate opens at 9 am and only receives applications till 11 am. The visa application hours are from 9 am to 11 am.
Across the street from the Consulate, you will find a small building with signs for printing and copying. The staff speaks excellent English and will assist you in filling out the form and making a photocopy of your Laos visa.
The form requires two photos, your Thai address, and a guarantor in Thailand who can be your Thai headteacher or director. You need their name, phone number, and school address.
The form requires your last entry date into Thailand; if you don’t remember, you can find this in your passport.
Put the completed form on top of the rest of your Non-B paperwork.
Place the photocopy of your Laos visa at the back of the paperwork.
Join the line at the Consulate and wait to submit your application.
The Non-B Visa will cost 2000 baht.
Once you submit your paperwork and payment, you will be issued a receipt. *Keep this safe; you will need it when you return two days later at 14:00 when collection begins. If you submit it on Thursday or Friday, you can’t return your passport until Monday or Tuesday. The visa collection hours are from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Laos Visa Options

When planning your trip to Laos, it’s essential to understand the different visa options available to you. The most common visa types are the Laos Tourist Visa and the Laos Business Visa. The Laos Tourist Visa is ideal for travelers who plan to stay in the country for a short period, typically up to 30 days. This visa is perfect for those looking to explore the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and historical sites of Laos.

On the other hand, the Laos Business Visa is designed for business travelers who need to stay in Laos for a more extended period. This visa allows for multiple entries and longer stays, making it suitable for those who have business commitments or need to travel frequently between Laos and other countries. Understanding these options will help you choose the appropriate visa for your needs and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Tourist Visa Information

If you’re planning a short visit to Thailand, the Thai Tourist Visa is a popular option. This visa is typically valid for 30 or 60 days, depending on the type of visa and your nationality. To apply for a Thai Tourist Visa, you’ll need to provide a few essential documents. These include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent passport-sized photo.

The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality, so it’s a good idea to check the specific requirements for your country. The application process is straightforward, and having all your documents ready will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re visiting Thailand for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, or rich cultural heritage, the Thai Tourist Visa is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure.

Online Visa Appointment Reservation

To streamline the visa application process, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Savannakhet, Laos, offers an online visa appointment reservation system. This system allows travelers to book an appointment online, avoiding long waits at the consulate. To book an appointment, you’ll need to provide your personal details, including your name, passport number, and contact information.

Using the online reservation system is simple and convenient. It ensures that you have a scheduled time to submit your visa application, making the process more efficient. Whether you’re applying for a Thai Tourist Visa, a Non-Immigrant B Visa, or any other type of Thai visa, the online appointment system at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Savannakhet is a valuable tool to help you manage your travel plans effectively.

Pick Up your passport at the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos

The Consulate typically opens at 14:00, and a queue will form, so try to get there a bit earlier if you can. Generally, the line to pick up passports goes reasonably quickly. The visa processing time is 2 working days, excluding the submission date.

Once you’ve picked up your passport, take a tuk-tuk or taxi back to the Friendship Bridge.

Hand your passport and completed Laos departure card to the immigration official at the Laos Immigration booth.

Once the immigration official returns your passport, you must purchase a 50-baht bus ticket to return to the bridge’s Thai side.

Once you have made it over the bridge to the Thailand side, hand your passport and completed Thai arrival/departure card to the immigration official at the Thai Immigration booth.

The immigration official will scan your fingerprints and stamp your passport, allowing you to stay in Thailand for 90 days.

Congratulations, you are now back in Thailand with a 90-day Non-Immigrant B Visa for teaching.

You must take a tuk-tuk or taxi back to the Mukdahan bus station to purchase your ticket and return to your province.

While in Savannakhet, Laos

You may want to consider exchanging some money for the local currency, Kip, especially if you are considering purchasing food from stalls & markets. Otherwise, most places accept Baht and US dollars.

Understanding the current policies for tourist visas is important for a smooth travel experience.

Recommended Restaurants in Savannakhet, Laos

Lin’s Café

It is an excellent place, opposite St. Theresa Catholic Church.

It serves Western and local food, such as good coffee, and free WIFI. It also has maps and brochures available. *credit cards accepted

Night market

The night market is known locally as ‘Talat Yen Plaza.’

It starts at 5 pm daily and is in front of St. Theresa Catholic Church.

Savan Cafe and Bistro

Two blocks from the night market, it serves western and local food and is also a hostel. Accepts Thai Baht and Kip (no credit cards)

Hotels, B&B and Hostels

The following can be found on booking.com.

Savan Café

Single rooms and dormitory beds are available, and a café is on-site.

Attractions

Savannakhet is a quiet town, but you can find a few things to do!

The Mekong River

Great for enjoying a beer during sunset and snapping a few pictures!

Xaiyaphoum Temple

It is the oldest temple in Savannakhet, est., in 1542. There are also Chinese and Vietnamese temples in the area.

The Dinosaur Museum

Open Mon-Sun 09:00-11:30; 13:30-16:00

The last time I visited, it was a 5000 kip entry fee.

Saint Theresa Catholic Church

The church, built in the 1920s, is opposite the night market and is very peaceful and beautiful. As mentioned, the night market is opposite this church.

The New Provincial/Savannakhet Museum

Local artifacts & photos document the economic progression of Laos.

Also, they have a few military artifacts from various countries.

The last time I visited, it was a 5000 kip entry fee.

Tha Hea School

The oldest school in Savannakhet was built in the 1920s.

French Colonial Architecture

There is plenty of French colonial architecture, which is great to walk around and look at. If Instagram is your thing, take the opportunity to snap some artsy pics!

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Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/laosvisaguide to read the guidelines for a visa run to Savannakhet, Laos.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/savankhet-laos-thai-visa-application-form-guidelines to read the guidelines for completing the visa application form.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog//understanding-thai-visa-categories-employment-document-process to read about the various categories of Thai visas and information for teaching in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/lantern-festival-loy-krathong-lamphun-thailand to read about Teacher Olga’s experience in Lamphun Province Thailand during Loy Krathong Festival 2022.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about Thailand's school year and how it differs from most other countries.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/loy-krathong-lantern-yipeng-2022 to read about Loy Krathong and Yi-Ping/Ye-Peng Festivals in Thailand.
Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to Thai and Alphabet languages.

Non B Visa Savannakhet: Thai Visa Run Guide for Savanakhet Laos — Teach English in Thailand with Kids English