Going to Vietnam or Thailand? Vietnam and Thailand are the two most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They enjoy some similarities, but there are many differences in culture, lifestyle, travel experience, food, and more.
Below we explore 10 major differences between the two countries to give you an overview of the travel experience for each and help you decide which to visit.
Vietnam vs Thailand Travel Summary Table
| Vietnam | Thailand | |
| 1. Culture and history | French colonial history Influence of Chinese culture Vietnam War | Buddhist culture Thai kingdoms More Western lifestyle |
| 2. Convenience of travel | Okay to travel to and within the country, but a bit more effort required | Offers easier and faster access to and within the country |
| 3. Travel experience | Diverse landscapes with cruises, cycling, and hiking Charming old quarters and ancient towns Mekong Delta More rustic | Beaches Wildlife and rainforest Buddhist temples and festivals More metropolitan Colorful nightlife |
| 4. Typical stay | 8 days to 3 weeks | 10 days to 2 weeks |
| 5. Best times | November to April | November to March |
| 6. Cost | More affordable | Higher consumption |
| 7. Food | Features a fresh and light taste The second largest exporter of coffee Famous food: pho noodles | Mainly features a sour and spicy taste Famous food: tom yum goong (spicy Thai soup) |
| 8. Hotels | From home stays to starred hotels, but they may not meet Western standards | So many options, closer to Western standards, and some are even world-class |
| 9. Tourist satisfaction | Around a 10% tourist return rate | Over a 50% tourist return rate |
| 10. Shopping | Local markets and super markets are the main shopping places | Shopping paradise with all kinds of shopping malls |
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.
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| Seeing Bangkok with ease In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. Diane Elkins, Nov 2023 | Thailand -insights, no stress and amazing team My husband and my Thailand trip was fantastic, stress-free and educational thanks to the amazing team coordinated by Albee at Asia Highlights. The whole team was incredibly accessible, responsive, sensitive to our needs and lovely to work with. End-to-end, the trip was truly remarkable and the knowledgeable and dynamic tour guides and drivers made it especially memorable! AndrewsFamily, Oct 2023 | Informative & Thorough / Thanks Sharon! Sharon the advisor that helped me was so thorough & informative and explained the details of the tour including questions about visas and what is included vs what is not included in the tour packages. I would recommend them to explain tour packages that would fit the schedule of your pending travels. Chris, Sep 2023 | Easy, fast responses I worked directly with Monica in Asia Highlights. She was incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions quickly. Working with her made the whole process easy and we are so excited for our trip! Diana B, Sep 2023 | Stress free Thailand Alisa has organised our 14 day Thailand holiday for 2024 for my family & I. She has been very accommodating & super quick with all of our requests & we cannot wait for a stress free holiday! Thank you Alisa! Alana Mitchell, Sep 2023 | Family Trip to Thailand-Cambodia All of our guides were very nice and knowledgeable, but we have a special mention to our guide in Cambodia, Chan, he was very kind with us and it was very amusing. He went the extra mile for us.We really enjoyed our holidays! José Antonio Carrillo de la Pl, Sep 2023 | Asia Highlights and Sharon Asia Highlights, specifically Sharon, has been wonderfully helpful as we get ready for a 2024 excursion to Thailand. We are beyond excited, and much of that has to do with the personalized attention that we have experienced with Sharon. She has been extremely responsive, obliging, and focused as she helped us design a tailor made itinerary. All of our questions have been addressed, our needs have been met, and the path has now been set for a very exciting trip.... thanks to Sharon. Marcy Hoenig, Sep 2023 | I was planning a trip to Thailand to… I was planning a trip to Thailand to especially see the Lantern Festival this year for our birthdays!! It’s been on our bucket list, but we were completely lost on how to go about planning for our trip. We’ve never really booked tours before but Alisa was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and efficient in providing all the information we needed to make our decision on the best tours and tickets to purchase. Thank you so much!! https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/64d9a5a4657e4b39f768a21e, Aug 2023 | I would definitely recommend Asia… All of our guides were wonderful (Mr. Bank - Bangkok and Ms. Kai in phu*ket & Khao Sok plus antoher guide who assisted in Koh Samui). Sharon took care of tours, private drivers, flights and hotels within Thailand and our trip went off without a hitch. The hotels were great and the transportation always arrived on time and with a clean, Guinevere Provance, Aug 2023 | Great Experience WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy Stephen Hollis, Aug 2023 | Alisa has has been great to work with Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. Ana Rausch, Aug 2023 | Using Sharon right now to book our… Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand Tracy, Aug 2023 | Thailand, Singapore, Bali In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable!I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. Cassi Thunker, Jul 2023 | Very supportive Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c, Jul 2023 | My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. Richard, Jul 2023 | A pleasure to plan with Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. Chris Williams, Jul 2023 | Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. CL, Jul 2023 | I never used a travel agent in my life I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. Antione Barry, Jul 2023 | Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia! Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. Debi Hinerfeld, Jul 2023 | We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand … It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spotI recommend asiahilights 150%The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstandingFrom start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? SIMO el ghobar, Jun 2023 |
We Recommend Thailand if You:
- Are making your first trip to Southeast Asia: Thailand gathers the most southeast Asian elements: Buddhist temples, exotic food, tropical islands, and rainforest. Mature tourism services and facilities offer a very good experience.
- Prefer a beach holiday: Thailand has better beaches than Vietnam and offers various choices.
- Plan to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary: Thailand is more suitable for a romantic vibe and provides more opportunities for some special experiences like a dinner cruise, couples spa, etc. See our Thailand Honeymoons/Anniversary: 8 Best Places for Romantic Stays, Itineraries
- Travel with kids seeking plenty of activities: Thailand offers more interesting things to do like snorkeling, meeting elephants, banana boats...
We Recommend Vietnam if You:
- Seek a rustic and authentic experience: Vietnam is less developed than Thailand. Natural scenery, ethnic charm, and ancient towns are the main highlights.
- Want to experience a big contrast in culture: Due to the influence of Chinese culture, French colonization, and the Vietnam War, Vietnam has a mixed culture and complex history.
- Seek a more affordable price: Vietnam is economical, definitely cheaper than Thailand.
Check out how to plan a family trip to Southeast Asia>>>
1. Vietnam vs Thailand: Culture and History
Vietnam features a more mixed cultural vibe due to the influence of China and France. Thailand's profound Buddhist culture is its most representative aspect.
Vietnam
Catholic Church in Ho Chi Minh City
Once a vassal state of China, Vietnamese culture is heavily influenced by Chinese culture, especially in the form of Confucianism and Taoist deities, which impact customs, traditions, and beliefs.
The main religious belief in Vietnam is a combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Occupied by France, the legacy of French colonialism is most visible in distinctive French architecture in Ho Chi Minh City.
Some battle tunnels and equipment from the Vietnam War also remain in Ho Chi Minh City.
Thailand
Loy Krathong, Thailand
Thailand's culture, on the other hand, has developed in the direction of Buddhism.
The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism. Monks have a very high status and they conduct numerous Buddhist rites, from festivals to daily blessings. Most teenage boys become novice monks for a while, about a year, to earn merit for their families.
Many exuberant festivals are connected to both Buddhism and the changing seasons (such as Loy Krathong — Thailand's Festival of Lights).
The whole country is much influenced by Western thought and lifestyle. Thai people are easily satisfied and they believe that life should be fun.
Extending reading: Thailand Culture
2. Vietnam vs Thailand: Convenience of Travel
Thailand's tourism is much more mature. Though Vietnam is catching up, Thailand wins with regard to convenience and comfort.
Ease of Getting There and Around
Both Thailand and Vietnam are easy to get to by international flight (now they've reopened for tourism "post-COVID"). Thailand is easier to navigate with more convenient city networks.
Thailand: With the resumption of international flights, it is easy to book a flight to Thailand. Flying is the main way to travel within Thailand. Metro, buses, taxis, and local tuk-tuks are the main way to travel around cities.
Vietnam: It is also easy to book a flight to Vietnam. Vietnam's major cities can be reached by air while, due to the narrow and complicated terrain in Vietnam with some scenic areas in the mountains, it is not that easy to navigate. Taxi or private transfer are the main recommended ways.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Thailand provides easier and faster entry procedures.
Thailand: Thailand offers visa-free access to 56 countries/regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, the USA, and the UK.
Vietnam: Visitors from 22 countries may enter visa free, including the UK, France, Italy, and Germany.
If you're from America, Canada, Australia, or about 80 other countries not on the list for visa-free entry, the most convenient way to enter is to apply for an e-visa online.
Language
Vietnamese people engaged in tourism can speak English, but it is not as popular on the streets as in Thailand.
In Thailand, English is more common, and many people in the cities can speak English. English is obligatory for children from kindergarten onwards.
3. Vietnam vs Thailand: Travel Experience
Vietnam and Thailand have different highlights. Vietnam features a karst seascape, ethnic customs, ancient towns, and the Mekong Delta. Thailand features Buddhist temples, beaches, rainforest, and wild animals.
Thailand: Beaches, Temples, Elephants
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Thailand is vibrant.
Thailand enjoys some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Beach destinations like Ko phu*ket, Ko Samui, and Krabi offer beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, and resorts with stunning views. Lively local markets and long-tailed boats show you the lifestyle.
Flickering neon lights and the revelry from the bars and club parties show its crazy side.
Glittering palaces and temples inform you of its profound Buddhist culture and history. The elephants and other wild animals meeting in the rainforest will bring you charming surprises.
There are also many special experiences available, like a romantic dinner cruise, making a traditional Thai floating lantern, and cooking classes.
Extending reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
Vietnam: Towns, Villages, Cruises
The Ancient Town of Hoi An
Vietnam is relaxing and quiet.
Narrow alleys in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh's colonial street sights and Vietnam War relics, and the Ancient Town of Hoi An show its historical charm.
Ethnic villages in the mountainous northern area, cruises on Halong Bay, and boats on the Mekong River are unique experiences.
Vietnam hasn't been widely known as a beach destination, but places like the island of Phu Quoc and the south coast destination of Nha Trang have recently become known as popular beach destinations.
4. Vietnam vs Thailand: How Long to Stay
Both Thailand and Vietnam are rich in tourism resources. Thailand requires about 8 days to 3 weeks for most first-time tours. Vietnam needs about 10 days to 2 weeks.
If you want to plan a trip to both Thailand and Vietnam, you will need at least 2 weeks.
Thailand: It is popular to visit two cities and an island, which usually takes 8–10 days. If you want something different, like a forest park, you may need about 2 weeks. If you want to explore Thailand from north to central to south, you will need about 3 weeks. >>>2 Weeks in Thailand – 3 Perfect Thailand Itineraries.
Vietnam: It usually takes about 10 days to travel from Hanoi in the north to Hoi An in the middle and Ho Chi Minh in the south. If you want to enjoy more beach time, 2 weeks is needed.
Extending reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers): from 2 Weeks to 2 Months
Find Itinerary ideas for 10 days in Southeast Asia.
5. Vietnam vs Thailand: Weather and Best Times
Vietnam and Thailand have similar weather conditions — both are tropical countries with rainy and dry seasons. Thailand is a little hotter than Vietnam due to a lower latitudes in the south.
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. Thailand experiences very hot weather between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand occurs between June and October, but lower prices and smaller crowds are the rewards.
Extending reading: Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand & When is the Rainy Season
Vietnam Halong Bay
As a long and narrow country, the weather in the south and north of Vietnam is quite different. The best time for North Vietnam (Hanoi and Halong Bay) is from March to May and from September to November; Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) from January to August; and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) from December to April.
Extending reading: Vietnam's Rainy Season and Best Times to Travel
Want to gaindetailed insights on the weather in Southeast Asia? Check out the conditions in January, February, November, and December.
6. Vietnam vs Thailand: Travel Costs
Although Southeast Asia is generally affordable and good value, by comparison, Thailand will cost more than Vietnam.
Thailand can not only meet the backpackers' on-a-budget requirements, but can also satisfy those who are looking for a luxury experience. The trip cost of Thailand can range from 50 to 150 USD per day per person from budget to luxury.
Vietnam's price level is relatively low. The costs of hotels and food will be cheaper. They typically range from 30 to 100 USD per day per person from budget to luxury.
Read more details about trip costs in Southeast Asia.
7. Vietnam vs Thailand: Food
Thailand's cuisine features a sour and spicy flavor, but there are more mellow curries. Vietnam's cuisine focuses on a fresh taste, but it is still a little sour and spicy.
Tom Yum Goong
Thai cuisine is more famous than Vietnamese cuisine overseas. It's known for its pad Thai, tom yum goong, and fantastic Thai curries. If you are a foodie, don't miss the busy night markets in Thailand. You can find a huge variety of Thai snacks there. See 30 Best Thai Foods and Dishes You Have to Try.
Though Vietnamese cuisine is also a bit sour and spicy, it has a refreshing taste. Fish sauce and lime are the main seasonings. Pho and Vietnamese spring rolls are the best-known dishes.
Vietnam Pho noodles
8. Vietnam vs Thailand: Accommodation
Both Vietnam and Thailand offer various accommodation choices matching a wide range of budgets, but Thailand has more high-end hotels.
Thailand: Being mature in tourism, the standard of hotels in Thailand is very close to Western standards, especially in Bangkok, phu*ket, and Koh Samui. You can find world-class hotels there with high quality facilities and service.
Vietnam: The standard of hotels in Vietnam is usually lower than that in the West. Book a higher-rated hotel as much as possible to obtain a comfortable experience.
9. Vietnam vs Thailand: Popularity
Thailand is chosen by more visitors. It's about twice as popular as Vietnam.
Before the pandemic, in 2019, more than 18 million international tourists visited Vietnam, but Thailand received more than 39 million international visitors.
After their reopening in 2022, Thailand accepted about 500,000 international visitors in March and April. Vietnam received more than 250,000 international tourists in the 2 months since tourism reopened there (March 15 – May 15).
Extending reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
10. Vietnam vs Thailand: Shopping
Thailand is renowned for being a shopping paradise. Vietnam does not stand out in this respect.
Thailand: Bangkok is the shopping paradise of Southeast Asia, known for its favorable prices and various international and local brands. Duty free shops, shopping malls like Terminal 21, and night markets are good places to shop.
Vietnam: Though Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have some shopping malls, their scale and product ranges are not as big as Thailand's. Pedestrian streets and markets are more popular shopping places, like the 36 Streets in Hanoi.
Related Articles
- Vietnam vs Cambodia (13 major differences): which to visit
- Myanmar or Thailand - Which One Should Be Visited First
- Thailand/phu*ket vs Bali: Which Is Better for You?
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025)
Tour Southeast Asia with Us
Both Vietnam and Thailand are popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Whether you want to visit Thailand or Vietnam, or both, you can check out our recommended tours. All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Just contact us.
I am an avid traveler and Southeast Asia enthusiast, having explored the rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes of both Vietnam and Thailand extensively. My firsthand experiences include delving into the historical remnants of the French colonial era in Vietnam, immersing myself in the influence of Chinese culture, and navigating the complexities of the Vietnam War's impact on the country. On the other hand, I've marveled at Thailand's enchanting Buddhist culture, witnessed the grandeur of Thai kingdoms, and indulged in the vibrant lifestyle of its metropolitan areas.
Evidence of my expertise lies not only in my personal travels but also in a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced differences between Vietnam and Thailand, from their distinct culinary delights to the convenience of travel within each country.
Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Culture and History:
- Vietnam: Shaped by French colonial history and the profound impact of Chinese culture, with remnants of the Vietnam War.
- Thailand: Rooted in Buddhist culture, reflecting the influence of various Thai kingdoms and embracing a more Western lifestyle.
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Convenience of Travel:
- Vietnam: Requires some effort, especially in navigating the diverse landscapes.
- Thailand: Offers easier and faster access both to and within the country, boasting a more mature tourism infrastructure.
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Travel Experience:
- Vietnam: Diverse landscapes, cruises, cycling, and hiking; rustic experiences, Mekong Delta exploration.
- Thailand: Charming old quarters, ancient towns, beautiful beaches, wildlife, rainforest, and bustling metropolitan areas.
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Typical Stay:
- Vietnam: 8 days to 3 weeks.
- Thailand: 10 days to 2 weeks.
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Best Times to Visit:
- Both Vietnam and Thailand are favorable from November to April.
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Cost:
- Vietnam: More affordable.
- Thailand: Higher consumption.
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Food:
- Vietnam: Features fresh and light taste; famous for pho noodles.
- Thailand: Mainly features sour and spicy taste; famous for tom yum goong (spicy Thai soup).
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Hotels:
- Vietnam: Offers a range from home stays to starred hotels, but some may not meet Western standards.
- Thailand: Abundance of options, closer to Western standards, including world-class hotels.
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Tourist Satisfaction:
- Vietnam: Around a 10% tourist return rate.
- Thailand: Over a 50% tourist return rate.
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Shopping:
- Vietnam: Local markets and supermarkets are the main shopping places.
- Thailand: Renowned shopping paradise with various malls and markets.
The provided customer reviews highlight positive experiences with Asia Highlights, a travel service provider, emphasizing their expertise in coordinating stress-free and personalized trips to both Vietnam and Thailand.
