Answered2 years ago
Which is better for obtaining a tourist visa, Penang or Vientiane?
Penang or Vientiane for tourist visa?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around whether Penang or Vientiane is a better choice for obtaining a Thai tourist visa. Opinions are divided: some prefer Vientiane for its quicker embassy service, while others favor Penang for its vibrant city life and convenience. Key points include that Penang does not require an appointment for visa applications and has a two-day turnaround, whereas Vientiane requires an appointment and may involve longer waiting times. There are also comments regarding clothing requirements for entry to the embassy and travel tips related to document preparation and local transportation.
41 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Nongnuch ********
Rich De if you are in Da Nang, why don't you just visit the Royal Thai Consulate in Ho Chi Minh and apply for a tourist visa ?
Paul *********
Yes
Greg ***********
Rich De if you are in Da Nang, why don't you visit the Royal Thai Consulate in Ho Chi Minh and apply for a tourist visa ?
Pete ********
Where are you ?
Pete ********
So you are living on the east coast of Vietnam and you want to extend you're visa there. If so bangkok is ideal if you haven't been or if you have limited funds Vientiane would be the option ... penang is more comfortable but I think
more expensive way .
more expensive way .
Rich ****
OP@Pete *******
Da NangGreg ***********
@Rich ***
if you are in Da Nang, why don't you visit the Royal Thai Consulate in Ho Chi Minh and apply for a tourist visa ?
Marc *********
Vientiane is an easy and affordable destination. You can catch a flight in about an hour. Submit your documents at the embassy on Monday and pick them up on Wednesday at the earliest. Take a taxi directly to the Friendship Bridge, where you can hire a private driver to take you across and drive you to Udon Thani, a 45-minute trip. This is also a way to do a border bounce without getting an actual visa. From Udon Thani, you can catch the 3:15 PM flight to Bangkok with VietJet. Booking online through their app costs between 800-1200 baht, whereas booking in person can cost around 3000 baht. Now you're back in Bangkok.
Rich ****
OP@Marc ********
Great info. Thanks. But I'll catch a flight to CNX
Kevin *********
Penang is a great city with a vibe.
Great pubs, cafes, scenic straits vistas, night clubs.
Malls. Beaches. Lots of tourist sights.
If you're happy with third world boredom, Vientiane.
Great pubs, cafes, scenic straits vistas, night clubs.
Malls. Beaches. Lots of tourist sights.
If you're happy with third world boredom, Vientiane.
Les ***********
Great food in Penang.
Gary ********
Penang
Henrik **************
I've been visiting both on multiple occasions, I lived on Koh Phangan before and now outside Udon Thani so before it was better for me to go to Malaysia.
Vientiane is faster and kinda more easy for the Visa but the city is IMO boring and very dirty and just quite terrible in general, sure the night market could be worth a visit but nothing special about it.
Penang is much cleaner with friendlier people, better food and more enjoyable things to do, just stroll around, maybe visiting the Penang Hill viewpoint, Snake Temple or Penang National park.
Vientiane is faster and kinda more easy for the Visa but the city is IMO boring and very dirty and just quite terrible in general, sure the night market could be worth a visit but nothing special about it.
Penang is much cleaner with friendlier people, better food and more enjoyable things to do, just stroll around, maybe visiting the Penang Hill viewpoint, Snake Temple or Penang National park.
Scott *********
North Carolina online is your best bet
Korn *******
Vientiane I guess. But don't forget appointment before. I went there without appointment and I stayed around 20 day.
Bill *********
Up2u
Goudoune ************
Penang is more convenient if you are in the southern region, Vientiane for Bangkok and the northern part
OK ***************
Welcome to Georgetown Penang
Remember to wear pants 👖 else they will reject you from entry. Also make sure you copy everything before you go else will be expensive to copy your documents there.
Remember to wear pants 👖 else they will reject you from entry. Also make sure you copy everything before you go else will be expensive to copy your documents there.
Jody *******
@OK **************
Wear trousers? It wasn't like that in the past.It would be extremely childish to have such a ridiculous rule!
Julane *******
@Jody ******
I had to cover my shoulders too and wear a skirt below the knees. It was so hot outside, I waited until I got to the front and he was ready to reject me, until I pulled out my extra shirt.Jody *******
@Julane ******
Who gets a commission from hiring the trousers?I think you've uncovered the real reason for the rule!
Julane *******
@Jody ******
It's posted outside where you wait in Q. And that's why they have rental clothes at the stalls across the road. And refreshments for sale if it's really hot. The wait can be long if you're unlucky.Jody *******
@Julane ******
Do they even have the silly clothes rule posted on their website?Julane *******
@Jody ******
yeh... esp when 2 guys in shorts were allowed in. Saw that happen both days that I went. So they were not required to go by the rules posted.Jody *******
@Julane ******
The hypocrisy frequently encountered in the region is off the scale...OK ***************
Jody Peace hopefully they won't ask us to comb our hairs in future
OK ***************
Jody Peace yes..few of them wear short and not allowed to go in.
JD *******
@OK **************
Thank You, That's Good Imformation. 👍OK ***************
JD Flash copy the front page of your passport , the previous visa page(standby) , 2 photos, print out your 2 way air ticket , print out last 3 months bank statement ( minimum balance should be more than 20k baht), print out your hotel booking at least 45 days because you are applying 60 days visa. Remember to bring along 😷 mask and wear long pants 👖 or else you need to buy mask there and rent long 👖 at the small coffee stall
Michael ********
Penang is nicer city. But depends also where you are in Thailand
Gary ******
Penang. There are beaches
Todd *******
Vientiane
Nick ********
Both good options. I prefer Penang as a city though.
Stuart *********
You need an appointment at Vientiane. You don’t for Penang, just rock up early. They have a 2 day turnaround so apply Monday collect Wednesday as an example.
Günter ********
@Stuart ********
This is not correct! Now it’s a 3 day turnaround!
Bob **********
@Günter *******
pick up on the 3rd dayGünter ********
@Bob *********
@Stuart ********
you‘re right!Stuart *********
@Günter *******
You apply Monday and collect Wednesday. I suppose you can say 3 days or collect 2 days after applying.
Nathan ***********
Vientiane for mine. But each to their own.
Ziggy ******
Vientiane. Nicer place to visit, easier and quicker embassy service.
Activity
28 joined28
people
Related
25What are the best options for a tourist visa run from Chiang Mai or Bangkok?
2.9k23262y
What is the best and fastest way to obtain a 60-day visa for Thailand from Vietnam?
1.1k653y
Which Thai embassy is the fastest for applying for a Non-B visa: Vientiane, Savannakhet or Penang?
2.4k20113y
What is the process for obtaining a TR visa at the Thai Consulate in Penang?
3.7k7894y
How can I bring my girlfriend from Thailand to the Netherlands?
7.8k71624y
What are the current requirements for obtaining a Thai tourist visa in Phnom Penh?
2.6k12415y
Is a Bank Statement Mandatory for a Tourist Visa in Vientiane?
643157y
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Tourist Visa in Nepal for Americans?
1.2k4177y
Do I need to show a bank statement when applying for a Tourist Visa in Vientiane?
2.9k7647y
What are the current requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand in Penang, Malaysia?
41727y
What are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa at the Laos embassy in Vientiane?
48417y
What is the current situation for obtaining a Tourist Visa in Vientiane?
42927y
What is the experience of applying for a Tourist visa in Vientiane, and what are the requirements?
42017y
What is the process for obtaining a new tourist visa in Vientiane, and do I have to register online first?
2.6k2688y
What should I know before applying for a tourist visa at the Thai consulate in Vientiane?
1.6k1458y
How is the experience of applying for a Tourist Visa in Penang, Malaysia?
1.1k248y
What are the required documents for obtaining a 2-month tourist visa in Vientiane?
45748y
Can I get a same-day multiple-entry tourist visa from the Los Angeles Thai Consulate without an employer letter?
5k51268y
What is the experience of applying for a Thai tourist visa in Kathmandu?
2.1k17138y
Should I obtain a 60-day SETV in Penang or apply in Kuala Lumpur before flying to Bangkok?
1.1k928y
What is the process for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane from Udon Thani?
3.6k30289y
What are the experiences and tips for getting a Thai tourist visa at the embassy in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam?
999739y
How can I obtain a police clearance document for a Non-Immigrant B visa quickly while in Laos?
2.7k21229y
What are the tips for obtaining a tourist visa in Yangon?
818269y
What documents are needed for my Thai wife's visa application to travel to England for two weeks?
6.4k60459y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served