Is it easier to apply for the Soft Power DTV in Hanoi compared to HCMC, and can Laos be a viable option?

The user is seeking advice on applying for a Soft Power DTV visa, questioning whether an application in Hanoi is easier than in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and if Laos is a viable alternative. They mention meeting the financial requirements and having faced a rejection from a previous visa application in Austria. Comments suggest that while HCMC is very strict, there are no clear indications that Hanoi has become more difficult. Laos is recommended as a good option for an in-person application. It's also noted that the type of visa applied for previously may not significantly affect the new application, but proper preparation of documents is crucial.