Vietnam vs Thailand: A comparison for Southeast Asia escape

Choosing to visit Vietnam or Thailand can be similar to choosing which two slices of heaven you want to go to next in Southeast Asia. History, natural beauty, rich culture and friendly people are some of the endowments of the two nations. They however offer varied travel experiences depending on your preferences, budget and time frame.

This guide provides an in-depth comparison between Vietnam vs Thailand traveling, including all the factors of prices, food, culture and beaches. It could be a backpacking trip, a honeymoon or a family trip but you will come out with a better understanding of which country will fulfill your travel objectives.

Tourist attraction in Ba Na Hills Resort, Danang, Vietnam

Geographical overview: Tropical delights of Southeast Asia

Vietnam stretches vertically on the South China Sea and presents dramatic coastlines, dense mountains and river deltas. Thailand, rather, is a broad peninsula of more central geographical position, washed by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Vietnam highlights:

• The north of Vietnam is foggy mountains and rice terraces (e.g. Sapa).
• The central parts are the historic cities of Hue and the coastal towns of Da Nang.
• Southern Vietnam is home to the Mekong Delta and the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Thailand highlights:

• Chiang Mai is a cultural heritage of Northern Thailand.
• Central Thailand has Bangkok and historical ruins like Ayutthaya.
• Southern Thailand is home to world renowned beaches and islands.

They are closely located to major international airports and have well developed domestic transport systems.

Best time to visit

Wondering when to book your tickets?

Thailand’s best travel seasons:

• Cool season (Nov–Feb): Pleasant for beaches and cities.
• Hot season (Mar–May): Scorching but perfect for island hopping.
• Rainy season (Jun–Oct): Expect downpours, but deals abound.

Vietnam’s Weather Timeline:

• North Vietnam: Cold and foggy in winter, hot in summer.
• Central Vietnam: While Hue and Hoi An are rainiest from September to December, south-central areas like Nha Trang enjoy better weather between February and August.
• South Vietnam: Dry season (Nov–Apr) is ideal.

Overall, November to February is ideal for both countries—balancing dry weather, cool temps and active tourism.

Visa requirements and entry rules

Navigating visa policies is key.

Thailand:

• Visa-free for citizens of over 60 countries (generally 30–45 days depending on nationality)
• Tourist visa extension possible.
• Electronic visa (eVisa) available for others.

Vietnam:

• eVisa system available for 80+ countries.
• ASEAN and selected countries are exempted from visas.
• Longer stays must be applied online or through the embassy.

Before traveling, check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Vietnam Immigration.

Notes: Vietnam now issues eVisas valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, making longer stays more convenient.

Yaowarat Road, Bangkok

Weather and climate comparison

Both nations are tropical but differ slightly.

Rain can affect plans in both regions, but travel is rarely halted.

Currency, costs and budget planning

• Thailand: Uses Thai Baht (THB)
• Vietnam: Uses Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Average daily budget (Backpacker):

• Vietnam: $25–35 USD
• Thailand: $30–45 USD

Luxury travel budget:

• Vietnam: $80–150 USD/day
• Thailand: $100–200 USD/day

Vietnam is slightly cheaper in transport and food, despite the fluctuations. Thailand however has more package tour packages that could be affordable to some travellers.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Vietnam vs Thailand

You’ll find accommodation for every type of traveler.

Vietnam offers:

• Boutique hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Riverside homestays in Hoi An
• Beach resorts in Nha Trang and Da Nang

Thailand delivers:

• Luxury resorts in Phuket
• Jungle bungalows in Pai
• Hostels and Airbnbs everywhere

Cultural highlights and traditions

Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles and Vietnam is praised as resilient and deep.

Thailand:

• Strong Buddhist influence
• Thai classical dancing and crafts
• Renowned Wai (greeting) and royal traditions

Beautiful Buddhist temple or Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok, Thailand

Vietnam:

• A mix of Confucianism, Buddhism and colonial French heritage
• Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest celebration
• Strong oral traditions and folk tales

Travelers note that Thailand feels more relaxed, while Vietnam appears more formal yet inviting.

Festivals and events to experience

Vietnam:

• Tet Festival (Lunar New Year)
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Hue Festival (biennial)

Thailand:

• Songkran (Thai New Year, April)
• Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
• Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern release)

Both countries boast lively parades, fireworks and spiritual depth during their festivals. Check calendars and align your visit accordingly.

Local cuisine showdown: Pho vs Pad Thai

One of the toughest decisions: which cuisine wins?

Vietnamese food:

• Balanced, herbal and broth-based.
• Must-tries: Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee.

Thai food:

• Spicy, sweet and coconut-rich.
• Must-tries: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Som Tum, Tom Yum.

Thailand leans toward bold flavors, while Vietnam emphasizes freshness and subtlety.

Pad Thai in Thailand

Street food culture: Bangkok vs Hanoi

Street food is a way of life in both capitals.

Bangkok:

• Open-air markets like Chatuchak and Chinatown
• Inexpensive and diverse
• Famous for grilled meats, mango sticky rice

Hanoi:

• Smaller stalls, often roadside
• Iconic dishes like Pho, Bun Bo Nam Bo
• Coffee culture runs deep

Both are heaven to street food, however Bangkok has more international fusion.

Natural attractions: Halong Bay vs Phuket

Halong Bay and Phuket offer contrasting landscapes.

Halong Bay, Vietnam:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Limestone karsts and emerald waters
• Cruises and kayaking

Phuket, Thailand:

• Thailand’s largest island
• Beach resorts, nightlife and temples
• Gateway to Phi Phi Islands

Halong Bay is ideal for scenic cruises among limestone islands rather than beach lounging, whereas Phuket excels at beach holidays.; Phuket for beach luxury and accessibility.

Urban adventures: Bangkok vs Ho Chi Minh City

Let’s compare the beating hearts of both countries.

Bangkok:

• Skyscrapers, malls and rooftop bars
• Grand Palace, floating markets, BTS Skytrain
• Energetic and chaotic in a charming way

Ho Chi Minh City:

• French colonial architecture
• War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market
• Bustling streets packed with motorbikes

Both cities are energetic, yet Bangkok is more sophisticated and touristic, whereas HCMC is raw and authentic.

Notes: Both countries are generally safe for tourists. Scams targeting tourists exist in both, but violent crime is rare. Always stay alert for overcharging and petty theft in tourist hotspots.

Beach destinations

Looking for sun and sand?

Vietnam:

• Nha Trang, Da Nang, Quy Nhon
• Quiet beaches and cultural experiences
• Less crowded, more affordable

Panoramic aerial view city on the coast of Southeast Asia in the evening at dawn sunrise Nha Trang

Thailand:

• Krabi, Pattaya, Koh Lanta
• Iconic, party-ready beaches
• Heavily touristed but vibrant

If seclusion is your goal, Vietnam may be better. For party beaches and scuba diving? Thailand wins.

Island life: Koh Samui vs Phu Quoc

A tale of two idyllic islands.

Koh Samui (Thailand):

• Yoga retreats, beach bars, waterfalls
• Excellent infrastructure
• Family-friendly and romantic

Phu Quoc (Vietnam):

• Rapidly developing
• Untouched stretches of beach
• Great seafood and snorkeling

Thailand’s Koh Samui offers maturity and options, while Phu Quoc offers untapped potential and affordability.

Adventure activities and outdoor fun

Thrill-seekers rejoice - both nations offer plenty.

Thailand:

• Rock climbing in Krabi
• Scuba diving in Koh Tao
• Elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai

Vietnam:

• Caving in Phong Nha
• Trekking in Sapa
• Motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop

Whereas Thailand is a country of water-related activities, Vietnam is more of a hiking and exploration country since it has dramatic landscapes.

Historical sites and UNESCO heritage

For history buffs, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Thailand:

• Ayutthaya and Sukhothai ruins
• Chiang Mai temples
• Bangkok's Grand Palace

Vietnam:

• Hue Imperial City
• My Son Sanctuary
• Cu Chi Tunnels

The history of Vietnam is more inclined to colonial and war history. Thailand is concerned with ancient kingdoms and spiritual wonders.

Shopping and night markets

No trip is complete without a shopping spree.

Thailand:

• Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market
• Floating markets
• Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar

Vietnam:

• Hoi An tailor shops
• Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market
• Saigon Square for bargains

Thailand is better for variety and fashion, while Vietnam offers authentic local finds and custom tailoring.

Lotte's new shopping center in Tay Ho district

Nightlife: Bars, clubs and entertainment

Party animals take note.

Thailand:

• Legendary Full Moon Parties
• Go-go bars, beach raves
• Live jazz and rooftop lounges

Vietnam:

• Beer streets in Hanoi and Saigon
• Regulated nightlife (earlier closing)
• Cool speakeasies and cafes

Thailand is the clear winner if nightlife is a priority. Vietnam’s nightlife is growing fast, with lively rooftop bars and clubs in big cities, though it remains more regulated than Thailand.

Ayutthaya in Thailand

Transportation and getting around

Getting around can be both fun and frustrating.

Thailand:

• Efficient domestic flights
• BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok
• Songthaews and tuk-tuks

Vietnam:

• Affordable trains and buses
• Grab app (rideshare) is a lifesaver
• Motorbike rentals popular

Thailand has better public transit in cities. Vietnam is more suited to adventurous road travel.

Language and communication barriers

Neither country uses English as a first language.

Thailand:

• Better English in tourist areas
• Polite and accommodating service
• Thai script is tricky

Vietnam:

• Less English outside big cities
• Basic phrases go a long way
• Latin alphabet used (easier to read)

Vietnamese is easier to decipher visually, but Thais generally speak better conversational English.

Vietnam vs Thailand trip costs

Based on traveler blogs, Reddit forums and NomadList data:

According to the subreddits r/travel and r/solotravel, Vietnam is a little bang per buck, but Thailand is a little polish per dollar.

Sanctuary of Truth wooden temple on beach of Chonburi, Pattaya Thailand

Conclusion: Which destination should you choose?

Finally, the Vietnam vs Thailand travel: it all depends on what you want to prioritize in your travel:

• Vietnam is a great option when you want to explore raw beauty, cheap prices and off the beaten path. It is fantastic, especially to explorers, history enthusiasts and budget travelers.
• Select Thailand when you want sophisticated tourism, resort opulence and nightlife. Perfect destination: first timers, honeymooners and party seekers.

Can’t decide? Many travelers visit both! A Thailand–Vietnam itinerary is entirely feasible and deeply rewarding.