Phuket Thailand

mars · #1 31-10-2007, 03:54

A mate is going to BKK in November and wants to visit Vietnam.

He asked me about flights but I dont have a clue, I just told him to try one of the travel agents on Sukumvit.

Does anyone have any tips I can pass on?

Thanks.

djaust · #2 31-10-2007, 05:14

Hi Mars

Is your friend going to ho chi min or hanoi? If it is hanoi it will be a lot cheaper and pretty easy as Air asia have flights direct to bangkok otherwise you would be looking at a bit more through vietnam airlines or air france or Thai etc. I would say the best way would for your friend to book direct through one of those airlines after a little bit of research on prices.

Just to give you a guide you are looking at around 1000 baht each way to hanoi from bangkok in november from dates I have looked at.

MrDK · #3 31-10-2007, 06:19

One of the best deals going between BKK and SGN is Air France. The always fly with half empty planes since the route is CDG-BKK-SGN-BKK-CDG and most get off in BKK.

Last time I flow it was ~US$200 OW in "near lay flat" Business Class.
Just checked Nov 13-20. Eco RT = US$237 (others 550 and up). Business RT$478 (others 700 and up). So for less than the cost of Vietnam air or Thai Airways Economy you can fly Business on AF.

Keep in mind AF does not fly that route every day.
Check prices at Cheap Flights, Airline Tickets, Cheap Airfare & Discount Travel Deals - Kayak.com

Dodger · #4 31-10-2007, 10:44

Try Nok Air site now, they are offering flights to Hanoi as a special for 3 baht plus tax, tell him not to leave it too long, these will go quickly

Pad Mc · #5 31-10-2007, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by djaust

If it is hanoi it will be a lot cheaper and pretty easy as Air asia have flights direct to bangkok otherwise you would be looking at a bit more through vietnam airlines or air france or Thai etc. I would say the best way would for your friend to book direct through one of those airlines after a little bit of research on prices.

Just to give you a guide you are looking at around 1000 baht each way to hanoi from bangkok in november from dates I have looked at.

Yeah that sums it up pretty well. I flew from Hanoi to BKK about a month ago with Airasia, from what I can recall it was about bt1500(+) all in. I entered Vietnam overland via Cambodia.

Mars, If he is only going for a short trip or a few days I wouldn't recommend Hanoi as his first stop. Hanoi is an interesting city but IMO HCMC/Saigon is a lot more fun and definitely friendlier.

He will need a Visa arranged prior to arrival also.

Bello Uomo · #6 31-10-2007, 18:49

Good point about the visa, that was what I going to mention. Saigon is a bustling city, but its certainly no LOS when it comes to nightlife options

MrDK · #7 31-10-2007, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pad Mc

He will need a Visa arranged prior to arrival also.

Worth checking. Not all need a visa in advance.
I have been twice and got a visa waiver stamp on arrival, just like LOS (DK Passport).

Pad Mc · #8 31-10-2007, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

Worth checking. Not all need a visa in advance.
I have been twice and got a visa waiver stamp on arrival, just like LOS (DK Passport).

No idea about that Mr D.

You were there on business?

MrDK · #9 31-10-2007, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pad Mc

No idea about that Mr D.

You were there on business?

One time on business and one time personal.

From: Tong cuc Du lich Viet Nam - Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Quote:

Bilateral visa exemption agreement

Citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos holding valid ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements and are allowed to stay for not more than 30 days.
Citizens of China, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba and North Korea with valid ordinary passports who go on official affair and citizens of 46 countries holding valid diplomatic or official passports are exempt from visa requirements.

Unilateral visa exemption

Visa with 30-day validity is exempted for officials from ASEAN secretariat holding different kinds of passports.
Citizens of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Japan and South Korea holding different kinds of passports are exempt from visa requirements and are allowed to stay for not more than 15 days.

Pad Mc · #10 31-10-2007, 22:06

I'd bet my left ball mars mate needs a visa.

Captain · #11 31-10-2007, 22:11

I booked a trip in Vietnam starting 12 Nov. Travel agent sent me a paper from Vietnamese immigration I had to show to get a visa on arrival.

MrDK · #12 01-11-2007, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pad Mc

I'd bet my left ball mars mate needs a visa.

I am sure you are right.
Before I looked on the Vietnam Tourist site I thought the list was longer. For the purpose of this board looks like several Asian countries and Scandinavia are the only ones exempt

mars · #13 01-11-2007, 03:59

Thanks for the info boys,

I'll pass it on.

Pad Mc · #14 01-11-2007, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain

I booked a trip in Vietnam starting 12 Nov. Travel agent sent me a paper from Vietnamese immigration I had to show to get a visa on arrival.

Yes thats "arranged prior to arrival".