Your Chiang Mai Border Run Made Easy
Join our Chiang Mai border run trips to Hauy Xai (Laos) and extend your stay in Thailand up to 60 days.
Effective 23rd August 2024. Travellers must stay in Laos for two nights before you are able to return back to thailand.
Please CALL US: 096 015 4870 for further information.
TRIPS LEAVE: MON, WEDS & FRIDAY
PRICE: 2200 THB (Per person.)
Office Hours 10am -5:30pm Mon – Sat
If the day you need to go isn’t available, please contact us as we can arrange additional trips.
Testimonials
Ready for your visa run? Here's what to expect!
Border Run Chiang Mai to Huay Xai (Laos) via Chiang Khong
Day 1
Pickup in Chiang Mai from 6:30 AM, arriving at the Thai-Laos border around noon.
Exit Thailand to Laos, then take a tuk-tuk (100 THB/person) to your hotel in Huay Xai.
Day 2
Unwind and take in the beauty of Huay Xai and the Mekong River.
Enjoy local dishes, soak in the laid-back atmosphere, and maybe make new friends along the way.
Day 3
11:00 AM. Check out of your hotel and return to the border, to cross back into Thailand.
Our driver will meet you on the Thai side at 1:00 PM getting you back to Chiang Mai by early evening.
Group Size:
Trips are cozy, with a maximum of 8 passengers.
Who should join our border run?
Perfect Fit for:
Folks with a 30 (or 60) day visa exemption stamp or a tourist visa that’s almost up. Haven’t done more than two overland border runs this year? You’re in luck!
Or Maybe:
Got a NON-B, Non-O or DTV that’s about to expire? Hop out of Thailand to get a new visa or visa exemption, or activate a new entry on your current multiple entry visa.
Important Note:
Remember, you can extend your visa exemption or tourist visa once at an immigration office for an extra 30 days before going on this trip.
Got Student or Volunteer Visas, or a Non-B visa with work permits? Make sure to cancel those at the immigration office before joining us on this border adventure.
What to bring on your border run
Essentials:
Make sure to bring your valid passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of 6 months validity remaining (you’ll need it for both exiting and re-entering).
Cash Needed:
- Don’t forget to bring enough cash to cover your Lao visa on arrival (around 1900 THB).
- Also, have the money ready to pay the minibus driver or rep for the trip (it’s 2400 THB per person).
- Spending money for the duration of the trip + accomodation (est 2000 THB)
Extra Documentation:
- Sometimes they might ask for extra documents on the Thai side of the border when you’re coming back.
- Be ready to show any of the following if they ask:
- Hotel reservations or proof of address in Thailand (a TM30 works too).
- An onward flight reservation within the period of your allowed extended stay in Thailand (if you have it, it’s good to show).
Your border run itinerary
Departure to Huay Xai (Laos)
Pick-up Information:
- Get ready for an early start between 6:30 am and 7:30 am.
- We’ll swing by the spots you picked during booking.
- Don’t worry; we’ll send you a confirmation about the exact time the day before.
Travel Details:
- It’s about a 5-hour journey each way.
- We’ll make sure to take some stops for bathroom breaks and snacks.
- For payment, you can settle up with the driver or our friendly rep at the pickup points.
Arrival at Chiang Khong Border:
- Hop off the minibus at Chiang Khong on the Thai side.
- Pop through Thai immigration hassle-free.
- Then, it’s onto the bus (25 THB) to cross over to the Lao side (Huay Xai).
- Get your Lao visa on arrival (fee in THB).
- After receiving the visa, passengers will enter Laos.
Stay in Laos:
- Passengers will stay in Laos for two nights.
- Accommodation is not included in the service fee and should be arranged by the passengers themselves.
- Hotel costs typically range between 300 – 800 THB per night (Please check our recommendations).
- Tuk Tuk transports from the Border to the town cost around 100 THB.
Check Out and Return to Border:
- On the morning of the third day, passengers check out of their accommodation and return to the border to be ready for their return trip around 12 pm.
Re-enter Thailand:
Passengers buy tickets and board the bus again (25 THB) to cross the bridge back into Thailand. (busses leave every 20/30 minutes).
- Cross the Thai border, no fee required.
- Finally, hop back on the minibus for the ride back to Chiang Mai.
Arrival in Chiang Mai:
- Passengers arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, typically between 5 pm and 6 pm, depending on traffic and weather, and are dropped off at the same location where they were picked up.
Check Belongings:
- Please check your belongings and ensure you do not forget anything in the minibus.
Additional Info:
- Don’t forget to pack some snacks; food options are a bit scarce at the border.
- Make sure to bring along your passport (and departure card if you have it).
- Heads up: big bags won’t fit, so give us a shout before booking if you’re bringing one.
- Oh, and sorry, but no booze allowed on the minibus.
- Before you leave, do a quick sweep to make sure you’ve got all your stuff.
What's not included (costs)
Hey there! Here’s the lowdown on what’s not covered:
Ticket Price:
- Just so you know, the ticket price doesn’t cover the Laos visa fee, accomodation or the bus fare for crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Lao Visa Fees:
- The Lao visa costs 1900-2000 THB or 45 USD, but it can be different depending on where you’re from.
- Fun fact: Some lucky folks from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam don’t need to pay!
Laos Accommodation:
- Dependent on where you choose to stay prices range from around 300 – 800 THB per night.
Shuttle Bus Ticket:
- You’ll need about 25 THB each way for the shuttle bus across the Friendship Bridge. No worries, you can grab those tickets at the Border Crossing Point.
Food and Drinks:
- Oh, and don’t forget to bring some cash for meals and drinks during your stay.
If you need any further information:
CALL US: 096 015 4870
Book your reservation now!
Then select on the drop down list in the form below.
(Call us to request any additional stops)