How to Apply for and Get a Visa for Vietnam in Bangkok, Thailand

Last year, I went to Hanoi, Vietnam. As I live in Bangkok, Thailand, a week before I left I had to go to the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. Most people are not allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa and, as I'm used to the red tape and bureaucracy that accompanies any governmental office in Thailand, I expected it to be the same for Vietnam. Surprisingly though, applying and getting a visa to go to Vietnam was easy. If you're coming through Bangkok on your way to Vietnam, or you're already in Bangkok, you too will need to apply for a visa at the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok. Don't worry, it's easy.

Get Photos - Before you go to the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok to apply for your visa, you must get photographs taken. You just need two passport sized photos, which you can get at any photo booth in Bangkok for 100 baht ($3). Plus, if you forget, there are a few photo shops at the bottom of Wireless Road, which is where the Vietnam Embassy is located.

How to Get to the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok - The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is on Wireless Road in Bangkok, which is the embassy district of the city. Take the sky train to Ploenchit Station, get off and follow the signs to Wireless Road. Walk up Wireless Road on the left hand side, passing All Season Place, an enormous office building complex. The Vietnam Embassy is a few blocks up on the left hand side of the road. Just make sure you keep a look out for it as, the first time I went there, I walked right past it. All you'll see is a high white brick wall and a very small yellowish door, which you need to go through. The door is so unobtrusive, I figured it wasn't the right place until I came back to look a second time. Walk through the door and into the front office area.

Application Process for the Visa to Vietnam - When you get in the office, you'll see a row of glassed in counters and some desks where you can get an application form for a visa. Complete the application form, making sure you fill in every section, as they will give it back to you if it's not correct. When you've finished, go up to the next available window and submit your application with your photos, passport and visa fee - currently 1,850 baht for a single entry visa (approx. $55). The person at the counter will check over your application and then give you a piece of paper as a receipt and tell you to come back in five days to pick up the visa. You will have to leave your passport there, but it's no problem, every one does.

Types of Visa - The visa is valid for 30 days once you get to Vietnam. Make sure though, if you plan on exiting and then entering Vietnam again, you will need to get a multiple entry visa as, if you don't, you'll lose the visa when you leave the country and won't be able to re-enter.

Pick Up of Vietnam Visa at Vietnam Embassy - Go back to the Vietnam Embassy in five days and pick up your visa. This literally took two minutes when I was there, as there does not seem to ever be a line.

Address of Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok - 83/1 Wireless Road • Phone: (662)251-7202 - open from 8:30-11:30, Monday through Friday (they are open in the afternoon, but I've heard from several people they will only take visa applications in the mornings, so best not to chance it).