Visa run to Vietnam via Bavet
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 8:11 pm
Hi all,
I started here with a topic for a visa run through Thailand via Pailin. I'm now looking at going for Vietnam instead, via Bavet. It seems more "clean" to keep up in a new topic. Hope it's ok?
So first some info. As a Canadian, I easily got a visa to Vietnam for 30 days (I said I would go a few days) for 40USD. In theory, you find info and the form on the web, but in practice you don't. To enter by land, you need to do the in-person application (e-visa many websites help you get for an extra fee won't work). The visa office is super nice, easy to find, with friendly people, etc. My plan is to do an "on arrival" visa to come back in Cambodia after crossing to Vietnam. This way you normally save on the admin fee they charge if you do the e-visa online. We'll see... (I'll be sure to bring a passport photo).
I mentioned in the other thread that one can get a bus or VIP van to HCM for 24-30USD using an agency. They leave PP in the morning. It is possible to drop off at Bavet before noon, and catch one going back to PP when it passes through Bavet again around 3pm. Potentially shorter than going all the way to HCM. PP-Bavet is a 3-4h trip. It looks like you do the crossings more or less on your own, but I was told that for $5 the bus company might "help you" with the visa or whatever...
I also got some information about going to Bavet with a taxi. Seems like it can be done for 10$. There is a few Casino near the checkpoint: that's where they go. Taxi means you get 3 people sitting in the front (so you share the front seat), and 4 in the back. The advantage is you are not tight to a schedule, so you might be able to shave a couple of hours on the run by doing it this way.
I'm not crazy about packing in a car, but to save time I think I'll do that.
My question now: do you think it's a better idea to do it on the weekend (like Sunday) when everything is likely more busy, or to do it on a weekday (say Monday), when quieter?
I'm thinking the road might be better on Monday, but I have fewer chances of drawing attention if I do it on Sunday.
Any pieces of advice or opinions?
Thanks again to all!
I started here with a topic for a visa run through Thailand via Pailin. I'm now looking at going for Vietnam instead, via Bavet. It seems more "clean" to keep up in a new topic. Hope it's ok?
So first some info. As a Canadian, I easily got a visa to Vietnam for 30 days (I said I would go a few days) for 40USD. In theory, you find info and the form on the web, but in practice you don't. To enter by land, you need to do the in-person application (e-visa many websites help you get for an extra fee won't work). The visa office is super nice, easy to find, with friendly people, etc. My plan is to do an "on arrival" visa to come back in Cambodia after crossing to Vietnam. This way you normally save on the admin fee they charge if you do the e-visa online. We'll see... (I'll be sure to bring a passport photo).
I mentioned in the other thread that one can get a bus or VIP van to HCM for 24-30USD using an agency. They leave PP in the morning. It is possible to drop off at Bavet before noon, and catch one going back to PP when it passes through Bavet again around 3pm. Potentially shorter than going all the way to HCM. PP-Bavet is a 3-4h trip. It looks like you do the crossings more or less on your own, but I was told that for $5 the bus company might "help you" with the visa or whatever...
I also got some information about going to Bavet with a taxi. Seems like it can be done for 10$. There is a few Casino near the checkpoint: that's where they go. Taxi means you get 3 people sitting in the front (so you share the front seat), and 4 in the back. The advantage is you are not tight to a schedule, so you might be able to shave a couple of hours on the run by doing it this way.
I'm not crazy about packing in a car, but to save time I think I'll do that.
My question now: do you think it's a better idea to do it on the weekend (like Sunday) when everything is likely more busy, or to do it on a weekday (say Monday), when quieter?
I'm thinking the road might be better on Monday, but I have fewer chances of drawing attention if I do it on Sunday.
Any pieces of advice or opinions?
Thanks again to all!