Shipping Route
Thailand → Vietnam
Thai exports to Vietnam move mostly by sea between Laem Chabang and Cat Lai or Hai Phong, carrying plastics, auto parts, and processed food into Vietnam's fast-growing manufacturing and consumer markets, with air freight used for smaller or time-sensitive shipments.
Ports, Airports & Border Crossings
Origin to Destination
Thailand
Laem Chabang Port, Bangkok Port (Khlong Toei), Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Vietnam
Cat Lai Port (Ho Chi Minh City), Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port, Hai Phong Port, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Suited For
Suited to petrochemical and plastics exporters, automotive parts suppliers feeding Vietnamese assembly plants, and Thai consumer brands entering Vietnam's retail market.
Popular Cargo
- Plastic resins and petrochemical products
- Auto parts
- Processed food products
- Machinery and equipment
FCL vs LCL
Petrochemical and auto parts exporters with steady volumes typically use FCL, while consumer goods companies entering the Vietnamese market often start with LCL to test demand before scaling to full containers.
Transit Notes
As a short intra-ASEAN lane, sea freight transit is relatively efficient, though vessel routing (direct call versus transshipment through a regional hub) affects overall timing. ATIGA documentation should be prepared in advance to avoid clearance delays on arrival in Vietnam.
Cost Components
Cost Components
Documents
Documents
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Form D (ATIGA Certificate of Origin)
Export Declaration
Common Risks
- Changing Vietnamese import regulations for specific product categories.
- Port congestion at Vietnamese hubs during peak periods.
- Documentation gaps affecting ATIGA preferential tariff eligibility.
- Demand volatility for new market-entry products without established distribution.
Example Planning Scenario (educational)
As an illustrative example, a Thai plastics manufacturer might begin with monthly LCL shipments to a Hanoi-based distributor, scaling up to FCL once order volumes justify a dedicated container from Laem Chabang to Hai Phong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to ship urgent samples to Vietnam?
Air freight through Suvarnabhumi to Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai is typically the fastest option for urgent, lower-volume shipments like samples.
Do I need a Certificate of Origin for every export to Vietnam?
Only if you want your Vietnamese buyer to claim preferential tariffs under ATIGA — it is not required for shipments where standard duty rates apply.
Which Vietnamese port should I use for Ho Chi Minh City buyers?
Cat Lai or Cai Mep-Thi Vai are the standard entry points for cargo destined for the Ho Chi Minh City area.
Is LCL a good way to test a new product in the Vietnamese market?
Yes, LCL lets exporters ship smaller trial volumes at a lower upfront cost before committing to a full container once demand is confirmed.
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