thailand vs vietnam travel If you are looking for a Southeast Asian destination that offers rich culture, stunning scenery, delicious food, and friendly people, you might be wondering whether to choose Thailand or Vietnam. Both countries have a lot to offer, but they also have some differences that might affect your travel experience. In this blog post, we will compare Thailand and Vietnam travel in terms of visa requirements, cost, safety, attractions, cuisine, and weather, to help you decide which one is the best fit for your preferences and budget.
Visa Requirements
One of the first things you need to consider when planning your trip is whether you need a visa to enter the country. Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, the visa requirements for Thailand and Vietnam may vary. thailand vs vietnam travel
Thailand Visa
Thailand offers visa exemption for citizens of 64 countries and territories, who can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days by air or 15 days by land or sea. You can check the list of eligible countries here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/changes-visa-exempt.php
If you want to stay longer than the visa exemption period, you can apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before your trip. A tourist visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, and can be extended for another 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand. The fee for a tourist visa is 40 USD. thailand vs vietnam travel
Alternatively, you can apply for a special tourist visa (STV) that allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days, and can be extended twice for another 90 days each time. The fee for an STV is 80 USD. However, to qualify for an STV, you need to meet certain requirements, such as having a certificate of entry (COE), a negative COVID-19 test result, a confirmed hotel reservation for at least 14 days of quarantine, and a health insurance policy that covers COVID-19 treatment. You can find more information about the STV here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/special-tourist-visa-to-thailand.php thailand vs vietnam travel
Vietnam Visa
Vietnam offers visa exemption for citizens of 24 countries and territories, who can enter the country without a visa for up to 15 or 30 days depending on their nationality. You can check the list of eligible countries here: https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/requirements/vietnam-visa-exemption/
If you are not eligible for visa exemption or want to stay longer than the visa exemption period, you can apply for an e-visa online before your trip. An e-visa allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days, and is valid for single entry only. The fee for an e-visa is 25 USD. You can apply for an e-visa here: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ thailand vs vietnam travel
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) that allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, and is valid for single or multiple entries depending on your choice. The fee for a VOA varies from 15 to 50 USD depending on the type and duration of your visa. However, to get a VOA, you need to obtain a visa approval letter from a travel agency or an online service provider before your trip. You can find more information about the VOA here: https://www.vietnam-evisa.org/visa-on-arrival.html thailand vs vietnam travel
Cost
Another important factor to consider when comparing Thailand and Vietnam travel is the cost of living and traveling in each country. Generally speaking, both countries are affordable destinations for travelers on a budget, but there are some differences in the prices of accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.
Accommodation
Thailand has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes, from cheap hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and villas. You can expect to pay around 10 USD per night for a dorm bed in a hostel, 20 USD per night for a private room in a guesthouse or hotel, and 50 USD per night or more for a resort or villa. thailand vs vietnam travel
Vietnam also has a variety of accommodation options for travelers, from basic homestays and hostels to modern hotels and apartments. You can expect to pay around 5 USD per night for a dorm bed in a hostel, 15 USD per night for a private room in a homestay or hotel, and 30 USD per night or more for a hotel or apartment.
Transportation
Thailand has a well-developed transportation system that includes buses, trains, taxis, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and domestic flights. You can travel around the country easily and cheaply by using public transportation or renting a motorbike or car. You can expect to pay around 1 USD for a bus ride, 2 USD for a train ride, 3 USD for a taxi ride, and 10 USD for a domestic flight. thailand vs vietnam travel
Vietnam also has a good transportation system that includes buses, trains, taxis, xe oms (motorbike taxis), and domestic flights. You can travel around the country conveniently and affordably by using public transportation or renting a motorbike or car. You can expect to pay around 0.5 USD for a bus ride, 1 USD for a train ride, 2 USD for a taxi ride, and 15 USD for a domestic flight. thailand vs vietnam travel
Food
Thailand is famous for its delicious and diverse cuisine that includes dishes such as pad thai, tom yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice. You can find food stalls and restaurants everywhere in the country, offering both local and international food options. You can expect to pay around 1 USD for a street food meal, 3 USD for a restaurant meal, and 5 USD or more for a fine dining meal.
Vietnam is also known for its tasty and varied cuisine that includes dishes such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and egg coffee. You can find food stalls and restaurants everywhere in the country, offering both local and international food options. You can expect to pay around 0.5 USD for a street food meal, 2 USD for a restaurant meal, and 4 USD or more for a fine dining meal. thailand vs vietnam travel
Activities
Thailand offers a lot of activities for travelers of all interests and ages, from cultural and historical attractions to natural and adventure attractions. You can visit temples and palaces, explore islands and beaches, enjoy nightlife and shopping, or join tours and classes. You can expect to pay around 5 USD for an entrance fee to a temple or palace, 10 USD for a boat trip to an island or beach, 15 USD for a night out or shopping spree, and 20 USD or more for a tour or class. thailand vs vietnam travel
Vietnam also offers a lot of activities for travelers of all interests and ages, from cultural and historical attractions to natural and adventure attractions. You can visit museums and pagodas, explore mountains and caves, enjoy nightlife and shopping, or join tours and classes. You can expect to pay around 2 USD for an entrance fee to a museum or pagoda, 5 USD for a bus trip to a mountain or cave, 10 USD for a night out or shopping spree, and 15 USD or more for a tour or class. thailand vs vietnam travel
Safety
Safety is another important factor to consider when comparing Thailand and Vietnam travel. Both countries are generally safe destinations for travelers, but they also have some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for.
Thailand Safety
Thailand is a relatively safe country to travel in, but it has some issues with petty crime, scams, traffic accidents, political unrest, and natural disasters. You should exercise caution when traveling in Thailand by following these tips:
- Keep your valuables in a safe place or leave them at home.
- Avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who offer you cheap rides or tours.
- Negotiate the price before you take any service or buy any product.
- Be respectful of the local culture and religion.
- Avoid discussing politics or the monarchy with strangers.
- Follow the local laws and regulations.
- Wear helmets when riding motorbikes.
- Check the weather forecast before you travel.
- Get travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
Vietnam Safety
Vietnam is also a relatively safe country to travel in, but it has some issues with petty crime, scams, traffic accidents, pollution, and natural disasters. You should exercise caution when traveling in Vietnam by following these tips:
- Keep your valuables in a safe place or leave them at home.
- Avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- Beware of taxi drivers who use rigged meters or take long routes.
- Negotiate the price before you take any service or buy any product.
- Be respectful of the local culture and history.
- Avoid discussing politics or the war with strangers.
- Follow the local laws and regulations.
- Wear helmets when riding motorbikes.
- Check the air quality index before you go outside.
- Get travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
Attractions
Attractions are another important factor to consider when comparing Thailand and Vietnam travel. Both countries have a lot of attractions that appeal to different types of travelers, but they also have some unique features that make them stand out from each other. thailand vs vietnam travel
Thailand Attractions
Thailand is a country that offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for culture, nature, adventure, or relaxation. Some of the most popular attractions in Thailand are:
- Bangkok: The capital city of Thailand is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that combines modern skyscrapers and shopping malls with ancient temples and palaces. You can visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and other historical and religious sites, enjoy the nightlife and entertainment in Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, or Silom, or shop till you drop in Siam Paragon, MBK, or Chatuchak Weekend Market. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Chiang Mai: The largest city in northern Thailand is a cultural and natural hub that offers a more laid-back and authentic atmosphere than Bangkok. You can visit the old city and its dozens of temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Doi Suthep, explore the surrounding mountains and forests, such as Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Sa Valley, and Chiang Dao Cave, or join an ethical elephant sanctuary or a cooking class. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Phuket: The largest island in Thailand is a popular beach destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. You can enjoy the sun and sand in Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, or Kamala Beach, visit the Big Buddha statue and the Phuket Old Town, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands and bays, such as Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, or Maya Bay. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Krabi: Another beach destination in southern Thailand is Krabi province, which is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations. You can relax in Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach, or Koh Lanta Island, go rock climbing or kayaking in Tonsai Bay or Thalane Bay, or visit the Emerald Pool and the Tiger Cave Temple.
Vietnam Attractions
Vietnam is a country that offers a diverse and fascinating travel experience, whether you are looking for history, nature, adventure, or relaxation. Some of the most popular attractions in Vietnam are:
- Hanoi: The capital city of Vietnam is a charming and chaotic city that reflects the country’s colonial and communist past. You can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and other historical and cultural sites, enjoy the street food and coffee culture in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, or watch a water puppet show or a traditional opera. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Ho Chi Minh City: The largest city in Vietnam is a dynamic and modern metropolis that showcases the country’s economic and social development. You can visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and other historical and architectural sites, enjoy the nightlife and entertainment in District 1 or District 3, or shop till you drop in Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, or Vincom Center. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Ha Long Bay: One of the most iconic attractions in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald water. You can take a cruise or a kayak to explore the bay, visit the caves, such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave, or stay overnight on a junk boat or a floating village. thailand vs vietnam travel
- Hoi An: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam is Hoi An, a charming and well-preserved ancient town that dates back to the 15th century. You can stroll along the lantern-lit streets, admire the old houses, bridges, and temples, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tan Ky House, and the Quan Cong Temple, or shop for tailor-made clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Cuisine
Cuisine is another important factor to consider when comparing Thailand and Vietnam travel. Both countries have a rich and diverse culinary tradition that reflects their geography, history, and culture. However, they also have some distinctive features that make them different from each other.
Thailand Cuisine
Thailand is famous for its spicy and flavorful cuisine that combines the four main tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Some of the most common ingredients in Thai cuisine are rice, noodles, coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, chili peppers, lemongrass, galangal, and basil. Some of the most popular dishes in Thailand are:
- Pad Thai: A stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy sauce. You can choose your preferred protein, such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Tom Yum: A hot and sour soup with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes. You can choose your preferred protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or seafood.
- Green Curry: A coconut milk-based curry with green curry paste, bamboo shoots, eggplants, basil leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. You can choose your preferred protein, such as chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.
- Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet dessert made of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with fresh mango slices and coconut cream.
Vietnam Cuisine
Vietnam is famous for its fresh and healthy cuisine that balances the five main tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Some of the most common ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine are rice, noodles, fish sauce, lime juice, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and cilantro. Some of the most popular dishes in Vietnam are:
- Pho: A noodle soup with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, bean sprouts, herbs, and lime wedges. You can add your preferred toppings, such as sliced beef, chicken, meatballs, or tofu.
- Banh Mi: A sandwich made of a baguette filled with various ingredients, such as pate, ham, grilled pork, chicken, tofu, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and mayonnaise.
- Spring Rolls: A snack or appetizer made of rice paper wrappers filled with various ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, chicken, tofu, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and basil. You can dip them in a peanut sauce or a fish sauce.
- Egg Coffee: A drink made of strong black coffee topped with whipped egg yolks and condensed milk.
Weather
Weather is another important factor to consider when comparing Thailand and Vietnam travel. Both countries have a tropical climate that is influenced by the monsoon season, but they also have some regional variations that affect the best time to visit each country. thailand vs vietnam travel
Thailand Weather
Thailand has three main seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The hot season lasts from March to May, when the temperature can reach up to 40°C and the humidity is high. The rainy season lasts from June to October, when the rainfall is frequent and heavy, especially in the south and the east. The cool season lasts from November to February, when the temperature is more pleasant and the rainfall is less, especially in the north and the west.
The best time to visit Thailand depends on your preferences and your destination. Generally speaking, the cool season is the most popular and comfortable time to visit Thailand, as the weather is dry and mild. However, this also means that the prices are higher and the crowds are larger. If you want to avoid the peak season, you can visit Thailand in the hot or rainy season, but you need to be prepared for the heat or the rain. You also need to check the weather forecast for each region, as some areas may have different patterns of rainfall or temperature.
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Vietnam Weather
Vietnam has two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May to October in the north and from April to November in the south, when the rainfall is frequent and heavy, especially in the central coast and the highlands. The dry season lasts from November to April in the north and from December to March in the south, when the rainfall is less and the temperature is more stable. thailand vs vietnam travel
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your preferences and your destination. Generally speaking, the dry season is the most popular and comfortable time to visit Vietnam, as the weather is sunny and warm. However, this also means that the prices are higher and the crowds are larger. If you want to avoid the peak season, you can visit Vietnam in the wet season, but you need to be prepared for the rain or the cold. You also need to check the weather forecast for each region, as some areas may have different patterns of rainfall or temperature. thailand vs vietnam travel
Conclusion
Thailand and Vietnam are both amazing countries that offer a lot of attractions, cuisine, culture, and nature for travelers. However, they also have some differences that might affect your travel experience. Depending on your visa requirements, cost, safety, weather, and personal preferences, you might choose one country over another, or you might decide to visit both countries in one trip. Whatever you choose, you will surely have a memorable and enjoyable time in Southeast Asia. thailand vs vietnam travel
