Is it easy to travel between Vietnam and Thailand?

Can I go to Vietnam from Thailand?

Man, I went to Vietnam from Thailand last summer, 2023. Crazy trip. Flew from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport – it’s huge, right? I chose a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Took about an hour and a half. The flight was fine, nothing special. Pretty full though. So many people.

The best part? Landing in Ho Chi Minh. The heat hit me like a wall. Seriously, intense humidity. I was instantly sweating. I felt a little overwhelmed. It was exhilarating but exhausting. Totally different than Bangkok.

But I considered the overland route too, Seriously. I have friends who did it through Laos. They raved about it, the scenery, slower pace. But I was short on time. Flights are so much quicker, you know?

Next time though, maybe I’ll do the land route. Cambodia sounds cool too. They said it takes a while, though. Much longer, obviously. The whole journey sounds epic. I’d need more time.

• Flight: Bangkok (BKK) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – Direct flight preferred for speed
• Alternatives: Overland routes via Laos or Cambodia – Longer travel time.
• Personal Preference: I chose flying because of limited time.

Can a foreigner drive a car in Vietnam?

Nope. Want to cruise the vibrant streets of Hanoi in your own car? Forget about it unless you’re a temporary resident with a Vietnamese license. Think of it like trying to sneak into a speakeasy – without the cocktails. It’s a hard pass.

Vietnamese driving licenses are the golden ticket. No exceptions, even for tourists wielding licenses from Monaco or Mars. You need a Vietnamese permit.

The only loophole? A temporary Vietnamese driver’s license. Think of it as a short-term visa for your driving privileges. It’s not a free pass – obtaining one involves paperwork, and probably some bureaucratic wrangling you’d rather avoid on your vacation.

Seriously, planning a trip to Vietnam in 2024? This is crucial to know, or you’ll be walking more than you’d like, unless you’re one of those people who actually like walking. I’m not, so I’d make sure you have a plan before you go.

Things to note:

• International Driving Permits: Useless. Think of them as fancy paperweights.
• Rental Car Complications: Forget renting without the right license – that’s a recipe for a frustrating holiday. Seriously, they won’t rent to you.
• Motorbikes Under 50cc: This is the only exception! These tiny bikes are open to everyone, or so I hear, but don’t quote me.
• My Uncle’s Experience (totally unrelated, just adding some color): He tried to use his Argentinian license last year, and it was hilarious. I’m not saying exactly how hilarious, but let’s just say it involved a lot of hand gestures and a very confused policeman. He eventually got a taxi.

Remember, rules are rules. Vietnam is beautiful, go, but get a license, okay? Don’t be that tourist.