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Thailand and Vietnam are close ASEAN neighbors. Thai citizens get 30 days visa-free — with flights as short as 1 hour 50 minutes!
Do Thai Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Thai citizens are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 30 days under the ASEAN bilateral visa exemption agreement.
For stays longer than 30 days and up to 90 days, Thai citizens must apply for a Vietnam eVisa online. Applications are processed through the National Web Portal on Immigration.
The eVisa is officially accepted at 83 designated international entry ports, including 17 airports, 27 land borders, and 39 seaports.
Visa Options for Thai Travelers
The following entry options are available. Travelers requiring an extended stay can apply online for an eVisa:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free (ASEAN) | Up to 30 days | Free | Standard travel |
| eVisa (Single) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD (~850 THB) | Extended stays |
| eVisa (Multiple) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD (~1,700 THB) | Business and multiple trips |
Visa-Free Entry Rules
Thai citizens entering under the visa exemption must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a Thai passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Stay for a maximum of 30 days per entry.
- Visit purposes are limited to tourism, business meetings, and transit.
- Proof of onward or return travel is recommended.
- The visa-free period cannot be extended. Travelers should consult the how to apply guide if a longer stay is required.
Flights from Thailand to Vietnam
Direct flight routes between Thailand and Vietnam include:
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, VietJet, Thai AirAsia
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Hanoi (HAN): Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, VietJet, Thai AirAsia
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Da Nang (DAD): VietJet, Thai AirAsia, Vietravel Airlines
- Chiang Mai (CNX) and Phuket (HKT): Seasonal direct routes to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi
Flight duration between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Travelers should verify schedules directly with carriers.
Destinations in Vietnam
Key locations for Thai travelers include:
- Ho Chi Minh City — Commercial center
- Hanoi — Capital city and historical center
- Da Nang and Hoi An — Coastal and heritage destinations
- Ha Long Bay — Natural geography
- Sapa — Northern highlands
- Dalat — Central highlands
- Phu Quoc — Special economic zone and coastal tourism
Practical Information for Thai Citizens
Important travel details:
- Thai Baht (THB) is not widely accepted; exchange to Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Vietnam and Thailand share the same time zone (GMT+7).
- Electrical outlets provide 220V with Type A or C sockets, which are generally compatible with Thai devices.
- Ride-hailing services such as Grab operate in major Vietnamese cities.
- The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Hanoi, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General is in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Telecommunications: Local SIM cards are available at international entry ports.