Table of Contents
If you’re considering a trip to Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Thailand may well be very high up on your list. If you have to make a choice between these two awesome countries, which one should you visit: Vietnam or Thailand?
We have visited both Vietnam and Thailand many times over the years. In this article, we will help give you an insight into each of these countries. We hope that this article will help you decide which country is best for you and give you a picture of what it is like to travel in each country.
Vietnam or Thailand? – What Factors Are Most Important to You?
If you’re trying to weigh up the decision between Vietnam and Thailand, it is important to consider which factors are most important to you. For example, are you looking for a fun family holiday, or are you looking for a luxury vacation? Are you looking for a country for budget backpacking? It is also important to consider your specific goals and aspirations. Are you drawn to mountains and waterfalls, or are you more interested in islands and beaches? Are you hoping to learn to scuba dive, or do you just want to relax on the beach? Working out exactly what you want to do will help guide your decision as you decide between Vietnam and Thailand.
1 Activities and Experiences
Thailand and Vietnam both have a lot to offer in terms of unique activities and experiences. If you are interested in islands and beaches, then we recommend the south of Thailand (Vietnam does have some beach locations, but the range is not as impressive as Thailand). If you are interested in mountains and waterfalls, North Thailand and North Vietnam both have a lot to offer. North Thailand has the tropical mountain vibes with jungle-covered hills, temples, elephants (you can even stay in an Elephant Hotel near Chiang Mai), tribal villages, and hot springs.
The north of Vietnam feels more mountainous (in fact, the geography and climate are very similar to the south of China). In the north of Vietnam, you can stay in homestays, visit tribal villages, and go trekking. In terms of history and culture, both Vietnam and Thailand are fascinating and unique. Thailand has a lot of fascinating temples. Vietnam has a lot of history dedicated to the Vietnamese War, and you can also find plenty of temples and markets.
Vietnamese cities are actually more interesting and nicer than the big cities in Thailand. Consider, for example, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh. Although Bangkok does have some nice areas like Chinatown and some interesting attractions like the floating market, Bangkok is essentially a big, grubby city. Ho Chi Minh, on the other hand, is packed with history, heritage, markets, and culture. As a city, it is an attraction in itself.
2 Escaping the Tourist Crowds
Here is a picture of the Beautiful Nang Yuan viewpoint in Koh Tao Thailand – even though this is a popular island you can still find plenty of peaceful spots!
Both Thailand and Vietnam are very popular countries, and you’ll find them both crowded if you are visiting the classic tourist destinations. However, Thailand is marginally more popular than Vietnam, which means it can be busier and more crowded, especially in touristy areas. It is slightly easier to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds in Vietnam.
3 Affordability: Thailand vs Vietnam
Thailand and Vietnam are both very affordable countries, and it is possible to travel both countries on a very low budget. In terms of accommodation, Thailand is slightly cheaper (especially at the very low-budget end). Your money does go slightly further in Thailand, so quality for price, we recommend Thailand. You can find plenty of tasty, fresh, and affordable street food in both Thailand and Vietnam.
Examples of low budget prices in Thailand and Vietnam
| Lowest Prices in Thailand | Lowest Prices in Vietnam | |
| Simple double room Street foodA short taxi ride | £8 – £10 or $10 – $12 £1 – £2 or $1.20 – $2.40 £1 – £2 or $1.20 – $2.40 | £10 – £15 or $12 – $18 £1 – £2 or $1.20 – $2.40 £1.50 – £3 or $1.80 – $4 |
There is a big difference in prices in the north of Thailand compared to the more expensive south. In North Thailand street food starts for 30 baht (around £0.60 or $0.80) in contrast to south Thailand where street food starts for around 80 baht (around £1.60 or $4).
In both countries, it is easily possible to eat for as little as £1 per meal (or $1.20 per meal). Both Thailand and Vietnam offer affordable activities and experiences. In both countries, you can find plenty of free or very cheap things to do. Comparatively, both Thailand and Vietnam are excellent for budget travel; however, your money does go a little further in Thailand if you’re traveling at the very low-budget end.
TOP TIP: Scams are slightly more common in Vietnam compared to Thailand. Always be cautious. Remember to check your change carefully in Vietnam – the currency can be pretty challenging!
FIND OUT MORE – Which country is cheapest in Southeast Asia?
4 Family Travel in Vietnam and Thailand
Don’t miss the FULL GUIDE – Thailand with kids AND Vietnam with kids
Vietnam and Thailand are both excellent countries for family travel. In fact, many families are divided on which country they prefer. In our opinion, Thailand is slightly better for family travel (especially if you’re traveling with young kids). The culture in Thailand is very warm and welcoming towards families. The locals are always smiling and very keen to help with your kids. Most cities in Thailand have an excellent range of activities, including play spaces and parks for younger kids.
Transportation is affordable and very convenient for families. For short-distance journeys, the Grab taxi app is widely available in Thailand (in Vietnam, you can use the Gojek taxi app). In both Thailand and Vietnam, you can easily find family-friendly products like snacks, nappies, and wet wipes. Thailand does have the advantage of having a lot of 7-Eleven convenience stores (in fact, Thailand has 7-Elevens even in some of the most remote villages and islands).
Affordable street food in Vietnam is generally more family-friendly than in Thailand. You can find kid-friendly food like pho soup and Banh Mi (sandwiches). In Thailand, they don’t seem to understand the concept of not-spicy, so if you’re traveling in Thailand on a budget with kids, you may struggle to find non-spicy food.
LEARN MORE – Which country is best for Family Travel in Southeast Asia?
Which Country Should You Visit: Vietnam or Thailand?
The answer to this question will depend on your aspirations and goals. Both countries have a lot to offer, and we are confident that you will not regret going to either. In both countries, you can have a surprisingly affordable budget trip, or you can enjoy some incredible luxurious experiences. Both countries really do have something for everyone. As a full-time traveling family with young kids, we do prefer Thailand. It is easier and more convenient to travel around, and the culture is more family-friendly. Thailand also has a greater variety of beach and island destinations.
