lekatai

The short answer is -yes you need a visa.If you are actually in Australia,and are flying in to Saigon or Hanoi,you can apply online for the pre-approved visa,which other posters are referring to.There are plenty of threads on how to do this,and there are several companies that do it.You can ONLY use this pre-approved visa if you are flying in,NOT at a land border.Or,you can apply to a Vietnamese Embassy or consulate in Australia in person or by post,this is more expensive than the first way.If you are going to be in Bangkok,you can go to the Vietnamese Embassy in Wireless Road,and do it yourself.If you want the visa the next day it's a bit more expensive,or you can wait the 4 days if you have the time.The info on the embassy website might have been put there 4 years ago,but it hasn't changed,it's still correct. Alternatively,if you are entering Vietnam from a neighbouring country,i.e Cambodia or Laos,you can get a visa at the Vietnamese Consulate there,it's the cheapest,quickest and easiest way.

You wonder why this has been posted,it's clearly several years out of date,currency exchange rates are completely wrong,prices for most things inaccurate,and the visa information given is also out of date.If you are going to post information like this,(which would be very useful if up to date),then please take the trouble to make sure it is current.As a historical document it's quite interesting,notice the exchange rate for the GBP is still quite accurate,the USD nowhere near.Also,some prices have increased considerably,while others have not gone up much

Well,sorry "Happyaussie" but I must disagree with you.I've lived in Vietnam for 18 months now,after 5 years living in Thailand and Cambodia.and in my opinion,the standard of food here, certainly street food and small cafe's and restaurants, is far better than that in Thailand.OK I don't like really spicy food,which is one reason I prefer it here.In fact one of the reasons we moved to Vietnam was after spending 6 weeks last year traveling around Vietnam,and finding the best street food I've eaten in Asia.It wasn't the only reason,or even the major reason for moving here,but it was a factor in our decision.

You have been given some good advice.The one thing that hasn't been mentioned is that the mother of the child has the opportunity to apply for a different class of visa than a normal tourist visa.This is a "Family visit visa",as the mother of a child resident in the UK. The great advantage of this class of visa is that it carries the right of appeal if refused,a normal tourist visa does not.You still apply in the normal way online,just select this FVV option when applying.Obviously you will have to apply through the same channels as everyone else and supply the same standard of proof that everyone else has to.You will need to prove the relationship with the child,i.e birth certificate with your name on it,a full explanation of the reason for the visit,how it will be paid for,and most importantly,as has been emphasised by others,a compelling reason or reasons to leave the UK at the end of your visit. As regards asking for advice on a forum such as this,(if in fact you are a genuine poster and not a troll),it would be helpful to you if you do not speak in derogatory terms about other people who you don't know,such as referring to people as "things" "monstrosities" and "old men and their 5 minute girlfriends". Talk like that says more about you than it does about them

Firstly there is NO boat from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville,and hasn't been for at least 2 years.It is cancelled,it finished when the road linking Koh Kong to Sre Ambel (which is on the main Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville road) was completed with 4 bridges replacing the ferries across the rivers.It's possible to do it in one day from Sihanoukville to Pattaya,with a booked through service with a company called "Virak Buntham" This leaves Sihanoukville at around 8am and you get to Pattaya around 19.00.I've done it myself,it's a long journey involving one vehicle change at the border.I don't know if the reverse journey is available,which is the one you asked for.The method mentioned by the previous poster is doable,I've done it,but it's incredibly tedious.There are companies in Pattaya,I 'm pretty sure one is called Koh Chang Travel,that has an office in Soi Diana Inn,that have minibuses to the border for about 800THB .They leave in the morning about 07.00 .Also Malibu travel used to do it,I'm not sure if they do now.When I do the journey now I usually get a taxi to the border from Pattaya (3000THB,takes about 5 hours) and stay the night in Koh Kong.You could then get the bus to Sihanoukville the next day (which costs 6-8 USD and leaves at 08.00) .You could,if you were in a hurry,get a taxi to Sihanoukville when you arrived at the border,it takes about 4-5 hours and costs 50-55 USD.It really depends on how urgent it is to get there in a day,and how many of you there are,the more people going the more it makes sense to take a taxi

Well I'm glad you had a nice time in Vietnam,but I have to agree with "Pattayaparent" that it was probably your attitude at the Vietnamese Embassy that resulted in the incident.Cetainly from your postings here it appears you can be gratuitously offensive when speaking to people who make a perfectly reasonable post.I've never had a problem with the Vietnamese Embassy in Wireless Road when I've used them,nor do I know anyone else who has.

Are you referring to the head-in-bottom comment? 'gratuitously offensive' I think that's a bit over the top isn't it, blimey

Well,blimey,old chap,as it happens I don't think it is over the top-no.Your comment was "without cause" and/or "unjustified",which is the definition of "gratuitous". In addition I think most people would agree it was offensive per se .

Although I have never met "Pattaya Parent" (to my knowledge),he clearly knows far more about Vietnam in general,(and specifically about visas for that country) than you do.So do I.The use of the word "creature" when speaking about another person says far more about you than anything else you have contributed to this thread.The use of such an epithet is gratuitously offensive in any case.I'm certainly not trying to wind you up,merely pointing out to you that if you wish to come to Vietnam again,either to travel or stay here,then I suggest you adopt a different approach, because it won't get you very far here. In my experience,the Vietnamese do not suffer fools gladly,and I can quite understand why,given the history of their country.To forestall any silly bleating about any experience I might or might not have,I currently live in Vietnam,I've traveled here many times over the last 5 years,and have had extensive dealings with the Embassy in Bangkok.So I know more about it than somebody who has had a 5 day holiday here. Have a nice day

Well I'm glad you had a nice time in Vietnam,but I have to agree with "Pattayaparent" that it was probably your attitude at the Vietnamese Embassy that resulted in the incident.Cetainly from your postings here it appears you can be gratuitously offensive when speaking to people who make a perfectly reasonable post.I've never had a problem with the Vietnamese Embassy in Wireless Road when I've used them,nor do I know anyone else who has.

The problem with using a visa run company is that they are generally geared to same day service,i.e. you leave Pattaya early morning,go to the border,get your visa/re-entry stamp and return immediately.So-not much of a holiday.Possibly you could arrange with them to stay a few days and return with them later.I don't see anything wrong with your original plan.1)Borrow a car and drive to Had Lek.This avoids bus changes,and the taxi mafia from Trat to Had Lek,and you can leave when you want to.2)Either obtain e-visas in advance for Cambodia,or get visas at the border.I've dealt with the Cambodian Immigration here on many occasions,and it is true that they are a bunch of robbing *******'s.If you stand your ground,and insist on the correct fee,you will eventually get the visas for more or less the correct price(You don't say how old the children are,or if they have their own passports,if they are in the parents passports,I don't think they need a separate visa)3) Leave the car in the secure parking area by Thai Immigration. 4) Once in Cambodia,get a taxi to Koh Kong town (250-300THB incl bridge toll) Either 5) stay in Koh Kong-for example in the town is the "Apex" hotel,which has a small swimming pool where rooms are about 12-15USD,or just outside town is the "Oasis resort" which has 5 nice small bungalows set around a garden and swimming pool,a bungalow is about 25USD,and sleeps 2+2 easily.You don't need dollars in Koh Kong,THB is widely accepted for everything.Or,you could stay in KK one night and get a taxi to Sihanoukville (50-55USD) and stay there a few days.There are many places to stay there,e.g. "Beach Club" has a swimming pool and poolside rooms for about 25-30 USD or the "Small Hotel"has rooms for 15-18USD,but no pool.It won't be any wetter in Koh Kong than anywhere else in Cambodia or Thailand,it's probably going to rain anyway,wherever you go! 7) Return to Thailand,and get stamped in for another 60 days. Enjoy

Re #11-I think you are right,that's not the actual Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkoks website, although it does seem have a link to the proper site.It appears to be a commercial site supplying the pre-approved visa for Vietnam,there's plenty of discussion on TV as to whether this is a good way to go,there are both pros and cons for it.I have personally never applied for a pre-approved visa,but I've always been to the Vietnamese Embassy in person,and never had a problem.You can apply in the morning or afternoon,and collect the passport with visa the next day after 15.00

As you are married,it is important to apply for a "Family visit visa" and you have to specify this when applying.This is because,unlike a tourist or visit visa,this category of application carries a right of appeal if the visa is refused

I was very interested that you live in Vietnam now. I think Thailand is a lot more expensive now. When I came here 5 years ago I bought my Condo for 71 thai Baht per £ Sterling. ! Now its 48 baht. ONE THIRD LESS. If you are on a fixed income ou can see easily it buys a lot less now. Can you tell me which area you would recommend for living in Vietnam as an expat, not seedy but with a little access if you get my drift.

and do you find it cheaper there than in Thailand ? Do you mind if I ask have you met a nice Vietnamese Lady to share life with there?

Yes,you are right,Thailand is a lot more expensive now than 5 years ago.As this is a bit off topic I'll keep it brief,but yes,Vietnam is much cheaper to live in than Thailand (in my circumstances anyway)The reason I can stay here long time is that I am married to a Vietnamese lady,and so don't need a visa,if you are married,you can apply for a 5 year visa exemption,which costs 8ooTHB for 5 years,the only caveat is that you must either leave every 90 days or pay for a 90 day extension of stay (about 30USD)Otherwise it is not easy to live permanently here in Vietnam.There are topics covering living in Vietnam in the S.E. Asia forum,I can reply more fully there.

Thanks to Campario for the very informative trip report,which I am sure will be very helpful to many.I can add a few points,having made this journey many times.A regular taxi from Pattaya to Hat Lek border costs around 3000THB.As I am often travelling with my wife and child,and quite a bit of luggage,we get a MPV taxi,perhaps an ordinary saloon car would be a bit cheaper.It's more expensive than using buses/minibuses etc,but the advantages outweigh the extra cost for us.The border immigration at Hat Lek are notorious for overcharging,it's been that way for years,if you are prepared to wait you can get the visa for 20 USD,but the E-visa sounds a much better idea.Don't do as one poster advised, threaten and shout,and you'll just end up waiting for ages,also they will remember you for when you come back.Don't use the various touts offering to "help" with the visa,they are completely unnecessary and a nuisance.If they try to charge 200 or 300 THB for a Thai,give them 100B and tell them that's all they are getting.You shouldn't have to pay anything,but again,it depends how long you want to wait.The first time I went through with my (Vietnamese) wife and child they demanded 300THB each for them.I refused to pay for the child and told them they were only getting 100THB from my wife,and after a few minutes scowling they accepted it.Don't listen to the touts/taxi drivers telling you to change money,it's always at a very poor rate to get them a commission.If you are staying in Koh Kong,you can use Thai Baht easily,and you don't need Cambodian Riel anyway(except as small change) the de facto currency in Cambodia is the US dollar.I usually get USD in Pattaya from Bank Gold or the exchange in Soi Buakhao by Oasis go go.Or you could get them at the money changers in Koh Kong market,the bank there.or in Sihanoukville.

I see what you mean, but in order to sovle this problem. You can use our service" Executive service and welcoming service". Our enthusiastic staffs will pick you up at the airport and guide you in airport. You will be tackled problem in the fastest and safetest way.

Yes,and how much does this service cost,I assume it's not free?

Can you get a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok?

I certainly got visas without any hassle in the UK.

You can easily get a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok,it's in Wireless road,a short walk from the Sukhumvit Road(opposite way from the British Embassy) You go there,fill out a simple form,one photo needed,and collect it the next afternoon.Usually no queue,staff are helpful,I'm not sure of the current cost as I haven't got a visa from them for a while,(as i live in Vietnam now I don't need one).If you are able to get a proper visa this way,some people have reported it avoids possible lengthy queues when arriving at the airport in Vietnam with the pre-approval letter,which is what you get with the on-line application mentioned by the OP.

Cambodia is extremely easy.If you want a business visa,all you have to do,upon arrival,is to fill out the visa application form,put "Business" for the reason for visiting,and pay 25USD instead of 20USD for the initial 30 day visa.Then you apply for an extension for 6 or 12 months when in Cambodia.Using an agent is the easiest way,6 mo costs 180USD and 12 mo 285USD.Both are multiple entry.You can work openly doing more or less anything you want to.If you actually set up a business premises,employ people etc,you might have to get a work permit or pay some sort of local employment tax (in some towns,not all)If you merely have a business visa to facilitate coming and going from Cambodia or to cover your back then you won't have to do this. I've had a business visa for over a year now(just renew annually) and never had any problems

As luck would have it,a guy I know from Sihanoukville came into the bar today.He has a Harley and tells me there is a motorbike repair place in Sihanoukville which deals with large bikes.It's called "CT bikes" .he did try and explain where it was,but I don't know the layout of Sihanoukville very well,it's apparently by a hospital called CT clinic.He said the Cambodian mechanic who runs the place is very good and is used by a lot of big bike owners.Hope this helps

I imagine there must be someone there who can repair big bikes,as quite a few people there own trail bikes, Harleys and other big bikes.If you get no response on TV,I would try posting either on Khmer440.com or Sihanoukvilleonline.com.Both of these are more specific to Cambodia and Sihanoukville,and have appropriate sections for queries like this.

The legal situation in Vietnam is that a foreigner may not stay overnight with a Vietnamese citizen of the opposite sex,if they are not married.Having said that,over the last 5 years I have stayed in hotels here with my Vietnamese fiancee on many occasions,and we never had any problems.After we were married we have never been asked for any sort of proof(occasionally the hotel staff would ask my wife if we were married,but once she said Yes,they never asked for any proof of this)It's probably the case that in the more expensive hotels then they might require this,but I think the situation is more relaxed than in the past.However if you turn up with a new friend that you have just met,then there might be problems checking in to one room.As regards the Immigration Dept keeping track of guests,they most certainly do.The hotel will certainly want to see your passport when checking in,and normally they will require to keep it for inspection by the police.They might accept a photocopy,but a lot insist on keeping the passport,this is quite normal practice.

Both the 30 day tourist and business visas are only single entry.If you extend the business visa while in Cambodia(takes a couple of days) then 6 month or 12 month visas are multiple entry.Cost of extension approx 160USD (6m) or 285USD (12m) You would need to work out if you would save money by getting an extension,it would really depend on how many trips you intend to make,you would also save on used passport pages as well,and of course the time saved on each entry by not needing to make a new application every time.

There are also a lot of artists with small shops in the alleyway beside Mike Shopping Mall, which runs between Beach Road and 2nd Road

I live in Vietnam now,and have done so for just over a year,having previously lived in both Cambodia and then Thailand for 4 years.I am married to a Vietnamese girl, so automatically qualify for a 5 year visa exemption.It would be much more difficult for you,both being non Vietnamese,to live here on a long term basis.It might be possible for you both to get a 3 month tourist visa,but even the normally laid back Vietnamese Consulate in Sihanoukville recently refused a friend of mine a 3 month visa,saying they would only give one of those to someone who had previously visited Vietnam on at least one 30 day visa .That was exactly my experience with the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok a few years ago,before I got married.There are work possibilities in Vietnam,but I understand the criteria are fairly strict and the procedure(like most paperwork in Vietnam) lengthy.There is no such thing here as a retirement visa,or as in the case of Cambodia a business visa on arrival.I am not saying that you cannot come and live here on a long term basis,but it is not nearly as easy as in Thailand or Cambodia.Also,you don't say if you have visited here before,or traveled around Vietnam,if not I would certainly do that before committing yourself to living here.Good luck anyway and if you want any more information please ask.

Reason for edit-grammar

Regular Bus service from Snooky to Pattaya US$ 23 approx 10 hours -

I will be going from Snooky to Pattaya and hate long mini bus trips.

Is it at all practical to take a bus from Snooky to Ko Kong and then make my own arrangements such as a mini bus to Trat and then a real bus from Trat to Pattaya?

Yes it's possible,but not as easy as it sounds.The route from Had Lek border to Trat is controlled by the minibus operator(I won't use the term mafia)The minibuses are supposed to leave every 40 minutes,and take about 75 minutes to Trat.However they won't leave until they are full,but if they do,they take you to Klong Yai,which is about 15 minutes towards Trat,and wait there for more passengers.You have no chance of getting any transport from there to Trat,and you will have paid the 120B by then,so they don't care.The trip to Trat can take well over 2 hours.Which means that if you have got the early bus from S-ville and crossed the border straight away,you just miss the 15.00 bus to Pattaya.I'm not sure if there are any later buses,if there are you will get to Pattaya very late.I have used this route many times,and if traveling with others,I arrange a Pattaya taxi to come and pick us up,it's more expensive,but a lot quicker and more comfortable.And worth every satang to avoid paying the minibus operator!You could try and get a moto to Trat,it's possible,but it's a long way,and I've never fancied it.I have done the bus/minibus route,as suggested by Snookygirl,and it works well,got to Pattaya at about 19.00 and dropped off close to the hotel.Probably for a single traveller it's the easiest option

I was in that soi a few days ago,and yes it's still there,always seems very quiet when I pass it

Having lived in Cambodia for a short while,Thailand for 4 years,and now Vietnam for nearly a year,I would say that Vietnam is cheaper than Cambodia for many things,and cheaper than Thailand for most things.I live in a small town,where there are no other foreign residents, but a fair number of Western visitors,and I've traveled fairly widely in Vietnam as well.It's true to say that a lot of Western foods are not easily found,except in the larger towns,but local fresh food is widely available,and seafood,meat,fruit and veg are much cheaper than Thailand.Utility bills are much lower.Beer is far cheaper,a case of 20 x 440ml bottles of Saigon Green costs 105,000VND (which is less than 5USD,approx 7THB a bottle)Wine is much cheaper than Thailand.There is a lot of debate about the merits of "Dalat wine" from Vietnam, it's not the best wine in the world,but for 2.5USD or 75THB a bottle,it's not that bad either.Western spirits are harder to find,but a bottle of Jim Beam costs about 350000VND (17USD or 500THB) More expensive than Cambodia,but a lot cheaper than Thailand.Transport costs in all 3 countries are broadly similar as far as I can see.Rental costs may well be higher in the bigger cities here,as there isn't so much available property to rent yet,but judging by the amount of building going on here,that may very well change in the not too distant future

With regards to your last question,I've not long ago filled in the online application form for my wife for a Family Visit Visa.The last question asked on this is "have you used someone to help you fill in this form" or words to that effect.It also asks what language you communicated in when filling it in.You just put that you helped,your relationship,and the language you communicated in.No problem!