Comprehensive Guide 2026-2027: Traveling from Thailand to Vietnam– Visas, Transport, and Entry Regulations

I. Do Thai Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Answer: No (for stays up to 30 days). As of 2026, Thai citizens traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. Thailand is on Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption list, alongside other ASEAN members like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

⚠️ You must apply for a visa if:

• You plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days.

• You are traveling for business, work, or investment.

• You are visiting for media or journalistic purposes.

• You require multiple entries within 30 days (the exemption is for single entry only).

🏝️ Phu Quoc Island Special Rule: Thai passport holders visiting Phu Quoc Island also enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. The conditions are the same as entering the Vietnamese mainland: passport must be valid for at least 6 months and you must hold proof of an onward/return ticket.

II. Foreign Citizens Applying for a Vietnam Visa in Thailand

If you are not a Thai citizen—regardless of whether you are a tourist or a resident—you must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam.

Great news: Almost all nationalities currently in Thailand can apply for the Vietnam E-Visa entirely online. There is no need to visit a consulate; you can complete the process from your hotel using a computer or smartphone.

III. 2026–2027 Visa Options Overview

1. E-Visa (⭐ Highly Recommended)

The E-Visa is the mainstream choice for travelers in Thailand.

• Validity: Up to 90 days.

• Entry: Single or Multiple entry.

• Ports of Entry: 42 designated international ports (airports, land borders, seaports).

• Process: Fully online; print the PDF visa for entry.

Required Documents:

• Scanned copy of passport data page (valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure).

• Recent 4x6cm portrait photo (white background, no glasses).

• Address of the first hotel in Vietnam.

• Credit card or PayPal for payment.

Apply here (choose “E-Visa”): https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

⚠️ Important Update: The standard “Visa on Arrival Approval Letter” system for general tourists has been discontinued.

• Exception: Only BNO passport holders still need to use the VOA process, which involves obtaining an approval letter in advance to exchange for a visa sticker at the airport.

• Apply here (choose “VOA”): https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

3. Vietnam Consulate/Embassy

Used only for special cases (e.g., long-term work visas, diplomatic visas).

• Bangkok: 83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok.

• Khon Kaen: 65/6 Chatapadung, Khon Kaen.

IV. 2026–2027 Visa Fees and Processing Time

E-Visa Fees (For most nationalities)

BNO Passport Holders (VOA Fees)

V. Transportation: Getting to Vietnam from Thailand

✈️ Flights

Flights between Thailand and Vietnam are frequent and short:

• Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): 1.5–2 hours.

• Bangkok to Hanoi (HAN): ~2 hours.

• Bangkok to Da Nang (DAD): ~1.5 hours.

• Bangkok to Nha Trang (CXR): ~1 hour 55 mins.

• Bangkok to Phu Quoc (PQC): ~1 hour 23 mins.

🚌 Land Border

You can travel from Thailand to Vietnam via Laos. The 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (opened Dec 2025) is a popular route.

• Warning: You must have a pre-approved visa (or be visa-exempt) before arriving at the land border. Ensure your E-Visa allows entry at your specific land port.

🚗 Getting Around in Vietnam

• Grab: The best ride-hailing app.

• Taxis: Use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white).

• Motorbike Rental: Popular for adventurous travelers.

VI. 2026 Entry Regulations – Must Read

📋 Online Arrival Declaration (Effective April 2026): All travelers flying from Thailand must complete an online declaration within 72 hours before departure.

• Portal: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

• You will receive a Fast-Track Entry QR Code to scan at the immigration counter. (Yes, this applies to Thai citizens too!)

📄 Essential Documents Checklist:

• Passport: At least 6 months validity from your departure date.

• E-Visa: Printed PDF.

• Flight/Hotel Proof: Onward tickets and initial hotel confirmation.

• QR Code: Online entry declaration.

VII. Best Time to Visit

• North (Hanoi/Ha Long Bay): September to November.

• Central (Da Nang/Hoi An): January to August.

• South (Ho Chi Minh City): Dry season from December to April.

VIII. Useful Apps

• Grab: Rides and food delivery.

• Google Maps: Navigation.

• Google Translate: Vietnamese language support.

• Zalo: The local communication app.

IX. Airport Fast-Track Service

Avoid long queues at SGN or HAN airports. 👉 Book Fast-Track Service here: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/fast-track-service/

X. Important Visa Tips

• For Thai Citizens: Enjoy 30-day exemption; apply for E-Visa if staying longer.

• For Foreign Citizens: E-Visa is the easiest route. Ensure your name matches the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport exactly.

• General: Always check your port of entry and ensure your visa covers it. Leave at least 10 working days for processing.

Need help? Contact us to ensure a smooth trip!

• Website： https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

• VIP Fast-Track: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/fast-track-service/

• Urgent Processing: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/boost-your-e-visa-application-form/

• Email: info@vietnam-visa.in

• LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa

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