Travel from Bangkok to Vietnam: Comfort & Budget Tips

How to Travel from Bangkok to Vietnam Comfortably and Cheaply

If you're thinking about traveling from Bangkok (Thailand) to Vietnam and want to do it comfortably and without spending too much, you're in the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide to make your journey smooth, with information on bus tickets, visa requirements, and tips for saving money.

Step 1: Get Your Bus Ticket

One of the most budget-friendly ways to travel from Bangkok to Vietnam is by bus. However, since there's no direct bus route from Thailand to Vietnam, you'll first have to pass through Cambodia.

From Bangkok to Phnom Penh (Cambodia): You can book a bus ticket using 12Go Asia, a reliable website that lets you compare prices and routes. I recommend checking out Capitol VIP buses on this platform. They offer comfortable buses from Bangkok to Phnom Penh with air conditioning, and seats that recline. The cost is typically around $30 to $40 for the trip.

Here's the link to book tickets: [Capitol VIP on 12Go Asia]

- From Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): Once you're in Cambodia, you can book another bus ticket to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). This trip costs around $15 to $20, depending on the bus company you choose.

Step 2: Visa Requirements

You'll need visas for both Cambodia and Vietnam. Here's how you can get them:

1. Cambodia Visa:

- If you're traveling through Cambodia, you'll need a visa to enter the country.

- The good news is, you can get a Cambodia visa on arrival at the border. It costs around $30. Just make sure to have a passport photo with you.

*** if you're making a round trip from Bangkok to Vietnam and back via Cambodia, you'll need to get a Cambodia visa twice:

1. First Cambodia Visa: For entering Cambodia when you travel from Bangkok to Phnom Penh.

2. Second Cambodia Visa: For re-entering Cambodia when you travel from Vietnam back to Bangkok.

Since Cambodia requires a visa each time you cross its border, you'll need a separate visa for both the outbound and return trips. Keep in mind that Cambodia offers visa on arrival, which makes the process relatively easy at the border, and each visa costs about $30.

2. Vietnam Visa:

- For Vietnam, you can apply for an e-visa online before you travel. The cost of an e-visa is $25, and you can apply on the official website. The visa allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.

- Alternatively, if you're already in Cambodia, you can apply for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Embassy in Phnom Penh, but the e-visa is quicker and easier to get online.

Step 3: Plan for Stops

Since the bus journey from Bangkok to Vietnam takes a long time (about 24 to 36 hours in total), you might want to plan a stop in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to rest. These are exciting places to visit with famous temples and markets!

Step 4: Budget Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost for traveling by bus:

- Bus from Bangkok to Phnom Penh: $30 to $40

- Bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $15 to $20

- Cambodia Visa: $30

- Vietnam Visa: $25

- Total cost: Around $100 to $120 for the whole trip.

Final Tips:

- Book in advance: Websites like 12Go Asia help you reserve seats and avoid the hassle of finding tickets last minute.

- Pack light: The bus rides can be long, so bring snacks, water, and something to keep you entertained like a book or music.

By following these simple steps, you'll enjoy a comfortable and affordable journey from Bangkok to Vietnam while seeing some amazing places along the way!