DTV Visa for Vietnamese Citizens

For many Vietnamese, Thailand isn't just a holiday spot—it is becoming a second home. The appeal goes beyond the obvious: a familiar tropical climate, mouth-watering cuisine, and the ease of staying in the same time zone. More and more remote workers, digital nomads, and families from Vietnam are drawn by Thailand's cosmopolitan cities, world-class private healthcare, and a lifestyle that blends modern convenience with rich cultural experiences. Compared to the frantic pace of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Thai cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer a different rhythm—still vibrant, but often with more green space, a calmer street culture, and a strong wellness scene. And with no jet lag to contend with, you can stay perfectly synced with clients or colleagues back in Vietnam while enjoying a whole new world of opportunities.

If you're used to living in Vietnam's major cities, you'll find Thailand surprisingly affordable—and in some ways even cheaper. While rents in Saigon and Hanoi have soared, mid-range condos in Bangkok's outer districts or in Chiang Mai can offer better value for comparable quality. Street food is equally wallet-friendly: a steaming bowl of kuay teow (Thai noodle soup) in Bangkok sets you back about 50–60 THB (roughly 35,000–42,000 VND), similar to a bowl of pho in District 1. Groceries, transport, and entertainment costs are broadly comparable, but Thailand often wins on amenities—think modern condos with pools and gyms for less than you'd pay in a premium Hanoi high-rise.

Thailand is remarkably accessible from Vietnam. From Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) , direct flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports take roughly 1.5 hours . From Hanoi (Noi Bai) , it's around 2 hours . Da Nang, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), and Phu Quoc also offer direct services to Bangkok, with seasonal links to Phuket and Chiang Mai. Both countries share the same Indochina Time zone (UTC+7) , so you'll land without any jet lag—ideal for remote workers who need to jump straight into a Vietnamese team call or client meeting. Weekend trips home are entirely realistic: you could fly to HCMC for Friday dinner and be back at your desk in Bangkok by Monday morning.

The Vietnamese community in Thailand is thriving, and you'll find pockets of Viet culture across the country. Bangkok leads the way—the Sukhumvit corridor around Phrom Phong and Thong Lo BTS is known for Vietnamese restaurants, cafes, and grocers, while Phra Khanong has earned a reputation as a 'Little Vietnam'. Chiang Mai attracts digital nomads and creatives with its relaxed vibe, low costs, and scenic mountain backdrop, its cool highland air reminiscent of Da Lat but with stronger infrastructure. Phuket and the southern islands draw those who crave beach life, while Udon Thani in the northeast has historic Vietnamese ties dating back generations and a lively market scene. Many Viet nomads gravitate to Chiang Mai for its supportive expat networks and gentle pace.

Moving money from Vietnam to Thailand is straightforward thanks to modern fintech. Services such as Wise and Revolut let you convert VND to THB at competitive mid-market rates, often beating traditional banks, and many Vietnamese rely on international banking apps and travel-friendly cards. In Thailand, cash is still king for street food and markets, but QR payment systems like PromptPay are accepted almost everywhere. Opening a local Thai bank account—for example with Kasikorn (KBank) or Bangkok Bank—can save you fees and make daily life smoother once you're settled. Note that Thai ATMs charge around 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards, so it's smart to take out larger amounts less often.

Vietnam's official language is Vietnamese, so any documents you submit for your DTV application—bank statements, business registration papers, or academic certificates—will likely need a certified English or Thai translation if they are not already in one of those languages. Supporting documents for the DTV must be presented in English or Thai. Fortunately, Vietnam has many reputable translation agencies offering notarized or certified translations, typically finished with an official stamp. This is a familiar step for Vietnamese professionals who deal with international paperwork, and your DTV consultant can advise on exactly which documents need translating so nothing slows you down.

Life in Thailand as a Vietnamese expat is remarkably comfortable. Healthcare is excellent, with private hospitals such as Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital offering international-standard care—many Viet professionals choose to do routine checkups here. Internet is fast and reliable, with widespread 5G and cheap fibre, making remote work effortless. Food will feel like home in the best way: Thai and Vietnamese cuisines share herbs, rice noodles, and a love of fresh ingredients, and authentic banh mi and pho are easy to find in the bigger cities. Safety is another plus—violent crime is low, though petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so apply the same street sense you would in District 1 or Hoan Kiem. The Vietnamese community is close-knit, especially in Bangkok and Udon Thani, where temples, markets, and online groups make it easy to find your feet.