Quick sanity check please. Been here for the months on a 2 + 1 tourist visa. Arrived by air into Chiang Mai. Plans have changed and we would like another 50 days here. In thinking just head to Mai Sai and land cross, then back for the first month VOA, then extend at immigration by another month. Does this sound sensible. (no land crossings done at all in the past 24 months). Thanks.

Given the new rules i've been reading about, that you must cancel work permit AND work visa THEN leave the country on the same day, does anyone have any experience doing this from Chiang Mai and reaching a land border on the same day?

Mai Sai would be the closest border -- actually 5 hours by bus from CM... Does anyone know when the border closes?

Another option would be Vientiane... It might be possible to fly to Udon Thani and make it over the border there in a single day... Does anyone know when the VTE border closes?

>> it would be preferable to go to the burmese border to avoid paying for a 1 month Laos visa. If going to Laos, may as well stay and request a 60 day tourist visa, as opposed to a 30-day visa exempt (although I hear you have to get an appointment these days!!)

>> alternatively, does anyone know if the authorities will charge a 500 baht overstay if you leave the country the day after you cancel the visa?

THANKS ALL FOR YOUR ADVICES

Quick question for a border bounce at Mai Sai. I'm booking advance tickets for the green bus from Chiang Mai to Mai Sai.How much time should I allow for the whole border turnaround process? I want to reserve a seat for the return journey.