Hanoi is pretty much the same.

Website doesn't state FULL 6 months but they insist on all when you are there. This catches out most and they direct you to a small printers a couple of hundred meters away.

They aren't as fussy with crisp bills in my experience.

"Would it be safe to cancel the accomodation now, since the consulate staff already have my paper documents? Or should I wait until after I pick up my visa in a few days?"

I'd wait. Better still, I wouldn't post about it on the internet if my facebook name matches my passport.

Education visa. Private lessons with a school that allows flexibility. I did this in Chiang Mai twice.

3 days for me.

Google Green Bus Thailand

Thanks, Rob. If I turned up on a Thursday and asked REALLY nicely for the Friday, do you think that could work? This has worked before in Bali but not everywhere is the same of course.