Answered8 years ago
Which is easier for getting a Non-O visa based on marriage: traveling to Ho Chi Minh or Savannakhet?
Going to get a non-o visa based on marriage. Travelling from Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai) to Ho Chi Minh or Savannakhet, which is easier? (cheaper/quicker/hassle free) Or since I'm a woman and the financial requirements are different could I go elsewhere?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around choosing between traveling to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or Savannakhet for applying for a Non-O visa based on marriage. Many contributors suggest that traveling to HCMC might be quicker and cheaper, particularly with available budget flights from Chiang Mai. Others share experiences of traveling to Savannakhet, highlighting its ease of processing and lack of long lines. The conversation also touches on the potential to change to a Non-O visa at an immigration office if certain conditions are met.
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Liam *****
Flying to HCMC from Chiang Mai is quicker, easier and probably actually cheaper. Savakhet requires a very arduous journey, or a flight from CM to Udon and then a fairly arduous journey. Bear in mind that you may need a visa for VN in advance, depending where you are from
Liam *****
@Maia *********
Cool - then you don't need a visa for Vietnam (you do for Laos - costs $30)
Maia **********
OPThank you for the info. I'm British fyi
Tod *********
you can get round trip Viet Jet from Chiang Mai to Ho Chi Minh City pretty darned cheap . The time points aren't that good, meaning you stay an extra two days but if you have time to pick when you want to go it might be an option for you
Jim *******
Tod. They have the bonus of the bikini dancing flight attendants on board your flight too..!
Biff *******
Both times I’ve been I drove. Not a huge fan of Thai buses or coaches. Glad you found it ok though 👍
Jim *******
@Biff ******
.I found it great on the green line bus.Biff *******
Travelling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is a pain in the arse though! Looks close on the map but it’s a shitty journey!
Steven ******
Yes i can confirm Savannakhet is pretty easy and quick. There is a market not too far from the consulte if you want to do some shopping. Cheap cigs and off licence.. :D
Maia **********
OPNice! Thank you!
Steven ******
Check Rome2rio website for bus from Chiang Rai to Mukdahan. From Mukdahan you can choose either a regular bus to go the boarder or use a tuk-tuk
Maia **********
OPHow would you get there from Chiang Rai?
Bengt **********
Savanakhet is by far the easiest one I have been there many times , never any long lines . Pretty straight forward . But not much to do there so I just go to hotel buy some beers and relax .
Robert *******
If you have minimum 15 days of stay, you could change to Non Immigrant O visa based on marriage at the Immigration Office.
Maia **********
OPThere's an immigration office here in Chiang khong, too.. I'll stop by and ask them. Thank you :)
Robert *******
There are here some posts of married ladies who did this in Chang Mai. I would say visit Chang Rai office and ask if possible and the hand out with requirements.
Maia **********
OPReally? At any immigration office??
Maia **********
OPIt would be my first time applying for this type of visa
Maia **********
OPRight now I'm on a tourist visa because of a paperwork mess up
Robert *******
What kind of visa do you have now?
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