How to Easily Get a Thai Visa in Savannakhet, Laos

By Mark Wiens 78 Comments

Savannakhet, Laos, presents a low-key option for getting a Thai visa instead of making a Thai visa run to Vientiane.

Sunrise on the Mekong River at Savannakhet, Laos
Sunrise on the Mekong River at Savannakhet, Laos

Savannakhet, Laos is located just across the Mekong River from Mukdahan, Thailand. If you are heading to Savannakhet to make a Thai visa run, it’s best to first find your way to Mukdahan.

Buses leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Northern bus terminal to Mukdahan:

From Mukdahan, Thailand there is a bus service that runs about every hour across the border to Savannakhet, Laos.

Thai Visa Savannakhet
Thai Visa Savannakhet

The Thai Embassy in Savannakhet is actually just a Thai Consulate – General, and they give Visas!

How Much Time Does it Take to Get a Thai Visa in Savannakhet:

At the very least you will need 9 am Day 12 pm Day 2 (29 hours or so). Yes, you will need to spend the night in Savannakhet, Laos (see below).

Step 1

I arrived at the Thai consulate (day 1) at about 8:30 am. The consulate is located right in the center of town, with a Mekong River view. It’s possible to walk to the consulate from just about anywhere in town.


View Thai Consulate – Savannakhet, Laos in a larger map

Step 2

You can get a Thai visa application form right outside the gates of the consulate. There are a number of makeshift stalls that also take visa photos and offer photocopying services.

They charge 20,000 Kip for 9 passport photos and 2000 Kip for a single page photo copy (a bit expensive). The forms they supplied us were free. If you can pre-arrange your photos and your photocopy, you won’t need to worry about this!

This is what you need for your Thai visa:

Thai Visa Savannakhet
Thai Visa Savannakhet

Step 3

The Thai consulate in Savannakhet opens the gates to applicants at 9:00 am (despite the sign saying 8:30 am). Nothing get’s going too early when you’re in Laos! You enter the gate and submit your visa application at the counter.

Step 4

The Thai visa costs 1000 THB for a 2 month visa and 2000 THB for a 2 month double entry visa. There is no options on the visa form to select double entry, so make sure to tell the clerk that you would like a double entry. He will examine your passport for a few seconds and then write double entry at the top. Note that you must ask him!

Step 5

You will be handed a small receipt with a number on it, and your visa will be ready the NEXT (day 2) business day at 2 pm.

NOTE: Be sure to look at the schedule of Thai and Laos holidays to avoid having to waste more time than you need to on a Thai visa run to Savannakhet.

Getting From Savannakhet to Mukdahan

Immediately after getting your Thai visa (Day 2), it’s possible to head straight to the Savannakhet bus station and catch the bus back to Mukdahan (if you are on a visa run from Thailand), or continue on you Laos travels. I walked to the bus station and it took about 20 minutes, so you can either walk or take a tuk tuk.

Here is the Savannakhet to Mukdahan bus terminal schedule:

Savannakhet to Mukdahan Bus Schedule
Savannakhet to Mukdahan Bus Schedule

Cheap guest houses in Savannakhet:

Savannakhet, Laos
Savannakhet, Laos

It’s one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had in my entire life, and it’s located in Savannakhet, Laos. After turning in your passport on Day 1 of the visa process, head over to the main square of Savannakhet and the small breakfast restaurant is located right across the street from Phongsavanh Bank (biggest building in Savannakhet?).

Best Sandwich in the World
Best Sandwich in the World

78 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Nasiri

    5 years ago

    Hi Mark , My name is Nasiri, Ugandan national have a Thai wife, I have a non o visa expiring on 6th/Jan/2019 can i extend it or get new visa in Savannakhet . and if yes what’s the requirements , I don’t want to go back to my country due to costs.
    Thanks.

  • Henrik Braun

    6 years ago

    Hi Mark, My name is Henrik, I am German, having a Thai wife and daughter near Khon Kaen. Last week I did a visarun in Savannakhet. It worked out fine, and Your small guide was very helpful, thanks, best regards, cheers, Henrik

  • Adriano Carracoi

    6 years ago

    I am Italian 49, for get multiple entry thai visa wich document I need to bring I need thai account also with how many money in.
    Kidly

  • Wes Prentice

    6 years ago

    my girlfriend is filipino would she have any difficulty??

  • Arne

    7 years ago

    I just returned from Savanakhet for a non-immigrant visa. The location has changed. You will need to pay 1800B for a Laos visa (Canadian passport holder) after crossing over from Mukdahan. It opens at 09:00 & closes @ 11:00 (for visa application drop off). Be sure to have all your documents, (double & triple check you have them). Pick up the next day @ 14:00.
    There are many places to stay the night. I recommend the HungHeuang Hotel (around the corner is the Boune Cafe, great western style food). Many other restaurants within walking distance. Here is the location of the Thai consulate, can walk to the bus station 15/20 minutes.
    Dropped Pin
    near 9W, Savannakhet, Laos
    https://goo.gl/maps/FRAPMaRBiRD2

  • Roy

    7 years ago

    This is an update as I just came back from Savanakhet. (March 2017)
    As of Jan 27th 2017, all tourist visa applicant must show a bank statement of having at least 20,000 THB in your account (or 40,000 if travel with family). It seems like this change had a big impact on the amount of people who apply for tourist visa as when I visit the Thai consulate, there were only 20-25 people applying for visa (I was one of the few applying for tourist visa). The shops opposite to the consulate, who help in making copies and so, told me that since the new regulation, the number of applicants dropped dramatically. Nevertheless, if you have all the required documents, this will probably be the best place to apply for visa, as there are almost no people there. It is always a good idea not to come on Monday or after a holiday, and of course check that you are not coming on a holiday. Tourist visa cost 1000 THB at the moment.
    Good luck.

    • russell britton

      7 years ago

      hi thanks 4 that info as i need to go there beetwean the 10may 15 may2017 ,as am from BURIRA have never been to LAOS before,and my thai wife wants to come as well????? is it ok to go in yr own carthere from buriram???can you leave yr car on thi side safe????found this very good info cheers

    • david jackson

      7 years ago

      Do they still process visas the same day?

  • RP

    7 years ago

    I know that Multiple Entry Tourist Visas are now only available in your home country, but can you still get single entry tourist visas from Savannakhet?

  • Gin

    8 years ago

    Does it work for Chinese citizens? Probably not….

  • Ralph

    8 years ago

    Hello Mark great read. I am going next week to do a visa run. What did you write for Name, Address and Telephone No. of a Guarantor in Lao PDR on the visa application form. Thanks in advance.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Ralph, I think I probably just added the address of the hotel and it was fine. They’re usually pretty laid back about that. All the best and have a safe trip!

  • Dan

    9 years ago

    What is the latest on Visa runs to Savannakhet? Has anything changed? Thanks in advance.

    • Aldo

      8 years ago

      This info is ALL completely out of date. Place moved, prices changes, no more double entry. Best eliminate this mis information blog post entirely.

    • Dan Fraley

      8 years ago

      Can you still get a 60 day VISA there? Need to head over there NLT 27 Dec 2015. Thanks in advance.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Dan, I believe so, but not totally sure. Might want to do some quick searching on ThaiVisa to see if anyone has done it recently.

  • Jessica Haines

    9 years ago

    Hi,

    Thanks for the informative post.

    Know any cross streets or extra help for finding GH PhoneValay? I struck out on that one last time I was in Savanaket and I prefer to find another Budget options besides Leena’s if available.

    Thanks,

    Jessica

  • Thorsten

    9 years ago

    Thank you Mark and all updaters for the information, I will be doing my sandwich-run in 2 days (and pick up a double entry on the occasion).

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      You’re welcome Thorsten, have a good trip and enjoy the sandwich!

  • Villa Pete

    9 years ago

    In Lao today getting visa. Went and got the streak sandwich afterwards. Very, very good. Will be going for another tomorrow! Thank you for the recommendation.

    Pete

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Awesome to hear that Pete, glad this place is still going!

  • Dan Fraley

    9 years ago

    Leaving the 5th of Jan 2015 from Ubon to Savannakhet for a 60 day double entry visa. Has anything changed there? Appreciate any info. Thanks in advance.
    Respectfully,
    Dan

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Dan, as far as I know, things are still the same. All the best.

    • Dan

      9 years ago

      Thanks Mark,
      “Happy New Year to You and Ying.”
      Warmest Regards,
      Somjit & Dan
      Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

    • DAN FRALEY

      9 years ago

      We were there when the Thai Consulate opened at 0900 AM. Consulate has moved, as you drive out of town go past the bus station and after another km or so you will see the consulate on the left. There are many stands set up to make copies, exchange money, take photos, and even fill out your paperwork for you. Do not enter the Consulate and search for the Visa application-There are none and do not ask. I saw an Expat and his wife argue with one of the Consulate employees and was shown the door to outside. We had our paperwork filled outside for 60 baht. Seems like maybe (Just Saying) The consulate wants it this way for $$$$$$. We went to a lady across the street from the consulate who was nice and spoke English, she made copies of our passports and filled out our paperwork and attached our photos for 60 baht a person. If you need photos it’s 60 baht extra. By 9am when they opened the gate there was quite a long line and only one window to help you, we were very glad we went early. We paid 2,000 baht each ( they will not take Lao kip) for double entry tourist visas (single entry is 1,000 baht) and they told us to come back the same day at 3:30pm to pick them up. Apparently you no longer have to stay over night. We went ahead and booked a hotel and will spend the night. “Happy Travels”

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Dan, thank you for the current update, this will be helpful for us all. Glad that process went smoothly.

    • bobby

      9 years ago

      I was there at the Thai consulate today and visa application forms are available in a little pink metal basket next to the office window. You do not need to pay the woman across the road 20 baht for a form that clearly says at the bottom that it is not to be sold.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Happy New Year Somjit and Dan!

    • Dan Fraley

      9 years ago

      “HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2015-THAILAND/Gong Xi Fa Cai & Xin Nian Kuay Le.”
      I am going to try and get my Non-O multi (1-year) visa next trip. Thanks for all you do Mark. More later.
      Best Regards,

  • Rakhal

    9 years ago

    Hey Mark,
    We just had the sandwich…..WOW!!! First of all I should update the visa information. As of September 8th 2014 the Thai consulate has moved out of town on the main road past the bus station. We are staying at Souannavong Guest House where we rented a Honda Wave motorbike for 80,000 kip. As you drive out of town go past the bus station and after another km or so you will see the consulate on the left. There are many stands set up to make copies, exchange money, take photos, and even fill out your paperwork for you. We went to a lady across the street from the consulate who was nice and spoke English, she made copies of our passports and filled out our paperwork and attached our photos for 60 baht a person. If you need photos it’s 60 baht extra. We walked across the street and were the first people in line at 8:30am. By 9am when they opened the gate there was quite a line and only one window to help you, we were very glad we went early. We payed 2,000 baht each ( they will not take Lao kip) for double entry tourist visas (single entry is 1,000 baht) and they told us to come back the same day at 3:30pm to pick them up. Apparently you no longer have to stay over night.
    We had trouble finding the sandwich and almost gave up (do NOT give up!!!), our mistake was thinking “the main square of Savannakhet” was the square in the old town by the catholic church. The easy way to find it is to google “Phongsavanh bank Savannakhet” and it will come up on google maps. The restaurant is across the street from the bank and a little to the left. We ordered 2 sandwiches and a Vietnamese coffee. The baguette is on the side of a sizzling metal pan with sliced beef, onions, green onions, garlic, a big meatball, and two fried eggs. I stuffed all the ingredients in the baguette and added a bit of black pepper, it was AMAZING!!!!! Even if you are not getting a Thai visa and are traveling through Laos it is worth staying a night in Savannakhet just to have this sandwich. Thank you so much Mark for posting about this!!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Rakhal, sorry for the late reply, but thank you very much for taking the time to write this. Wow, so cool that you were able to find this sandwich spot, and glad that you enjoyed it as well. Thanks for these valuable tips about getting a visa as well. Hope you’re doing well.

  • Tim

    9 years ago

    Hey Mark,

    Thanks for the visa info. Do you know if you can get a double entry Thai visa processed from Pakse. I’m just trying to work out if I can avoid the extra travel. Is there a travel agency there? Google aint showing me much.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Tim, thanks for reading. I’m honestly not sure about that one, sorry. Good luck with the visa.

  • roy

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark, just surfing the net to find a hotel in Vientiane to stay for a visa run then came across with your blog… Man!…. i’m going to Savannakhet not because the Consulate there is not strict on visa stamps but….. because of that SANDWICH! let you know soon . cheers! 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Roy, awesome man. A friend of mine said he was just there and had it. Let me know how you like it!

    • roy

      9 years ago

      Hi Mark, been there 2 times now since i made that 1st comment.. now the Consulate is in their new address and much nearer to the friendship bridge.. You are right that damn sandwich is awesome and yummy! 5555+ .. how i wish i can post some of our photos here, anyhow, i used my own car going to Mukdahan the 1st time i went there and had to leave the car at the border and it’s good there is a pay parking beside the immigration office. t’was a surprised the staff there in Savanakhet informed me to comeback at 3pm to collect my visa. i regret using my car coz i can’t drive back to Rayong for i am so sleepy and tired. by the way i traveled Rayong to Mukdahan night trip and it took me 14hrs to reached Mukdahan… so, as i read here before in some comments about Leena guest house and i stayed there for a night.. cheap and very confortable place.. i took a bus the 2nd time i went there just 2 weeks ago and i never had a chance to taste again that mystery sandwich coz i had to catch my bus in mukdahan going back to Rayong that same day.. Thank you so much Mark for this blog t’was really a great help.. Cheers! 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Roy, very cool to hear from you, and so glad that you found the sandwich place and love it too. Good to hear that place is still doing well after so many years. Thank you for sharing all your useful tips as well.

  • Lyn2

    10 years ago

    Halu, are we still allowed to get a single entry or double entry at savanakhet because cambodia visa run nowadays were already strick…?

  • Michael

    10 years ago

    Hey Mark & future travelers,

    You offer great advice and directions in getting a Thai visa in Savannakhet. I am following your directions to the letter. This is saving me time and money. Only now the VIP bus ticket from Bangkok to Mukdahan is 1,050 Baht. Better than flying because the airline schedules conflict with the Thai Consulate’s schedule and it’s cheaper. If you fly you could end up staying another night which may be OK for some people. This is because the flight leaves the Phanom Nakhon airport at 17:00 and makes it nearly impossible to get to the airport on time after you pick up your visa at the Savannakhet Thai Consulete at 14:00. Thanks again best wishes and good luck.

  • arlene

    10 years ago

    Hello mark,

    Thank you very much, your blog is very helpful.just arrived in Bkk and i got 2 entry tourist visa. The Thai consulate in Suvannaket is not strict, i submit my application and i asked if i can have 2 entry tourist visa and just asked for 2,000 baht and take my application without any question.
    I would highly recommend JOLI Guest house, my friend and i stayed there,the place is nice and clean.The owner is very friendly and accommodating. They have price range is 400-500 baht. free wifi, water, coffee and tea, as well as breakfast(egg and bread).
    Too bad i wasn’t able to taste that sandwich, but ill make sure to visit that place on my next time..

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Arlene,

      Thank you very much for sharing, glad you had a great visit!

      Mark

  • Charles Rahm

    10 years ago

    Hello Mark,

    Will do this soon! Thanks for the info.
    But with all your food experience: Do you still think it was one of your best sandwiches ever? 🙂

    Kind regards, Charles

  • James

    10 years ago

    Can we still get a double entry visa in SAVA at this time? how much is it? is there a place to stay near the Thai consulate?

  • Oksana

    10 years ago

    Hi! So does this restaurant have a name? How does it look like? I’m desperate to find this sandwich 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Oksana, not sure of the name, but you’ll definitely find this place if you go to Phongsavanh Bank – and it’s right across the street. Enjoy!

  • Bear

    11 years ago

    Hello, Mark Wiens. My name is bear. I’m a daughter of the owner breakfast restaurant that you took that sandwich.
    The first time I don’t know but today Mr. Jo tell me.
    I’m very thankful that you show our sandwich, I have just shown my parents.
    They’re so happy and smile. They said that if you come here again, they will give you a free sandwich. ^^

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hello Bear, it’s great to hear from you! I hope to return again, it’s an amazing sandwich!

  • jo

    11 years ago

    hey,
    im currently doin the visarun, so here are my 5 cents update for sep 2013:
    the two nightbusses leave from mo chit at 19.30 and 20.00. tickets are about 550, but there are a few seats with much more legspace for 850. i take one of those next time, because im tall.
    the thai office moved into a new bulding now just around the corner from the mekong street. easy to find: go to the mekong street, turn right and go around the curve at the end. or shout “thai visa” to everyone on the street and they point u there. 🙂
    there was a guy setting me up with the application and copies and everything for 20 B, i didn´t mind paying it. a guy in front of me got rejected, because his copies weren´t clean!!!
    the sandwich place is only open until 12.00, so it´s kind of a breakfast-restarant.
    the tall bank building is close to the thai consulat and its a (ugly?) yellow-grey building.
    Lord have mercy, the sandwich was awesome! and it took only a few minutes to prepare. tomorrow i eat two..been on the road now 6 weeks and had more than 20-25 different sandwiches, this sandwich is the no 1, a no brainer.
    The daughter of the couple running the place, who is here for student holiday, mentioned, that other western customers read about the place on the net. i gave her your website address. maybe u get commission next time.
    i stay at leena and pay 200 baht for my fan room. i paid in baht all the time so far and it´s ok, was too lazy to change the money to kip. but i recommend to get the 30 dollar for visa, because paying your visa in baht is more expensive (1300 Baht).
    cya

  • Rana

    11 years ago

    Hi David ,

    Thanks for the very informative post. I was wondering if this applies to all nationalities as I am an Indian..would the same 2 month rule apply?

  • siobe

    11 years ago

    Hi. Im Siobe and im from philippines. my tourist visa is about to expire soon and i need to get new visa before it expires. My question is, is the double entry visa still available in savannakhet? And how much does it cost? I have been to Vientienne lots of time and I know that my visa application there is going to be denied and it get more strict in Vientienne every yearso I need to know another option in obtaining Thai double entry visa. Thank you.

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hi Slobe, as far as I know you can still get a double entry, but you’ll probably have to ask for 2 entries when you apply. Have a good trip!

  • Tony Mitchell

    11 years ago

    Mark,
    I’d also like to recommend the Savanniramit Guest House in Savannakhet. It’s a short walk from the bus terminal in the direction of the Phongsavanh bank. The rooms are very clean and new with air-conditioning and hot shower, free WiFi, TV and a double bed with a ‘real’ hotel-quality mattress. The room I had was called a ‘Happy Room’ and cost only 500 baht per night.
    I also found a delightful Café that is ideal for relaxing and eating while waiting for the visa to be processed. It’s called Café Chai Dee (www.cafechaidee.com) and is run by a very nice Japanese man, Koichi-san. It’s also on the same street as the Phongsavanh bank.
    By the way, I ate 6 of those sandwiches while I was in Savannakhet!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Tony, awesome thanks a lot for sharing these extra tips. Will be sure to use them the next time I’m in Savannakhet. Wow, awesome, glad you found the sandwich spot!

  • Tony Mitchell

    11 years ago

    Hi Mark. I arrived in Savannakhet this morning after taking the bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok to the Laos border at Mukdahan. It may be worth mentioning that in order to get into Laos a visa on arrival is necessary, which costs 1,300 baht and requires one passport photo. Did you do this when you came here?

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hi Tony, good to hear you made it to Savannakhet. Yes, I definitely also had to pay the Laos visa fee, and thanks for mentioning it!

  • Hannahbonanner

    11 years ago

    MARK!

    Thank you so much for this blog! I had a friend refer Savannakhet to me over going to Vientiane and I am so doing this form now on! I live in Southern Thailand and this was my first trip here. I did pretty much everything you said and had no problems. Also, there is a morning 2nd class bus that leaves Mo Chit at 0730. I reached Mukdahan around 6:30pm and hoped on the bus to cross the boarder around 7pm. Flawless! ALSO, I totally ate that sandwich this morning and you are right my friend, it was delicious!!! Im heading there in the morning to have a 2nd go at it! Thanks for sharing!

    Hannah

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Hannah, awesome, thanks a lot for the update, and glad it’s still an easy process to get a visa in Savannakhet. That’s incredible you got the sandwich, it is one of my favorites in the world!

  • Savan Vegas

    12 years ago

    Dear Mark,

    We are now offering a Thai Visa Run to Savannakhet, Lao PDR. Our packages start from 999 THB. We would like to invite you to try and comment on our service on your next visa run. For more information regarding our program and Thai visas in general, please take a look at our website at http://www.savanvegas.com/visarun

    Thank you!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Hi, thanks for sharing this, looks like a pretty cool option. I’ll get in touch with you when I need to make another visa run, thanks!

    • frenchfarangbkk

      10 years ago

      You qre not “offering” this anymore now, WHY ?

    • Lyn2

      10 years ago

      are u still doing visa run?

  • bangkokairportlink

    12 years ago

    I have found more info that can be useful:

    http://www.rent-apartment-pattaya.com/visa-run-mukdahan-savanakhet.html

  • Razvan

    12 years ago

    Your answer not help very much, sorry to say this…anyway, that means better make 2 months visa before enter Thailand for be sure, right? If someone did 2 moths visa in Laos after visa on arrival(15days)…will be nice to share it here with us.

  • Razvan

    12 years ago

    Hi Mark

    One important question. If I enter with 2 weeks visa (visa on arrival) can I get 2 months visa In Laos?

    Best Regards and many thanks for your post!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      I’m not fully sure the answer to this question, but I think you can. You may want to ask on a forum though for more support as I only speak from my own personal experience on this article.

  • shalyn

    13 years ago

    Hi

    This post is great ! It’s short and sharp, and helpful.Thank you.

    I plan to have a same run, did you buy your return bus ticket (Mukdahan to Bangkok) at Mochit in advance? May i have your advise?

    Many thanks

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Hey Shalyn, thanks a lot for taking a look.
      The last time I went to Savannakhet, I actually crossed the border further south in from Ubon (Thailand) to Pakse (Laos), and then I went north from there to Savannakhet. I would recommend just going and not buying a return ticket. I would guess that there will be time to buy your return ticket later.
      Hope you have a great trip to Savannakhet,
      Mark

    • shalyn

      13 years ago

      Thank you Mark for your useful infomation.

      ok… so I think i would not buy a return ticket, and hope i could catch the bus to bangkok on the same day of collection without having to spend a night in Mukdahan…

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Cool Shalyn, let me know how it goes! Have a good trip.

    • Julie

      10 years ago

      Thank you so much for you’re discription:) it’s was very use full:)

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      You’re welcome Julie, glad it was useful!

  • David

    13 years ago

    Thanks man for all your great informations and advices.
    It’s clear and easily understanding!
    I live in Paksé for 2 years and never been in Savannakhet!But i need a visa to go in Thailand next month so it ‘ll be all right !

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Glad it can help David. If you have a chance, try to get that sandwich and let me know what you think!