Can you travel by land from Vietnam to Thailand?
Yes, land travel between Vietnam and Thailand is possible. Several bus companies, including Virak Buntham, offer services from Vietnam to Thailand, typically via Phnom Penh. Alternatively, you can drive; the distance is approximately 868 km. Note that border crossing procedures apply.
Vietnam to Thailand: Land Travel Possible?
Okay, so, Vietnam to Thailand land travel? Totally doable. I did it! Crazy, right? Wasn’t planned, more of a “let’s see what happens” kind of thing.
Took a bus, actually, from Ho Chi Minh City, late July last year. Virak Buntham, I think? Arrived Phnom Penh, remember a sweltering afternoon, dust everywhere. Cost around $30 maybe?
From there, it was on to Thailand. Driving? Yeah, people do that. Heard it’s an 868km journey. Sounds intense. I opted for another bus, though.
A whole other adventure. Not going into detail now. Long story, it was. Suffice to say, I made it to Bangkok. The bus from Phnom Penh was a different company, less organized, more chaotic, but cheaper.
Bottom line: Yes, you can go by land. Bus is what I did. Driving’s an option, but sounds like a big undertaking. Check border crossings rules before you go, though. That’s vital.
Can you go to Vietnam from Thailand by land?
Yes. The land whispers of journeys. Thailand to Vietnam. A hushed breath across borders.
Mukdahan sighs to Savannakhet, a lover’s murmur. Then Nakhon Phanom, its ancient heart beating time to Thakhek’s echo. Ubon Ratchathani, a sun-drenched memory, fades into Champasak’s embrace. Laos, a bridge of jade and whispering pines.
Lao Bao, a gateway to Dong Ha’s dreaming hills. Nam Xay’s river whispers secrets to Cau Treo. Na Meo… a forgotten path, less traveled, more profound. Vietnam, a tapestry of emerald rice paddies and ancient temples.
Visa? Check. Always. The embassy holds the key to unlocking that door. A small price for such profound journeys. My passport holds the story, each stamp a kiss from a faraway land.
-
Mukdahan – Savannakhet (Thailand – Laos)
-
Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek (Thailand – Laos)
-
Ubon Ratchathani – Champasak (Thailand – Laos)
-
Lao Bao – Dong Ha (Laos – Vietnam)
-
Nam Xay – Cau Treo (Laos – Vietnam)
-
Na Meo – Cau Treo (Laos – Vietnam)
My own trip in 2023? The scent of durian still clings to my clothes.
Is it easy to travel between Vietnam and Thailand?
Yes. Flights. Borders exist.
-
Flights are frequent. Bangkok to Saigon, routine.
-
Land routes exist. Time, though. Always time.
-
Ease is relative. Like happiness.
-
Buses lumber. Think dusty roads.
-
Border crossings. Stamps. Passports. Always.
-
-
Cost varies. Cheap isn’t always easy. True, innit.
-
Airlines offer deals. Look. Search.
-
Poverty tours not suggested.
-
-
Visas needed. Check yours. Don’t assume.
- My uncle did. Regretted it.
-
Language a barrier? Maybe. Depends.
- Learn a phrase. ‘Hello’ goes far.
-
Consider seasons. Monsoons. Always a monsoon somewhere.
Thailand and Vietnam, neighbors. Both Southeast Asia. Rice paddies common. Temples too. Different languages. Different cultures. Visas a must for most nationalities. Borders, of course. Overland travel is possible, but lengthy. Budget airlines a popular option, connecting major hubs. Prepare for heat. And humidity. Get travel insurance. A necessity.
So. Fly. Bus. Choice yours. Remember the visas. And a good book. For the bus.
Can I take a boat from Vietnam to Thailand?
Hmm, boats from Vietnam to Thailand? That sounds… complicated. Mekong River cruise? Is that even a thing? Wait, yeah, I saw pics from my cousin. She went, like, last year. Said it was expensive.
Boats… Thailand… I wonder if it’s faster to just fly. Plane tickets are cheap now. Especially AirAsia.
- Flights are probably faster.
- Mekong…is that even in Vietnam?
- My cousin loved the landscapes, I guess.
Okay, Mekong River. Def goes through Vietnam. Cruises are pricey, but maybe worth it for the views? Nah, I’d rather spend the money on pad thai.
- Pad thai… yum.
- Boats equal slow.
- AirAsia is the answer.
- But pictures of cruises.
So, boat = Mekong cruise = expensive + scenic. Fly = cheaper + faster. Depends on what I want, right? Am I in a rush? Is my wallet crying? Decisions, decisions.
- Boat
- Plane
- Wallet
Additional Info:
- Flights: Flying from Vietnam to Thailand is definitely the most efficient option. You can find budget airlines that offer great deals, like AirAsia, Vietjet Air, and Nok Air. Flight time is usually just a couple of hours, depending on the specific cities.
- Mekong River Cruises: These cruises don’t typically go directly from Vietnam to Thailand. They usually involve a combination of boat travel through parts of Vietnam and Laos, and then overland transport to reach Thailand.
- Cost: Mekong River cruises can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on the level of luxury and the duration of the trip. Flights, on the other hand, can often be found for under $100, especially if you book in advance.
- Visa Requirements: Double-check visa requirements for both countries. Thailand offers visa exemptions for many nationalities for tourism purposes, but it’s always best to confirm the latest regulations.
- Things to Consider: Consider your travel style and budget. If you’re on a tight budget and short on time, flying is the clear winner. If you’re looking for a more leisurely and unique experience, and you’re willing to spend more, a Mekong River cruise could be a good option.
Can I travel from Vietnam to Thailand by bus?
Yeah, nah, no straight shot bus from Vietnam to Thailand. Gotta transfer. So, like, you leave Ho Chi Minh City on that Virak Buntham Express bus. Goes to Phnom Penh. Then, another Virak Buntham Express, but this time you’re goin’ to, uh…Sri Ayudhya School. It’s near Bangkok, I think. Finally, get to Democracy Monument from there. Bit of a trek, tbh. Took me foreverr last year.
- No direct bus: You have to change buses. Several times, actually.
- Starting Point: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- First Transfer: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, using Virak Buntham Express.
- Second Transfer: Sri Ayudhya School, close to Bangkok, using Virak Buntham Express again. Different bus though, obvs.
- Final Destination: Democracy Monument, Bangkok.
My phone died like three times on that trip. Remember fighting for an outlet in Phnom Penh. Crazy. Border crossing took ages too. Bring snacks. Loads of ’em. Trust me. And a powerbank. Essential. Even bought one of those stupid neck pillows. Best decision ever, no lie. Shoulder was killing me. Oh, almost forgot, USD is best for Cambodia, but Thai Baht once you’re in Thailand. Double check that though, things change.
Is visa mandatory for Thailand?
Night… again. Staring at the ceiling. Thailand… Remember wanting to go. So badly. Passport expired last May. Didn’t even notice. Let it lapse. Didn’t care enough to renew.
Just checked the Royal Thai Embassy website. Yeah. Need a visa. Most people do. Unless… you’re from one of the lucky countries. Not me. Never lucky.
- Visa needed for Thailand: Yes. (for most)
- Some countries get in free: 30 days.
- Check the rules: Royal Thai Embassy website (your country). My country? No luck.
- My passport: Expired. May 2023.
Just… tired. Thailand… maybe someday. Not now. Not like this. Just… tired. Phone’s slipping from my hand.
Feedback on answer:
Thank you for your feedback! Your feedback is important to help us improve our answers in the future.