Plan your Thailand adventure as a Vietnamese tourist with our guide! Learn about visa exemptions, e-visa applications, entry points, eco-friendly Thailand Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Thailand Travel. Start your journey today!
Wat Chiang Rai Lampang, the North of Thailand (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like thaiembassy.org, thaievisa.go.th, tourismthailand.org, vietnam.travel, and travel.state.gov. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Thailand’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Vietnamese citizens are eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at 48 designated checkpoints, including major airports and select land borders. Alternatively, visa exemptions (up to 60 days), e-visas, or embassy visas are available. This guide details visa options, application processes, and travel tips for Vietnamese tourists entering Thailand by air, land, or sea.
Thailand, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Chiang Mai’s ancient temples, and Phuket’s pristine beaches tourismthailand.org. For Vietnamese tourists, understanding visa options ensures smooth entry, whether joining guided Thailand Tours or traveling independently. Vietnamese citizens benefit from visa exemptions (up to 60 days for tourism), Visa on Arrival (15–30 days), e-visas, or embassy visas, facilitating entry through Thailand’s 48 VOA checkpoints, including 10 international airports, 16 land borders, and 22 seaports thaievisa.go.th. This guide provides practical visa insights, entry procedures, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Thailand Travel options for Vietnamese travelers.
Following Thailand’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple entry points, including popular land borders like Aranyaprathet (Cambodia) and Chiang Khong (Laos). This guide blends visa requirements, entry tips, and sustainable Thailand Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Vietnamese tourists can enter Thailand with visa exemptions (up to 60 days), Visa on Arrival ($60 or 2,000 THB for 15–30 days at 48 checkpoints), e-visas ($40 or 1,400 THB), or embassy visas ($40–$80 or 1,400–2,800 THB). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like the Grand Palace cost $15 (500 THB); guided tours range from $15–$80 (500–2,800 THB). Temporary residence registration is not required for stays under 90 days. Verify visa requirements and entry procedures via thaievisa.go.th or thaiembassy.org.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Vietnamese citizens are exempt for tourism or business thaiembassy.org.
Duration: Up to 60 days (extendable for 30 days) thaiembassy.org.
Cost: No cost thaiembassy.org.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) and sufficient funds (10,000 THB or $300 per person, 20,000 THB or $600 per family) recommended but rarely checked tourismthailand.org.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at any immigration office (e.g., Bangkok, Chiang Mai) for $57 (1,900 THB); requires passport, TM.7 form, and photo thaiembassy.org.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all international airports (e.g., Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket), land borders (e.g., Aranyaprathet, Chiang Khong), and seaports tourismthailand.org.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Purpose: Tourism for short stays at designated checkpoints.
Eligibility: Vietnamese citizens are eligible at 48 checkpoints thaievisa.go.th.
Duration: 15 days (non-extendable) or 30 days at select airports thaievisa.go.th.
Cost: $60 (2,000 THB), payable in cash (THB only) thaievisa.go.th.
Application Process:
Arrive at a VOA checkpoint (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport, Aranyaprathet land border).
Complete TM.88 form (provided at the checkpoint).
Submit passport, one passport photo (4x6 cm), proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds (rarely checked).
Pay $60 (2,000 THB) in cash; receive VOA sticker in passport thaievisa.go.th.
Processing Time: 15–60 minutes; expect queues during peak seasons tourismthailand.org.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with exemption or new VOA thaiembassy.org.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 10 airports (e.g., Suvarnabhumi, Phuket), 16 land borders (e.g., Aranyaprathet, Padang Besar), and 22 seaports thaievisa.go.th.
E-Visa (For Longer Stays or Convenience):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for stays exceeding exemption or VOA periods.
Eligibility: Available to Vietnamese citizens thaievisa.go.th.
Duration: Up to 60 days (single entry, extendable for 30 days) thaievisa.go.th.
Cost: $40 (1,400 THB); non-refundable thaie-visa.go.th.
Application Process:
Visit thaievisa.go.th, select English, and click “Apply for e-Visa” thaievisa.go.th.
Create an account with email and password.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry checkpoint like Suvarnabhumi), and accommodation in Thailand (e.g., hotel address) thaievisa.go.th.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB thaievisa.go.th.
Pay the fee ($40 or 1,400 THB) via credit/debit card; note the reference number thaievisa.go.th.
Check status at thaievisa.go.th/e-visa/status using reference number and email; download and print the e-visa PDF thaievisa.go.th.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the entry checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 350–1,050 THB) thaiembassy.org.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days at immigration offices for $57 (1,900 THB) thaiembassy.org.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at all international airports, land borders, and seaports thaievisa.go.th.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to Vietnamese citizens thaiembassy.org.
Duration: Typically 60 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas thaiembassy.org.
Cost: $40 (1,400 THB) for single entry; $80 (2,800 THB) for multiple entry thaiembassy.org.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), proof of funds, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Thai embassy (e.g., in Hanoi: +84 24 3823 5092, Ho Chi Minh City: +84 28 3933 1153) thaiembassy.org.
Extension: Extendable for 30 days with a sponsor; fees apply ($57 or 1,900 THB) thaiembassy.org.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Thailand’s immigration laws thaievisa.go.th.
Overstay penalties: 500 THB/day ($15/day), up to 20,000 THB ($600); potential detention or blacklisting travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Vietnamese tourists can use visa exemptions (60 days), VOA (15–30 days at 48 checkpoints), e-visas, or embassy visas. VOA is convenient for last-minute travel but requires cash payment in THB thaievisa.go.th.
Airports (10 VOA Checkpoints): Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Don Mueang (Bangkok), Phuket, Chiang Mai; open 24/7 thaievisa.go.th.
Land Borders (16 VOA Checkpoints): Aranyaprathet (Cambodia, near Poipet), Chiang Khong (Laos, near Huay Xai), Padang Besar (Malaysia); open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM thaievisa.go.th.
Seaports (22 VOA Checkpoints): Phuket, Krabi, Samui; used for cruise or ferry travelers thaievisa.go.th.
Requirements at Entry: Present a valid passport and VOA form (if applicable), printed e-visa, or exemption proof; visa-exempt travelers need proof of onward travel and funds (rarely checked); ensure details match passport to avoid delays tourismthailand.org.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth entry and travel experience during Thailand Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “sawasdee” (hello) with a wai (palms pressed together) to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at checkpoints or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temples like the Grand Palace or Wat Phra Kaew; carry a lightweight scarf ($3 or 100 THB) tourismthailand.org.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at entry checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing monks or locals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Thai monarchy (lèse-majesté laws, up to 15 years imprisonment). A guest shared: “Respecting Thai customs eased our entry and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.30–$1 or 10–30 THB); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai; no residence registration required for stays under 90 days travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “khob khun” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($4 or 120 THB) to support sustainable Thailand Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful Vietnamese travelers thrive at Thailand’s entry points and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 60 THB) for Thai basics like “khob khun”; English is widely spoken at major entry points and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow entry rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for entry points like Suvarnabhumi or cities like Bangkok; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for songthaews ($1–$2 or 30–60 THB) or bicycles ($5–$10/day or 150–300 THB) after entry for sustainable travel tourismthailand.org.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey after entering Thailand, based on the latest data from thaievisa.go.th, thaiembassy.org, travel.state.gov, tourismthailand.org, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep, or Phuket’s beaches independently after entering at Suvarnabhumi, Aranyaprathet, or Phuket; suitable for travelers with valid exemptions or VOAs; low to moderate difficulty tourismthailand.org.
Visa Tips: Use visa exemptions (60 days) or VOA ($60 or 2,000 THB); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy if applicable; no residence registration needed thaiembassy.org.
Schedule: Daily; Grand Palace open 8:30 AM–3:30 PM ($15 or 500 THB); Wat Phra Kaew open 8:30 AM–3:30 PM (included); Doi Suthep open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM ($1 or 30 THB).
Cost: Entry: $1–$15 (30–500 THB); transport (songthaew: $1–$2 or 30–60 THB; bicycle: $5–$10/day or 150–300 THB); local purchases: $0.50–$20 (15–600 THB).
Location: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Thailand.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use songthaews or bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption or VOA eligibility; check thaievisa.go.th; a guest from Hanoi noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after VOA at Suvarnabhumi.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Arun after entering at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Bangkok hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or VOA; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy if applicable; guides assist with entry checks travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Bangkok hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (800–1,400 THB, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Bangkok.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Ho Chi Minh City noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion after entry.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep and an elephant sanctuary after entering at Chiang Mai Airport or Chiang Khong; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Chiang Mai, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility thaievisa.go.th.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Chiang Mai hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (1,000–1,700 THB, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Chiang Mai.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and ethical sanctuaries reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Da Nang noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Phuket after entering at Suvarnabhumi, Aranyaprathet, or Phuket; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; no residence registration needed travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Bangkok hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,800–7,000 THB, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Bangkok.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Thailand Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Can Tho noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for Vietnamese travelers with exemptions or VOAs.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Thailand’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Songkran: Typically April, festive with water blessings; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at tourismthailand.org.
Loy Krathong: Typically November, vibrant with floating lanterns; cool and dry (24–30°C); check dates at tourismthailand.org.
Year-Round Opportunities: Cool season (November–February, 24–32°C) is best for outdoor exploration; wet season (May–October) suits indoor markets or covered sites.
Cool season (November–February, 24–32°C) is ideal for mild weather and temple visits. Hot season (March–May, 26–33°C) requires early visits due to heat. Wet season (May–October, 24–30°C) brings rain (0.1–17 mm/day); focus on indoor sites like Central Market or Sovanna Phum Theatre. Morning entries (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) are best to avoid heat or crowds. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Vietnamese citizens enjoy 60-day exemptions or VOA ($60 or 2,000 THB at 48 checkpoints); apply for e-visas at thaievisa.go.th for convenience; use embassy visas for longer stays thaiembassy.org.
Entry Tips: Choose major airports like Suvarnabhumi or land borders like Aranyaprathet for smoother immigration; enter early (6:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or VOA cash (THB); have proof of onward travel and funds for exemptions tourismthailand.org.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for songthaews or bicycles after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small THB notes for VOA or local purchases; check visa status at thaievisa.go.th. For embassy visas, contact the Thai embassy in Hanoi (+84 24 3823 5092) or Ho Chi Minh City (+84 28 3933 1153).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($40 or 1,400 THB if required) or VOA cash (2,000 THB), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket), wallet ($5 or 150 THB), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($3 or 100 THB); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 150 THB) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 100 THB) for cool season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 100 THB); hat ($5 or 150 THB).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 120 THB); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 15–60 THB, e.g., pad thai); small backpack ($5 or 150 THB); sunscreen ($3 or 100 THB); insect repellent ($3 or 100 THB).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 300–500 THB); local SIM ($5–$7 or 150–200 THB); waterproof camera ($50 or 1,500 THB) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 100 THB) for purchases; phrase card ($2 or 60 THB) with Thai basics.
Extras: Small THB notes for VOA or purchases; small first aid kit ($5 or 150 THB); umbrella ($5 or 150 THB) for wet season; money belt ($5 or 150 THB) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Exemption Costs: No cost for 60-day exemption (extendable for $57 or 1,900 THB) thaiembassy.org.
VOA Costs: $60 (2,000 THB) at 48 checkpoints thaievisa.go.th.
E-Visa Costs: $40 (1,400 THB); expedited processing: $10–$30 (350–1,050 THB) thaievisa.go.th.
Embassy Visa Costs: $40 (1,400 THB) for single entry; $80 (2,800 THB) for multiple entry thaiembassy.org.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $1–$15 (30–500 THB); transport (songthaew: $1–$2 or 30–60 THB; bicycle: $5–$10/day or 150–300 THB).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (800–1,400 THB, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (1,000–1,700 THB, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,800–7,000 THB, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (150 THB).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $5–$7 (150–200 THB).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (300–1,000 THB). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., pad thai, som tam): $0.50–$2 (15–60 THB).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, carvings): $1–$20 (30–600 THB).
Donations: $0.30–$1 (10–30 THB). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons; use exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Use 60-day exemptions or VOA ($60 or 2,000 THB at 48 checkpoints); apply for e-visas at thaievisa.go.th for convenience; use embassy visas for longer stays; double-check details to match passport thaiembassy.org.
Entry Tips: Choose major airports like Suvarnabhumi or land borders like Aranyaprathet for smoother immigration; enter early (6:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or VOA cash (THB); have proof of onward travel and funds for exemptions tourismthailand.org.
Etiquette: Use “sawasdee”; dress modestly for temples; respect entry and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Entry points open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (airports 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in cool season (November–February); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use songthaews or bicycles; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for entry points or cities like Bangkok.
Weather: Cool season (Nov–Feb, 24–32°C) ideal; hot period (Mar–May, 26–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (May–Oct, 24–30°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 150 THB); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 191, Tourist Police: 1155).
Do Vietnamese tourists need a visa for Thailand? No for 60-day exemptions; VOA ($60 or 2,000 THB) at 48 checkpoints; e-visas or embassy visas for longer stays thaiembassy.org.
Which entry points accept VOA for Vietnamese? 10 airports (e.g., Suvarnabhumi), 16 land borders (e.g., Aranyaprathet), and 22 seaports thaievisa.go.th.
How much does a Thailand visa cost for Vietnamese? Exemption: no cost; VOA: $60 (2,000 THB); e-visa: $40 (1,400 THB); embassy visa: $40–$80 (1,400–2,800 THB) thaievisa.go.th.
Can visas be extended in Thailand? Exemptions and e-visas extendable for 30 days ($57 or 1,900 THB); VOA non-extendable thaiembassy.org.
What are the penalties for overstaying? 500 THB/day ($15/day), up to 20,000 THB ($600); potential detention or blacklisting travel.state.gov.
Is residence registration required? No for stays under 90 days travel.state.gov.
Enhance your visa-prepared Thailand journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Thailand Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Thailand Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Thailand Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Thailand Travel plans.
Mastering Thailand Visa for Vietnamese Tourists with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “sawasdee,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Thailand Tours, and attractions like the Grand Palace and Chiang Mai temples, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for Vietnamese travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Thailand Travel, leverage exemptions or apply for VOAs/e-visas early via thaievisa.go.th, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
thaiembassy.org
thaievisa.go.th
tourismthailand.org
vietnam.travel
travel.state.gov
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