vietnam or philippines travel Vietnam and the Philippines are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of travelers every year. Both countries offer amazing attractions and experiences, such as stunning landscapes, rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and affordable prices. But which one should you choose for your next trip?
If you are looking for some insights and opinions from real travelers who have visited both countries, you may want to check out some online sources, such as blogs, forums, or reviews. You can find many posts and comments about Vietnam or Philippines travel on these sources, and get some inspiration and advice for your own trip.
In this blog post, we will summarize some of the main points and themes that emerge from the Vietnam or Philippines travel discussions, such as:
- The pros and cons of each country
- The best places to visit and things to do in each country
- The best time to go and how long to stay in each country
- The visa requirements and travel restrictions for each country
- The tips and recommendations from experienced travelers
The Pros and Cons of Vietnam or Philippines Travel
Both Vietnam and the Philippines have their own advantages and disadvantages for travelers, depending on your preferences and interests. Here are some of the common pros and cons that online users mention about each country:
Vietnam
Pros:
- Vietnam has more variety and diversity in terms of landscapes, culture, and activities. You can find everything from mountains to beaches, from temples to skyscrapers, from street food to fine dining, from nightlife to wellness. vietnam or philippines travel
- Vietnam has more history and authenticity than the Philippines, especially when it comes to its colonial and war legacy. You can learn more about the past and present of Vietnam by visiting its museums, temples, pagodas, and historical sites.
- Vietnam has more convenience and accessibility than the Philippines, especially when it comes to transportation and infrastructure. You can find more options for flights, trains, buses, or motorbikes in Vietnam, and travel more easily and comfortably within the country. vietnam or philippines travel
Cons:
- Vietnam is more crowded and chaotic than the Philippines, especially in the big cities and the popular destinations. You may encounter more traffic, noise, pollution, and scams in Vietnam. vietnam or philippines travel
- Vietnam is more conservative and strict than the Philippines, especially when it comes to culture and customs. You may have to be more respectful and careful when visiting religious or sacred places in Vietnam, and avoid wearing or doing anything that may be considered inappropriate or offensive.
- Vietnam has less friendly and hospitable people than the Philippines, who are often more curious and interested in foreigners. You may find it harder to interact or communicate with the locals in Vietnam, as they may be more reserved or shy. vietnam or philippines travel
Philippines
Pros:
- Philippines has more beautiful and pristine beaches than Vietnam, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. You can find many islands and coastlines that offer crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. vietnam or philippines travel
- Philippines has more fun and lively people than Vietnam, who are known for their hospitality and friendliness. You can interact more with the locals and experience their culture and lifestyle in the Philippines, as they are more open and outgoing.
- Philippines has more relaxed and easygoing atmosphere than Vietnam, where you can feel more free and comfortable. You can find more places and activities that offer leisure and entertainment in the Philippines, such as bars, clubs, casinos, or festivals. vietnam or philippines travel
Cons:
- Philippines has less variety and diversity in terms of landscapes, culture, and activities than Vietnam. You may find some similarities and repetitions in the scenery, architecture, and entertainment in the Philippines. vietnam or philippines travel
- Philippines has less development and stability than Vietnam, especially when it comes to economy and politics. You may encounter some problems or challenges in the Philippines, such as poverty, corruption, crime, or natural disasters. vietnam or philippines travel
- Philippines has less convenience and accessibility than Vietnam, especially when it comes to transportation and infrastructure. You may find fewer options for flights, ferries, buses, or cars in the Philippines, and travel more difficultly and uncomfortably within the country.
The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Vietnam or Philippines
Both Vietnam and the Philippines have a lot of places to visit and things to do for different types of travelers. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, adventure, or relaxation, you will find something that suits your taste and interest in both countries. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Vietnam or Philippines, according to online users:
Vietnam
- Explore the capital city of Hanoi, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. vietnam or philippines travel
- Cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, where you can admire thousands of limestone islands and islets, visit caves and floating villages, and kayak or bamboo boat ride on the emerald water.
- Visit the former imperial city of Hue, where you can see the Imperial City, the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Tombs of the Emperors, and take a Perfume River cruise.
- Discover the charming town of Hoi An, where you can see the Ancient Town, the Lantern Festival, the Tailor Shops, and enjoy the An Bang Beach. vietnam or philippines travel
- Experience the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can see the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and shop at the Ben Thanh Market. vietnam or philippines travel
- Explore the Mekong Delta, where you can see the floating markets, the fruit orchards, the coconut farms, and take a boat ride on the canals.
- Trek in the mountains of Sapa, where you can see the rice terraces, the ethnic villages, the Fansipan peak, and take a cable car ride on the Muong Hoa Valley.
- Relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island, where you can enjoy the sand, sun, and sea. You can also visit the Phu Quoc National Park, the Phu Quoc Prison, the Dinh Cau Temple, and the Night Market. vietnam or philippines travel
Philippines
- Explore the capital city of Manila, where you can see the Intramuros, the Rizal Park, the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, and the Fort Santiago.
- Cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Puerto Princesa Underground River, where you can admire the limestone formations, the stalactites and stalagmites, and the wildlife inside the cave.
- Visit the historic city of Vigan, where you can see the Calle Crisologo, the Syquia Mansion, the Bantay Bell Tower, and ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) on the cobblestone streets. vietnam or philippines travel
- Discover the chocolate hills of Bohol, where you can see thousands of cone-shaped hills that change color depending on the season. You can also visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, the Loboc River Cruise, and the Panglao Island.
- Experience the island paradise of Boracay, where you can enjoy the white-sand beaches, the turquoise water, and the vibrant nightlife. You can also do various water sports and activities, such as snorkeling, diving, parasailing, or island hopping. vietnam or philippines travel
- Explore the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad, where you can see the ancient and intricate irrigation system that covers the mountainsides. You can also visit the Banaue Museum, the Tappiyah Falls, and interact with the Ifugao people.
- Trek in the mountains of Sagada, where you can see the hanging coffins, the Sumaguing Cave, the Echo Valley, and take a sunrise view of the Kiltepan Peak.
- Relax on the beaches of Palawan Island, where you can enjoy the sand, sun, and sea. You can also visit the El Nido Lagoons, the Coron Wrecks, the Honda Bay Islands, and the Port Barton.
The Best Time to Go and How Long to Stay in Vietnam or Philippines
Both Vietnam and Philippines have different seasons and climates that may affect your travel plans and experience. You should consider the weather, the festivals, and the crowds when choosing the best time to go and how long to stay in each country. Here are some of the factors and tips that online users suggest for Vietnam or Philippines travel:
Vietnam
- Vietnam has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from November to April, and is generally more favorable for traveling. The rainy season lasts from May to October, and is generally less favorable for traveling. However, there are some variations depending on the region and altitude. vietnam or philippines travel
- The north of Vietnam has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer (May to July) is hot and humid, with frequent rain and storms. The winter (November to January) is cold and dry, with occasional snow in the mountains.
- The center of Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from September to December, and is characterized by heavy rain and typhoons. The dry season lasts from January to August, and is characterized by hot and sunny weather. The best time to visit is from February to May, when the temperature is moderate and the rainfall is low. vietnam or philippines travel
- The south of Vietnam has a tropical savanna climate, with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May to November, and is characterized by frequent rain and thunderstorms. The dry season lasts from December to April, and is characterized by warm and sunny weather. The best time to visit is from December to February, when the temperature is cooler and the humidity is lower.
- Vietnam also has some festivals and events that may attract or deter travelers, depending on their preferences. Some of the most popular festivals are Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February, Hoi An Lantern Festival on every full moon night, Hue Festival in April or May every two years, Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October, and Christmas in December. vietnam or philippines travel
- Vietnam is a long and narrow country that spans over 1,600 kilometers from north to south. It has many places to visit and things to do that cater to different types of travelers. Depending on your itinerary and budget, you may want to spend more or less time in each region or destination. A general recommendation is to spend at least two weeks in Vietnam to see the main highlights, or three to four weeks to see more of the country. You can also extend or shorten your stay according to your interests and pace.
Philippines
- Philippines has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season lasts from November to April, and is generally more favorable for traveling. The wet season lasts from May to October, and is generally less favorable for traveling. However, there are some variations depending on the region and altitude. vietnam or philippines travel
- The north of Philippines has a subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with frequent rain and storms. The winter (December to February) is cool and dry, with occasional frost in the mountains.
- The center of Philippines has a tropical monsoon climate, with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from June to November, and is characterized by heavy rain and typhoons. The dry season lasts from December to May, and is characterized by hot and sunny weather. The best time to visit is from December to February, when the temperature is moderate and the rainfall is low.
- The south of Philippines has a tropical rainforest climate, with no distinct seasons. The weather is hot and humid throughout the year, with high rainfall and thunderstorms. The best time to visit is from March to May, when the temperature is slightly cooler and the rainfall is slightly lower.
- Philippines also has some festivals and events that may attract or deter travelers, depending on their preferences. Some of the most popular festivals are Sinulog Festival in Cebu in January, Panagbenga Festival in Baguio in February, Moriones Festival in Marinduque in April, Pahiyas Festival in Lucban in May, MassKara Festival in Bacolod in October, and Christmas in December.
- Philippines is an archipelago country that consists of over 7,000 islands that vary in size and character. It has many places to visit and things to do that cater to different types of travelers. Depending on your itinerary and budget, you may want to spend more or less time in each island or destination. A general recommendation is to spend at least two weeks in Philippines to see the main highlights, or three to four weeks to see more of the country. You can also extend or shorten your stay according to your interests and pace.
The Visa Requirements and Travel Restrictions for Vietnam or Philippines
Both Vietnam and Philippines have some visa requirements and travel restrictions that may affect your travel plans and experience. You should check the latest information and updates from the official sources, such as the embassy or consulate of each country, before you book your trip. Here are some of the visa requirements and travel restrictions for Vietnam or Philippines, as of October 2021:
Vietnam
- Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 24 countries, mostly in Asia and Europe. If you are from one of these countries, you can enter Vietnam without a visa for a certain period of time, ranging from 14 to 90 days. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries here.
- Vietnam offers e-visa to citizens of 80 countries, mostly in Asia, Europe, and America. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for an e-visa online for a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. You can apply for an e-visa here.
- Vietnam offers visa on arrival to citizens of most countries, except for some in Africa and the Middle East. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for a visa on arrival online or at the airport for a single or multiple entry and a maximum stay of 90 days. However, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter from a travel agency or a sponsor in Vietnam before you travel. You can apply for a visa on arrival here.
- Vietnam has reopened its borders to all international visitors since March 2022, with some requirements and guidelines. These include:
- A Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. You can apply for a COE here.
- A negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
- A proof of vaccination with a WHO-approved vaccine at least 14 days before arrival or a proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months.
- A travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of 10,000 USD.
- A self-monitoring of health for 10 days from the date of entry. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should notify the nearest medical facility immediately.
Philippines
- Philippines offers visa exemptions to citizens of 157 countries, mostly in Asia, Europe, and America. If you are from one of these countries,myou can enter Philippines without a visa for a certain period of time, ranging from 14 to 59 days. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries here.
- Philippines offers e-visa to citizens of 66 countries, mostly in Asia, Europe, and America. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for an e-visa online for a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. You can apply for an e-visa here. vietnam or philippines travel
- Philippines offers visa on arrival to citizens of most countries, except for some in Africa and the Middle East. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for a visa on arrival online or at the airport for a single or multiple entry and a maximum stay of 59 days. However, you will need to obtain a visa approval letter from a travel agency or a sponsor in Philippines before you travel. You can apply for a visa on arrival here.
- Philippines has reopened its borders to all international visitors since November 2021, with some requirements and guidelines. These include:
- A Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country. You can apply for a COE here. vietnam or philippines travel
- A negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
- A proof of vaccination with a WHO-approved vaccine at least 14 days before arrival.
- A travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of 100,000 USD.
- A quarantine at a government-approved hotel or facility for 7 days if fully vaccinated or 10 days if not fully vaccinated. You can check the list of quarantine hotels here. vietnam or philippines travel
The Tips and Recommendations from Experienced Travelers
Both Vietnam and Philippines have their own tips and recommendations from experienced travelers who have visited both countries. You should listen to their advice and learn from their mistakes to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the tips and recommendations from online users:
Vietnam
- Bargain politely and firmly when shopping or taking a taxi or a tuk-tuk. You can usually get a lower price than the first offer, but don’t be too aggressive or rude. vietnam or philippines travel
- Respect the culture and customs of Vietnam, especially when it comes to religion and dress code. Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting temples or sacred places, and avoid touching or pointing at Buddha statues or monks.
- Try the street food and the local specialties in Vietnam, such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, coffee, and more. They are cheap, delicious, and safe to eat, as long as you choose a busy and clean stall. vietnam or philippines travel
- Be careful of scams and rip-offs in Vietnam, especially in the touristy areas and during the peak seasons. Some common scams include the gem scam, the tuk-tuk scam, the tailor scam, and the jet ski scam. Do some research and ask for recommendations before you buy anything or sign any contract.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese words and phrases, such as hello, thank you, sorry, how much, and where is. They will help you communicate better with the locals and show your respect for their language and culture. vietnam or philippines travel
Philippines
- Enjoy the island hopping and the beach activities in Philippines, where you can explore different islands and coastlines that offer stunning scenery, water sports, and relaxation. You can also visit some marine sanctuaries, lagoons, caves, and waterfalls that are hidden gems of nature. vietnam or philippines travel
- Experience the fiesta culture and the nightlife culture in Philippines, where you can join the locals in celebrating various festivals and events that showcase their music, dance, food, and art. You can also party with the locals in various bars, clubs, casinos, or karaoke that offer fun and entertainment. vietnam or philippines travel
- Be adventurous and try some of the exotic dishes and delicacies in Philippines, such as balut (duck embryo), lechon (roasted pig), sisig (sizzling pork), halo-halo (mixed dessert), and more. They may sound gross or weird, but they are actually quite tasty and nutritious, and part of the local culture and tradition. vietnam or philippines travel
- Be aware of your surroundings and your belongings in Philippines, especially in the crowded and busy areas. You may encounter some pickpockets, snatchers, or robbers who may target your valuables, such as your phone, wallet, camera, or backpack. Keep them close and secure at all times. vietnam or philippines travel
- Be respectful and courteous to the people in Philippines, who are known for their hospitality and friendliness. You may find them smiling, greeting, or helping you without expecting anything in return. You can also show your gratitude and appreciation by giving them some tips, gifts, or compliments. vietnam or philippines travel
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Conclusion
Vietnam and Philippines are both wonderful and amazing countries that deserve your visit and attention. They both have their own pros and cons, their own places to visit and things to do, their own visa requirements and travel restrictions, and their own tips and recommendations. Ultimately, the choice between Vietnam or Philippines travel depends on your personal preferences and interests, and what you want to get out of your trip.
If you are ready to plan your trip to Vietnam or Philippines, contact us today and we will help you arrange your dream vacation. We are a professional and reliable travel agency that specializes in Southeast Asia tours. We have the best deals, the best guides, and the best services for you. Don’t hesitate and book your trip to Vietnam or Philippines now! vietnam or philippines travel
