Thursday, 31 January 2013

HOW AND WHERE TO GET A VISA FOR LAOS IN BANGKOK.


HOW AND WHERE TO GET A VISA FOR LAOS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND.
                                                                                  
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Well first of all do you need to get a visa before you enter Laos, well No, so why bother? A very good question and I guess it all depends on where and when and how you're going to enter Laos.
Usually you can get a tourist visa on entry. It is very easy and you may encounter a small  or a big delay depending on the day and time you cross into Laos.
So, the main reason for most people to get a Laos Visa in Bangkok will be  for conveience, perhaps they don't wnat to hang around waiting and they just prefer to spend as little time as possible on the border.
 There is one other consideration! If you areTRAVELLING DIRECT  BY BUS  FROM THAILAND TO LAOS, perhaps from KHON KAEN UDON or NONG KHAI to VIENTIANE YOU WILL NEED A VISA, they will not allow you to travel direct as they do not build in a waiting time into their schedule!
There are NEW BUS SERVICES Direct from BANGKOK to VIENTIANE and to PAKSE DIRECT from BANGKOK MO CHIT Bus Terminal and YOU WILL NEED A VISA IN ADVANCE!
 It's really easy to get a Visa for Laos, so whatever way you choose it is simple, just ensure you have all the correct documents and photo's (normally 1 passport size, but some may ask for two!) don't forget your photo's ( I usually have a back up of 6 spare photo's) they do have a habit of running out quicker than you think. Oh and money! US Dollars or Thai Baht are OK.Don't forget your pen!
One quick tip you will need an adress and phone number of where you staying in Laos, ( have a look on our web site, www.lok8rboutique.com , we have a lot of hotels for you to chose from, no need to stay there if you don't want to you just need an adress!).
OK so I want a Visa for Laos in Bangkok!

Laos Embassy friendly staff great service.
LAOS EMBASSY ADRESS AND OPENING HOURS.
Laos PDR, Embassy,
Soi Sahakapamun, Pracha-Uthit Road, Wangthonglang, 10310, Bangkok, Thailand.
 Tel. 02 539 6679.
Open Monday to Friday. 9am to 12pm (Noon) 1pm to 4 pm.

HOW TO GET TO THE LAOS EMBASSY.
First of all the Laos Embassy in Bangkok is fairly easy to find, it isn't on a main MRT or BTS route, so you will need a Taxi at some point. You've got two choices of MRT station that are fairly close, Huai Khwang MRT Station or Thailand Cultural Center MRT Station, just depends on which way you are travelling. You can then get a Taxi from there to The Laos Embassy, it's about a 15 minute Taxi ride and will cost around 50 to 75 Baht depending on the traffic, most Taxi drivers are OK with the location of the Laos Embassy, it's very close to the Cambodian Embassy so you could try that , of there is a big hotel called The Jazzotel, they are all within 50 metres of each other. The Main Road is called Pracha-Uthit Road.

AT THE EMBASSY.
When you arrive at the Embassy you'll enter through a side gate as you face the Embassy it's on your right hand side. Enter through there and walk up some small steps into the main building, you will go through a security check (maybe or maybe not, this is a good way to Laos style, relaxed and chilled out!).
You will notice a counter to your left as you enter the door way, go there it says VISA Applications, and ask for an application form. The form is very easy to complete and don't forget your photo, affix it to your form , glue is usually provided, and don't forget to fill in the WhereYou are Staying in Laos, contact address.
Return to the same counter with your passport, form and money!! Usually Thai Baht or US Dollars.
A TIP. Get the express service, it will only a cost a little extra and you can wait and collect your passport and visa it takes about 1 hour, my record time was 11 minutes WOW! It saves you the added expense of returning the next day.
Oh, as a Serious Point, this express service is offered by THE LAOS EMBASSY and not an outside agent , usually some dodgy people hang out side Embassies trying to get you to pay for things at inflated prices or when infact some things are free ,,,application forms are free don't pay for one! OR They offer services that are not legal , like express services. BUT HERE IT IS OK AND IT IS OFFERED TO YOU BY THE LAOS EMBASSY OFFICER INSIDE THE EMBASSY.
When your passport is ready they will call your name out. Once you get your passport returned, check that the dates are all ok!

FACILITIES IN AND AROUND THE LAOS EMBASSY.
Inside the embassy the basic things you need are provided, you'll get glue for your photo's, and pens are usually provided, and there is a nice big table and chairs to sit down, relax and complete your form.
TOILETS. The toilets are clean and well located in the main waiting area.
SEATING AND WAITING AREA. The seating and waiting area has ample seats and is cool and comfy!
ATM's & Banks. There are several ATM's just outside the Embassy and more are located on Pacha-Uthit Road.( a short walk to the end of the road).
CONVENIENCE SHOPS. There are several shops within a very short walk of the Embassy, great for snacks and drinks, if you have a bit of time to kill!
FOOD AND DRINK. If you are feeling peckish there are several places to have a snack and a couple of good coffee shops are within a short walk, walk away from the Embassy and the main road and you will find a great coffee shop ( more on this soon!).

TRANSPORT BACK TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER.
Taxis are really easy to find and your best solution, either direct back to where your staying, or head back to MRT Station Huai Kwhang or MRT Station Thailand Cultural Center.

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                                                                      Enjoy you trip to Laos.

Easy  to find

Friendly Staff and Good Service.

Toilets are well located and clean.

Grab a Snack or a Drink

Well Sign Posted

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