Best options for a Visa Run?

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Monica
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Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by Monica »

So we've finally made it to Phnom Penh, but we're due our first visa run by the end of the month.

We're currently looking at taking a bus across the Thai border to make a weekend of it in Bangkok before heading back into Cambodia, but Vietnam might be closer.

Any tips/advice on the best way to do a visa run?

Thank you!
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Alex
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by Alex »

Monica wrote: ↑Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:15 pm So we've finally made it to Phnom Penh, but we're due our first visa run by the end of the month.

We're currently looking at taking a bus across the Thai border to make a weekend of it in Bangkok before heading back into Cambodia, but Vietnam might be closer.

Any tips/advice on the best way to do a visa run?

Thank you!
If you want to have a weekend in Bangkok, why don't you just fly there? It's a long trip overland back and forth.

With Vietnam (HCMC) it's a bit different, because flights are a lot more expensive and I kind of like that bus trip. But for just a weekend it's still a long ride.
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Monica
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by Monica »

We were thinking of driving there and flying back, but doing the math now that seems like an awfully big chunk out of our trip :facepalm: lol
Where do people usually go for a visa run though? Are there particular places/things to avoid?
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phuketrichard
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by phuketrichard »

hmmm driving? 5-7 hours to Pailin, 1 hour at border, 4-5 hours to Bangkok
vs 75 minute flight for maybe $20 more and if you choose to spend the night somewhere, the same price

Vietnam for most, add in visa fees
Thailand visa exempt entry

you on a tourist visa? Did ya extend ur 1 month already?
Last edited by phuketrichard on Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Freightdog
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by Freightdog »

Monica wrote: ↑Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:40 pm We were thinking of driving there and flying back, but doing the math now that seems like an awfully big chunk out of our trip :facepalm: lol
Where do people usually go for a visa run though? Are there particular places/things to avoid?
I’ve not done a visa run, as such, but a week in Thailand was awfully tempting this year.
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John Bingham
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by John Bingham »

Monica wrote: ↑Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:40 pm Where do people usually go for a visa run though?
Most people don't have to ever do visa runs, I've never done one. I'm curious as to why you are doing one, did you get a tourist visa on arrival?
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PSD-Kiwi
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by PSD-Kiwi »

Why do you need to make a Visa run? What type of Visa did you enter on?

If you entered on a T-type (Tourist) Visa you can apply for a 1 month Extension of Stay in-country either directly at the DoI Visa Office in Pochentong, or via a Visa Agency.

If you entered on an E-type (Ordinary) Visa then you can apply for an Extension of Stay (different categories, lengths, prices, etc. explained in other threads) via a Visa Agency (or directly at the DoI Visa Office if you have all of the necessary supporting documentation).

If you entered on a T-type Visa and are wanting to switch to an E-type Visa, then yes, a Visa run is necessary. Vietnam land borders are closer to PP than Thai land borders. If you want to spend a weekend in Bangkok, then I'd suggest flying.
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John Bingham
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by John Bingham »

Vietnam land borders are closer to PP than Thai land borders.
[/quote]

That's true, but most nationalities need a (fairly expensive) visa in advance for Vietnam. Thailand has a free visa waiver scheme.

https://www.vietnam-visa.com/vietnam-visa-exemption/
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PSD-Kiwi
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by PSD-Kiwi »

John Bingham wrote: ↑Fri Feb 17, 2023 1:19 pm That's true, but most nationalities need a (fairly expensive) visa in advance for Vietnam. Thailand has a free visa waiver scheme.

https://www.vietnam-visa.com/vietnam-visa-exemption/
Yep, I couldn't be assed getting into all the details, all this information is easily found on Googly :D

But in saying that, you can do Visa runs without actually having to enter Vietnam, plenty of fixers at the border who will assist for $10.
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Alex
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Re: Best options for a Visa Run?

Post by Alex »

Yeah it would be good to know the OP's nationality, to know if she qualifies for visa exempt here or there. eVisa for Vietnam is $25 and takes some days to be ready, so it's important to plan ahead.

If the OP plans to visit Kampot, a visa run to Ha Tien could be a good option, as more nationalities qualify for visa exempt entry into that Vietnamese special zone there.
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