Where to go for a Thai visa from Hua Hin. Extending a Thai visa in Hua Hin. Documents required for a visa
I already have detailed instructions, in immigration. All processes are identical regardless of the city, the only difference can be what kind of queue there will be, and this depends on the season. Nevertheless, I decided to write a short post about my personal experience visa extension to Hua Hin e. Let me remind you that I have already written it.
I arrived at 10.50 am and left at 11:30 am with a visa. Everything is very fast! But they say there are also queues. Although there were quite a few people when I arrived, all the seats inside and outside the office were occupied. Perhaps, thanks to the streamlined procedure for accepting documents, now everything happens much faster than before.
There is a photocopier near the entrance, where I made a copy of the passport main page and visa spread (3 baht/1 sheet). It was possible to take a photo for 100 baht, but I already had a photo. After that, I went inside and took an electronic queue ticket. Without a copy of my passport and photo, they didn’t want to give me a ticket. Next, I began to fill out the form, although there was a Thai girl sitting at a table on the street who fills out forms for free for everyone, but she was already busy with someone and I didn’t bother her. While I was filling out the form, my turn came, I barely had time to fill out the form. Therefore, I think there is no need to rush and take a ticket ahead of time.
The immigration officer looked at my Bangkok address on the form and asked where I was staying in Hua Hin. Since I was passing through and didn’t even plan to spend the night, I didn’t stop anywhere in Hua Hin (I lived in Bangkok at that time). In order not to create an emergency situation (suddenly if you are passing through, then go to your friend in Bangkok), I named the first hotel that I remembered in Hua Hin, fortunately I stayed there and even did .
Within 5 minutes after the conversation with the officer, I was given a ready-made passport with a renewal stamp.
Park opposite
Opposite the immigration office there is a small park with a children's playground, exercise equipment, a minimum of trees and an entrance to the sea.
Documents for renewal
From the docks you only need:
- International passport
— Any photo 3x4 or 4x6
— A copy of the main page of the passport, visa page, and immigration card
— Completed application form (there is a sample in immigration office on how to fill it out)
— Warning about liability for failure to notify authorities about a change of place of residence (to be filled out on the spot and, as I understand it, this is a formality)
I was afraid that they would ask for a contract for housing, but they didn’t need it! They didn't ask anything at all.
Opening hours and cost
Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:30. Break from 12:00 to 13:00.
The cost of extending a single-entry visa for another 30 days or a 30-day stamp for 7 days is 1,900 baht.
Immigration location map
I came across some confusing explanations on blogs that the immigration office had moved. I don’t know, maybe this is already his new place, but the correct point is marked even on Google Maps, which is usually late in displaying it.
Another immigration office has also appeared in the Blueport shopping center on the ground floor. There is almost no one there now, since apparently not everyone knows about it yet. So it’s better to go there, they’ll do everything without a queue. Moreover, you don’t even need any documents other than a passport; they will do everything there themselves.
So, friends, I decided to write a blog again, although I am writing late at night. But we can’t help but talk about it!
Because it was another adventure, it was called - "long visa run from Thailand to Laos".
The night before, on Zhannochka’s birthday, i.e. On November 12, 2011, we are going to celebrate this wonderful holiday with a small company. Zhanna prepared delicious dishes, the last time I tried the cooking I’m going to give up such food altogether and eat only fresh vegetables and fruits, we’re sitting talking... How would it be easier for us to go get a stamp, or is it better to get a full-fledged visa?
And so Olya and Kostya offer to go to Laos for a double-entry visa. Why not? Moreover, this path has been described by many, including their blog globetrekker.ru.
Literally late at night we decide to think about it the next morning and either go for a stamp to the border with Burma (Myanmar), or go for a visa to the capital of Laos - Vientiane!
The next morning, they hesitated for a long time. But, in the end, quickly packing our backpacks, we go to Hua Hin Railway Station to buy tickets for the evening train Bangkok-Nong Khai. As it turns out, you can buy tickets without a passport at all. Because Dima bought tickets for everyone!
Next, we still need to have time to get to Bangkok by minibus. Therefore, having very quickly arrived at the departure station, we take tickets for the nearest minibus, remembering that we forgot our main handbag with passports at home :), I return to high speed after her, then we leave the motorbikes with Dima at the renter’s and say that we won’t arrive soon, we rush to the minibus, we are 15:00 late and, finally, we go on the next minibus...
This is just the beginning of the adventure!
We get stuck in a traffic jam at a gas station, because... minibuses run on gas, and such gas stations are rare, we wait for about 5 minutes and the driver decides to go to Bangkok, refueling elsewhere along the way. We don't have much time left!
At the next gas station we get stuck in a big traffic jam, where, in addition to us, there are also large gas-powered trucks and a whole bunch of the same minibuses (intercity minibuses and just private individuals in minibuses), I feel uneasy. Because When I walk to the beginning of this line, I see how long it takes each car to refuel, because it’s gas!
After a while, I ask you to let our minibus through faster, and the gas station attendant clearing the queue allows us to arrive earlier, and, lo and behold, we jump as much as 4 cars ahead. The entire refueling took 20 minutes. And we continue to rush to Bangkok at a speed of 120 km/h.
Upon arrival, we transfer to the most cheap transport Bangkok - an ordinary taxi and for a ridiculous amount (according to the taximeter) - 50 baht they take us all with luggage to the railway station Hua Lamphong 20 minutes before departure train No. 69 departing before Nong Khaya(Nong Khai) at 20:00. We decide to have a snack while running and hurry to catch the train, which is already waiting for us on the 5th platform. We go through the ticket check and get into our carriage.
In a fairly comfortable carriage, with sleeping places, we go to bed.
Knowing in advance that the incredibly cold air conditioning on the train would work all night, we took some warm clothes with us. We covered the holes themselves with bags and things got better.
In general, there were several identical cars on the train with multi-colored curtains, I walked through them to photograph them. Because this was our first trip to Thai trains.
The cars were produced by Daewoo back in 1989 in Korea, but I would like to note that the cars are comfortable, because... There are sinks located outside the toilet + there is a shower + a separate toilet!
However, the trailers are not wide and all the shelves are located along the wall. There is a dining car on the train, although it is terribly dirty, as is the teapot of the conductor, who tried to sell everyone tea for 40 baht by dividing 1 bag into 4 mugs!
Thai fields, workers working on them, swamps and the rest of the blooming green mass rushed past :), as well as slightly flooded areas.
And since we travel at a snail’s pace through such territories, we lose precious hours applying for a visa at the Thai embassy. We know that we need to have time to enter the embassy before the gates close, i.e. 12:00 and after that you can wait at least 2 hours.
And lo and behold, we finally arrive in Nong Khai at 11:00, quickly get off the train, hoping for something else, and meet the line at the railway ticket office. Why - it becomes clear later. It turns out that you can also get to the town of Thanaleng in Laos by train. Which we took advantage of for only 20 baht.
This train was waiting for our train from 8:20 (planned arrival time) until 11 o'clock, because... The tickets said departure time: 9:15. Before the train we go through passport control.
But, only at 11:30 this train starts, because... waits for all tourists passing through control at the Thai border.
On it we quickly rush across the bridge of friendship.
And exactly 10 minutes later we arrive at Thanaleng Station already on Laotian soil :)
We fill out the Arrival card and Departure card and quickly go through passport control.
Then we find a minivan, but... the time has already passed 12 hours, now there is nowhere to rush 🙁 after all, we still have to drive 30 minutes to the capital of Laos - Vientiane. The embassy's opening hours are listed below.
You also need to know that having submitted documents on the first day before 12 o’clock, you need to pick them up in the morning, i.e. and so 2 days are needed, now we will lose three days only in Laos!
We reach the Mekong embankment in Vientiane. Apparently the most popular place is the Riverine Hotel, because besides us, several other Russian tourists were brought to it for check-in, but we are going to look for a guesthouse for the first time, and not a hotel.
We decide to stay at Relax & Dream Away (abbreviated as RD) Guesthouse for 520 baht per night. Dima and Alena with Senya at Orchid Guesthouse for 800 baht per night.
You can also find rooms for 300 baht in Mixai Guesthouse, which are absolutely miserable, without a shower in the room. We had air conditioning (which we didn’t use), a table, chairs, a refrigerator, a TV, 2 beds, hot water and a view of the street, we were also pleased with the fast Internet right in the room!
By the way, next to us there was DD Travel Ticketing, where you could buy tickets for the Vientiane - Nonk Khai bus in advance, because at the bus station it is not possible to buy a ticket in advance (only 30 minutes before departure), as I later found out, having taken a ride in vain by taxi!
In the evening, while Zhanna was working, Vasilisa and I went for a walk along the embankment. They looked for fruit, but everywhere they sold only fried-boiled-steamed food, which is absolutely not allowed for raw-monoeaters. And a healthy person won’t be able to stand on it for long. We found a place where there were young coconuts and I asked to open one for Vasena and me. It cost 3-4 times more than the Thai version, although it was larger in size.
After walking around, we looked into a Thai cafe, which had reasonable prices and basic Thai dishes, where we always ate later. It was called The Shade Restaurant
The menu of Laotian and Thai dishes is presented below.
The next day, early in the morning, at 8:30, I rent the dead bike, because... There was nothing else, and I went to the embassy using a map with a non-working GPS. It was interesting! But the movement turned out to be easier than in Cambodia.
I photograph a sample visa application and take several blank forms.
I’m going to Zhanna and the guys to fill them out and paste photos that...
And this is another story, which I will not delve into, I will only say that it was in vain that we did not prepare printed photographs earlier, and while we were preparing them, the time came for the embassy to close - 12:00, i.e. We might not have handed in our passports for the second day in a row. And having printed them in a darkroom in black and white (since previously when issuing visas in Malaysia and Cambodia they did not attach importance to this), it turns out that you only need color photo! When we get to the document submission window, we are generally afraid of being late with reprinting the photo!
In the end, I manage to do everything, rushing around on the bike at breakneck speed and delivering everyone one by one to their place. We get to the closing doors, arriving 10 minutes before 12:00 o’clock :)
Well, NONE of the bloggers said that they need exactly color photos and only they are accepted for a visa. That's why I'll write.
Photos in the application for a visa to Thailand at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane are required ONLY IN COLOR!
By the way, it was funny to see Buddhist monks in the laboratory :)
Although everything has its advantages. Having explored the city quite well without GPS, I could already get to the embassy and back, and most importantly, I found a lot of interesting things, like various temples, markets and a darkroom. And it’s impossible not to mention that baguettes with and without filling are sold everywhere in Laos, they are quite tasty (better than in Thailand) and not expensive.
They also sell fruits, which were my salvation in Laos. The only thing I didn’t like was the price, because... Everything is brought from Thailand, so fruits are 1.5-2 times more expensive!
So, having submitted documents for a single-entry visa, having paid a fee of 1000 baht per person in the second building on the same day, we go to play on the playground right on the embankment, and then do a little work and sleep!
The next day, we should have done without incident, so we go an hour before the visit to the embassy for a Lao Massage with a ridiculous price equivalent to 160 baht. Moreover, we go with Alena and the children, she with Senya, I with Vasilisa, and Dima and Zhanna remain to work. Because What makes me happy is that I don’t have to sit at the computer for days!
The children need to be entertained somehow, so Alena grabbed an iPad.
It turned out to be an interesting massage, somewhat similar to Thai. Immediately after which we rushed to the embassy.
And, lo and behold, because... We arrived later, not a single person was in line! We calmly received our passports with visas, presenting a receipt of payment (1000 for each visa) and took a tuk to the Bus Station.
We purchased tickets to Nong Khai for only 15,000 kip (58 baht) per person and boarded a bus that departed in 10 minutes.
Having safely passed the Thai border, we took the same bus to Nong Khai.
Upon arrival of the bus, taxi drivers began to attack us with their exorbitant price of 400 baht, but, having made our way through the crowd, we headed straight to the tukker, who first charged 100 baht, and then 200, when these bombers began to run into him, citing the fact that he takes clients away. But I approached him myself. As a result, having given up on everyone, we simply go up to the taxi driver with a taximeter and, loaded, go to the railway station for, believe it or not, 45 baht!
We calmly take tickets for the 70th train and go have a snack at a cafe across the road with reasonable prices for food. We snack again on unhealthy fried things (well, I ran out of fruit), and set off for the arriving train.
Having boarded the train, we take our seats and, as usual, lay out the bedding, which the conductor helps to sort out.
In the morning, Zhanna and the others drink Moch, such terrible (not only in name) coffee :).
We are again driving very quietly through the flooded, yes, yes, flooded areas, but already near Bangkok. we observe the landscapes outside the window, against the background of the logo of the railway in Thailand :)
Already almost arriving in Bangkok we see water between the tracks, I specially lean out of the train as it moves to photograph it.
We get almost to Baijok Sky and they open the back door for us (we have the last carriage) to show how flimsily (supported by a table) it was closed and any of us (especially children) could easily open it and fall out of the carriage while moving... oh, these Thais!
Arriving at the station, Zhanna snacks on noodles with seafood (another disgusting thing), and I snack on sliced cucumbers, which are served with sprouted soybeans.
And finally, the last gift - a taxi (with a taximeter) from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the Century Movie Plaza, from where the minibuses depart for Hua Hin and the Bangkok traffic jam!
But it doesn’t matter, because we are already in Bangkok and we will end up in Hua Hin in different ways, which is what happened later.
So not sweetly we completed our visa run to Laos in almost 4 days and 3 nights, spending more than 11,000 baht on everything! Not bad.
Allow me to make some contribution to this topic, namely, to briefly talk about the railway version of the border run from Hua Hin to Malaysia.
It seems to me that this method may be relevant for those who live near the stations of the Southern Line of Thai railways on the section from Cha Am to Chumpon. In other situations, either traveling by bus or even traveling to other border crossings becomes more attractive.
The main advantage of a train over a bus (and even more so compared to a minibus) is freedom for the body. Those who have had to travel long distances huddled in the back seat of a minibus will probably think about the train. In addition, the train provides a theoretical opportunity to sleep in a normal – horizontal – position, while at the same time at least getting closer to the goal. In our case, to the city of Hat Yai. At the same time, you can eat food sold right here on the train an unlimited number of times, use the toilet at any convenient time, and, if desired, wash your face or even take a shower.
The main disadvantage of Thai trains is constant (and often significant) delays. It may even be that these are not so much delays caused by some random circumstances, but rather an incorrectly drawn up schedule: I got the impression that real time arrival at station N of each train is always approximately the same, and N residents own this classified information. I would like to note that in Thai trains the lights are not turned off at night, and this must be kept in mind. In addition, as far as I remember, the conductor used to lock the carriage at night, but last time this did not happen, to the delight of the sellers of all sorts of things, thanks to whom you can well learn the names of the simplest Thai dishes. (Oddly enough, the company helped me... Qatar Airways, or rather their gift: earplugs and an eye mask. I recommend stocking up).
In order not to be cheaper compared to the bus, you must strive to stay within the second class. I would not recommend 2nd class with seats: in my opinion, it is completely uncomfortable there, and there is little chance of getting a normal sleep, although the seats recline almost to a horizontal position, but there is noise, light (no Qataris help!), wind, bursting into open windows is not very conducive to sweet dreams. If you nevertheless decide to use this option or for economic reasons (or perhaps due to lack of tickets) find yourself in 3rd class, warm yourself up! A jumper or blanket wouldn't hurt. Those people who decide to take first class will probably enjoy their trip very much, and their train will probably run on schedule. But there are few such trains, and so are the number of passengers. And we, therefore, chose Second Sleeper Class, which is found mainly in compositions of a more “proletarian” level. The cost of a ticket from Hua Hin to Hai Yai in this case will be about 500 baht (the lower shelves are 10 percent more expensive than the upper ones), which is approximately equal to the price of bus tickets. At the same time, special curtains (why are there no such things in our reserved seat?!) and comfortable sleeping places will create a certain comfort and coziness.
Next you have to choose a train. Five night trains pass through Hua Hin to Hat Yai. Train No. 35, passing through Hua Hin at 18:42, stands apart in this row: it goes all the way to the border in Padang Besar and even further to Malaysia, but there are no cars of the required class there. There are no such cars in another Special Express - No. 37, departure from XX at 19:10 (arrival at 07:20). There is also Special Express No. 85 at 23:33, but it should arrive in KY only at 12:34, which is perhaps a little late. (By the way, I can’t guarantee that this train has 2nd class sleeping cars). On these trains, I think there are second-class carriages with air conditioning. As a result, our choice is small: Rapid No. 171 and Ordinary No. 169. Both of these trains are old and beaten up by life (I’m not sure about the 169th - I haven’t ridden it for two years, they suddenly updated it). They start to be late even within the city limits of Bangkok, and arrive in XX hour and an hour and a half later than the time indicated on the schedule - 17:14 and 20:07, respectively. Arrival times at KY are 05:52 and 09:15. By adding 2-2.5-3 hours we get time close to real. And it would be tempting: having arrived on the 171st train, jump onto the 35th on the Hat Yai - Padang Besar stretch and at 07:55 you will be at the border.
Buying a ticket at Hua Hin station is easy: the cashiers, unlike many other places, speak English and you can communicate with them. The main thing is to take care of tickets in advance - at least a day in advance - otherwise there may not be tickets. It is important to clearly explain which class of ticket is required. Otherwise, you can easily end up in a sitting position instead of a lying one. It would not be impudent to ask for a seat in the middle of the carriage: it is much quieter there, and the odors of the toilet are not felt. If you had to take 3rd class tickets, then you definitely need to buy tickets with SEATS (to the phrase “Only tickets without seats! OK?” you must answer “No!”, believe me), otherwise you will have to stand on one leg the whole way and curse everything in the world! There will most likely be no chance to sit down. And so – Hua Hin is a good station. Even announcements over the public address system are duplicated on English language. There is also a board at the station that shows the order of arrival of trains and the delay time for each. This means you won’t have to wonder if the train has arrived or worry about it.
It is unlikely to pass your station (if the class of the car is higher than 3): the conductor will remind you, and the neighbors will follow the farang that is unreasonable, from their point of view. Therefore, if you wake up a couple of hours later than your expected arrival, there is no need to panic: the train is slightly late, and there is still time to wash (and there are three washbasins, and they are not in the toilet, so there is no queue) and have breakfast. In addition, in Hat Yayeh comes out most of passengers.
Once in Hat Yai, there is no need to repeat my mistake: I, together with the local population, rode on a tiny songthaew to the Bus Station (“Thirty baht, Sir! Same Thai people!” – I feel like he’s lying, although it started at fifty). The fact is that minibuses going to Sadao or Padang Besar depart from certain points in Hat Yaye, located near the Railway Station, and only then call at the Bus Station, and may already be almost full. This is basically what many minibuses do in this city. The cost does not depend on the landing location. The main thing is to get rid of the help at the station and the station area, and then ask local residents- they will show and help.
Thai railway sites.
At a distance of 25 kilometers from a place called Cha Am there is the resort of Hua Hin. It is famous for its five-kilometer beach with snow-white sand and countless golf courses. There are several hotels here, built in the English style, full of grace, which are in perfect harmony with the splendor of the resort’s nature. You should definitely choose a holiday in Hua Hin, Thailand.
This resort can be considered one of the oldest resorts in the country. A hundred years ago, construction of a palace began here, which later became the summer residence of the king of the country. This palace is still one of the favorite vacation spots of the royal family. In Hua Hin, all hotels are upscale. Basically they all have 4 or 5 stars. We can say that tourists relax here, preferring a comfortable relaxing holiday, secluded from the bustle of the city. The absence of noisy parties at night attracts couples with children to these places.
This place is very easy to get to from Bangkok. The journey by car usually takes approximately 3.5 hours. You can also take the train or bus. Both types of transport are usually equipped with air conditioning. The journey takes the same 3.5 hours, and the ticket will cost you 250 baht.
From Hua Hin bus station there are flights to many cities in the country. You can go to Phetchaburi, Cha-Am, Chumphon, Phuket and other cities. In addition, several regular buses traveling from Baghkok to Samui or Phuket pass through the resort at night. If you have the means, you can book a private jet.
Where is the best place to stay?
In the city area, more than 400 hotels, inns and guest houses have been built to serve vacationers for a wide variety of tastes. Among the most famous and most popular hotels are the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, located in the central part of the city, Devasom Hua Hin Resort, which is located on a private beach, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, more suitable for families and children's recreation and Centara Grand Beach Resort& Villas Hua Hin, which is also located in the central part of the resort. The price of a room in these comfortable hotels ranges from 3,000 baht to 5,000 baht per night.
There are also budget hotels in the city with air conditioning and hot water. Rooms in such hotels will cost you from 300 baht per day. The cost of accommodation in guesthouses for two starts from 700 baht per night.
The tropical climate affects how much a holiday in Hua Hin costs. Therefore, there is a rainy season, a cool season and a hot season. Better weather for recreation it stands in this place from the beginning of winter until the beginning of April. But you must understand that a holiday here during the high season will cost you a lot. Therefore, you should not refuse a holiday in Hua Hin during the rainy season. The rains here at this time of year are short and only fall at night.
What to take with you?
Packing luggage for a holiday abroad is a very responsible matter. The most important thing is to prepare everything Required documents, as well as several copies of photocopies. It is best to distribute the copies different places, but so that they are always at hand. Other required documents include health insurance. It is better not to save on its cost. Anything can happen on a trip. Do the same with air tickets. You need to print them out and make several copies, placing them in different parts of your luggage.
Be sure to pack a first aid kit. Stock up on medications to reduce body temperature and medications that relieve food poisoning. Don't forget to bring your camera, flash drive, charger, batteries, etc.
What to see?
The first thing a tourist should visit in Hau Hin is the palace of the Klai Kwong royal family, as well as a religious temple called Wat Neranchararama. This temple is famous for having the largest statue depicting Buddha with six arms.
Among the natural attractions and interesting places include waterfalls and National parks and the city of Phetburi, where excursions go to visit temples, palaces and the Khao Luang cave, where there are almost two hundred Buddha statues.
If you prefer leisure, then on the beaches you will be offered to ride a yacht or water scooter, windsurf or go horseback riding. Golf is actively developing in this region. There are several golf clubs, many golf courses, and training courses on this game are organized.
Other entertainment includes eco-tours, fishing, elephant riding, kiteboarding, various resort water activities, karting and more.
Those who like to relax and spend time at the spa will also like it here. The question of how much this entertainment costs should not worry vacationers. Prices for spa services here are very affordable. At the same time, you will be offered both regular Thai massage and more modern procedures, detox courses, alternative medicine, and skin cleansing procedures. There is also a special international hotel in Hua Hin, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, where the main focus is fitness. Everything here is subordinated to health - fitness, spa, food, various procedures, and yoga.
Beaches
The entire beach area of this resort can be divided into three different zones. In the northern and southern parts Tourists with families and small children prefer to relax on the beach. It's calm and peaceful here. But in the central part, mostly young people and partygoers gather.
The city beach of Hua Hin originates from a landmark called “Stone Head” and stretches for several kilometers. Here you can buy souvenirs at an inexpensive price. This beach is always crowded, you can find entertainment for every taste.
The southern zone of the beach begins at Mount Khao Takiab. This beach is very narrow. In many places you can go straight into the water from the steps. Therefore, there are few people in this part, and when it rains, it is completely empty. Khao Takiab beach is always clean, as the beach area is cleaned every weekend. Here you can inexpensively rent a sun lounger and go water skiing.
Suan Son Beach can be called a continuation of Khao Takiab. Entry into its territory is paid and costs 10 baht. This is a very picturesque place with dense thickets of shady vegetation.
In the northern part is Sai Noi Beach. You can reach it at public transport. Tourists recognize this beach as one of the best. There is no special infrastructure, shops or tents.
Wide but uncrowded Tao beach starts at the mountain of the same name. This beach is suitable for children and those who have never learned to swim well. Its feature is shallow water. Built on Mount Tao Observation deck famous temple Turtles.
To the north of Hua Hin, near Mount Cha Am, the beach of the same name originates. It is very inexpensive to rent accommodation here, which attracts a large number of tourists. For this reason, there are always a lot of people on the beach. In addition, next to the beach there is a highway that leads to this beach great amount tourists.