sri lanka vs vietnam travel If you are looking for a destination in Asia that offers a rich culture, stunning nature, and delicious food, you might be wondering whether to visit Sri Lanka or Vietnam. Both countries have their own charms and attractions, but they also have some differences that might influence your decision. In this blog post, we will compare Sri Lanka and Vietnam travel in terms of:
- Visa requirements
- Cost of living
- Safety and health
- Culture and history
- Nature and wildlife
- Food and cuisine
By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of which country suits your preferences and budget better. Let’s get started!
Visa Requirements sri lanka vs vietnam travel
One of the first things you need to consider when planning a trip to Sri Lanka or Vietnam is the visa requirements. Depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for a visa in advance or get one on arrival. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Sri Lanka Visa
Sri Lanka offers an online visa system called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most nationalities. You can apply for an ETA online before your trip and pay a fee of $35 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. You will receive an approval email within 24 hours and you can print it out and show it at the immigration upon arrival. Alternatively, you can also get an ETA on arrival at the airport, but you will have to pay a higher fee of $40 USD and wait in a longer queue. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Some nationalities are exempt from the ETA requirement and can enter Sri Lanka visa-free for up to 30 days. These include Singapore, Maldives, Seychelles, and some African countries. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries here. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Visa
Vietnam also offers an online visa system called e-Visa for 80 nationalities. You can apply for an e-Visa online before your trip and pay a fee of $25 USD for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. You will receive an approval email within 3 working days and you can print it out and show it at the immigration upon arrival.
Some nationalities are exempt from the e-Visa requirement and can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 15 days. These include Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Chile, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Kyrgyzstan. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries here. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Cost of Living
Another important factor to consider when comparing Sri Lanka and Vietnam travel is the cost of living. Both countries are relatively affordable compared to other destinations in Asia or Europe, but they have some differences in terms of prices and currency. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) as its currency. The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 200 LKR as of May 2023. You can exchange money at the airport, banks, hotels or authorized money changers. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash with your debit or credit card, but be aware of the fees and limits.
The cost of living in Sri Lanka varies depending on where you go and what you do. Generally speaking, the south coast and the hill country are more expensive than the north and east coast. The capital city Colombo is also more expensive than other towns and villages. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Here are some average prices for common expenses in Sri Lanka:
- Accommodation: You can find a range of accommodation options in Sri Lanka, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. A dorm bed in a hostel costs around 800 LKR ($4 USD) per night, while a private room in a guesthouse costs around 2,000 LKR ($10 USD) per night. A mid-range hotel room costs around 5,000 LKR ($25 USD) per night, while a luxury resort room costs around 15,000 LKR ($75 USD) per night or more. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Food: Sri Lankan food is delicious and diverse, influenced by Indian, Arab, Malay and Portuguese cuisines. You can find cheap street food stalls selling rice and curry dishes for around 200 LKR ($1 USD) per plate, while a meal in a local restaurant costs around 500 LKR ($2.5 USD) per person. A meal in a touristy restaurant costs around 1,500 LKR ($7.5 USD) per person, while a meal in a fine dining restaurant costs around 5,000 LKR ($25 USD) per person or more. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Transportation: The most common modes of transportation in Sri Lanka are buses, trains, tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis), and taxis. Buses are the cheapest option, costing around 50 LKR ($0.25 USD) per ride, but they are often crowded, uncomfortable, and slow. Trains are more scenic and comfortable, but they are also more expensive, costing around 200 LKR ($1 USD) per ride for second class seats, and around 500 LKR ($2.5 USD) per ride for first class seats. Tuk-tuks are convenient and fun, but they are also more expensive, costing around 50 LKR ($0.25 USD) per kilometer, and you need to bargain with the drivers before getting in. Taxis are the most comfortable and reliable option, but they are also the most expensive, costing around 100 LKR ($0.5 USD) per kilometer, and you need to book them in advance or use an app like Uber or PickMe. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Activities: There are plenty of activities to do in Sri Lanka, from visiting ancient temples to hiking mountains to surfing beaches. The prices vary depending on the type and location of the activity, but here are some examples:
- Entrance fee to Sigiriya Rock Fortress: 4,500 LKR ($22.5 USD) per person
- Entrance fee to Yala National Park: 3,000 LKR ($15 USD) per person plus jeep rental fee
- Surfboard rental at Arugam Bay: 1,000 LKR ($5 USD) per hour
- Cooking class at Galle: 3,000 LKR ($15 USD) per person
Vietnam Cost of Living
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND) as its currency. The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 23,000 VND as of May 2023. You can exchange money at the airport, banks, hotels or authorized money changers. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash with your debit or credit card, but be aware of the fees and limits.
The cost of living in Vietnam varies depending on where you go and what you do. Generally speaking, the north is cheaper than the south, and the rural areas are cheaper than the urban areas. The capital city Hanoi is more expensive than other cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Here are some average prices for common expenses in Vietnam:
- Accommodation: You can find a range of accommodation options in Vietnam, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. A dorm bed in a hostel costs around 100,000 VND ($4.3 USD) per night, while a private room in a guesthouse costs around 300,000 VND ($13 USD) per night. A mid-range hotel room costs around 600,000 VND ($26 USD) per night, while a luxury resort room costs around 2 million VND ($87 USD) per night or more. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Food: Vietnamese food is delicious and diverse, influenced by Chinese, French, Thai and Cambodian cuisines. You can find cheap street food stalls selling pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) for around 30,000 VND ($1.3 USD) per dish, while a meal in a local restaurant costs around 100,000 VND ($4.3 USD) per person. A meal in a touristy restaurant costs around 300,000 VND ($13 USD) per person, while a meal in a fine dining restaurant costs around 1 million VND ($43 USD) per person or more.
- Transportation: The most common modes of transportation in Vietnam are buses, trains, motorbikes (two-wheeled taxis), and taxis. Buses are the cheapest option, costing around 10,000 VND ($0.4 USD) per ride, but they are often crowded, uncomfortable, and slow. Trains are more scenic and comfortable, but they are also more expensive, costing around 200,000 VND ($8.7 USD) per ride for soft seats, and around 500 sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- 000 VND ($21.7 USD) per ride for soft sleepers. Motorbikes are convenient and fun, but they are also more expensive, costing around 10,000 VND ($0.4 USD) per kilometer, and you need to wear a helmet and be careful of the traffic. Taxis are the most comfortable and reliable option, but they are also the most expensive, costing around 15,000 VND ($0.65 USD) per kilometer, and you need to book them in advance or use an app like Grab or GoViet.
- Activities: There are plenty of activities to do in Vietnam, from visiting ancient pagodas to cruising Halong Bay to exploring caves. The prices vary depending on the type and location of the activity, but here are some examples:
- Entrance fee to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free
- Entrance fee to Hue Imperial City: 200,000 VND ($8.7 USD) per person
- Cruise tour in Halong Bay: 1.5 million VND ($65 USD) per person for a one-day tour
- Trekking tour in Sapa: 1 million VND ($43 USD) per person for a two-day tour
Safety and Health
Safety and health are also important aspects to consider when comparing Sri Lanka and Vietnam travel. Both countries are generally safe and peaceful for tourists, but they also have some risks and challenges that you should be aware of.
Sri Lanka Safety and Health
Sri Lanka is a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and a friendly population. However, there are some things you should be careful of, such as:
- Scams: Some tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides, or shopkeepers might try to overcharge you or sell you fake products. Always agree on a price before getting in a tuk-tuk or buying something, and check the quality and authenticity of the goods. You can also use online reviews or recommendations from other travelers to avoid scams. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Terrorism: Sri Lanka suffered a series of terrorist attacks in April 2019 that targeted churches and hotels in Colombo and other cities, killing over 250 people and injuring hundreds more. The security situation has improved since then, but you should still be vigilant and avoid large crowds and public gatherings. You should also follow the advice of the local authorities and your embassy. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Natural disasters: Sri Lanka is prone to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes. You should check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid areas that are affected by heavy rains or storms. You should also have a travel insurance that covers natural disasters.
Sri Lanka has a good health care system, with public and private hospitals and clinics available in major cities and towns. However, the quality and availability of medical services might vary in rural areas. You should also be aware of some health risks in Sri Lanka, such as:
- Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. Malaria is present in some parts of Sri Lanka, especially in the north and east coast. You should take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, sleeping under a mosquito net, and taking anti-malarial medication if advised by your doctor.
- Dengue fever: Dengue fever is another mosquito-borne disease that can cause similar symptoms as malaria, but also rash, joint pain, bleeding gums, and low blood pressure. It can also be fatal if not treated promptly. Dengue fever is common in Sri Lanka, especially during the rainy season from May to October. You should take the same preventive measures as for malaria. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Food poisoning: Food poisoning is a common problem for travelers in Sri Lanka, caused by eating contaminated or unhygienic food or water. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It can be treated with oral rehydration salts, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal medication. You should avoid eating street food, raw or undercooked meat or seafood, unwashed fruits or vegetables, and tap water or ice cubes. You should also wash your hands before eating and drink bottled water or boiled water. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Safety and Health
Vietnam is also a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and a friendly population. However, there are some things you should be careful of, such as:
- Scams: Some taxi drivers, tour guides, or shopkeepers might try to overcharge you or sell you fake products. Always use a metered taxi or book one through an app like Grab or GoViet. Always agree on a price before joining a tour or buying something, and check the quality and authenticity of the goods. You can also use online reviews or recommendations from other travelers to avoid scams. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Traffic accidents: Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Vietnam, due to the chaotic and congested traffic conditions. Motorbikes are the main mode of transportation in Vietnam, but they are also very dangerous for inexperienced drivers or pedestrians. You should always wear a helmet and follow the traffic rules when riding a motorbike. You should also be careful when crossing the street and look both ways before stepping into the road. You should also have a travel insurance that covers traffic accidents. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Natural disasters: Vietnam is prone to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, typhoons, and earthquakes. You should check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid areas that are affected by heavy rains or storms. You should also have a travel insurance that covers natural disasters.
Vietnam has a decent health care system, with public and private hospitals and clinics available in major cities and towns. However, the quality and availability of medical services might vary in rural areas. You should also be aware of some health risks in Vietnam, such as:
- Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. Malaria is present in some parts of Vietnam, especially in the central highlands and the Mekong Delta region. You should take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, sleeping under a mosquito net, and taking anti-malarial medication if advised by your doctor. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Dengue fever: Dengue fever is another mosquito-borne disease that can cause similar symptoms as malaria, but also rash, joint pain, bleeding gums, and low blood pressure. It can also be fatal if not treated promptly. Dengue fever is common in Vietnam, sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- especially during the rainy season from May to November. You should take the same preventive measures as for malaria.
- Food poisoning: Food poisoning is a common problem for travelers in Vietnam, caused by eating contaminated or unhygienic food or water. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. It can be treated with oral rehydration salts, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal medication. You should avoid eating street food, raw or undercooked meat or seafood, unwashed fruits or vegetables, and tap water or ice cubes. You should also wash your hands before eating and drink bottled water or boiled water. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Culture and History
Culture and history are also important aspects to consider when comparing Sri Lanka and Vietnam travel. Both countries have a rich and diverse culture and history, influenced by various religions, ethnicities, and civilizations. However, they also have some differences that might appeal to different types of travelers. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Contact us:
Car For Rent Hanoi VietNam
https://zalo.me/0986244358
Sri Lanka Culture and History
Sri Lanka has a culture and history that dates back to over 2,500 years ago. It is home to four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. It is also home to various ethnic groups: Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Burghers, Malays, and others. It has been colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British, who left their marks on the architecture, language, and cuisine of the island. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
Some of the highlights of Sri Lanka’s culture and history are:
- Buddhism: Buddhism is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, practiced by about 70% of the population. It is also the oldest living Buddhist tradition in the world, dating back to the 3rd century BC when it was introduced by Emperor Ashoka of India. Sri Lanka has many Buddhist temples, monasteries, statues, and festivals that showcase the beauty and diversity of this faith. Some of the most famous ones are: sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy: This is the most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, where a tooth relic of Buddha is enshrined in a golden casket. It is also the site of the annual Esala Perahera festival, where a grand procession of elephants, dancers, drummers, and fire-eaters takes place in honor of the tooth relic. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Dambulla Cave Temple: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of five caves filled with over 150 statues and paintings of Buddha and other deities. It is also one of the oldest and largest cave temples in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 1st century BC. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Anuradhapura Ruins: This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it contains many ruins of palaces, temples, stupas, and monasteries that reflect the glory and sophistication of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Hinduism: Hinduism is the second largest religion in Sri Lanka, practiced by about 12% of the population. It is mainly followed by the Tamil ethnic group, who live mostly in the north and east coast of the island. Hinduism in Sri Lanka has a long and complex history, influenced by various sects, traditions, and invasions from India. Sri Lanka has many Hindu temples, shrines, and festivals that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of this faith. Some of the most famous ones are:
- The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna: This is one of the most important Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war and victory. It is also one of the most colorful and lively temples in Sri Lanka, especially during its annual festival that lasts for 25 days and attracts thousands of pilgrims and devotees. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee: This is another important Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. It is also one of the oldest and most scenic temples in Sri Lanka, situated on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is also known for its Thirukoneswaram festival, where a chariot procession carries an image of Lord Shiva around the town. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Munneswaram Temple Complex in Chilaw: This is a complex of five Hindu temples dedicated to various deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga. It is also one of the most sacred and popular Hindu sites in Sri Lanka, especially during its Navratri festival, where animal sacrifices are performed to appease the gods. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- Islam: Islam is the third largest religion in Sri Lanka, practiced by about 10% of the population. It is mainly followed by the Moor ethnic group, who are descendants of Arab traders who settled in Sri Lanka since medieval times. Islam in Sri Lanka has a diverse and tolerant history, influenced by various sects, schools, and cultures from Arabia, Persia, India, and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka has many mosques, schools, and festivals that showcase the beauty and harmony of this faith. Some of the most famous ones are: sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo: This is one of the most iconic mosques in Sri Lanka, known for its red-and-white striped candy-cane design. It was built in 1909 by Indian Muslim traders who wanted a place to pray near their shops. It can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time and it attracts many visitors for its architectural beauty and historical significance. sri lanka vs vietnam travel sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Grand Mosque in Galle: This is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 18th century. It was built by Arab traders who came to Galle via Yemen and Oman. It is located inside the Galle Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a Dutch colonial stronghold. It is a beautiful and peaceful mosque that blends well with the surrounding architecture and culture. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Meera Mosque in Kandy: This is one of the most prominent mosques in Sri Lanka, located near the Temple of the Tooth in the heart of Kandy. It was built in 1820 by a wealthy Muslim merchant who wanted to create a place of worship for the Muslim community in Kandy. It is a large and elegant mosque that can accommodate up to 6,000 worshippers at a time and it hosts many religious and cultural events throughout the year.
- Christianity: Christianity is the fourth largest religion in Sri Lanka, practiced by about 7% of the population. It is mainly followed by the Burgher ethnic group, who are descendants of European colonizers who came to Sri Lanka from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. Christianity in Sri Lanka has a long and complex history, influenced by various denominations, traditions, and conflicts from Europe and Asia. Sri Lanka has many churches, schools, and festivals that showcase the diversity and resilience of this faith. Some of the most famous ones are: sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade: This is one of the most popular Catholic churches in Sri Lanka, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost things. It was built in 1828 by Indian Catholic fishermen who came to Colombo for trade. It is also one of the most miraculous churches in Sri Lanka, as many people claim to have found their lost items or received their prayers answered after visiting the shrine. It is also one of the churches that was attacked by terrorists in April 2019, killing over 50 people and injuring hundreds more. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The Dutch Reformed Church in Galle: This is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1640. It was built by the Dutch colonizers who wanted to spread their Calvinist faith in Sri Lanka. It is located inside the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a Dutch colonial stronghold. It is a simple and elegant church that reflects the Dutch architectural style and culture. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
- The St. Paul’s Church in Kandy: This is one of the most prominent Anglican churches in Sri Lanka, located near the Temple of the Tooth in the heart of Kandy. It was built in 1843 by the British colonizers who wanted to establish their Anglican faith in Sri Lanka. It is a large and majestic church that can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers at a time and it hosts many religious and cultural events throughout the year. sri lanka vs vietnam travel
