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Which embassy should I choose for my Thai visa application, Hanoi or Vientiane?
Thai visaNon-O visaEmbassy selectionVisa application processVientiane embassyHanoi embassyExpats in ThailandVisa challenges in Vietnam and Laos
Dec 11, 2025
5 months ago
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI know that now you have to apply for the visa online. But you still need to choose the embassy that will process your application. Do you think it matters which embassy you pick? The embassy in Hanoi has very bad reviews and many people complain they didn’t get their visa. Do you think it’s better to go to Vientiane?
TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a Thai visa, it's crucial to select the embassy that corresponds to your physical location. If you are in Laos, consider using the Vientiane embassy, particularly if the Hanoi embassy has received negative reviews. The embassy you choose can impact the application process, as each covers different regions in their respective countries. Moreover, some embassies may require in-person visits post-application, such as Vientiane, making local proximity important.
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Jason ***********
If you are in Thailaind when you want to apply. Go to Laos it is cheaper and easier. Dm me and I'll break it down for you.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Michael ********
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David ********
DTV…. For 5 years cost me 10,000 THB. After I paid in person I had to go back a few days later for interview. It took maybe 10 days to get the DTV certificate so I stayed in Vientiane for the 2 weeks.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *******
it's not that what you thinking about. You have to exit Thailand every 6 months.David ********
@Michael *******
Yes. I live in Ubon and it’s a 1 hour drive 70km to Chong Mek boarder. So I just walk over the boarder and get a stamp. Very simple this DTV for me and my location.Reply to
David ********
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Lynnette *******
@David *******
this chap is looking to get Non-O.Reply to
Lynnette *******
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David ********
I went to Vientiane for 2 weeks. Applied online. After about 1 week they told me to pay at the Embassy and about 5 days later I had an Interview in the office. Only about 3 simple questions about my application and my address. About 1 or 2 hours later they emailed my Visa.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Michael ********
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Gregory *********
The quickest would be the one with the least applications in coming as the processing staff have less to do. They all tick the same boxes. The most important thing is for you to have the necessary documents and qualify. You are going up to christmas and take into account they dont process on public holidays of the embassy. It closes on both local and thai holidays.
John **********
As you are applying for a Non-O visa it shouldn't make much difference to you. Apply for the visa, meet the requirements and get the visa
Narong *******
Is hard to say which place is better for visa application...it depends on lots of factors.....ie : yr previous visa/exempt history ...how long have you been out etc...you didn't mention anything in that regard.....in any case Good luck
Alex *****
Best of luck to you. Once you get the DTV, you'll be chillin like a Villin.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alex ****
I won't DTVReply to
Michael ********
Reply
Brandon ************
You choose the embassy based on where you are PHYSICALLY.
If you're in Laos, then you can use Vientiane if you're in the area that the Vientiane embassy covers, or you use Savannakhet if you're in the area that the consulate covers.
Same for Vietnam, when you're inside Vietnam you choose the embassy that covers where you are in Vietnam. They each cover different sections of the country, and it's best to keep to it because they can reject your application if your proof of location doesn't show that you're in the right location.
Also they can call you into the embassy for an interview so best to choose the one that's closest which should be the one covering where you are physically.
Something to keep in mind about Laos, the embassy and consulate there are the only ones that require you to go in person and pay after you submit your application online. That's not required in Vietnam or anywhere else except Myanmar.
As an example, here's the map of embassy and consulate coverage for the US.
If you're in Laos, then you can use Vientiane if you're in the area that the Vientiane embassy covers, or you use Savannakhet if you're in the area that the consulate covers.
Same for Vietnam, when you're inside Vietnam you choose the embassy that covers where you are in Vietnam. They each cover different sections of the country, and it's best to keep to it because they can reject your application if your proof of location doesn't show that you're in the right location.
Also they can call you into the embassy for an interview so best to choose the one that's closest which should be the one covering where you are physically.
Something to keep in mind about Laos, the embassy and consulate there are the only ones that require you to go in person and pay after you submit your application online. That's not required in Vietnam or anywhere else except Myanmar.
As an example, here's the map of embassy and consulate coverage for the US.
Lynnette *******
@Brandon ***********
that's you told. I said same sort of thing. But he's looking for a country with an easier visa application process. Then he'll move there. 🎄Jared *********
@Lynnette ******
he doesn't have to "live there" to apply for all visa type applications... lolLynnette *******
@Jared ********
live or staying in the country you apply in is required. So if there's an easier embassy to apply at he'll move over/fly/ travel ( or whatever word you prefer to use) to that country to apply.Jared *********
@Lynnette ******
yes, an applicant can VISIT the country for a short trip and apply for the DTV in many countries. Your statement sounded like he will "move there" rather than visit. Clarity and accuracy matters 😉Lynnette *******
@Jared ********
to move from where he is to another country in order to apply is what he'd have to do. Move country, move hotel, move apartment: physically change location. I never said he'd have to live there. You're being silly.Jared *********
@Lynnette ******
ok. You have edited your previous comments to show this. In one place you said "live", another you stated move to and edited. But whatever. Have a good dayRobbie *******
Jared Elliot , I’m with you mate , when you say you’re moving to a city or country it sounds like you’re going to live there , some people on this site are just argumentative gobshites .
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robbie ******
let's move to the next topic 😘Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jared ********
no one talking about DTV. And move is mean going somewhere. C'monJared *********
@Michael *******
oroginally her responses said move or live. Live or move for native English speakers does not mean go to visit in most cases. Come on!!! 2nd. You need to be more precise in your question then if you want an accurate answer. If you aren't talking about DTV then the answer changes! Which visa are you applying for??
And if you don't want advice from folks that have experience then that is fine as well...
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jared ********
no offense bro. I just want to know which embassy is more friendly for falangs nowadays.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
he has no idea how it works, don't mind itI'm just finding out if Vientiane Thai Embassy is better to apply than Hanoi Thai Embassy.
Thomas *******
@Michael *******
I don't know about Hanoi, but I went to Vientiane from Nong Khai and had my 90 day non-o in 4 days.Lynnette *******
@Michael *******
good luck finding an embassy that's best for you.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
for now I can't find any advices which is better from another 😁😁Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I'm not asking where but I'm asking where better 😊 Because before evisa system Laos was definitely the best for applying. I can change country, it's not a problem if it can help. So better Vientiane than Hanoi?Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Lynnette *******
You apply in the country where you are staying/living.
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
I'm not asking about it. I'm asking about differences.Lynnette *******
@Michael *******
🤷. So you're actually asking what country to move to where embassy is easier than Hanoi. Where you are now. .Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
yes. I'm at Hanoi now. But people saying they are very strict so maybe better to go another country.Lynnette *******
@Michael *******
Jared Elliot is so annoyed about me saying you'd have to move on to another country if their embassy is better for you, that he may block me.Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
no reason to fight, just misunderstandingLynnette *******
@Michael *******
well he's vanished so assume he wasn't happy he didn't understand the using a different embassy meant going to that country.Bob **********
@Lynnette ******
you don’t have to move to a country to apply you just need to be in that country for certain visasLynnette *******
@Bob *********
he is talking about finding a better embassy and so would have to move to that country to apply.Jared *********
@Lynnette ******
well, your comment is partially true. It is very common to fly to a country to apply for the DTV for example. You don't have to live thereLynnette *******
@Jared ********
proof you are in that country by moving there from where you are, on a plane/train/automobile and showing you are in the country. "Move" as in travel from one location to another in order to apply.Reply to
Lynnette *******
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