travel vietnam vs thailand Vietnam and Thailand are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of visitors every year with their diverse and beautiful landscapes, rich and vibrant cultures, and delicious and affordable cuisines. But how do you choose between the two countries when planning your trip? And what are the main differences and similarities between them?
travel vietnam vs thailand In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Vietnam and Thailand in 10 aspects, such as culture, food, beaches, nightlife, and more, to help you decide which country suits your interests and preferences better. Whether you are a backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or a flashpacker, you will find some useful information on how to enjoy your trip to Vietnam or Thailand.
Culture and History travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam and Thailand have different cultures and histories that reflect their geography and influences. Vietnam has a French colonial history and a Chinese cultural influence, as well as a traumatic experience of the Vietnam War. Thailand has a Buddhist culture and a history of Thai kingdoms, as well as a more Western lifestyle.
If you are interested in learning about the colonial history and the war history of Vietnam, you can visit places such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Cu Chi Tunnels. You can also experience the ethnic customs and traditions of Vietnam in places such as Sapa, Mai Chau, Ha Giang, and Mekong Delta. travel vietnam vs thailand
If you are interested in learning about the Buddhist culture and the royal history of Thailand, you can visit places such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Kanchanaburi. You can also experience the modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Thailand in places such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
Food
Vietnam and Thailand have different cuisines that feature different flavors and ingredients. Vietnamese cuisine features a fresh and light taste with herbs, vegetables, fish sauce, and rice noodles. Thai cuisine features a sour and spicy taste with coconut milk, curry paste, chili peppers, and rice. travel vietnam vs thailand
If you want to try some of the famous dishes of Vietnam, you can look for pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), spring rolls (fried or fresh), cao lau (noodles with pork and herbs), banh xeo (crispy pancake), etc. You can also try some of the local specialties of each region, such as bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup) in Hue or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) in Hanoi.
If you want to try some of the famous dishes of Thailand, you can look for pad thai (stir-fried noodles), tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), massaman curry (coconut curry with meat and potatoes), som tam (green papaya salad), khao soi (curry noodle soup), mango sticky rice (dessert), etc. You can also try some of the local specialties of each region such as khao mok gai (chicken biryani) in the south or sai oua (grilled sausage) in the north. travel vietnam vs thailand
Beaches
Vietnam and Thailand both have a coastline and offer some beautiful beaches and islands for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and more. However, Thailand has a clear advantage over Vietnam in terms of the quality and quantity of its beaches. travel vietnam vs thailand
Thailand has two coastlines: one along the Andaman Sea and one along the Gulf of Thailand. It has hundreds of islands and beaches that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular ones are Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, etc. You can find white sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs, marine life, beach bars, nightclubs, resorts, and more.
Vietnam has one coastline along the South China Sea. It has fewer islands and beaches than Thailand and they are often less developed and less clean. Some of the most popular ones are Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, etc. You can find golden sand beaches, blue water, fishing villages, sand dunes, kite surfing, homestays, and more. travel vietnam vs thailand
Nightlife
Vietnam and Thailand both have a lively nightlife scene that offers some fun and entertainment for travelers. However, Thailand has a more diverse and vibrant nightlife scene than Vietnam. travel vietnam vs thailand
Thailand is famous for its full moon parties that take place on some of its islands every month. It is also famous for its colorful nightlife in Bangkok that features bars, clubs, pubs, karaoke, live music, cabaret shows, etc. You can also find nightlife options in other cities and towns such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, etc.
Vietnam has a more subdued nightlife scene than Thailand. It has some bars and clubs in its big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that cater to locals and foreigners. It also has some beach parties in some of its coastal towns such as Nha Trang and Mui Ne. However, the highlight of Vietnam’s nightlife is bia hoi (fresh beer) that you can drink at street stalls or bars with locals. travel vietnam vs thailand
Typical Stay
Vietnam and Thailand both have a lot to offer for travelers and you can spend as much time as you want in either country. However, a typical stay for most travelers is around 8 to 10 days in Vietnam and around 10 to 14 days in Thailand. travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam is a long and narrow country that stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south. It has three main regions: the north, the center, and the south. Each region has its own attractions and characteristics that you may want to explore. A typical itinerary for Vietnam may include Hanoi (2 days), Halong Bay (1 day), Hue (1 day), Hoi An (2 days), Ho Chi Minh City (2 days), and Mekong Delta (1 day). travel vietnam vs thailand
Thailand is a larger and more diverse country than Vietnam. It has four main regions: the north, the northeast, the central, and the south. Each region has its own attractions and characteristics that you may want to explore. A typical itinerary for Thailand may include Bangkok (3 days), Ayutthaya (1 day), Chiang Mai (3 days), Chiang Rai (2 days), Phuket (3 days), and Koh Phi Phi (2 days). travel vietnam vs thailand
Best Times
Vietnam and Thailand both have a tropical climate that is hot and humid throughout the year. However, they also have different seasons and weather patterns that may affect your travel plans. travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam has four seasons: spring (February to April), summer (May to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to January). The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is dry and cool in most parts of the country. However, you may also encounter some regional variations such as typhoons in the center or cold snaps in the north.
Thailand has three seasons: hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to February). The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March when the weather is dry and pleasant in most parts of the country. However, you may also encounter some regional variations such as monsoons in the south or smog in the north. travel vietnam vs thailand
Cost
Vietnam and Thailand both have a low cost of living and traveling compared to other countries in the world. However, Vietnam is slightly more affordable than Thailand in terms of accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and attractions. travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam has a lower average daily budget than Thailand for travelers. You can expect to spend around $15 to $30 USD per day as a backpacker, around $30 to $50 USD per day as a mid-range traveler, or around $50+ USD per day as a flashpacker in Vietnam. You can find cheap hostels, street food, buses, trains, and tours in Vietnam.
Thailand has a higher average daily budget than Vietnam for travelers. You can expect to spend around $20 to $40 USD per day as a backpacker, around $40 to $70 USD per day as a mid-range traveler, or around $70+ USD per day as a flashpacker in Thailand. You can find cheap guesthouses, local food, buses, flights, and activities in Thailand. travel vietnam vs thailand
Shopping
Vietnam and Thailand both have some shopping opportunities for travelers who want to buy some souvenirs, gifts, or local products. However, Thailand has a more developed and diverse shopping scene than Vietnam.
Thailand is a shopping paradise for travelers who want to buy anything from clothes and electronics to handicrafts and antiques. You can find all kinds of shopping malls, markets, outlets, and shops in Thailand. Some of the best places for shopping in Thailand are Bangkok (Chatuchak Weekend Market, MBK Center, Siam Paragon, etc.), Chiang Mai (Night Bazaar, Nimman Road, etc.), Phuket (Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon Shopping Mall, etc.), and Pattaya (Central Festival Pattaya, Thepprasit Night Market, etc.). travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam has a more modest and traditional shopping scene than Thailand. You can find some local markets, supermarkets, and shops in Vietnam. Some of the best places for shopping in Vietnam are Hanoi (Dong Xuan Market, Hang Gai Street, etc.), Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, etc.), Hoi An (Central Market, Cloth Market, etc.), and Da Nang (Han Market, Con Market, etc.).
Tourist Satisfaction
Vietnam and Thailand both have a high tourist satisfaction rate among travelers who visit them. However, Thailand has a higher tourist return rate than Vietnam.
Thailand has over a 50% tourist return rate, which means that more than half of the travelers who visit Thailand come back again. This shows that Thailand has a strong appeal and loyalty among travelers who enjoy its culture, food, beaches, nightlife, and more. travel vietnam vs thailand
Vietnam has around a 10% tourist return rate, which means that only one out of ten travelers who visit Vietnam come back again. This shows that Vietnam has a weaker appeal and loyalty among travelers who may find it less convenient, less developed, or less diverse than Thailand. travel vietnam vs thailand
Contact us:
Car For Rent Hanoi VietNam
https://zalo.me/0986244358
Conclusion
Traveling to Vietnam or Thailand is an amazing experience that you will not regret. Both countries have their own strengths and weaknesses that you should consider before choosing one over the other. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and expectations. travel vietnam vs thailand
If you want to experience a more authentic and rustic culture and history, a more fresh and light cuisine, a more diverse and adventurous landscape, and a more affordable and budget-friendly trip, you may prefer Vietnam. travel vietnam vs thailand
If you want to experience a more modern and cosmopolitan culture and history, a more sour and spicy cuisine, a more pristine and varied beach scene, and a more lively and vibrant nightlife scene, you may prefer Thailand. travel vietnam vs thailand
Whatever you choose, you will have a wonderful time in Southeast Asia. If you need any help or advice on planning your trip to Vietnam or Thailand, please feel free to contact me in the chat box below. Thank you for reading.
