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If you are hesitating between Vietnam and Thailand for your next trip, you’re not alone. They’re two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, but they offer very different experiences. As active travellers who love nature, culture and the outdoors (and who don’t travel to party or sit on the beach), we had very different experiences in each country. Here’s my comparison to help you decide whether Vietnam or Thailand is better for your style of holiday.
Vietnam vs Thailand: history and culture
One of the biggest differences between Vietnam and Thailand comes from their history. Thailand was never colonised, so its traditions, monarchy and architecture have evolved with little interruption.
Vietnam, on the other hand, was colonised multiple times – by China for centuries, and then by France more recently and of course, there was the American War (or Vietnam War). You feel this mix everywhere in Vietnam: French-style buildings next to Buddhist temples, baguettes with pâtés (bahn mi) served alongside bowls of phở, and cafés with a strong European touch.
Thailand feels more culturally consistent; Vietnam feels more layered and diverse.
Local interactions: where we had the most authentic moments
We had more authentic and spontaneous interactions in Vietnam, especially in rural regions. Even when English wasn’t widely spoken, people were kind and curious. Google Translate made it easier, and it felt genuine.
In Thailand, people were friendly too (it is known as the Land of Smiles for a reason), but in popular destinations the experience felt more structured and tourism-focused. Not bad at all – just a different kind of interaction.
Beaches, snorkelling and diving
If your priority is beach time or underwater life, Thailand is the clear winner.
The water is warm and crystal clear, and the marine life around spots like Koh Lanta and the Similan Islands is incredible. We actually want to go back to Thailand specifically to explore more underwater sites because the snorkelling and diving are that good.
As for Vietnam, we chose not to visit the beaches. Living in Australia, we’re lucky to have access to world-class coastlines, so during a short trip to Vietnam we preferred to focus on the mountains, culture and nature. With only two and a half weeks there, there were better things to do for our style of travel.
Food and coffee culture
Both cuisines are delicious but we found Vietnam easier day-to-day. We’re French, and we’re not used to very spicy food. In Thailand, even when we asked for “not spicy”, the food could still set my mouth on fire.
Vietnamese dishes felt lighter, less salty and fat, and easier on our stomachs. We also enjoyed discovering new dishes in different regions. And Vietnam wins by a huge margin for coffee culture; the café scene is one of the best we’ve experienced in the world.
Nature and landscapes
It’s a close one but for us, Vietnam wins when it comes to landscapes, as we felt it offers more variety and “wow” moments, like:
- The rice terraces around Sapa and Pu Luong
- The limestone mountains of Ninh Binh and Bai Tu Long Bay
- The dramatic winding roads on the Ha Giang Loop
Thailand has beautiful national parks and stunning limestone mountains, but the scenery, while fantastic, just didn’t feel as dramatic or diverse. But if your trip is focused on going to the beach, it’s probably different!
Cost and value for money
Both countries are affordable, but Vietnam was slightly cheaper overall. Accommodations, local meals and transport offered incredible value, especially outside big cities.
Thailand is still budget-friendly, but some tourist hotspots feel a bit more expensive.
Safety and transportation: Grab makes everything easier
We felt safe in both Vietnam and Thailand.
Transport is where the two destinations differ for big cities:
- Bangkok’s public transport is modern and easy for tourists.
- In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, we didn’t even consider public transport.
The good news: Grab operates in both countries, and it makes getting around incredibly simple.
Visa differences
It’s worth checking visa requirements before choosing where to go, especially if you’re planning a last-minute trip.
- Thailand: Many travellers can enter visa-free for a set number of days depending on their nationality. It’s very straightforward.
- Vietnam: Most nationalities need to arrange an e-visa before arrival. The online process isn’t complicated, but you need to apply in advance and be careful with dates and entry points. It’s fine once you know about it, but it requires more planning than Thailand.
Best time to visit Vietnam vs Thailand
Thailand
Thailand has three main seasons: the cool dry season (November to February), the hot season (March to May) and the wet season (May to October). Most travellers prefer the cooler months when the heat and humidity ease off and the west coast has calm, clear conditions for snorkelling and diving. You can travel year-round, but November to February is generally the most comfortable time to visit. Avoid the north of the country during the burning season early in the year.
Vietnam
Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 km from north to south, so the weather shifts a lot between regions. March and April usually offer pleasant temperatures and low rainfall across most of the country. The north also has another great window from September to November. The south is warm year-round, with short tropical showers in the rainy season that rarely affect travel. Central Vietnam is the main exception: typhoon and heavy rain season runs from August to November, with rain often lingering until February, so it’s worth avoiding this region at that time.
So, Vietnam or Thailand?
If you’re choosing between Vietnam or Thailand, think about your travel style:
- Choose Thailand if you want stunning beach landscapes, island hopping, snorkelling/diving and a smooth tourist experience, or if you’re travelling during Central Vietnam’s rainy and typhoon season.
- Choose Vietnam if you want a layered culture experience, road trips, epic scenery and authentic interactions, or if you’re travelling in March or April and want to avoid Thailand’s hottest months.
We personally connected more with Vietnam because of the landscapes and the warm encounters, but Thailand absolutely delivered when it came to underwater adventures, wildlife and tropical scenery.
Have you been to Thailand and Vietnam? Share your experience in the comments below!
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