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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!

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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.

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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.

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James ********

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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.

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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.

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Amornrat **********

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

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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.

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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.

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Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

will do

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Werner *******

@Mark *********

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

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Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks!!

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Mark **********

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James ********

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

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Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you.

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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!

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Mark **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

just one

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Mark **********

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mark **********

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