My partner and I are about to embark on our first trip to thailand. We plan to visit bangkok, then depending on the actual situation, decide our length of stay or explore nearby areas before returning to vietnam. To maintain a flexible itinerary, I only purchased a one-way flight to thailand; the return ticket will be booked after arrival.

I have already booked a hotel for ba nights in bangkok. The overall itinerary is currently provisional, with no specific return date set. Initially, I found this plan quite convenient, but recently I've grown concerned after reading some online discussions about entering thailand.

Tourists take photos at Wat Arun temple, bangkok. *Reuters*

I prefer using cards over cash to avoid the risk of loss. However, some information suggests that tourists might be denied entry if they do not carry sufficient cash.

I want to ask those who have traveled independently to thailand about entry requirements when holding only a one-way flight ticket and hotel booking confirmation. Additionally, what is the minimum amount of cash required? Is using cards convenient there, and are there any solutions if one runs out of cash midway through the trip? In reality, are the immigration checks for independent travelers at the border as stringent as reported on forums?

Reader Hoang Hai

Vo Hoang Giang, founder of VietGoGo Co., Ltd., which specializes in providing services for Vietnamese independent travelers to thailand, responds:

Regarding independent travel to thailand, I will address each concern sequentially to provide you and our readers with a realistic perspective on current immigration procedures.

thu nhat, regarding the issue of purchasing only a one-way flight ticket without a return ticket. In reality, the initial risk is not at thailand's immigration but at the Vietnamese airport itself. If you do not possess a round-trip ticket or an onward ticket to a third country, during check-in in vietnam, the airline has the right to request proof of onward travel from thailand.

According to VietGoGo's experience assisting travelers, approximately 80% of cases are asked for a return ticket before the airline permits check-in. The remaining 20% might clear Vietnamese departure without being questioned, but this is a matter of luck and should not be considered a given.

Upon arrival in thailand, if immigration officers observe an unclear itinerary, unusual travel history, a name matching a watchlist, or simply conduct a random check, they may request proof of onward travel from thailand. If none is provided, travelers may be required to purchase a round-trip or onward ticket immediately at the airport. Failure to comply will result in denial of entry and forced return to vietnam. Each year, VietGoGo records no fewer than 50 such cases.

thu hai, regarding whether carrying cash is mandatory for entry into thailand. Thailand does not have a law mandating tourists to carry cash; however, for many years, a recommended financial threshold has existed: 20,000 baht per person and 40,000 baht per family. Immigration officers rarely request cash checks, unless they have suspicions such as a blank passport, solo travel, a vague itinerary, or an inability to answer questions clearly.

Tourists can explain that they use credit cards, international debit cards, or will withdraw cash in thailand. If answers are confident and reasonable, tourists are typically allowed entry. Conversely, if responses are hesitant, or if proof of flight tickets, hotel bookings, or itinerary cannot be provided, further questioning will occur.

thu ba, concerning card usage in thailand. Currently, credit and international debit cards are widely accepted in thailand, especially in major shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores. Furthermore, many locations in bangkok now accept PromptPay QR payments linked with Vietnamese banks such as Sacombank and TP Bank, making spending convenient.

If cash runs out, tourists can easily withdraw money from ATMs in thailand using Vietnamese credit cards or exchange currency at reputable points like Super Rich.

Since late 2025, thailand has increased scrutiny due to stricter controls on illegal labor and regional security concerns. Consequently, tourists may face more thorough questioning upon entry. However, if you are a legitimate tourist and have prepared all the necessary elements as mentioned, there should be no cause for concern.