I'd like to share my experience with myvietnamvisa.com.
Just got back from Ho Chi Minh city...stayed there from 10/25 until 10/29/2010 .
This was my first trip to Vietnam.
Initially I was going to get my Visa from the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco, CA.
But I had a rather strange experience with them(the consulate).
First off, I called them at 8:30am Pacific time, and repeatedly got an automated "Out for lunch...call back later" message.
After a couple hours someone finally picked up the phone with a "Hello?"...not even a "good morning".
He then insisted that I mail them my US passport (with $70), and it would be "taken care of, no problem."
When I questioned the guy about how long the Consulate would have my passport, he replied to just send a photocopy instead. I found this strange because the Consulate website specifically asks for an original passport.
This gentleman seemed rather sketchy because he would not give me his last name over the phone, even when I stated it was just for my records.
Later that evening I went online to myvietnamvisa.com and ordered their "Visa on Arrival".
I paid $20, plus $10 for expedited service.
Received the confirmation email and the downloadable forms (in .pdf) immediately the next day.
I filled these forms out beforehand, and when I got to the Ho CHi Minh city airport(Tan Son Nhat), all I had to do (once in the terminal) was turn left to get to the "Visa on Arrival" office.
Paid the $25 stamping fee and within 10 minutes everything was done!
Very glad I went thru myvietnamvisa.com, rather than the San Francisco consulate.
Hope this information helps anyone planning on visiting Vietnam.
M.P.
California,USA
Edited: 10 years ago