Originally Posted by
ArNolD
A few important things to know before you take the visa run to Laos.
A visa will be required but can be easily obtained at the Friendship Bridge by most farang after filling out the same questions on numerous forms. Have two passport photos is a good idea, though I think only one is required. The price has jumped to U.S. $29.00 for most farang, except only Canadians who must pay $35.00, probably for some reason.
There are many places to get a visa between the train station and the bridge. I do not know if they are better priced or whatever but I have never heard any complaints.
The trip from the train station in Nong Khai to the Friendship Bridge should cost you 20 - 40 baht depending on the number of persons in the tuktuk. At the bridge you will need to pay an additional 10 baht for the bus across the Mekong, which never seems to have the entrance/exit on the correct side (that is the sidewalk side - like Bush airport in Houston), poosibly caused by the confusing situation with the change from left-side to right-side driving conventions. After all thai immigration/lao visa/customs formailities you will have to pay another 10 baht customs fee. You'll be quoted 300 baht for the taxi service to Vien Chang but you can bargain this down to 250. It takes about forty minutes and there are no more oxcarts (fully paved). All that is plus tips, of course.
The taxi drivers can be very helpful in finding accomodation, but if no else just get off in Fountain Sq. and walk around. There are numerous guest houses available.