Trip Overview AWS re:Invent 2026 + personal travel — Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco
Route at a glance
| Segment | Dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | Nov 28 – Dec 5 | re:Invent conference (business) |
| Los Angeles, CA | Dec 5 – 8 | Santa Monica, Hollywood, Getty (personal) |
| San Francisco, CA | Dec 8 – 11 | Golden Gate, Alcatraz, cable cars (personal) |
Status (updated Sep 24, 2026): DS-160 submitted for both · MRV $370 paid · interview rescheduled to Wed Oct 21, 2026 08:30 (was Nov 19) · appointment confirmation lists 2 applicants.
Do NOT touch Reschedule/Cancel again — the reschedule limit is exhausted; missing this date means paying a new MRV fee and there are no 2026 slots left.
Trip is self-funded, on approved personal leave (DS-160 "Person paying" = Self for Kajonsak, Spouse for Opal). Employment letter (Sep 12) already obtained.
Use the Visa Prep tab to work through the document checklist — tick items as you gather them and your progress saves automatically on this device. The Travel Guide tab has the LA & SF day-by-day plan and food picks.
US Visa (B1/B2) Preparation Interview: Wed Oct 21, 2026 08:30 (both) · Self-funded, on personal leave · Event: Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2026
1. Document Checklist
Essential Documents (per person)
Supporting — Kajonsak (Primary)
Supporting — Opal (Accompanying Spouse)
Supporting — Financial (both)
Supporting — Ties to Thailand
Travel Arrangements
2. Employment Verification Letter
Status: obtained (FINAL, Sep 12, 2026) — filed under 01-KT/Employment-Confirmation-AWS-Thailand-KT-2026-09-12-FINAL.pdf. Bring the original printout to the interview.
What the letter states: full-time employment at AWS Thailand (position, start date), that the trip to attend AWS re:Invent 2026 is personal travel on approved leave, and that the applicant will return to resume duties. It does not state that the company sponsors or pays for the trip — this matches the DS-160 (Person paying = Self).
Opal's employer letter (True, Sep 5, 2026) is filed under 02-Opal/. Leave-approval evidence for both is still to be added.
Consistency rule: every document and every spoken answer must say the same thing — self-funded, personal leave, employer aware and approved the leave. Do not describe the trip as company-sponsored.
3. DS-160 Key Information Reference
Kajonsak (B1/B2)
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Trip | B1/B2 — attend AWS re:Invent 2026 (professional development) + tourism, on personal leave |
| Employer | Amazon Web Services (Thailand) |
| Job Title | Account Solutions Architect |
| Travel Dates | Nov 28 – Dec 11, 2026 |
| US Address / Point of Contact | Harrah's Las Vegas (hotel), Nov 28 – Dec 5 |
| Who is Paying | SELF (as submitted) |
| DS-160 status | Submitted Sep 12, 2026 — confirmation PDF in 01-KT/ |
| Conference Name | AWS re:Invent 2026 |
Opal (B1/B2 — Accompanying Spouse)
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Trip | Tourism, accompanying spouse (travel companion = Kajonsak) |
| Employer | True (Sales Manager) — employer certificate Sep 5, 2026 on file |
| Travel Dates | Nov 28 – Dec 11, 2026 |
| US Address / Point of Contact | Harrah's Las Vegas (hotel), Nov 28 – Dec 5 |
| Who is Paying | OTHER PERSON — spouse (Kajonsak) (as submitted) |
| Marital status | MARRIED (even though passport says MISS) — bring marriage certificate |
| DS-160 status | Submitted Sep 12, 2026 — confirmation PDF still to be saved to 02-Opal/ |
| Spouse Name | Kajonsak T. |
| Spouse Employer | Amazon Web Services |
| Relationship to Applicant 1 | Spouse traveling together |
4. Travel Itinerary
| Date | Day | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 (Sat) | 1 | Depart BKK → Arrive Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV |
| Nov 29 (Sun) | 2 | Free / Explore Las Vegas / Pre-conference prep | Las Vegas, NV |
| Nov 30 (Mon) | 3 | re:Invent Day 1 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Dec 1 (Tue) | 4 | re:Invent Day 2 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Dec 2 (Wed) | 5 | re:Invent Day 3 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Dec 3 (Thu) | 6 | re:Invent Day 4 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Dec 4 (Fri) | 7 | re:Invent Day 5 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Dec 5 (Sat) | 8 | LAS → LAX — Personal travel begins | Los Angeles, CA |
| Dec 6 (Sun) | 9 | Explore Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
| Dec 7 (Mon) | 10 | Explore Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA |
| Dec 8 (Tue) | 11 | LAX → SFO | San Francisco, CA |
| Dec 9 (Wed) | 12 | Explore San Francisco | San Francisco, CA |
| Dec 10 (Thu) | 13 | Explore San Francisco | San Francisco, CA |
| Dec 11 (Fri) | 14 | SFO → BKK — Return to Thailand | Departure |
5. Timeline & Action Items
6. US Embassy Bangkok — Interview Tips
Location: 95 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
- Arrive by 08:00 for the 08:30 slot (Oct 21) — security line forms early
- No electronics allowed inside (leave phone in car or locker nearby)
- Dress professionally — business casual is fine
- Be concise — answer only what is asked
Key points to emphasize:
- You are attending a specific conference (re:Invent) with fixed dates
- Trip is self-funded; employer approved personal leave; attending for professional development
- You have strong ties to Thailand (employment, property, family)
- You return to Thailand on Dec 11 (arrive Dec 13) to resume work — travelling and returning together with your spouse
Tips for Wife's Interview
- If interviewing together, the officer may ask her questions separately
- She should know your travel purpose (re:Invent) and itinerary
- Emphasize ties to Thailand: her job (if employed), property, family
- Be ready to explain: "My husband is attending a technology conference on his leave. I am joining him and we travel back together on Dec 11."
- Bring the Marriage Certificate (original + copy)
- If she has her own career/income, bring her own financial docs to show independence
7. Estimated Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (MRV) ×2 | ~$370 USD (~13,000 THB) |
| Visa Photos ×2 | ~400 THB |
| Flights — Kajonsak (EVA, BKK–LAS / SFO–BKK) | Booked via agency — self-paid |
| Flights — Opal | Booked separately by Kajonsak — self-paid |
| Hotels | Harrah's Las Vegas Nov 28–Dec 5 booked (pay at hotel); LA + SF hotels not yet booked — self-paid |
| Personal travel expenses (Dec 5–11, both) | (TBD — personal expense) |
| Total Visa Fees | ~$370 USD (~13,000 THB) |
LA & San Francisco Travel Guide Post re:Invent 2026 personal trip · Dec 5 – 11, 2026
Los Angeles (Dec 5 – 8)
Day 1 · Dec 5 (Sat) — Arrival & Santa Monica / Venice Beach
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive LAX from Las Vegas (~1hr flight) | Check into hotel |
| Afternoon | Santa Monica Pier & Beach | Iconic pier, Pacific Park rides, ocean views |
| Afternoon | Venice Beach Boardwalk | Street performers, Muscle Beach, murals, canals |
| Evening | Dinner at 3rd Street Promenade | Great dining & shopping strip |
Day 2 · Dec 6 (Sun) — Hollywood & Griffith
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hollywood Walk of Fame | TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue) |
| Morning | Hollywood Sign viewpoint | Best spots: Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park |
| Afternoon | Griffith Observatory | Free entry, stunning city views, planetarium shows |
| Afternoon | Drive through Beverly Hills / Rodeo Drive | Window shopping, celebrity homes |
| Evening | The Grove | Outdoor shopping center with holiday lights in December |
Day 3 · Dec 7 (Mon) — Downtown LA & Culture
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | The Getty Center | World-class art museum, free admission, amazing architecture |
| Afternoon | Downtown LA (DTLA) | Grand Central Market (food hall), The Broad museum |
| Afternoon | Little Tokyo | Japanese culture, food, shops |
| Evening | LA Lakers Game (if available) | Crypto.com Arena, check schedule |
| Alternative | K-Town (Koreatown) | Amazing Korean BBQ, night scene |
LA Food Must-Try
| Food | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out Burger | Multiple locations | West Coast classic, order "Animal Style" |
| Tacos | Grand Central Market / street vendors | Best Mexican food outside Mexico |
| Korean BBQ | Koreatown | Park's BBQ or Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong |
| Ramen | Little Tokyo | Daikokuya or Tsujita |
| Thai Food | Thai Town (Hollywood) | Taste comparison with Bangkok |
San Francisco (Dec 8 – 11)
Day 4 · Dec 8 (Tue) — Arrival & Fisherman's Wharf
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | LAX → SFO (~1.5hr flight) | Check into hotel |
| Afternoon | Fisherman's Wharf | Sea lions at Pier 39, souvenir shops, seafood |
| Afternoon | Ghirardelli Square | Famous chocolate factory, free samples |
| Evening | Dinner at Pier 39 or North Beach | Clam chowder in a bread bowl is a must |
Day 5 · Dec 9 (Wed) — Golden Gate & Iconic SF
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Golden Gate Bridge | Walk or bike across (dress warm, ~8-14°C) |
| Morning | Battery Spencer viewpoint | Best photo spot of the bridge |
| Afternoon | Alcatraz Island | Book tickets NOW — sells out weeks ahead |
| Evening | Chinatown | Oldest Chinatown in North America, great dim sum |
Day 6 · Dec 10 (Thu) — Explore & Last Day
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Cable Car Ride | Powell-Hyde line for best views, go early |
| Morning | Lombard Street | "Most crooked street in the world" |
| Afternoon | Union Square | Holiday shopping, ice skating rink in December |
| Afternoon | Ferry Building Marketplace | Artisan food, local produce, great lunch |
| Evening | Last dinner: Mission District | Burritos, trendy restaurants, street art |
SF Food Must-Try
| Food | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clam Chowder Bread Bowl | Boudin Bakery (Fisherman's Wharf) | SF signature dish |
| Sourdough Bread | Boudin Bakery | Watch them make it live |
| Dim Sum | Chinatown (Good Mong Kok Bakery) | Arrive early, cash only |
| Mission Burrito | La Taqueria or El Farolito | Giant SF-style burritos |
| Dungeness Crab | Fisherman's Wharf | December is peak crab season |
| Ghirardelli Chocolate | Ghirardelli Square | Free samples at the shop |
Practical Tips
Weather in December
| City | Temperature | What to Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 10-20°C (50-68°F) | Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes |
| San Francisco | 7-14°C (45-57°F) | Warm jacket, layers, wind-proof layer for Golden Gate |
Getting Around
| City | Best Transport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Rent a car or Uber/Lyft | LA is very spread out, public transit is limited |
| San Francisco | Walk + Muni/BART + Uber | Very walkable downtown, use Muni for cable cars |
Book in Advance
Budget Estimate (Personal Portion)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (LAS→LAX, LAX→SFO) | ~$100-200 USD total |
| Hotels (6 nights: 3 LA + 3 SF) | ~$150-250/night |
| Food & Dining | ~$50-80/day |
| Transport (car rental LA + Uber SF) | ~$50-80/day LA, ~$20-40/day SF |
| Activities & Attractions | ~$50-100 total |
| Total Estimated | ~$2,000-3,500 USD |
December in California is holiday season with festive lights, Christmas markets, and mild weather. Pack layers — SF gets chilly and windy at the Golden Gate. Enjoy the trip.