Table of Contents
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?
For stays up to 30 days, no! Thai passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam under the ASEAN bilateral visa exemption agreement.
Thailand and Vietnam are neighboring ASEAN countries with deep cultural and economic ties. With flight times under 2 hours, Vietnam is one of the most accessible international destinations from Thailand.
For stays longer than 30 days (up to 90 days), Thai citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online.
Visa Options for Thai Travelers
Your entry options:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free (ASEAN) | Up to 30 days | Free | Most Thai travelers |
| eVisa (Single) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD (~850 THB) | Extended stays |
| eVisa (Multiple) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD (~1,700 THB) | Business + multiple trips |
Visa-Free Entry Rules
Thai citizens entering visa-free must:
- Thai passport (หนังสือเดินทาง) valid for at least 6 months from entry with ≥ 2 blank pages
- Maximum stay: 30 days per entry
- Tourism, business, and transit permitted
- Proof of onward/return travel recommended
- Cannot be extended — apply for eVisa if you need more than 30 days
Flights: Thailand → Vietnam
Incredibly close — some of the shortest international flights:
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, VietJet, Thai AirAsia (~1 hour 50 minutes)
- Bangkok → Hanoi (HAN): Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, VietJet, Thai AirAsia (~2 hours)
- Bangkok → Da Nang (DAD): VietJet, Thai AirAsia, Vietravel Airlines (~2 hours)
- Chiang Mai (CNX) → HCMC/Hanoi: Seasonal direct routes or connections via Bangkok
- Phuket (HKT) → HCMC: VietJet seasonal routes
Bangkok to HCMC is just 1 hour 50 minutes — shorter than a domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai! Budget fares often under 2,000 THB return.
Top Destinations for Thai Tourists
Popular Vietnam spots for Thai travelers:
- Ho Chi Minh City — Shopping, street food (similar vibrant energy to Bangkok), nightlife
- Hanoi — Cultural contrast to Bangkok, Old Quarter, street food paradise
- Da Nang / Hoi An — Beach holidays, ancient town charm, Ba Na Hills
- Ha Long Bay — Iconic limestone karsts, overnight cruises
- Sapa — Mountain trekking, rice terraces, cool highland climate
- Dalat — 'City of Flowers', cool weather, adventure activities
- Phu Quoc — Island paradise, similar to Thai islands but less crowded
Tips for Thai Travelers (เคล็ดลับสำหรับนักท่องเที่ยวไทย)
Practical advice for Thai citizens:
- THB is not accepted — exchange to VND (1 THB ≈ 700 VND, check current rates)
- Vietnam is same time zone as Thailand (both GMT+7)!
- Vietnamese food has similarities to Thai cuisine but is generally less spicy
- Vietnam uses 220V electricity — same as Thailand, Type A/C plugs usually compatible
- Grab works in Vietnam — same app as in Thailand!
- Thai Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in HCMC available for emergencies
- SIM cards at airports: 100,000-200,000 VND (~50-100 THB)
- Vietnam is generally cheaper than Thailand for accommodation and food