Hi there, I’m planning a three-month trip: my itinerary would be a flight from Paris to Hong Kong, then Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, and later leaving from Lao Cai to enter China before flying back from Hong Kong.

If I exit the Hong Kong airport upon arrival to find a hotel (since my flight to Vietnam leaves the next morning), will I lose the benefit of the 90-day visa exemption? Especially since I plan to spend 3 days in Hong Kong before my return flight at the end of the trip?

Also, I’d like to know if the inbound flight to Vietnam will be enough to board and get a visa on arrival, or do I need to prove that I’ll exit the country after 45 days? Since I want to visit Sapa and cross into China by land via Lao Cai, do I also need to prove my departure from China, even though I already have a round-trip ticket from Paris to Hong Kong and back for three months?

Hi there, In November, we're heading off on a 4-month trip. We'll be landing in China and plan to leave the country via a land border into Vietnam. I’ve read that China may ask for proof of exit within 30 days (flight ticket or other reservation). Since we’d be leaving by land, I’m wondering how this works in practice. Has anyone here been in this situation recently?

Did the airline ask for an exit ticket before boarding? Did Chinese authorities require proof upon arrival? Is a train/bus ticket to Vietnam sufficient? Is a cancelable or flexible reservation accepted?

Thanks for sharing your experiences! 😊

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a one-way ticket to Vietnam. My return flight will be from Malaysia since I’ll be traveling around Southeast Asia overland. To qualify for the 45-day visa-free entry, you need to show an exit ticket from Vietnam. Do you think a bus ticket from Saigon to Phnom Penh would work?

Hi, I'd like to know—I'm planning to go to Taiwan and would like to make a stop in China, then another stop in China on my way back from Taiwan.

In total, I'd stay less than 30 cumulative days in China, but would I still be allowed to return after coming back from Taiwan (while still benefiting from the visa exemption)?

Thanks! ^^

Hi there,

This will be my first trip to Thailand, which will be the first stop on my Asian journey. This time, I’d like to leave with a one-way ticket so I can return to France from the last country I visit.

First and foremost, I’d like to confirm whether it’s possible to get a VOA (Visa on Arrival) when I land in Thailand without any prior steps? Is proof of onward travel (like a return ticket) required to get this visa?

If so, does it have to be a round-trip ticket from the country I’m arriving from, or can I use a flight or train ticket from Thailand to a neighboring country as proof of exit?

For Cambodia and Vietnam, is it also possible to get a VOA on the spot?

I’d also love any tips or important info you think might be useful about Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—my planned destinations—especially regarding accommodation, transportation, points of interest, and, of course, any personal advice or experiences you’d like to share!

Thanks so much to everyone, and I wish you all an amazing 2025 filled with health, travel, and discoveries! !

hi there since the forum is back up, let’s try to gather some updated info. first off, arrival formalities are changing—starting January 1st, you’ll need to fill out an electronic form before arrival. This replaces the paperwork you used to fill out on the plane or at the airport (for air arrivals). Here’s the link: https://www.arrival.gov.kh/. for visas, the same options remain: e-visa, visa on arrival, or visa at the embassy. The standard price is $30 on arrival, but at land borders, be prepared for a small "extra" for "cigarettes or coffee." don’t forget your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return. regarding airlines, prices are pretty high for carriers like Singapore, Qatar, Emirates, Vietnam Airlines, and Thai. EVA Air is a great Taiwanese airline with slightly lower fares, but ongoing pressure from mainland China and quasi-blockades could cause delays or issues—something to watch. there are cheaper Chinese airlines, but friends from China advise being cautious with connections. Worth double-checking. transport is evolving too—there’s now a highway from Phnom Penh to Kampot. Soraya, a well-known bus company, has disappeared. More highway projects are in the works. Buildings are popping up fast, just mentioning this for those who haven’t been to Cambodia in a while.

Hello, I spent a month cycling in Thailand earlier this year with a touring bike equipped with two rear panniers. I loved being able to ride and stop at a hotel every night, and eat just about anywhere. I tried India two months ago but gave up because of the road conditions and chaotic traffic.

I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!

I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!

17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳 From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets... I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters. Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits. Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)

If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!

Tôi fan Việt Nam!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vX18zebe0

Period: March–April 2025

Hi there,

We’re a family of bike-travelers. Our long journey came to a halt in March 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City due to Covid. We’d been on the road for 8 months—2 in Thailand, 1 in Cambodia, and 1 in Vietnam (from the Mekong Delta up to Ho Chi Minh, where we got stopped). We’re heading back to Vietnam in July-August for 5 weeks to finish what we couldn’t in 2020 (introducing my kids to the country of my roots). We’d originally planned to backpack, figuring it’d be tough to cover the country by bike in such a short time... But the urge to pedal is strong for both parents and kids alike.

We’re thinking of keeping 10 days to explore the North by backpack (since the elevation changes are steep) and saving 3 solid weeks for biking—but we’re not sure where (ideally with minimal elevation gain). We’d love to return to Tam Coc (we visited in 2009 without the kids, thanks to Larsay’s great tips—still so grateful for all the valuable advice!). Logistically, we shipped our bikes 5 years ago, but that seems less doable now. We’re considering either renting (though 5 bikes for 3 weeks would get pricey fast) or buying locally to resell or donate afterward.

Is biking in August unrealistic? Thanks in advance for your insights! !

Hi there,

I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).

So, I’ve got quite a few questions:

* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?

* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?

* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?

If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello, We’re heading to Cambodia for a trip. We have a 2h50 layover in Ho Chi Minh City on the way out and a 3h45 layover in Hanoi on the way back. Do we need a visa for this transit? Thanks for your help...

Hi everyone, Could you let me know if a mistake on the arrival airport for Vietnam could cause problems regarding your recent trips? I put a different airport than Hanoi, but I need to go to Hanoi. Thanks!

Hi there, community.

So, I was in Vietnam at the end of the year and early January, and wanting to lighten my backpack a bit, I sent a package from Hanoi to Barcelona since I was continuing my trip. It cost me an arm and a leg, and unfortunately, it didn’t even reach its destination for some reason I still don’t know, even after asking multiple times. It’s been returned to the Hanoi Post Office, and obviously, I’m nowhere near Vietnam now. Despite efforts on both sides, I feel like I’m having a dialogue of the deaf with the Vietnamese postal service via email, and phone calls are impossible. Is there anyone on the ground who could help me sort this mess out, please?

Or any ideas on how to resolve the situation?

Thanks in advance

Hello,

Vietnamese authorities have just extended the 45-day visa exemption, which was initially set to end in mid-March 2025, until March 14, 2028.

Belarus is no longer part of this scheme.

Additionally, until the end of this year for now, the exemption has been extended to three new countries: Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

After that, make sure to check the new conditions before booking a flight or trip.

Best regards,

Partirdeloin

Hi there, I’m heading to Vietnam for 10 days, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and then spending 5 days in Cambodia (Siem Reap). Which SIM card or operator would you recommend? Thanks for your help!

Hi there, I bought a flight ticket with Turkish Airlines to Vietnam. On the form, it said: first name then second name, which I did. However, my passport has 3 first names. I called a number in Paris, and they played it safe by repeating: the names must match exactly what’s on your passport. I’ve seen on forums that some say even one first name is enough… Do you know about this situation? Thanks everyone.

A firsthand account of a 30-day cycling trip (the length of the visa) in southern Vietnam, from Hue to the Mekong Delta. 1,500 kilometers pedaled in December 2022 and January 2023.

Roads and Traffic The roads are generally in very good condition. The secondary road network is limited. Since Vietnam is a densely populated country, needless to say, traffic is often heavy, including on secondary roads. Cyclists, along with pedestrians, are at the very bottom of the road-user hierarchy. In short, when you're on a bike, you never have the right of way. The atmosphere is deafening—Vietnamese people honk all the time. For a Western ear, it's hard to tell the difference between a honk that just signals someone's presence, one that warns of imminent danger, or an angry honk. 😏

Weather Vietnam is a long, narrow country (1,600 km). The weather isn’t the same in the north, center, or south. I cycled through the central part in December. Even though the monsoon peak had passed, I still encountered a lot of rain. Since the monsoon usually lasts until January, it might be better to cycle there starting in February. I was in the Mekong Delta in January. The best season, as it’s the driest month with the least hot temperatures. At this time of year, the prevailing winds come from the northeast. So, it’s better to travel from north to south. That way, you’ll usually have the wind at your back.

Accommodation I always stayed in hotels without ever booking in advance. Typically, I paid between 10 and 20 € for a double room with a private bathroom and AC. To find hotels, I used Google Maps and Maps.me. Wi-Fi is available for free almost everywhere.

The Route Hue → Danang → Hoi An → Nha Trang → Phan Rang → Tan Son → Dalat → Di Linh → Mui Ne → La Gi → Vung Tau → Nha Be → My Tho → Tra Vinh → Can Tho → Cao Lanh → Tranh Hoa → Trang Bang I took the train from Danang to Nha Trang. Not all trains accept bikes, so you’ll need to check beforehand. The railway handles bikes—they’re packed by staff and travel in the same train but in a freight car. I paid 14 € for the ticket plus 7 € for the bike (there’s an extra 0.50 € to pay upon arrival).

The Verdict So, is cycling in Vietnam worth it? If you enjoy biking in traffic, then yes. Otherwise... 😎

Hi there,

We’re heading to Southeast Asia for several months as a family with two teens (10 and 13). The first country we’re visiting is Cambodia. I’m having an issue with the e-visa—it won’t accept any of the documents I’m attaching. I’ve validated all four e-visas and received the registration numbers, but when I check the application, it shows no attachments. I’ve tried multiple times in different formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG), whether compressed or not, but there’s always a red cross next to the documents.

Has anyone else run into this problem?

Thanks for your help—I’m losing patience, and our departure is in 15 DAYS 😕

Magos

Has it gone back to 30 days for visa exemption? Valid from when? And is a flight ticket mandatory for leaving the country? Thanks!

Hi there,

I’m cycling around the world and will soon arrive in Thailand. Is it easy to park my bike at hotels? If so, what are the usual arrangements? Thanks in advance!

Jean Michel

Good evening and best travel wishes to everyone. I’m leaving soon for a two-month road trip in Southeast Asia. Arriving in Bangkok on January 14th, returning from Ho Chi Minh City on March 13th. I don’t have an exit ticket from Thailand because I’d like to keep some flexibility in my itinerary. Do you think my return ticket from Vietnam will be enough to prove that I’ll have left Thai territory within 60 days of my entry? I hope I won’t run into any issues boarding at Roissy or at immigration once I’m in BKK. What do you think? Thanks for your help. Christine

Hi there,

We’re supposed to fly in four days—my partner, our two kids, and me—for a one-month trip to Cambodia. While applying for an e-visa, we just realized that both our passports won’t be valid for 6 months after our stay ends, which is a key requirement for getting a Cambodian visa. I don’t know how, but we totally missed this info!! Our tickets aren’t refundable, and we’ve booked several non-refundable hotels there too...

Has anyone been in this situation or have any ideas or solutions?

Thanks so much in advance!!!!

Hi everyone, is there anyone sure about this topic? I’ve heard two different things. I’m leaving for Thailand on March 2nd and returning to France on March 30th, and my passport expires on September 25th. When I look at the rule that says the passport must be valid for more than 6 months upon entry, I’m good until March 25th, but on the way out, I’ll be 2 days short of the full 6 months (5 days early, to be precise).

Most people tell me it’s okay because it’s the entry date that counts, and even ChatGPT confirmed that for me. But some say no, it’s the return date that matters. So I called Qatar Airways, and even there, I got two different answers—one person said no, it’s the return date, and another said it’s fine for them. I’m not sure they fully understood what I was asking, and since I’m not in Paris, I can’t go in person either...

Just to be safe, I applied for a passport renewal at the town hall. They told me it would take 4 to 6 weeks, and I applied on January 14th, leaving on March 2nd, which is 6 and a half weeks. On the ANTS tracking, it’s been marked as "in production" since January 17th...

So, are there any experts on this topic out there? Either about whether boarding is allowed with the old passport or about the usual timeline for receiving a new passport... Am I wrong to worry in either case?

Thanks to those who reply!

Hi everyone,

I booked my round-trip ticket from Paris to Phnom Penh (way too quickly, of course) because I’d like to start in Laos. I’m traveling from November 5th to December 3rd. So, I’m wondering: when I arrive in Phnom Penh on the 6th and take a flight directly to Laos without leaving the airport, do I still need a visa for Cambodia? Also, which airport in Laos would you recommend—Luang Prabang or Vientiane?

Thanks so much for your advice!

Hi there, hope you're doing well! :) I’m leaving from Bordeaux for Thailand this Tuesday and should land on Wednesday. I wanted to ask about the TDAC—I don’t quite get it: Do you have to do it a maximum of 3 days before departure or 3 days before arrival? How long does it take to get the document, and what form does it come in? I’m worried about messing this up—if you were arriving on Wednesday, when would you fill it out? Thanks for your feedback!

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Thailand from April 1st to 24th. I’m flying with Qatar Airways. My passport is valid until October 7th, 2025. My question: For entry into Thailand, my passport is valid for more than 6 months (6 months and 6 days). For my exit, my passport’s validity will be 5 months and 14 days. Do I need to renew my passport, or is it okay? Thanks for your answers!

hi everyone

We’ll be applying for a retiree OA visa by September. For our part, we’ll head back to France for a bit and return a month BEFORE our current OA visa expires to renew it at immigration. We’ve emailed several immigration offices but haven’t gotten any responses. We’ve searched online for info but haven’t found anything. What we’re really interested in is knowing which documents they’ll ask for at the immigration office in Phang Nga, for example, for our renewal. We’ve seen all the paperwork needed for the initial OA visa on the official online visa application site... but for the renewal, do we need to provide ALL the same documents? Thanks in advance

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Laos in February. I tried to apply for my eVisa online, but the system keeps telling me that both my address and the address of my hotel upon arrival are invalid, without any further explanation. I’ve modified them, shortened them several times, but nothing changes. I sent a message to ask for clarification but haven’t received a response. Has anyone else run into this problem? How was it resolved?

Thanks in advance, and happy New Year! 🙂

For map lovers, bike routes, cycle touring all over the planet, and long-haul trips...

I had fun compiling in one place ALL the routes my partner and I have biked across the planet since 1996: Quebec far and wide, of course, but also Canada, the USA (crossed completely by bike 3 times), Mexico, and all the way to Ushuaia—basically the entire Americas.

In Europe, the Balkans, Turkey; and more recently (2024: Taiwan, Korea, and 4 months in Japan!) You can check out a global map with all the routes by continent, more detailed maps by country, and others that focus on a region, like the Balkans in Eastern Europe. In short, there’s something for everyone!

I’ve included 3 photos here, but the originals (via the link above) let you zoom in infinitely. Plus, many of my routes are represented by lines with a different color for each day of biking. Hope some of you enjoy browsing through all this as much as I enjoyed compiling it. Until the snow comes, skiing... and spring!

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TDM_en_Tandem_Trajets_Maps

Hi, I just had a really bad experience leaving for Thailand with Etihad Airways, along with my partner and her 11-year-old son. We were denied boarding because the child’s passport was invalid (by about 3 days), as it’s indeed required to have 6 months of validity. But come on—just 3 days over! On top of that, we were able to check in online for our round-trip flight (just the flights, no extras), entered our passport numbers and expiry dates, and even had to check in online again 30 hours before departure, where we got our boarding passes without any issues. How is it possible that no one called, warned, or even blocked us online? Instead, they waited to tell us at the airport during baggage check-in. I’ve asked the airline for a full refund of our expenses—do I have any chance? Thanks for your help