Ever since Thailand popped up as one of the most popular destinations in the world, travelers and expats alike have been searching for ways to extend their stay in the country. Because let’s be real, it’s an awesome place to be.

The beaches, the nightlife, the food… What’s not to like?

But obtaining a long-term visa for Thailand isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do.

That’s where visa runs come in. Visa runs give tourists and expats the ability to stay longer in Thailand without too much hassle, which is great for those struggling to obtain a things like a work permit or education visa.

And, as a bonus, it also allows them to experience the sights and scenery of one of Thailand’s neighboring countries.

What is a Thailand Visa Run?

Before diving into the top destinations, let’s clarify what a Thailand visa run entails.

Essentially, a visa run involves leaving Thailand for a short time–either by land or air–to obtain a new visa, then returning to the country to continue your stay (legally, of course).

This process is common among expats and long-term travelers who wish to stay in Thailand for an extended period without obtaining a long-term visa.

How Much Does a Thai Visa Run Cost?

The cost of a Thai visa run varies depending on several factors, including your chosen destination, mode of transportation, visa fees, accommodation costs, and any additional expenses like food or sightseeing.

On average, a visa run should cost anywhere from 6,500-15,000 baht ($200-$500). Budget-conscious travelers often opt for more affordable Thailand visa run destinations and transportation options (like buses and trains) to minimize expenses.

Best Visa Run Options for Thailand in 2024

1. Vientiane, Laos

Laos is the OG when it comes to Thailand visa runs. Vientiane has been–and still is–the cheapest and easiest Thailand visa run option.

It offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing visa run. Travelers can explore iconic landmarks such as Wat Si Saket, Pha That Luang, and the Patuxai Victory Monument before handling visa formalities at the Thai embassy or consulate.

Expect to pay 1,000 baht for a Single Entry Tourist Visa and 5,000 baht for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand.

To make your Thai visa run to Laos a lot cheaper, take a domestic flight to Udon Thani, and then take the bus across the border rather than flying direct to Vientiane.

• Immigration strictness: Low
• Cost: Cheap
• Sights: So-so
• Food: So-so
• Nightlife: So-so

2. Singapore

Singapore is a pricier option for a visa run for Thailand, thanks to high prices, especially for accommodation.

That said, Singapore is a great place to visit if you’ve never been. It boasts a modern skyline, vibrant culture, and a diversity of culinary delights that will blow your mind.

Those on a visa run to Singapore can indulge in shopping sprees on Orchard Road, marvel at the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, or sample diverse cuisines in hawker centers.

The Thai embassy in Singapore offers a seamless visa application process for travelers.

• Immigration strictness: Moderate
• Cost: Expensive
• Sights: Great
• Food: Top-notch
• Nightlife: So-so

3. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Most of the countries on this list are neighbors of Thailand for two obvious reasons: convenience and affordability. A Thai visa run to Phnom Penh is no different.

Travelers can cheaply fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and visit the embassy and be back in Thailand in just a few days–Thai visa in hand. But if you want to take more time to enjoy Cambodia you won’t regret it.

Phnom Penh offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and urban development. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the poignant reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the city invites exploration.

And if you have even more time, don’t forget to hit Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat. It’s one of the few world wonders that matches–nay, surpasses–expectations.

• Immigration strictness: Moderate
• Cost: Cheap
• Sights: Good
• Food: So-so
• Nightlife: So-so

4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, motorbike-filled city where visa runners can get a quick tourist visa for Thailand.

A visa run to Vietnam is a smart move thanks to the huge amount of cheap flights operating between Vietnam and Thailand on a daily basis. Visa runners can handle visa procedures at the Thai consulate or embassy before exploring the city’s delicious street food scene highlighted by dishes like Pho and Banh Mi.

Just be careful to research whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam beforehand. Americans, for example, are required to get a visa prior to traveling to Vietnam, so for them, it might not be the best visa run from Thailand.

• Immigration strictness: Low
• Cost: Cheap
• Sights: So-so
• Food: Good
• Nightlife: Bad

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is another great visa run destination from Thailand. The capital of Malaysia of just a short flight away from Bangkok and the Thai embassy there tends to not be too strict about granting tourist visas.

AirAsia runs super cheap flights from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur also making this an affordable visa run destination.

While in Kuala Lumpur securing your Thai visa, don’t forget to get a view of KL’s incredible skyline from a rooftop bar. It’s next-level. Cheap Malay street food also shouldn’t be missed.

All in all, visa runs to Malaysia are a solid option.

• Immigration strictness: Low
• Cost: Cheap
• Sights: Good
• Food: Good
• Nightlife: Solid

Bonus: Border Run Through a Visa Agency

For those seeking convenience and assistance with visa runs, numerous agencies specialize in facilitating border crossing visa runs.

These visa run agencies organize a border run that consists of loading up travelers and expats on a van and driving them across the border to Cambodia or Myanmar and then driving back over the same day.

Crossing out of Thailand and back in is a rubber-stamp process thanks to the visa run agencies “greasing the wheels” with immigration officials at the border beforehand–if you catch my drift.

This is by far the easiest and most guaranteed way of doing a quick visa run for Thailand. But it can be tiring since you are stuck in a van for two long journeys to and from the border of Thailand.

How Often Can You Do a Thailand Visa Run?

While there are no strict limitations on how often you can do a visa run, Thai immigration authorities may become suspicious if you frequently exit and re-enter the country.

It’s essential to maintain a legitimate reason for your travels and ensure you comply with visa regulations to avoid any issues. On top of that, it’s important to have proof of funds in your bank account when doing visa runs.

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for those applying for tourist visas in neighboring countries to provide a bank statement that they have at least $1,000 in their account.

Things like overstays or too many visa runs/border runs back-to-back can make it much harder to secure your next Thai visa. Land border runs without an agency are capped at two per calendar year.

Which Places Are Not Recommended for Thai Visa Runs?

You should avoid doing a visa run to places that require you to have permanent residency in the country to apply for a Thai visa. This includes places like Japan and Korea.

You should also avoid Bali, Indonesia. In the past, Bali was a top spot for doing a Thailand visa run but recently the Thai consulate there shut down and now all visa run applicants must go to Jakarta to apply for a Thai tourist visa.

Lastly, you should avoid applying for a Thailand visa in Yangon, which also used to be one of the cheapest and easiest visa run destinations. Now Myanmar is in the midst of internal political conflict that makes the country a lot less safe than it was a few years ago.

Choose Your Next Thailand Visa Run Destination Wisely

While bolting out of the country every two to three months can seem like a timely and costly hassle, look on the bright side. You get to experience a new country while also getting a new (legal) visa to stay in Thailand longer.

In our opinion, that’s not too bad of a trade-off for getting to spend more time in one of the best countries in the world.