Vietnam vs Thailand: which one is easier to travel to and why

Many travelers, who are planning on traveling to Asia for the first time, cannot choose whether to go to Thailand or Vietnam. Both countries have a lot of sun, sea, resorts and the prices for tours are almost the same.

We have lived in Vietnam and spent a significant time in Thailand, and we are ready to share all the pros and cons in detail. We will go through all the points, from the comparison of resorts to the Internet connection quality. Of course, the most important thing to remember right away is that everyone has different preferences and expectations. After that, you can decide for yourself on Vietnam vs Thailand, or maybe it's going to be both?

1. Visa and Entry Requirements

This can become a decisive factor for your first visit to this part of the world, depending on your passport. You can check the requirements to get a visa to Thailand versus those for Vietnam upon selecting your nationality from the drop-down menu.

• From our experience, we can say that US citizens can stay visa-free in Thailand for 30 days.

• Meanwhile, a lot of countries are required to get a visa to Vietnam, but it's effortless to obtain one online from an e-visa service.

2. The Weather and the best time to travel to Vietnam and Thailand

Both countries are located in Southeast Asia, so it is warm all year round with no pronounced summer or winter, but there is a rainy season.

• Best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a great destination all year round. In winter, it is most pleasant to relax in Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc Island, in summer - in Nha Trang or Hoi An if you are looking for a seaside holiday. It starts raining pretty much everywhere from the end of October till we'd say February.

• Best time to visit Thailand

It is most comfortable to visit Thailand in winter when it is dry and not too stuffy and humid. This is especially true for such a popular resort as Phuket. In Koh Samui and Pattaya, it rains mainly in the fall, but usually, it does not interfere with your vacation.

As you can see, it may be smart to choose not between countries, but between the resorts.

3. Adaptation to Thai and Vietnamese climate

There is one more critical point - acclimatization, adaptation to the country's climate. Thailand is less hot, but tourists note that the heat is much harder to endure due to the high humidity. This is especially true in summer and autumn when it rains.

Many people comment that it is easier to breathe in Vietnam. 

4. Vietnamese vs Thai food

Is Thai and Vietnamese food the same? Not at all! As for us, Vietnamese food compared to Thai is lighter and has more freshness to it thanks to using a lot of greens. On the other side, Thai food seems to be heartier.

The traditional cuisines of both countries are different and unique in their own ways, so it depends on your taste. The only thing we can tell for sure - alcohol is cheaper in Vietnam. As for cafes, it seems that you can get the same quality food for less money in Vietnam. If we talk about imported products, they are expensive everywhere.

5. Which is easier – getting around Vietnam or Thailand?

Vietnam has exceptionally affordable taxis as well as accessible and affordable buses. Many people also prefer to rent their own scooters. It is fair to say, though, that traffic in Vietnam is pretty insane, and we urge you to be extremely careful whether driving or merely crossing the road. 

As for Thailand, it seems to be less and less reckless driving every year, and overall we felt safer driving there. 

6. Accommodation

Here we need to consider if it is a short-term or long-term rent.

• Accommodation prices in Vietnam

If you go on vacation for two weeks, then Vietnam will be cheaper with equal amenities in the room. For example, you can stay in inexpensive guesthouses with air conditioning for $ 10-15 per day in Vietnam, which is impossible in Thailand.

• Accommodation prices in Thailand

While the hotels are more expensive but if you come to spend the winter and want to rent a house for a few months, then the prices will be approximately equal, and sometimes Thailand will come out cheaper.

7. Internet connection

Oddly enough, socialist and "poor" Vietnam seems to be better here than Thailand. Wireless good or acceptable-quality internet is everywhere, even in a run-down guesthouse by the highway.

In Thailand, we often found WiFi to be slower. Cellular services are well-presented in both countries, with mobile operators offering comparable rates. In Vietnam, for example, you shouldn't be paying more than $5 per month.

That's why a Sims Direct travel sim card is necessary to keep you online with high-speed data during your stay.

8. Vietnam or Thailand beaches

• In terms of beaches, Vietnam is definitely behind Thailand. The water there is not so clear, and the infrastructure is less developed. There are some beautiful beaches, but it's more challenging to reach them. 

• In Vietnam, almost all beaches have a smooth and shallow entrance to the water, which is excellent for families with children.

• Thailand's beaches are cleaner and more equipped - except for Pattaya, where the sea is rather dirty and not suitable for swimming. But on the islands, you can get into a genuinely heavenly environment. 

• The water is always warm, but in winter in south Vietnam, it is rarely warmer than + 25 ° С, while in Thailand, it gets up to + 27 ° С and higher.

9. The "Untouched" Beaches

• Vietnam

Despite being less touristy, Vietnam has fewer opportunities to live on the seashore in a bungalow, without any transportation around. In fact, only Phu Quoc Island offers such accommodation, and there are only a few dozen hotels with detached bungalows right on the shore. On the islands of Kon Dao and Catba, such solitude is very expensive.

• Thailand

As for Thailand, there is an abundance of islands with all kinds of accommodation. There are semi-civilized ones with shops, markets, bars, and massage (Ko Chang, Phangan, Ko Tao, Phi Phi, Ko Lanta), and there are also almost wild ones, where there is nothing of the above, except for a couple of restaurants and massage at the hotel (Samet, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Wai and a dozen lesser-known ones like Ko Yao).

10. Marine world and diving

Diving and snorkeling opportunities are more attractive in Thailand, with more diving sites and wildlife. Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Similan, and Surin Islands are especially popular in this regard. You can easily get your PADI certification for around $300-350 in both Vietnam or Thailand, but we absolutely recommend the latter.

12. Entertainment and Nightlife

In terms of entertainment, Thailand is definitely in the lead - even small resorts have clubs, and large cities are famous for noisy parties, interesting and exotic shows. There are also many more water parks and amusement parks. 

Vietnam has become popular with tourists later than Thailand, and the entertainment industry has been on the rise for the last 2-3 years. You will still find great parties, bars, clubs, amusement parks, and water parks only in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Nha Trang. The Vietnamese also go to bed very early, so the streets are tranquil after 10-11 pm.

Our final opinion on Vietnam VS Thailand 

Head to Thailand if you:

• Want to party hard

• Appreciate the developed tourist infrastructure (hence also better for traveling with young kids)

• Want to get acquainted with oriental sights.

• Would love to see exotic shows

• Prefer the most comfortable hotels.

• Want to relax on cleaner beaches and more turquoise sea.

• Planning a trip in the winter.

You will love Vietnam if you:

• Want to save money on the tour.

• Interested in France - the French have had an enormous impact on local architecture and culture.

• Want to go off the beaten path.

• Would love to relax in peace, in nature.

• Are not looking for maximum comfort.

• Love coffee - it is outstanding there.