1. Which is better to visit, Vietnam or Thailand?
Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam and Thailand are the most celebrated travel destinations. Both countries are renowned for their breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultures, deep-rooted histories, and flavorful cuisines. They also rank high among the cheapest countries to travel in Asia, becoming must-visits for any global explorer.
Thailand or Vietnam travel? Each offers its unique charms (Source: Collected)
When comparing Vietnam vs Thailand, according to the Condé Nast Traveller's 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, Thailand ranked 3rd while Vietnam ranked 15th on the list of the world’s best countries. Meanwhile, a 2024 global survey by U.S. News placed Thailand at number 7 in tourism appeal, while Vietnam landed at 41.
That said, Vietnam is emerging as a strong contender and may surpass Thailand in popularity in the next 2–3 years. Travel expenses in Vietnam tend to be lower, even as modern resorts and entertainment complexes continue to expand. Many hotels offer all-inclusive packages at about half the price of similar services in Thailand. Moreover, Vietnam is upgrading its airport infrastructure, making it easier to open new flight routes. Airfares are competitive, and travel times are often shorter than reaching destinations like Hua Hin or Kanchanaburi, which require long drives from Bangkok airport.
So, Vietnam vs Thailand, which is better for tourism? Ultimately, each country offers unique experiences, making them both worthy of a spot on your travel list. Let’s break down key travel factors to decide whether to visit Thailand or Vietnam.
2. Key travel insights: Vietnam vs Thailand
2.1. Tourist attractions
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? Both Vietnam and Thailand offer a wide array of natural wonders and cultural highlights, from majestic temples and lively night markets to serene beaches and lush mountains.
Vietnam: Highlights include the dramatic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay; the rolling sand dunes in Mui Ne; the rugged Hoang Lien Son mountain range; and the iconic Sapa rice terraces. Hue is known for its ancient imperial city, and Hoi An charms with its time-honored architecture. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City blend modern energy with historic depth. For beach lovers, Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang offer crystal-clear waters and soft sands. Nature seekers should not miss Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park with massive caves like Son Doong.
Vietnam vs Thailand? - You can discover hundreds of tourist attractions in each country
(Source: Collected)
Thailand: Thailand enchants with Phang Nga Bay’s 42 islands, Erawan and Thi Lo Su waterfalls, Tham Lot caves, and Phi Phi Islands. Koh Chang and Koh Samui boast pristine beaches and jungles. Bangkok offers temples, nightlife, and street food. The Upper Gulf has floating markets, Phuket blends culture and beaches, Chiang Mai shines with temples, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai attract history buffs, and Ko Samui excels in water sports.
2.2. Best time to visit
Climate is a major consideration when comparing Vietnam vs Thailand, as both countries have regional weather differences that impact travel planning.
Vietnam: Spanning tropical and temperate zones, the climate in Vietnam is influenced by the annual monsoon. Northern Vietnam sees temperatures from 22-27.5°C in summer and 15-20°C in winter. Southern Vietnam stays warmer year-round, averaging 28-29°C in summer and 26-27°C in winter. Ideal travel times:
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): October–November & March–April
- Central (Hue, Hoi An): January–July
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): December–April
Thailand: Thailand’s tropical climate is shaped by monsoon winds. The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season (cooler and drier) runs from November to April. Average yearly rainfall ranges from 1,200-4,500 millimeters, with temperatures around 26.3°C in the north and 27.5°C in coastal regions. Best times:
- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Northern & Central regions: November–February
- Koh Samui: June–October
- Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya: March–May
Vietnam vs Thailand for better weather? Each offers unique weather patterns (Source: Collected)
2.3. History and culture
Vietnam vs Thailand, which is better for history and culture seekers? Both countries offer rich cultural experiences shaped by centuries of history, but Vietnam stands out for its diversity and number of UNESCO heritage sites.
Vietnam: With a long history of Vietnam and cultural influences stretching from north to south, Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted and incredibly varied. Historical depth is felt everywhere, from the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long to the Hue Historic Citadel and tombs in Hue, the preserved buildings of Hoi An Ancient Town, and the spiritual My Son Sanctuary of the Cham Kingdom. Other must-see heritage sites include the Ho Dynasty Citadel and Trang An, which combines natural beauty with the historic Bich Dong Pagoda and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Thailand: Thai culture is closely intertwined with Buddhism, as seen in its thousands of ornate temples. The country is home to five UNESCO Cultural Sites: Ayutthaya, the former capital with preserved ruins; Sukhothai, Thailand’s original capital city filled with stunning temples; Si Thep, an ancient Mon-Dvaravati civilization site; Ban Chiang, Southeast Asia’s most significant prehistoric archaeological site; and Phu Phrabat Historical Park.
When comparing Vietnam vs Thailand, Vietnam is a must-visit for history buffs (Source: Collected)
2.4. Adventure activities
Thailand or Vietnam for vacation? Both countries deliver plenty of thrills, from water sports and jungle treks to cave exploration and cultural excursions. Vietnam, however, offers greater geographical variety for more diverse adventures.
Vietnam: Visitors can take a journey through history at the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, cruise the Mekong Delta on wooden boats, hike the mountains of Sa Pa, snorkel the coral reefs of Phu Quoc or Cham Islands, or challenge themselves with the Ha Giang Loop. Hai Van Pass offers one of the world’s most scenic seaside routes. Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, is a bucket-list experience for hardcore adventurers.
Thailand: Island-hopping is a staple of Thai travel, with more than 300 islands perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Jungle hikes and waterfall treks abound, with popular routes like Doi Suthep Monk’s Trail and Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. Visitors can also watch or try Muay Thai, Thailand’s famous martial art.
Vietnam vs. Thailand in terms of adventure activities? - You can visit both (Source: Collected)
2.5. Cuisine
Vietnam vs Thailand, which is a better destination for food lovers? Vietnamese and Thai cuisines are globally celebrated, each offering a delicious reflection of their cultural heritage.
Vietnam: Known for its freshness and light use of oil, Vietnamese dishes often include seafood, herbs, and flavorful broths. According to TasteAtlas’s 100 Best Cuisines in the World, Vietnam ranks 19th. Iconic Vietnamese food includes pho, banh mi (Vietnamese bread), banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), cha gio (fried spring rolls), bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup), sweet soups (che), mi Quang, bo kho (beef stew), egg coffee, bun cha, and com tam (broken rice).
Thailand: Thai food is famous for its bold flavors and perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Ranked 28th by TasteAtlas, Thailand’s must-try dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum, various curries (green, red, and Panang), Som Tam (papaya salad), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), mango sticky rice, Roti Canai, fried rice dishes like Khao Phat, and Larb (spicy meat salad).
Is Vietnam better than Thailand for food lovers? - Each offers various yummy dishes (Source: Collected)
2.6. Traffic and transportation
Traffic is another key factor when comparing Vietnam vs Thailand. Both countries offer convenient transportation options. Both rely heavily on motorbikes, and first-time visitors may find the chaotic flow overwhelming.
Vietnam: Air travel is expanding rapidly, with more domestic and international routes. While road and rail infrastructure need improvement, cheap internal flights and varied transportation in Vietnam options—motorbikes, buses, metros, and more—offer local flavor. Traffic in Vietnam is busy but slightly more orderly than Thailand’s.
Thailand: Vietnam vs Thailand in terms of traffic and transportation? With strong tourism infrastructure, Thailand offers smoother travel. It boasts extensive flight networks and affordable local transport like tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbikes. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT subway make getting around easy.
Motorbikes and the chaotic traffic can be found in both Vietnam and Thailand (Source: Collected)2.7. Communication
When considering traveling or living in Vietnam vs Thailand, language can be an important factor.
Vietnam: Many Vietnamese people can speak English, but it is not as widely used as in Thailand.
Thailand: English is more commonly spoken, making communication easier for foreign travelers.
2.8. Shopping
For the best shopping experiences, Vietnam vs Thailand? Both are true paradises for shopaholics, where international fashion coexists with vibrant local markets.
Vietnam: In Hanoi, the night markets buzz with energy and trend-setting streetwear. Dong Xuan Market offers a treasure trove of goods, from clothing to dried seafood. In Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is a hotspot for local delicacies, while Cho Lon is the go-to for handmade sauces and spices. In Da Nang, Han Market is ideal for picking up souvenirs, and Phu Quoc’s Dinh Cau Night Market delivers island charm and gifts. Don't miss the floating markets in the Mekong Delta, especially Cai Rang, for a one-of-a-kind cultural shopping experience.
Thailand: Bangkok lives up to its reputation as a shopping mecca, offering everything from fashion and jewelry to exotic herbs and miniature statues. Visit Rot Fai for retro finds, Chatuchak Weekend for variety, and Asiatique for riverside night shopping. In Phuket, the weekend markets are perfect for unique souvenirs, while Krabi’s Maharaj and Walking Street markets mix local essentials with artisan products.
Vietnam vs Thailand for shopaholics? - Each offers different experiences (Source: Collected)2.9. Currency
Each country has its currency, and knowing the basics before your trip will make your travels smoother.
Vietnam: Vietnam currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), though USD is often accepted in tourist areas. It is always best to carry VND for small purchases, and currency exchange is easy in major cities.
Thailand: Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB), and USD is not accepted for street-level transactions. Cash exchange is necessary, but booths and banks are easy to find in airports and tourist spots.
2.10. Safety
Is Vietnam or Thailand safer? Vietnam vs Thailand is considered generally safe for travelers, but it is wise to stay alert and informed about common scams.
Vietnam: According to Numbeo’s 2025 rankings, Vietnam ranks 55th globally and 4th in Southeast Asia for safety. Petty scams still exist, especially in tourist-heavy areas, with inflated prices or overcharging being the most common.
Thailand: Thailand ranks slightly higher at 50th globally and 3rd in the region. While it is a relatively safe destination, visitors should be cautious of pushy tuk-tuk drivers, overpriced gemstone shops, and unsolicited travel advice from strangers.
Both Vietnam and Thailand are safe destinations to travel to (Source: Collected)2.11. Visa
Vietnam vs Thailand, which country has easier visa policies? Visa policies are important when planning your itinerary, and both Vietnam and Thailand have made efforts to simplify the process.
Vietnam: As of March 2025, Vietnam’s visa is unilaterally exempted for 12 countries (Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and bilaterally exempted for 15 countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Chile, Mongolia, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, and Southeast Asian nations), allowing stays of 14 to 90 days. Phu Quoc Island grants a special 30-day visa exemption policy for all foreign nationals. Vietnam’s e-visa system is open to all nationalities and valid for a maximum of 90 days with single or multiple entries. Application fees range from USD 25 to USD 50.
Thailand: As of March 2025, citizens of 93 countries - like the U.S., U.K., China, India, and most of Europe - can enter Thailand visa-free. Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced plans to shorten the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days; however, an exact implementation date has not yet been set. The new Destination Thailand Visa, launched in July 2024, allows eligible travelers to stay up to 180 days over five years. A visa-on-arrival is also available for some nationalities, valid for 30 days at a fee of USD 60.
If you want to travel to Vietnam or Thailand, remember to read their visa policies (Source: Collected)2.12. Accommodation
Which country offers better accommodation options, Vietnam vs Thailand? Both boast diverse and plentiful accommodation choices, but Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is often seen as more refined.
Vietnam: From luxury resorts to charming homestays, Vietnam offers accommodations for every traveler and budget. While the quality can vary, the country is rapidly upgrading its standards.
Thailand: Thailand’s accommodation scene is more robust and polished. From beach resorts and boutique hotels to Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hostels, the country caters to families, solo travelers, and groups alike.
While Thailand remains a strong favorite in Vietnam vs Thailand accommodation comparison, Vietnam travel is gaining ground with stunning scenery, countless memorable experiences, and a growing number of high-quality hospitality options. For a truly relaxing stay, consider the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, renowned for their elegant design, scenic locations, and top-tier amenities. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, your partner, or solo, you will enjoy access to pools, restaurants, golf courses, spas, and more. And don’t miss the chance to explore VinWonders, Vietnam’s leading amusement and theme park complex, perfect for unwinding, having fun, and creating lasting memories together.
Vinpearl is a popular accommodation option for luxury and comfort3. Wrap-up: Which country should you visit?
3.1. Who should visit Vietnam?
After considering Vietnam vs Thailand in many factors, Vietnam is a dream for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic cultural experiences. With ancient temples, scenic rice fields, and vibrant local crafts, it offers rich traditions and affordable travel, perfect for explorers on a budget.
3.2. Who should visit Thailand?
Thailand is a top pick for beachgoers, foodies, and nightlife lovers. From golden temples and tropical islands to buzzing night markets and luxury stays, it's a fun, convenient destination full of energy and charm.
3.3. Why not both?
Why choose just one when you can explore the best of both? Each offers unforgettable experiences and is family-friendly, honeymoon-worthy, and packed with cultural and natural wonders. Whether you are into island hopping, historic sites, tropical weather, or adrenaline-pumping activities, these Southeast Asian gems are calling.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand? Yes! (Source: Collected)Vietnam vs Thailand offers travelers two incredible yet distinct experiences. Whether you seek Vietnam’s rich history and scenic landscapes or Thailand’s vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, both destinations promise unforgettable adventures. Ultimately, your choice depends on what kind of journey you want. Either way, you will come away with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Southeast Asia’s charm.