Ask question

What are the pros and cons of getting a regular tourist visa in Ho Chi Minh City versus Vientiane?

tourist visa Ho Chi Minh City Vientiane visa application process expat travel visa types Chiang Mai

Oct 1, 2019

5 years ago

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Are there any reasons (technical, price, aesthetic) to chose Ho Chi Minh City vs Vientiane for getting a regular tourist visa? The cost and time to travel from Chiang Mai seem similar. Vientiane has an online schedule, but it appears that Ho Chi Minh City doesn't. Looking for the range of opinions. Thanks!

978

views

3

likes

32

all likes

17

replies

0

images

6

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

When considering where to apply for a regular tourist visa, expats are weighing the advantages of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) versus Vientiane. Some key points include that HCMC has a smaller office, leading to potentially quicker processing times, while Vientiane requires an appointment and can be crowded, making it harder to manage schedules. Additionally, opinions vary regarding the overall experience in the cities, with some suggesting that interest in the cities themselves may also influence the decision.

Tony ***********

I was thinking the same thing, just because I read Amornrat Mattioli’s warning about Vientiane and my school. The next visa will be a simple tourist visa, so what are everyone’s thoughts on Ho Chi Minh city versus Hanoi? I’ve never been to Vietnam, so I’ll be deciding based on how interesting the cities are and the relative ease of getting my visa done.

Like

Reply

James ********

Tony De Jesus Ho Chi Minh City Thai Consulate is very good and the city is wonderful to visit.

Just meet the visa requirements listed in their website. And read reports SEE TOPIC HCMC from others who have used HCMC for their visa.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Werner *******

HCMC is a small office, so you can be in and out in minutes. Vientiane requires an appointment, and if you have to cancel that appointment, it can be difficult to reschedule. It's also very heavily populated, and regularly serves 200-300 people (or more) every day.

Like

Reply

Amornrat **********

@Mark *********

based on your history I would say both places will issue a SETV. The advantage of Vientiane is that you cross by land.

Like

Reply

Amornrat **********

Vientiane maximum 200people, so not busy, they used to do 400-600daily.

Like

Reply

James ********

Savannakhet by

@Amornrat *********

:

Tourist Visa, apply if you stayed less than 90 days in past 6 month, show own Thai Book Bank with balance THB 20,000.- up OR print out from your Bank account from home country value USD 700.-up. OR onward air ticket.

Like

Reply

James ********

Vientianne: by

@Amornrat *********

Tourist Visa, if you had previously some Tourist visas your application will be considered more carefully. Vientiane is now, in most cases, asking for proof of funds, Book Bank with balance THB 20,000.- up OR print out from Bank account from home country value USD 700.-up. Onward air ticket is not required.

Like

Reply

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

will do

Like

Reply

Werner *******

@Mark *********

Also check the payment requirements for HCMC, as they don't accept Thai baht (last I looked).

Like

Reply

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks!!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mark **********

Reply

James ********

Mark ... Do you already have two land border crossings in 2019?

Like

Reply

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Mark *********

then I would suggest you do one more. Use Mae Sai border if closest to Chiang Mai. Step out...back in. Stamped in for 30 days plus 30.days extension available at Thai Immigration...1,900 Thai baht. Read Mai Sae TOPIC .

But may I add...as you are living in Thailand get the CORRECT VISA ...yada yada yada.

You know what I mean. Times ARE changing.

Good Luck!

Like

Reply

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

just one

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mark **********

Reply

Robert *******

i guess the only reason is that sometimes people wanting back to back Tourist Visa to live inside Thailand get sometimes warning stamps or their application will be denied. For most of them then it become time to search for alternatives to get new Tourist visa or just get the visa that fits their purpose of stay.

Like

Reply

Robert *******

@Mark *********

Yep, i understand the health problems after reading a Facebook profile, just as advice; i heard a rumor that immigration officers are allowed to have smart phones with internet and even are allowed to make facebook profiles.

Like

Reply

Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

This will be my first tourist visa, and I'm not trying to stay permanently, just complete some personal health and fitness projects. Currently here on visa exempt entry, US citizen.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Mark **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Which is better for DTV filing, Cambodia or Vietnam?

8 comments

3 months ago

Which embassy is easier for obtaining a DTV visa: Vientiane or Savannakhet?

7 comments

4 months ago

Which is better for obtaining a tourist visa, Penang or Vientiane?

41 comments

7 months ago

What is the best and fastest way to obtain a 60-day visa for Thailand from Vietnam?

6 comments

9 months ago

Which Thai embassy or consulate near Ho Chi Minh is the easiest for obtaining a tourist visa within a week?

18 comments

a year ago

What do I need to know about applying for a visa in Vientiane, including tourist and NON-O visas?

5 comments

a year ago

Is Vientiane a good place to apply for a tourist visa if I've been in Thailand for a while with COVID extensions?

5 comments

2 years ago

What is the process and experience like for obtaining a Non-O or tourist visa in Ho Chi Minh City?

3 comments

2 years ago

Is it easy to get a visa from Vietnam for Thai visa renewal?

7 comments

5 years ago

Which city, Saigon or Hong Kong, makes it easier to obtain a SETV?

14 comments

5 years ago

What are the pros and cons of applying for an SETV in Vientiane by myself versus going through an agency?

7 comments

5 years ago

Is it safer to apply for a student visa in Savannakhet compared to Vientiane?

0 comments

5 years ago

Is it safer to go to Savannakhet rather than Vientiane for a student visa application?

14 comments

5 years ago

Where is the best place to obtain an Education Visa: Vientiane or Ho Chi Minh?

5 comments

5 years ago

Which location is better for obtaining a Multiple Entry Non O Visa based on marriage: Savannaketh, HCMC, or Vientiane?

0 comments

6 years ago

What should I know before applying for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Vientiane?

14 comments

6 years ago

What are the best alternatives to Vientiane for obtaining a Thai tourist visa, and what is the current turnaround time for these applications?

17 comments

6 years ago

Is Savannakhet a better option than Vientiane for obtaining a Non-B visa?

0 comments

6 years ago

Which is easier for getting a Non-O visa based on marriage: traveling to Ho Chi Minh or Savannakhet?

20 comments

7 years ago

Is the visa application process at the Savannakhet Consulate the same as at the Vientiane Consulate in Laos?

42 comments

7 years ago

Is it possible to renew a Thai tourist visa in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and how does the process compare to Kuala Lumpur?

19 comments

7 years ago

What are recent experiences with getting a Thailand tourist visa at embassies in Vietnam and Cambodia?

18 comments

7 years ago

Is there a difference between obtaining a Tourist Visa in Vietnam and Laos?

6 comments

7 years ago

What are the best cities besides Vientiane to obtain a Non-immigrant B visa?

26 comments

7 years ago

Which destination is better for a visa run: Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi?

7 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.