Can you enter Thailand from Vietnam?

can you enter thailand from vietnam? 60 days visa-free

Navigating the process of how can you enter thailand from vietnam requires understanding current entry protocols to ensure a smooth trip. Travelers benefit from knowing specific financial requirements and flight options to prevent unexpected issues at immigration counters. Review the latest travel guidelines for a hassle-free journey.

Can you enter Thailand from Vietnam?

Entering Thailand from Vietnam is not only possible but one of the most popular travel routes in Southeast Asia. Whether you are a Vietnamese citizen, an expat, or a backpacker, the process is generally straightforward. For many travelers, entry can be related to various factors like nationality and length of stay, meaning there isnt always a single rule that applies to everyone.

Currently, Vietnamese citizens enjoy a visa exemption for tourism, allowing stays of up to 60 days. This is a significant increase from previous years, reflecting closer regional ties. However, simply showing up with a passport isnt enough. You must have at least 6 months of passport validity, proof of a return or onward flight, and a completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before landing. Most travelers find the 2-hour flight from cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Bangkok to be the most efficient entry method. ^[1]

Essential Entry Requirements and the New TDAC

The entry landscape has shifted recently with the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This digital system replaces the old paper forms and is mandatory for all international arrivals. I remember the first time I used the digital system - I spent 20 minutes fumbling with my phone at the gate because I hadnt pre-filled the form. Dont make that mistake. Complete it at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid unnecessary stress at immigration.

Beyond the digital card, immigration officers are increasingly strict about onward travel. This means having a confirmed flight ticket out of Thailand within your permitted stay. While some travelers try to use flexible bookings, having a genuine ticket is the safest bet. Most travelers using major airlines from Vietnam are cleared through Thai immigration without issue,^[2] provided their documentation is in order. It is also wise to have a copy of your hotel booking ready, as officers occasionally ask for proof of accommodation.

What Vietnamese Citizens Need to Know

If you hold a Vietnamese passport, you are part of a group that benefits from generous visa-free entry. As of early 2026, the standard exemption allows for a 60-day stay, which can often be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office for a small fee.

But theres a catch. Even with a visa exemption, you may be asked to show proof of funds. This typically means having 20,000 Thai Baht (or equivalent in USD\/VND) in cash to prove you can support yourself during your stay. While rarely checked for every passenger ^[3], it is a formal requirement that immigration can enforce at their discretion.

Navigating the 'Visa Run' and Multiple Entries

Many people traveling between Vietnam and Thailand do so multiple times a year. However, if you are planning to enter Thailand, leave for Vietnam for a few days, and immediately return, you need to be careful. This is often termed a visa run. Thai immigration has become much more vigilant about travelers who spend more time in Thailand on exemptions than in their home country. There is no hard limit on the number of entries, but if you have more than 2 or 3 back-to-back entries in a 12-month period, expect to be questioned.

In my experience, the breakthrough came when I realized that immigration officers arent looking to ruin your holiday - they are looking for people working illegally. If you have a clear itinerary and a reason for your return visit, youll likely be fine.

But heres the kicker: if you cant show a flight out or enough funds, they have the right to deny entry on the spot. I once saw a traveler get sent back to Hanoi simply because they couldnt produce a return ticket when asked. It was an expensive and stressful lesson that could have been avoided with a simple 50 USD budget flight booking.

Flight Routes and Logistics from Vietnam

Flying is the most practical way to enter Thailand from Vietnam. Direct flights connect Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to Bangkoks two major airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). ^[4] Airlines like Vietjet, AirAsia, and Vietnam Airlines dominate these routes, with flight times averaging between 90 and 120 minutes.

Travelers from Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) usually find the most frequent and affordable options, often with 10-15 daily direct flights to Bangkok. If you are traveling from Central Vietnam, Da Nang offers several daily connections that are perfect for those wanting to skip the hub cities. Just remember to check which airport you are flying into - BKK is better for international connections, while DMK is the hub for many budget domestic flights within Thailand.

Entry Requirements: Vietnamese vs. Other Nationalities

Vietnamese Citizens

• Approx. 20,000 THB per person (if asked)

• Exempt (No visa required for tourism)

• 60 days (extendable by 30 days)

• Yes, mandatory for all

Western Passport Holders (US, UK, EU)

• 20,000 THB equivalent (randomly checked)

• Exempt (60-day visa-free entry)

• 60 days (extendable)

• Yes, mandatory for all

Visa on Arrival Nationalities (e.g., India, China)

• 10,000 THB per person (plus 2,000 THB visa fee in cash)

• Visa on Arrival (VoA) required at airport

• 15 days (limited extension)

• Yes, mandatory for all

Minh's Weekend Getaway: A Lesson in Document Readiness

Minh, a 28-year-old IT professional in Ho Chi Minh City, planned a quick 3-day trip to Bangkok to visit friends. He assumed his Vietnamese passport and a plane ticket were all he needed for a smooth entry.

At Tan Son Nhat airport, Minh realized he hadn't registered for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). He spent 15 minutes of his boarding time frantically filling out the form on his phone with spotty airport Wi-Fi.

Instead of panicking, he asked a fellow traveler for a mobile hotspot to finish the submission. He learned that while entry is easy, the digital pre-clearance is the one step that can actually stop you from boarding.

Minh cleared Thai immigration in under 10 minutes once he landed. He now tells everyone to screenshot their TDAC QR code before leaving for the airport, as it saved his entire weekend trip.