Tiếng Việt
Southeast Asian countries are currently ideal, affordable destinations close to Vietnam. So, which Southeast Asian countries are easy to travel to? Are the travel procedures for Southeast Asian countries difficult? Let’s find out in the article below!
>>> Xem thêm: Các nước miễn visa cho người Việt Nam 2023
How many countries are there in Southeast Asia?
It’s a diverse and vast region, encompassing many different nations. Depending on the specific definition and scope, the number of countries in Southeast Asia can vary. Below is a list of the common countries typically considered part of Southeast Asia:
Brunei, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
In total, there are 11 countries in Southeast Asia. However, note that there are differing opinions on the geographical scope of Southeast Asia, and some sources may include or exclude certain countries.
Travel Procedures for Southeast Asian Countries
Under bilateral agreements and visa exemption agreements between Vietnam and some ASEAN member states, Vietnamese citizens holding a valid passport that meets the required validity period do not need a visa and are permitted to temporarily stay in these countries for a specific period. This is clearly regulated as follows:
ThaiLand
Visa exemption is granted to holders of ordinary passports if they possess a return ticket and confirmed hotel reservations in Thailand. The maximum period you can stay in the country is 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you are required to apply for a visa.
Singapore
In Singapore, the visa-free stay period is also under 30 days. The conditions for staying are:
- You must have a round-trip air ticket to Singapore or an onward ticket to another country.
- Confirmed hotel reservations in Singapore.
- Sufficient financial capability to cover expenses during your temporary stay.
- Possess all necessary requirements for travel to other countries.
If you stay for more than 30 days, you are required to apply for a visa.
Laos
The temporary stay period in Laos without requiring a visa is 30 days. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa, and the maximum extension period is no more than two times, with each extension not exceeding 30 days.
Cambodia
The maximum temporary stay period is 30 days.
Philippines
The conditions for your stay here are an ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months, and a round-trip ticket to the Philippines or an onward ticket to other countries. The temporary stay period in the Philippines is no more than 21 days. If you wish to stay longer than 21 days, you must apply for a visa.
Myanmar
You can stay for a maximum of 14 days without a visa. The only condition is that you must hold an ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months.
Indonesia
Vietnamese citizens entering Indonesia are exempt from visa requirements for a temporary stay of no more than 30 days. This temporary stay cannot be extended.
Brunei
The maximum temporary stay period is 14 days.
Malaysia
The temporary stay period is no more than 30 days. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, you are required to apply for a visa as usual.
Timor-Leste
This is the only country in Southeast Asia that requires Vietnamese visitors to obtain a visa upon arrival at Timor-Leste International Airport. Here, you will complete immigration procedures for a fee of 30 USD, provided you have a confirmed round-trip flight reservation to Timor-Leste.
General Notes for Travel in Southeast Asia
To enter the aforementioned Southeast Asian countries (except Timor-Leste), you must have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
Before entering any Southeast Asian country, to facilitate customs clearance, it’s advisable to book your round-trip air ticket in advance. This serves as proof to customs officers that you will definitely return home before the end of your itinerary.
For female travelers, when visiting Southeast Asian countries, you need to prepare all required legal documents and are advised to dress modestly.
What to Note When Entering Southeast Asian Countries?
Different Southeast Asian countries have varying regulations regarding entry procedures. Therefore, when you plan to travel to any country, you should research its visa procedures and entry requirements beforehand. Many people overlook the accompanying conditions, which can make a seemingly simple stay much more difficult.
It’s an unwritten rule that once you’ve successfully entered a country, you should ideally stay for only about half the maximum permitted duration. This helps prevent issues with overstaying or coming too close to the limit, which could hinder your future entries. For example, when entering Thailand, you’re allowed to stay for 30 days. However, it’s best to limit your stay to around 15 days for smoother entry next time.
No matter which country you visit, always remember to dress modestly and politely, and maintain civilized and courteous behavior at the airport.
Popular Southeast Asia Destinations for Independent Travelers
Southeast Asia is renowned for its affordable travel, beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and diverse cuisine. Here are some popular destinations favored by international tourists that you might consider for your self-guided trip:
Siargao Island, Philippines
Siargao Island is a teardrop-shaped island in the Philippine Sea, located 196 km southeast of Tacloban. This famous island is considered the surfing capital of the Philippines.
Bagan, Myanmar
At Bagan, over ten thousand Buddhist temples and pagodas were built from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries. From Shwesandaw Paya temple, you can see the city’s hills and temples, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Penang Island, Malaysia
From Shwesandaw Paya temple (in Bagan, Myanmar, as previously mentioned), you can see the city’s hills and temples, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Ha Noi, Viet Nam
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi opened its doors to tourists in the late 20th century and is now one of the best destinations for anyone looking to deeply explore Vietnamese culture.
Bolaven Plateau, Laos
The Bolaven Plateau is often described as a lush green paradise in Laos, boasting majestic waterfalls, high-quality coffee plantations, and unique local culture. This is definitely an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Visit Cambodia and settle in Siem Reap, a town in the northwest of Cambodia that serves as the gateway to the Angkor Temple complex. Among the historical sites in Southeast Asia, Angkor stands out as one of the most prominent.
Nusa Islands, Indonesia
The Nusa Islands are a popular group of three islands located off the south coast of Bali in Indonesia. The three islands—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan—are all exciting places for tourists to explore.
Singapore
Singapore is unlike any other Southeast Asian nation. This island country boasts a modern style with its hotels and shopping malls, alongside stunning natural landscapes.
Bali, Indonesia
Located about 20 minutes north of Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are among Bali’s most famous and beautiful sights. These vast, undulating rice fields thrive thanks to an intricate irrigation system and the care of farmers spanning centuries, if not millennia.
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