Hey all,

Has anyone gone through the process lately?

How long does it take? And what is cost? Is there an express option so I don't have to go back to embassy twice?

Ive got US passport and looking to check out Vietnam for first time.

Also, anyone have suggestions on which city to go to in Vietnam for a first-timer?

Cheers,

Moon

Hey all,

Has anyone gone through the process lately?

How long does it take? And what is cost? Is there an express option so I don't have to go back to embassy twice?

Ive got US passport and looking to check out Vietnam for first time.

Also, anyone have suggestions on which city to go to in Vietnam for a first-timer?

Cheers,

Moon

I can't recommend a city to see for the first time, but as for the visa, it takes about 4 days, and a travel agency or the VN embassy can do it for you.

Enjoy your trip.

I don't know the process in BKK, but the process in general is quite simple and straight forward.

What interests you, how long is your trip, and are you going north (HAN) or south (SGN)?

I dont remember the cost but when i got my visa last year they did offer a same day express service but you will still have to make two trips to their embassy. One to drop off your passport/application in the morning and one to pick it up in the afternoon. hard to say what would be the better choice, Hanoi or HCM. We went to Hanoi for a week and enjoyed it but you would probably enjoy HCM too. tells us your interests and then can make better suggestions.

A travel agent can get it for you if you have enough time before you go. One quoted me 2,500 baht and 4 days. The same day visa put in before 11 am and collected at 3 pm cost me 3,000 baht (and a trip to BKK). This was last month.

Personally I prefer Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh City but if you've never been either would probably be a suitable place to get a taste.

Around Ha Noi you have Ha Long Bay which is well worth a visit and there's another place the name of which escapes me now but I'll check it out tonight. Anyway it's a seaside resort and it's famous for its casino and 'karaokes'.

In Ho Chi Minh City you have the Cu Chi tunnels and the American War history which may interest you being American if you had family over there, and you can take a boat trip to the seaside at Vung Tao.

Depends on how much time you're going to spend there as to what other places can be reached like Sa Pa, Hue, Da Lat etc.

If you haven't got much time I'd recommend not running around trying to see eveerything as travel is slow and the HN and HCMC are relaxing oases to be in after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, just sit back and relax and enjoy.

Do Son is the name of the seaside town, it's just down the coast from Hai Phong.

Do Son is the name of the seaside town, it's just down the coast from Hai Phong.

Do Son is AWESOME... if you are into "karaoke", that is.

Or you can get visa-on-arrival and avoid trips to embassies. Works out about the same price and you can do the formalities over the internet before flying there.

Bring some password size photos so you won't waste time going out to take pictures and come back.