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Which city is better for a 90-Day Visa run: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Vientiane, Laos?

90-Day Visa Visa Run E-Visa Ho Chi Minh City Vientiane Laos Visa Processing Times Non-O Visa Visa Renewal Expat Advice

Jul 8, 2025

10 months ago

Clifton ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am looking to make a Visa run for a 90-Day Visa. 

Where would you recommend, Hanoi, Ho Chin Min City, or Vientiane Laos? 

I will be doing an E-Visa and spending 14+ days there.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation explores the best options for making a Visa run for a 90-Day Visa, specifically weighing the benefits of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Vientiane, Laos. Users share their experiences, noting that Vientiane is cheaper and less crowded but considered boring, while Ho Chi Minh City offers a quicker processing time for Non-O visas and a vibrant atmosphere. There are questions about visa types, suggestions for leisure activities in Laos, and inquiries about the frequency of visa runs. Overall, the consensus leans towards Ho Chi Minh City for a more engaging experience and efficient processing.

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Steve ***************

I used HCMC. Stayed in District 1, in Japan Town area which was great, it's away from the westerners tourist area, but still easy to access if you want a wild night. I found Saigon to be cheap for accommodation, meals and beer cost peanuts. After submitting my documents online, I was asked for proof of entry stamp, it took over ten days in all, but I applied during TET.

10 months ago

Robert *********

I will be doing this. Good post. Just wondered how often you can do this ? A couple of times a year would be useful.

Any experienced information appreciated.

10 months ago

Bent *************

Savannahket

10 months ago

Dwayne ********

If you were driving and doing a quick day (1 hour) border run then would say Laos just if anything for the cheap cases of BeerLao, but if not & Flying than Ho Chi Minh.

10 months ago

Graham ******

@Dwayne *******

the OP stated that this will be a visa run

10 months ago

Dwayne ********

@Graham *****

still part of my answer was correct. Vietnam better than Laos.

10 months ago

Reply to

Dwayne ********

David **********

We had no issues with the Ho Chi Minh location for our Non-O. Took 5 business days to process. Perhaps a few extra days if they require additional info, but remember it's working days, so allow for that.

10 months ago

Clifton ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *********

yep, I understand it is counting work days.👍

Did you arrive in HCMC and then contact the Embassy for an appointment or did you request the appointment before departure?

10 months ago

Clifton ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *********

thank you very much for the information. It is very helpful for planning my trip and having all of my paperwork ready to submit electronically.

So you stayed in Da Nang not HCMC?

10 months ago

David **********

@Clifton **********

Yes, but Da Nang uses the HCM Embassy

10 months ago

Reply to

David **********

@Clifton **********

there are no appointments any more. Everything is done online. We submitted the application on the first Monday after we arrived (we got to Da Nang on Saturday). They did ask for further proof of being in Vietnam. We had submitted our Airbnb receipt, but I guess that wasn't enough by itself, so they asked for the picture of our arrival stamp for Vietnam from our passport and also a picture of our boarding pass. I sent these immediately and still got my E-visa within the 5 business days.

10 months ago

Reply to

David **********

Marcels *********

vientiane is for sure cheaper and less crowded. but also quite boring.

but from vientiane u can go to vang vieng or luang prabang as well

10 months ago

Graham ******

Which 90 day visa, marriage, retirement or?

10 months ago

Clifton ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****