Here’s how to decide between these two heavyweights of Southeast Asia.
Should You Visit Thailand or Vietnam?
Of course, I’m going to start by saying you should visit both. The two countries are each spectacular destinations, cramming flavours, experiences and natural beauty into slivers of land and scatterings of islands.
But that’s not all that helpful, really, is it? If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia and don’t have the opportunity to visit both, then here’s how you can choose between Thailand and Vietnam.
I’ll break it down into categories including travel style, budget, food, beaches and atmosphere – as well as cultural legacy.
Let’s go and help you decide.
DIY Travel or Booking With a Holiday Company?
One of the first things to consider before a trip to Vietnam or Thailand is how you want to travel.
Thailand: Easier for Independent Travel
For many people, Thailand first feels easier. Transport is more straightforward, tourism infrastructure is highly developed and English is widely spoken in major tourist areas. Thailand offers smooth domestic flights, reliable ferries and well-established routes between islands, cities and national parks.
If you’re planning your first Southeast Asia adventure, Thailand would probably feel more manageable. Booking accommodation is simple, connections are frequent and there’s less culture shock overall.
That’s especially true if you’re travelling with children or combining beaches with cities. A classic Thailand itinerary might include Bangkok, Chiang Mai and southern islands without too much logistical stress.
That said, it’s still pretty different to driving from the UK to France. So, there’s something to be said for booking your whole trip through a company like Experience Travel Group, experts at arranging holidays in Asia. They pride themselves on building immersive experiences
Vietnam: Rewarding But More Demanding
Vietnam requires a slightly more adventurous mindset, especially if you want to explore rural regions or take overnight trains.
Yet that unpredictability is also part of the appeal.
Again, it’s possible to arrange a self-guided trip but if you’re looking for a more relaxing holiday in Asia, then it may be better to book through an expert like Experience Travel Group. They can help you put together a bespoke itinerary, with all the niggles smoothed out.
When a Holiday Company Makes Sense
A guided trip can work particularly well in either Vietnam or Thailand if:
- You’re short on time
- You want multi-stop logistics handled for you
- You’re travelling as a family
- You’re interested in cycling, food or river cruise experiences
Guided journeys through central Vietnam, Hanoi and the Mekong Delta can save considerable time and hassle – it can be particularly annoying to try to book a trip along Halong Bay and to make your way through the crowds at the harbour, for example. Don’t miss these Vietnam travel tips for more useful hacks.
Meanwhile, Thailand absolutely excels for resort-style holidays and luxury escapes.
Atmosphere: Relaxed Islands or Urban Energy?
The atmosphere is often what makes people fall in love with one country over the other.
Thailand’s Gentle Ease
Thailand’s appeal lies partly in how easy it is to settle into daily life. The pace can feel slower, especially around beach destinations and smaller towns like Hua Hin.
Thailand’s tourism industry is mature, but that doesn’t mean the country lacks character. Temples glow gold at sunset, long-tail boats drift across turquoise bays and markets still pulse with local life.
The famous hospitality of Thai people also contributes to the atmosphere. Many visitors travel to Thailand intending to stay for two weeks and end up wanting far longer.
There’s a reason so many digital nomads once lived in Thailand for extended periods.
Vietnam’s Energy and Momentum
Vietnam feels faster, louder and more intense from the moment you arrive.
Scooters stream through junctions in Hanoi, coffee shops spill onto pavements and street vendors set up beside colonial architecture and modern high-rises.
Compared to Thailand, Vietnam often feels more urban and outwardly energetic. Even beach destinations such as Da Nang retain a sense of movement and local rhythm.
Some travellers instantly love Vietnam for this reason. Others think Vietnam can feel exhausting after a while.
But Vietnam’s energy is also part of what makes it what it is.
Discover how to spend three days in Hanoi here.
Food: Thai Cuisine or Vietnamese Street Food?
Few travel debates become more passionate than Vietnam vs Thailand when it comes to food.
Food in Thailand
Thai cuisine is famous worldwide for balancing sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours. And this is one area where I do have a firm favourite, I’m afraid. I don’t think there’s a country in the world that can beat Thai food.
Expect:
- Fragrant curries
- Fiery soups
- Fresh seafood
- Smoky street food
- Tropical fruit shakes
And yes, plenty of mango sticky rice and the national dish, pad thai.
If you’re new to Asia, Thai food may also feel more familiar – since it’s more widespread back home.
Food in Vietnam
Vietnam is known for fresh herbs, delicate broths and lighter flavours. It’s less bold and you can clearly see the French colonial influence available through pastries and café culture.
Classic dishes include:
- Pho
- Bun cha
- Banh mi
- Fresh spring rolls
- Vietnamese coffee
Beaches and Landscapes
Thailand Wins for Tropical Islands
If your dream holiday involves palm-fringed beaches and island hopping, Thailand wins comfortably. When I first visited, over twenty years ago, many beaches were silent and secluded. Now, all that has changed, with high rise resorts and easy transport connections.
Thailand still has those picture perfect dramatic limestone cliffs that rise from turquoise water, its island-studded coastlines and beaches are linked by easy ferry networks. It’s also one of the region’s best destinations for diving and snorkelling, allowing you to explore coral reefs in the Andaman Sea or take a long-tail boat between hidden coves. Add in a wide range of luxury beach resorts, from barefoot eco-retreats to polished five-star escapes, and it’s easy to see why so many travellers return year after year.
Key places to visit in Thailand for beach relaxation include:
- Krabi
- Koh Lanta
- Phuket
- Koh Samui
- Khao Sok National Park
Vietnam Wins for Dramatic Overland Scenery
While it may not have so many classical tropical islands, Vietnam offers some visual treats nevertheless.
In the north, the mountain passes around Ha Giang twist through limestone peaks and deep valleys near the Chinese border, while the rice terraces of Sapa climb in layered green ribbons across the hillsides.
Further south, the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh create surreal scenes of jungle-covered limestone towers rising from water and farmland. (You’ll recognise them from Pierce Brosnan’s turn as Bond.)
Vietnam’s coastline stretches for more than 3,000 kilometres, with winding coastal roads connecting fishing villages like Vung Vieng, beaches and mountain scenery, particularly along the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue.
Highlights include:
- Ha Long Bay
- Ninh Binh
- The Ha Giang Loop
- Central Vietnam’s coastline
History and Culture
When it comes to Thailand vs Vietnam, it’s an even draw when it comes to culture and history. But in very different ways.
For a certain generation, simply the word Vietnam meant war. A long, painful, embarrassing war with the United States. When you visit Vietnam, you’ll still see traces of that conflict without having to look to hard. The scars run deep. When I first visited Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum was still called the American War Crimes Museum after all.
But there’s a richness that stretches before and after that particular episode of history. Colourful water puppets tell the birth story of the culture, and the patisseries tell of the French era too. Then there’s Ho Chi Minh himself, embalmed and visible through glass in a vast mausoleum complex.
Across the border in Thailand, you’ll also find culture and history, albeit of a different kind. Expect gold and glittering buddhas, prayer flags and glittering temples. There seems to be more of a focus on spirituality, the serene and ceremonial, although you can still explore the dark side of the past at the bridge over the River Kwai.
Which Country is Cheaper?
It’s not seen as polite to ask but it’s fine to type. When it comes to Vietnam vs Thailand, what about the cost?
Vietnam is Cheaper Overall
Accommodation, food and transport are usually cheaper in Vietnam.
In many areas, Vietnam is cheaper by enough to make a noticeable difference over a longer trip. Street food, local transport and budget hotels can feel far cheaper compared to Thailand.
Thailand Offers More Luxury Choice
Thailand has the advantage when it comes to luxury infrastructure – it’s changed a lot over the last two decades!
High-end resorts, wellness retreats and boutique hotels are easier to find across the country.
Thailand also has more developed shopping centres or shopping malls, international hospitals and large-scale tourism services. Here’s our list of the best souvenirs you can buy in Thailand.
So while Vietnam is cheaper overall, Thailand often delivers more comfort for mid-range travellers.
Nightlife and Cities
Thailand’s nightlife is legendary.
Bangkok’s rooftop bars, beach parties and vibrant nightlife attract travellers from around the world.
Vietnam’s nightlife scene is growing quickly too, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, but Thailand still dominates for large-scale entertainment and beach nightlife.
That said, Vietnam’s café culture often creates a more relaxed evening atmosphere. And since my nightlife days are behind me, this isn’t the best place to look for a nightlife critique.
Visas and Practicalities
Both countries now offer relatively straightforward entry systems for most nationalities.
Vietnam requires travellers to apply for an e-visa in advance in many cases, while Thailand’s visa rules vary depending on nationality and trip length.
As ever, as always, check official government guidance before making any decision you can’t undo.
Which Country Should You Choose?
Well, again, I love both. There is no clear winner. I would return to Vietnam in a heartbeat. I would love to experience Thailand again. Thailand gets my vote for food, Vietnam might win for trying to make sense of the Vietnam War in America.
Choose Thailand if You Want:
- Tropical beaches
- Island hopping
- Luxury resorts
- Easier logistics
- Family-friendly travel
- Vibrant nightlife
- A gentler introduction to Southeast Asia
Choose Vietnam if You Want:
- Dramatic landscapes
- Layered history
- Long overland journeys
- Intense street life
- Lower daily costs
- Café culture
- A more adventurous atmosphere
What To Do next?
I always find it helpful to start searching for flights. You can also read some of our stories about Vietnam and Thailand to get more of a flavour of these two places.
