Vietnam or Thailand? – Well, tough question! Both countries share notable similarities, including ravishing cultures, delicious food, and beautiful natural landscapes. Still, both countries have differences and unique charms that will make your trip feel special. One thing to note is that Vietnam and Thailand have a little bit of everything, whether you are a solo backpacker or a group of friends who want everything comfortable and kind of boujee.
In this blog, we will discuss what it is like to travel to Vietnam or Thailand by cost, the best time to visit, destinations, food, safety, and more. Hear from our travel experts and local guides about their personal experiences in both countries!
Cost
Southeast Asian countries are known for their impressively affordable prices. So, traveling to Vietnam or Thailand would not break your bank. I traveled to Vietnam once in 2023 and was surprised by the incredibly low prices. My group booked an apartment with three bedrooms for €38 per night in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Moreover, I spent less than €50 for a one-day trip.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s prices are slightly higher than Vietnam’s. It is also because of Thailand’s reputation of being a popular tourist destination. While Bangkok and Phuket can look very cheap, the prices are higher than many other cities in Southeast Asia. TripLeader Kc, who has traveled around Asia for 10 years, recommended preparing around €830 for a comfortable one-week vacation in Thailand. Therefore, you might want to splurge more for the top-notch essentials in Thailand.
Here is a general cost breakdown for the capital cities of both countries (Bangkok and Hanoi):
| Cost | Bangkok (Thailand) | Hanoi (Vietnam) |
| Mid-range hotels (per night) | €18 – 35 | €20 – 44 |
| Street food | €1 – 4 | €1 – 3 |
| Casual dining in a restaurant | €14 – 20 | €9 – 15 |
| A bottle of beer | €1.5 | € 0.5 |
| Temple and museums entrance fees | € 3 – 14 | € 1.5 – 7 |
Best Time to Visit
Although Vietnam and Thailand are located close to each other, they have different weather patterns. Thailand has a humid tropical climate with temperatures hovering around 29°C all-year-round. Southern Vietnam has the same climate, however Northern Vietnam witnesses snowy winter when December approaches. Then, what are the best time to visit Vietnam or Thailand? Let’s break it down!
Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November). Spring brings lovely weather with occasional showers and mild temperatures. If you travel to Northern areas like Hanoi and Sapa, you can enjoy a flowery spring. Then, traveling during summer is not recommended if you don’t like hot weathers. When I visited Hanoi in August, I experienced incredibly humid weather and was sweating all the time.
Another good time to visit Vietnam is during autumn. It marks the beginning of a cool weather with temperatures around 22-27°C. However, if you want to travel to the Southern area, you can expect hot weather all-year-round with rainy season from May to October.
Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand is November to February. The period is the dry season in Thailand when you can enjoy sunny skies with little to no rain. Then, the rainy season happens between July and October. So, the time frame is more ideal to visit cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. TripLeader Kc planned a trip to Pattaya and Bangkok in November, which she noted to have an ideal weather to go to the beach.
Best Destinations
We might think that Thailand and Vietnam is similar, knowing that both are Southeast Asian country. However, both countries have distinctive culture, history, and landscape that affect their tourist destinations. Both Thailand and Vietnam have beautiful beaches, stunning temples, and mesmerizing mountains. Then, some differences of Thailand and Vietnam include historical attractions. Vietnam has a wealth of colonial buildings, while Thailand boasts temples and palaces.
Here are the best destinations in Thailand and Vietnam based on categories:
| Attractions | Thailand | Vietnam |
| Beach | Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Pattaya, and many more | Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, and Halong Bay |
| Nature (Mountains and other landscapes) | Khao Yai National Park and Khao Sok National Park | Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Mui Ne |
| History | Sukkhothai and Ayutthaya (temples and ancient cities) | Imperial City of Hue, Ho Chi Minh City (remnants of World War III) , and Hanoi Old Quarter |
| Metropolitan and Nightlife | Bangkok | Ho Chi Minh City |
Food
Thailand and Vietnam are havens for the foodies. Both countries have flavorful dishes that will make you crave for another plate. Thailand captivates with its tom yum goong and mango sticky rice, while Vietnam beckons with its pho and bun cha. So, Vietnam or Thailand – which food will you love more?
Thailand
Thailand’s dishes have thick, spicy, and sour flavors. Most Thai food uses bird’s eye chili and turmeric, making the flavors strong and spicy. Thai dishes also include a lot of seafood, such as tom yum goong (seafood tom yum) and crab salad. Moreover, they use a lot of tropical fruits for side dishes and desserts. You can try some refreshing som tam (papaya salad) and sweet mango sticky rice. Simply put, Thai food is for those who love spicy and bold flavors.
Vietnam
In contrast to Thai food, Vietnamese food has subtle and hearty flavors. Soupy dishes like pho (vermicelli noodles with beef) and bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) have a light yet heartwarming taste. For that reason, I had bun cha for breakfast during my time in Vietnam. It is a nice and warm meal to start the day. Moreover, Vietnamese food uses a lot of fresh vegetables, making it a vegetarian-friendly foodie destination. In a nutshell, Vietnamese food will fit everyone who loves light and hearty flavors.
Accessibility
Final Verdict
Both Thailand and Vietnam are fantastic destinations for everyone who loves beaches, culture, and food. Not to mention, they are budget-friendly and fit backpackers perfectly. Still, this is our final verdict:
- Choose Thailand if you want a budget-friendly trip with easy transportation, modern cities, and spicy street food.
- Choose Vietnam if you’re interested in diverse landscapes, historic temples, and cutting-edge technology.
No matter which country you pick, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Also, you can visit both countries at once and don’t have to worry about the planning and itineraries. JoinMyTrip connects travelers from all around the globe in handcrafted group trips. You can find handcrafted group trips to Thailand and Vietnam – all planned by experienced travelers and passionate locals. So, are you ready for your next adventure?