Thailand vs. Vietnam: which to visit?

If you're stuck between Thailand and Vietnam, you're not alone. It's one of the most common travel decisions in Southeast Asia—and for good reason. Both countries are affordable, beautiful, and packed with culture, which makes them popular with first-timers and return travelers alike. Here’s our guide to Thailand vs. Vietnam to help you decide which is the better place for you to go.

Thailand vs Vietnam at a glance

When it comes to Thailand vs. Vietnam, both deliver when it comes to landscapes, food, and culture—but they’re different in how they feel on the ground. Thailand is generally easier to get around, especially if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia.

It’s more geared toward tourists, with better transport and more English speakers. Vietnam can feel a bit more intense and independent, especially in the north, but that’s part of what makes it rewarding.
 

Still can't decide? Let our local experts plan your perfect trip.

Are Thailand and Vietnam near each other?

Thailand and Vietnam don’t share a direct border, but they’re pretty close. They both sit in mainland Southeast Asia and have Laos and Cambodia in between. Thailand is on the western side, with beaches along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Vietnam runs down the eastern edge of the region, with a long coastline facing the South China.

Travel times between the two

Flying between Bangkok and either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is quick—usually around 1.5 to 2 hours—and there are lots of daily flights.

Traveling by land is possible too, but it takes more time. You’d need to cross through Cambodia or Laos, and the whole thing usually stretches over a couple of days if you’re stopping along the way. People doing longer trips through Southeast Asia often link the two, sometimes adding in Cambodia or Laos as well.

What are the similarities between Thailand and Vietnam?

These two countries appeal to similar kinds of travelers. They both have tropical climates—humid, with distinct wet and dry seasons—and a mix of beach, city, and mountain experiences. The food scenes are big draws in both places, and there’s a strong Buddhist influence, although in Vietnam it’s blended with other traditions.

If you’re interested in motorbiking, hiking, or diving, you’ll find plenty to do in either country. They're also known for being relatively affordable, which makes them popular with backpackers. At the same time, there are more upscale places popping up too. It’s common for people to debate which one to visit first—they both give you that Southeast Asia experience that mixes great food, dramatic scenery, and a travel style that’s adventurous but still manageable.

What are the differences between Thailand and Vietnam?

Once you’re there, the differences become clearer. Thailand’s tourism is more developed, so getting around tends to be easier—especially if you’re new to the region. English is more widely spoken, and there’s a more familiar rhythm for Western travelers. A Vietnam itinerary will still feel a bit more intense. The Chinese and French colonial influence is stronger, which shows up in everything from the architecture to the food.

Thailand is better known for its tropical islands and beach towns, which are easier to access. Vietnam’s standout landscapes are more inland, especially in the north, where you’ll find big mountain views and winding roads. The energy is different too—Thailand often feels more laid-back, while Vietnam can be fast-paced, especially in the cities.

If you’re looking for beach days and easy travel, Thailand might be the better fit. If you’re more interested in street life, history, and exploring places that feel a little less polished, Vietnam could be more your style. Either way, you’ll have plenty to take in.
 

Best time to visit Thailand vs Vietnam

Weather plays a big role when planning a trip to either country. Thailand generally has more predictable seasons across the board, while Vietnam’s long, narrow shape means you’re moving through different climates as you travel. That can be a bonus if you’re trying to dodge the rain.

The best time to visit Thailand

Thailand’s dry season runs from November to March, and that’s when most travelers go. You’ll get cooler temperatures in the north and classic beach weather in the south. 

April gets seriously hot across the country. Then from May to October, it’s monsoon season—expect regular afternoon rain, especially on the Andaman side (places like Phuket and Krabi). If you’re traveling in summer, the Gulf Coast islands like Koh Samui tend to stay drier. The weather can change a lot, so be sure to see our guide to the best time to visit Thailand.

The best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s climate shifts depending on where you are. The north has a real winter from November to April, and it can actually get pretty chilly in places like Hanoi or Sapa (see our guide to the best things to do in Hanoi). 

Summers there are hot and wet. Central Vietnam gets heavy rain from October to December, sometimes with flooding. Down south, the weather stays warm all year. Rainy season runs May through November, but the showers usually come in short, strong bursts and don’t last all day. The best time to visit Vietnam will depend a lot of what part of the country you are visiting.
 

 Does Thailand or Vietnam have better beaches?

Thailand is known for its beaches—and for good reason. You’ve got soft white sand, clear water, and dramatic limestone cliffs in some areas. There’s a wide range of places to stay, from high-end resorts to simple beach bungalows. Vietnam’s beaches are still developing, and while they can be great value, they don’t quite match Thailand when it comes to scenery or amenities.

The best beaches of Thailand

Southern Thailand has beaches for just about every kind of traveler. On the Andaman coast, you’ll find Krabi’s dramatic rock formations (see our Krabi itinerary), the bigger resort scene in Phuket, and the lively (and sometimes chaotic) vibe of Koh Phi Phi. 

Over on the Gulf side, each island has its own feel—Koh Samui is easy to get to and has plenty of mid- to high-end places to stay, Koh Phangan mixes wild parties with quieter beaches, and Koh Tao is a go-to for diving. This is where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Thailand.

The best beaches of Vietnam

How to plan a trip to Vietnam? You won't want to miss the beaches. Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of coastline, and while not every stretch is built up for tourism, some areas are really starting to stand out. 

Phu Quoc Island is a mix of new resorts and traditional fishing villages, with some quieter beaches up north. Nha Trang is more of a city-by-the-beach, known for seafood and quick trips to nearby islands. 

Danang’s My Khe Beach is a good base if you want Vietnam beach time with easy access to Hoi An. In general, Vietnam’s beaches are a good choice if you’re looking for better prices and fewer crowds than in Thailand.
 

Which country has more beautiful scenery?

It really depends on what kind of scenery you’re drawn to. A Thailand itinerary tends to be associated with tropical beaches, limestone cliffs, and turquoise water, especially in the south. Vietnam leans more toward dramatic inland landscapes—mountain passes, terraced rice fields, and river deltas.

In Thailand, a lot of the standout scenery is close to major travel hubs. You don’t have to go far from places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket to get into nature. Vietnam’s scenery, especially in the north and central highlands, often takes a bit more time and planning to reach, but many travelers find those longer journeys more rewarding.

Both countries are geographically diverse. Thailand has everything from jungle-covered mountains to coastal islands. Vietnam runs north to south in a long stretch, so you see everything from limestone bays and high mountain ranges to dry plateaus and tropical river systems.

The iconic scenery of Thailand

Thailand’s scenery shifts depending on where you go (see the best places to visit in Thailand). In the south, you’ve got those classic island views: towering limestone formations rising from the sea, especially around Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands. These areas are easy to get to and great for beach time, kayaking, or boat trips.

Northern Thailand feels completely different. Around Chiang Mai, Pai, and Mae Hong Son, the landscape turns mountainous—forests, winding roads, misty hills, and small villages tucked into the valleys. You’ll also see terraced farms, especially during the rainy season. It’s cooler up there and popular for hiking or motorbiking.

In between, places like Khao Sok National Park give you rainforest and a massive lake with limestone peaks—it’s a good inland nature escape with overnight options. Closer to Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is an easy way to experience dense jungle, waterfalls, and wildlife like elephants, without venturing too far.

The iconic scenery of Vietnam

Vietnam’s geography covers a lot of ground—literally. In the north, Ha Long Bay is the big name, with thousands of limestone islands scattered across green water. Nearby, Sapa and Ha Giang are known for mountain landscapes and rice terraces that shift in color depending on the season. These areas are ideal for trekking, though the terrain can be steep and weather unpredictable.

Heading into central Vietnam, things change again. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is full of caves—some of the biggest in the world. It's a rugged area with dense forest and underground rivers, and while it's not the easiest to access, it’s one of the more unusual landscapes in the country.

Down south, the Mekong Delta spreads out in a flat, waterlogged web of rivers, canals, and small farms. Floating markets, fruit orchards, and narrow waterways make it feel very different from the north.

Top activities in Thailand vs Vietnam

There’s plenty to do in both Thailand and Vietnam, but they each play to different strengths. Thailand is easier to navigate, especially if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia. English is spoken more widely, and things like transportation and tours are usually more straightforward. 

Vietnam feels a bit more immersive—you might need to work a little harder to figure things out, but that’s part of the appeal for a lot of travelers. Both countries are great for outdoor activities, but Vietnam’s changing terrain gives it more variety

Best cultural activities for Thailand and Vietnam

In Thailand, temples are a central part of the experience. Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok are easy to reach, while the White Temple in Chiang Rai is more modern but still draws a lot of interest. Local markets are worth wandering through, and cooking classes are everywhere—they’re a good way to learn more about Thai food and how it fits into daily life.

Vietnam’s cultural stops often focus more on history and architecture. Hue’s Imperial Citadel takes you back to the Nguyen dynasty, while the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City shows a different side of the country’s past. Hoi An, the historic center is still full of traditional shopfronts and lantern-lit streets that reflect centuries of outside influence. Vietnam’s rice terraces are also worth a stop.

Both countries also have long-standing performance traditions, like Thai classical dance and Vietnam’s water puppetry.

Best adventure activities Thailand and Vietnam

If water activities are what you are looking for, there are a lot of things to do in Thailand. You can dive off Koh Tao or in the Similan Islands, surf on the Andaman coast during rainy season, or kayak around limestone formations in places like Krabi or Phang Nga Bay. 

Vietnam is better suited to land-based travel. Motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop in the far north or the Hai Van Pass near the coast are some of the best things to do in Vietnam.

Trekking is popular in both countries. Northern Thailand has routes that take you through hill tribe villages, often with homestays. In Vietnam, the hikes around Sapa tend to be steeper and take you through terraced rice fields, often with cooler temperatures and misty views, especially during shoulder season.
 

Best nature activities for Thailand and Vietnam

Thailand is great if you’re interested in marine life—snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping are easy to plan around the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand. Ang Thong Marine Park and the waters around Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta are especially popular. These are some of the best things to do in Thailand

Vietnam’s natural landscapes are more varied. In Phong Nha, you can explore some of the world’s largest cave systems. Ninh Binh gives you a chance to take a boat through flooded rice paddies surrounded by limestone cliffs, and the Mekong Delta lets you see a completely different way of life shaped by the river. There are plenty of great things to do in Vietnam.

Both countries have protected areas and national parks where you can hike, watch birds, or just spend time in nature, but Vietnam’s different regions give you more ecological variety across one trip.

Best family activities for Thailand and Vietnam

Thailand with kids tends to be easier, especially if you want minimal surprises. There are resorts with kid-focused amenities, water parks, and places like Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, where kids can learn about animal care in a hands-on way.

Vietnam with kids is great. Family experiences are often more low-key and tied to culture—things like visiting traditional craft villages, taking cyclo rides through the old quarters of Hanoi or Hoi An, or spending time in museums with interactive exhibits. Vietnam with kids is definitely worth it but requires more planning.
 

Is Thailand or Vietnam a better eco-friendly destination?

If you're trying to travel in a more eco-conscious way, Vietnam might come out slightly ahead—but it really depends on where you go and how you travel. Thailand has a more developed tourism scene, which means it’s easier to find eco-tours and places that follow green practices, especially in the north. But that same development also puts more pressure on the environment, particularly around the islands and beaches.

Vietnam has less built-up infrastructure in many areas, so in some ways, it feels less impacted. At the same time, it can be harder to find places that have official sustainability certifications. The Vietnamese government has been more active lately in protecting national parks and expanding conservation areas—Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Cat Tien are two good examples.

Both countries have community-based tourism and nature lodges that support conservation. Thailand generally makes it easier to see wildlife, while Vietnam still has more untouched areas, especially in remote regions. If this stuff matters to you, it’s worth looking into individual guesthouses or guides rather than assuming one country does it all better.

Thailand food vs Vietnam food

Both countries are great for food, but they do things differently. Thai food is big on flavor combinations—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy often show up in the same dish. Dishes like pad Thai, tom yum soup, and green curry are everywhere, and coconut milk, lemongrass, and chili are used a lot. There’s also a wider range of international restaurants in the bigger cities.

Vietnamese food is usually lighter and more herb-forward. It uses very little dairy or oil, and there’s a clear shift in flavors as you move through the country. In the north, you’ll get simpler broths and grilled meats (like pho and bun cha), while central Vietnam brings spicier dishes with more complex prep, and the south leans more tropical with lots of seafood. You’ll also run into French influence—like bánh mì and strong coffee.

Street food is a huge part of daily life in both places. In Vietnam cities, sitting on tiny plastic stools at the side of the road feels completely normal. Thailand’s street food scene can be a little more geared toward tourists, but it’s still an easy way to eat well on a budget. If you prefer fresh, balanced flavors, Vietnam might be more your thing. If you like bold, rich meals, you’ll probably lean toward Thailand. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong.
 

Is Thailand or Vietnam cheaper?

Vietnam generally costs less, especially if you're sticking to a backpacker budget. Day-to-day expenses tend to run about 15–30% cheaper than in Thailand. But it depends on how you travel. Thailand can feel like better value in the mid-range and luxury range, mostly because there are more choices, and some competition keeps prices in check.

Budget considerations for Thailand

Costs in Thailand vary a lot depending on where you are. Bangkok and the islands usually come with higher prices, while the north—especially places like Chiang Mai—is much easier on the budget. If you're traveling on the cheap, you can get by with around $25–30 a day using hostels or basic guesthouses and sticking to street food. 

A mid-range trip will run closer to $50–100 per day, which usually gets you a comfortable hotel and a few nice meals. Once you're leaning into the luxury bracket, expect to start at $150 a day—more if you're headed to popular islands. Public transportation is cheap and works well, and local flights can save you time without being too expensive.

Budget considerations for Vietnam

Vietnam tends to be more budget-friendly all around. You can travel comfortably on $20–25 a day if you're staying in guesthouses and eating at local places. With around $40–80 daily, you can upgrade to nicer rooms and enjoy a mix of local restaurants and cafes. 

If you're after more upscale experiences, Vietnam is still more affordable than Thailand for similar quality. Getting around is cheap, too—long-distance buses and trains cost very little, and domestic flights are reasonably priced. Hiring a private driver for a day is also surprisingly affordable in most areas.
 

Visa requirements

Thailand is a bit easier when it comes to visas. Most travelers from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand can fly in and get 30 days without a visa, and it’s extendable once inside the country. If you arrive overland, you usually get 15 days. For anything longer, you’ll need to plan ahead or visit immigration for an extension.

Vietnam requires more prep. Most people need to get an e-visa before arrival, which is pretty straightforward and gives you 30 days. A few nationalities (mainly in Europe) get a short exemption. Visa policies in Vietnam change more often than in Thailand, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you go.

Is Thailand safer than Vietnam?

Both are considered safe, especially for travelers. Violent crime is rare in either country. Thailand might feel a little more organized thanks to its longer-established tourism setup—but that also means there are more scams in busy areas. In Vietnam, you’re more likely to run into petty theft, especially in big cities where motorbike snatch-and-grabs can happen if you’re not paying attention.

Healthcare is another thing to consider. Thailand has more international-standard hospitals in big cities and a reputation for medical tourism. Vietnam’s healthcare is improving, but the quality drops off outside urban areas. Wherever you go, take basic food and water precautions, use insect repellent, and try to avoid getting overheated.

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll probably feel comfortable in either place. Thailand tends to be easier for first-timers since it’s more used to tourists. For families, Thailand has more kid-focused places and activities, while Vietnam leans more into cultural experiences that work better for older kids or teens.
 

Thailand is best for...

• If you’re planning a beach trip and want calm, swimmable water with plenty of sunshine
• If you’d rather not think too hard about logistics—Thailand is set up for tourists, and things usually run smoothly
• If you’re looking to relax in comfort, there’s no shortage of nice places to stay, good food, and easy ways to unwind
• If nightlife’s part of your travel routine, you’ll find everything from low-key bars to big beach parties
• If you’re traveling with kids or a group and want an easier intro to Southeast Asia, Thailand keeps things pretty manageable

Vietnam is best for...

• If you want to learn about a country through its history, Vietnam’s past is present in its cities, museums, and daily life
• If you like getting out into nature—especially mountains, rice fields, or big cave systems—Vietnam has a lot of that
• If you care about food, the regional differences across Vietnam make eating your way through the country part of the trip
• If you’re into exploring more local areas and aren’t afraid of a little extra effort, you’ll likely find that rewarding here
• If you're watching your budget or traveling for longer, Vietnam tends to cost less without feeling cheap
   

Thailand vs Vietnam: our verdict

These two countries are different in ways that make them work well for different kinds of trips. Thailand is easier to navigate and works well if you’re planning a beach holiday or something that feels familiar but still exciting. Vietnam can feel a bit more unpredictable, but if you’re up for that, it rewards you with great food, interesting landscapes, and a closer look at everyday life.

It really comes down to what kind of trip you want. If you’re short on time or want things to run smoothly, Thailand might make more sense. If you’re in the mood to dig in a little deeper, Vietnam’s a good choice. Or don’t choose at all—plenty of people visit both. You can fly between them easily, or travel overland through Laos or Cambodia if you want to make a longer trip out of it.