Where is better Thailand or Vietnam. Vietnam or Thailand - where is it better to live and work? “He’ll just sit down and drink some tea”: how things don’t work

We compare resorts in Vietnam and Thailand. Let's find out where is the best place to go on vacation! Find out from our review where the best beaches and entertainment are, where it’s cheaper and more interesting.

Both countries are damn good and it's so hard to compare them - they're too different. We vacationed three times in both Vietnam and Thailand at different resorts. In this report we will tell you about all the pros and cons of both countries. Weigh everything and decide where it’s best for you to go on vacation.

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Flight and visa

For those traveling for a short holiday, these criteria are the same: the flight takes 6-8 hours, and a visa is not needed.

The only difference is for winterers. In terms of visas, for long-term residence, Vietnam is more convenient and clearer - if you want to stay for more than 15 days, you need to order a visa invitation online and receive it at the airport, and you can extend it in the country. If you plan to live in Thailand for more than a month, difficulties begin - visas are no longer held in high esteem, and it is better to apply for a tourist visa in Moscow or a neighboring Asian country.

(Photo © peter-grevstad / flickr.com)

Where tours are cheaper

The cost of the tours is approximately the same - a week-long vacation for two from Moscow to Thailand and Vietnam costs from 70 thousand rubles.


Flights within Southeast Asia on low-cost airlines are very cheap.

Where is it cheaper - Vietnam or Thailand

Housing. Hotels in Vietnam are a little cheaper - for example, in high season in Nha Trang it is easy to find accommodation for $10 per night with good reviews (and sometimes cheaper if you look in advance). In Fukuoka, we lived in three-star hotels for $25-40. On the other hand, it is more profitable to rent housing in Thailand for a long time - they offer discounts.


Our Miana resort for $25 in Fukuoka.
The Hill Resort is a good resort in Fukuoka for $40 per night.

Food. Eating in Vietnam is also a little cheaper. Food in makashnitsa and establishments for locals costs approximately the same in both countries: rice with meat, noodles with meat, soups - within 100 rubles. In a cafe for foreigners, the price tag doubles. Only Phuket stands out strongly, where everything is more expensive.


Inexpensive seafood at a night market in Thailand.
In Vietnamese supermarkets, fruit is sometimes cheaper than in markets.

Where is the sea and beaches better - in Vietnam or Thailand

We give the championship to Thailand; in Vietnam the beaches are worse.

  • Thai beaches are more consistent with the image of “paradise bounty beaches” than Vietnamese ones.
  • In Thailand, the water is cleaner, and there is almost no garbage - the Vietnamese are worse at maintaining cleanliness.
  • The choice of resorts in Thailand is greater - the country is washed not only by the South China Sea, but also by the Andaman Sea.
  • There are many islands in Thailand for a secluded holiday.

The best beaches in Vietnam can be found on, but the beaches are completely unsuitable for swimming - keep in mind! - average.


The purest water and sand on Kata Noi Beach in Phuket.
The water on Rush Vem beach in Phu Quoc (Vietnam) is amazingly clean.
There are beaches in Vietnam like this - Bai Sao on Phu Quoc.

Where is the climate better?

Where is it better to go on vacation in December, January, February, March and April - Thailand or Vietnam? The weather in both countries in the winter and spring months is almost the same - hot, humid, without precipitation, the sea is calm.

In winter in Vietnam you can relax only in the south and in some resorts in the center of the country, but in Thailand - everywhere. But summer is good in the north and center of Vietnam, while it rains in Thailand.


Patong Beach in Phuket is usually crowded, but sometimes it gets like this.
Serenity and silence at Rash Vem Beach on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.

Sights, nature and culture

Nature is similar: waterfalls, mountains, islands, caves, rivers, jungles, animals, beaches - the tropics are the tropics. But the culture and attractions are very different. Vietnam has preserved a lot of colonial architecture, but there are few ancient attractions - mostly natural. And Thailand is full of ancient architectural monuments and beautiful temples.

In my opinion, it is better for lovers of sights and seekers of authenticity to relax in Vietnam - resort Thailand is significantly inferior in color and lacks contrasts. However, in Northern Thailand you can still find authenticity and flavor - for example, in Chiang Mai.


Temple with a large golden Buddha in Bangkok.
Authentic old town in Hoi An with cute cafes, museums and shops.
Desert in the middle of the humid tropics - it happens! White dunes in Mui Ne in Vietnam.

Entertainment and excursions

Excursion holidays in both countries are well developed, there are attractions and beach infrastructure. But in terms of adult entertainment, Thailand has made great strides forward: popular resorts are full of bars, nightclubs, discos and karaoke with available girls. In Vietnam, everything is decent, and the eyes are not confused by sweet-voiced girls in revealing outfits inviting you to the next club.


Taeks and Europeans are irresistibly attracted to each other. The bars on Bangla Road are the center of Patong's nightlife.
Popular five-minute entertainment in Phuket.

National cuisine

Here Vietnam wins without talking! The advantage of Vietnamese cuisine for an unprepared European stomach is that you can adjust the spiciness of your dish yourself (with rare exceptions). And in Thailand, dishes are often overly hot or spicy, even if they are not spicy.

What to choose for gastronomic tourism - Thailand or Vietnam? Vietnamese cuisine has more exotic dishes - from frogs, crocodile and fried insects to snake heart, dog meat and balut. However, Thai cuisine is also good for a gourmet - many even consider it the best in the world.


Rice with seafood in pineapple - tasty and not at all spicy.
If you don’t know the translation of Vietnamese dish names, you won’t always guess what’s on the plate. I assume that in the photo Bún ốc is a soup with noodles, semi-finished meat products and snails (but this is not certain).

The language barrier

Thais employed in the tourism industry speak excellent English, but the Vietnamese do not. But some Vietnamese know Russian well, and generally learn it quickly. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne, menus and signs are often in Russian, and there are Russian-speaking guides.


There are funny translations in the menu in Russian.

Where is it safer?

In general, both countries are safe, but you should still be at least minimally vigilant. Do not leave valuables on the beach unattended, or in a dubious hotel without reviews. Do not carry bags on your shoulder on the side of the road - hooligans on a bike can rip it off.

Medicine is better developed in Thailand, but it is expensive. We recommend that you take out good insurance.

Vietnam is less susceptible to destructive natural phenomena than Thailand. There are no tsunamis there, although sometimes typhoons and floods occur during the rainy season. To avoid them, travel during high season.

Follow basic safety rules while on vacation in Vietnam and Thailand: do not swim if a red flag is displayed; do not ride your bike in the rain (in mountainous areas); apply repellent and do not forget about hats.


A dangerous inhabitant of the seas is the Portuguese man-of-war.

(Photo © designwallah / flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Locals

In both Thailand and Vietnam, the locals are friendly. Only the tourism industry spoils people, and many are not averse to making money off tourists. As elsewhere, they can shortchange and weigh you down.

I like the Vietnamese more, they are closer and more understandable to us - their culture does not have the tradition of “keeping face” and insincere smiles, like the Thais. It's simple: if a Vietnamese is dissatisfied or preoccupied with something, he frowns. If he is in a good mood, he smiles.

It is significant that during all the time in Thailand things never went beyond the famous smiles. And in Vietnam we were treated many times, invited to join the company, and had a casual conversation. Almost everyone doesn't mind having their photo taken!


The boys in the city of An Thoi in Vietnam attacked us.
A cheerful company on Bai Khem beach in Vietnam invited us to join a picnic.
Confused coconut seller in Phuket.

So where is it better to relax - Thailand or Vietnam?

  1. Both countries visa-free, it is easier to stay in Vietnam for a long time.
  2. Prices for tours to Vietnam and Thailand are approximately the same. Good and cheap hotels are easier to find in Vietnam. Food in Vietnam is also cheaper.
  3. in winter weather allows you to relax in both Thailand and Vietnam. In summer in Thailand there is a rainy season and high humidity; a holiday in Vietnam will be more comfortable.
  4. Beaches Thailand is much better.
  5. Attractions a lot in both countries, but Vietnam has more authenticity.
  6. Infrastructure and entertainment are somewhat better developed in Thailand.
  7. Kitchen Both countries are interesting and unusual, but you will find a greater variety of national dishes in Vietnam. Keep in mind that in Thailand it is easier to unexpectedly fall into a fiery spicy food.
  8. The resorts in Vietnam are better They say in Russian, in Thai - in English.
  9. Both countries have enough safe.

Objectively, Thailand is more suitable for the average tourist than Vietnam: the tourist infrastructure is better developed, the sea and beaches are cleaner, a large selection of excursions, cheap, the Thais are smiling and serene - all this adds up to a beautiful picture. Plus, the country looks more prestigious in the eyes of its compatriots - it will have something to brag about in conversations and Instagram.

However, subjectively, Vietnam is better: the nature is more beautiful and diverse, the contrasts and flavor in culture have been preserved, there are still not so many tourists, it’s cheap, beach holidays are also not bad - especially in Phu Quoc. The food is more familiar to Europeans, but there are also plenty of exotic dishes.


Contrasts in Vietnam - Fairy Creek in Mui Ne.
Sunset at Rush Vem Beach in Fukuoka.
A picturesque floating village in Fukuoka with sea restaurants.

Since Turkey has slightly lost its position, the eyes of Russian tourists have turned to the east. Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam offered the most suitable conditions for recreation. And if the first has long been popular among tourists and attracts them with its exoticism, the second has only now begun to gain popularity. They are very similar, so the choice of “Thailand or Vietnam?” It is very difficult for tourists. We will describe the differences between these countries.

Climate

Both countries are in Southeast Asia. It is warm here all year round and there is no distinct summer or winter, but there is a rainy season.

Vietnam can be visited all year round. In winter, it is most pleasant to relax on Phu Quoc Island, in summer - in Nha Trang or Hoi An. It has been raining almost everywhere since the end of October.

In this regard, it is also democratic. It is most comfortable here in winter, when it is dry and not too stuffy and humid. This is especially true for such a popular resort as Phuket. In Koh Samui, it rains mainly in the fall, but usually this does not interfere with your vacation.

As you can see, in any month you can find a resort in Vietnam or Thailand that is better to go to. So the choice is not between countries, but between resorts.

There is another important point - acclimatization, adaptation to the country’s climate. It is less hot in Thailand, but tourists note that the heat is much more difficult to bear due to high humidity. This is especially true in summer and autumn when it rains. It’s easier to breathe in Vietnam; the climate is reminiscent of Crimea and Sochi.

Bottom line: The climate in the two countries is similar, but winter in Vietnam is not as comfortable as in Thailand, but acclimatization is easier.

Beaches

In terms of beaches, Vietnam is definitely inferior to Thailand. The water here is not so clear, there are many locals on the public coast, and the infrastructure is less developed. The beaches are beautiful, but you need to get to them by bike and there is almost no infrastructure.


The beaches of Thailand are cleaner and more equipped - except that in Pattaya the sea is quite dirty and not suitable for swimming. But you can find yourself in truly heavenly conditions. And in Thailand there are many more opportunities for active recreation.



In Vietnam, almost all beaches have a gentle entrance to the water, which is pleasant for families with children.

The water is always warm, but in winter in the south of Vietnam it rarely warms up above +25 °C, while in Thai it is heated to +27 °C and above.

Bottom line: Thai beaches are better than Vietnamese ones in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure, but among the latter, in the distance, there are very quiet ones with untouched nature.

Attractions

If you are interested in ancient Asian culture, then Thailand is strong in this regard - there are a huge number of pagodas, Buddhist temples, Buddha statues, palaces and other interesting places. The nature here is also very beautiful, and excursions, according to tourists, are much better organized.





In Vietnam, after the war, there are few ancient monuments left, but there are interesting modern buildings. In Hanoi you can walk through beautiful parks, and in Dalat you can look at French architecture.



Bottom line: For exclusively sightseeing tours, choose Thailand, preferably in winter, when it is not so humid and stuffy.

Infrastructure

Accommodation

Since Thailand has long been a popular resort, there is much more housing here - there are a lot of hostels and hotels even in the smallest resorts. There are various bungalows on the shore, and quite a few villas that are rented out to tourists, including some very close to the sea.

Along with a wide variety and high level of service come quite high prices. Often they are still lower than in Europe or the former CIS countries.

In Vietnam, the hotel infrastructure is not so developed. They have already appeared, but it’s often not very comfortable to relax in inexpensive ones. It is better to stay in three- and four-star hotels. Even in 5* hotels, prices are generally pleasing, especially since they offer fairly comfortable conditions.

Bottom line: For the most comfortable hotels, go to Thailand, for inexpensive ones - to Vietnam.

Nutrition

Thailand has a lot of cafes and restaurants, street food stalls, so you will always find somewhere to eat. However, it is very spicy, and some tastes and dishes are so unusual that it can cause stomach problems. Adapting to local food is not easy.

There are also many cafes and restaurants in Vietnam, but they often close in the evenings. Street stalls also leave early and are not open during lunch - the Vietnamese have a siesta.

At the same time, it is much closer to us - often it is ordinary rice with meat, fish, rice noodles or light soups. Moderate spiciness. True, sometimes they add an unusual nyok-mam sauce to food, which is made from rotten fish - this exotic is not for everyone. Fresh vegetables and fruits are cheaper.

Vietnam is especially famous for its coffee - there are ideal conditions for growing it. It is prepared using special aluminum filters, which gives it a special taste.

Food prices in both countries are approximately the same. Local food is cheap, but imported products like milk are quite expensive.

Bottom line: There is more food in Thailand, but it is unusual. Vietnamese cuisine is softer and less exotic.

Entertainment

If you want to relax as fun as possible, then you shouldn’t even wonder what is better: Thailand or Vietnam. In terms of entertainment, Tai is definitely the leader - even in small resorts there are discos and clubs, and in large cities there are constantly noisy parties, interesting and exotic shows. There are also many more water parks and amusement parks. And the adult entertainment industry can be the envy of any other country in the world. Water activities and diving are much better developed, especially on the islands.




Question to an expert: Which destination, Thailand or Vietnam, would you recommend for a holiday with children and why?


Nikolay Zhuravlev answers:
CEO
LLC "BUSINESS PLANNING EXPERTS",
experienced traveler

“Thailand is more suitable. Firstly, there is a much more developed recreation infrastructure there compared to Vietnam. Secondly, Vietnam has a completely different nature - the jungle with all the ensuing consequences. I once barely rode a moped around a huge cobra that stretched the entire width of the road and glittered under the moonlight so much that it gave me a shiver. Another time I was bitten quite badly at night by a swarm of some midges, so that the bites did not go away for two weeks. This has never happened in Thailand. And the main features of Vietnam, the freshest and cheapest seafood and wood products, are unlikely to be appreciated by children, since they are not yet mature.”

Vietnam has recently become popular among tourists, and its specialty is still calm and quiet family holidays. Noisy clubs and bars can only be found here in Nha Trang; noteworthy amusement parks and water parks can also be found only in Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. And the Vietnamese go to bed very early, so after 10-11 pm the streets become very quiet.


Such a meager range of entertainment will upset the lover of night parties, but if peace and quiet attracts you, then Vietnam will be the ideal choice. And you can always go to Nha Trang for a few days and have a fairly good rest - the short distances between the resorts allow this.

Bottom line: For any entertainment, it is better to go to Thailand. If you are in Vietnam, then you can have fun in Nha Trang.

Visa regime

If you do not want to apply for a visa and you are choosing where to go, Thailand or Vietnam will suit you equally. There are no visa formalities at entry into these countries.

A Vietnam visa costs about $30 and is valid for 15 days. Placed at the airport after filling out a special form. In Thailand, upon entry, you will be given a stamp for free, which will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Bottom line: You can enter Thailand easier, cheaper and for a longer period.

Prices

A flight to Bangkok from Moscow will cost less than to Nha Trang. Many flights with transfers. Direct charter flights during the season cost about the same.

Prices for tours are also at the same level, around 20-30 thousand rubles per person for two weeks. But a trip to Vietnam can be cheaper thanks to low accommodation prices.

Food prices in Thailand are higher, but not significantly. Goods and souvenirs here are also usually more expensive, but the range is wider. But taxis in Vietnam are one of the cheapest in the world, so you can save a lot on travel.

Bottom line: Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand in almost all respects.

Language

In Thailand, almost all locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Even in non-tourist markets you can always find someone who speaks English and bargain. And in some resorts, for example, in Pattaya, there are entire Russian restaurants and shops.

In Vietnam, the circumstances are different - almost everyone speaks only the local language, price tags in supermarkets and signs are not duplicated in English. This doesn’t interfere with relaxing in a hotel on the beach, but if you travel around the country, you’ll have to learn a couple of phrases and get a phrase book.

Bottom line: In Thailand, you won’t be lost if you speak English, and in Vietnam, when traveling independently, you can’t do without a phrase book.

What to choose

Travel to Thailand if you:

    Do you want to relax noisily and cheerfully?

    Appreciate the developed tourist infrastructure.

    Planning walks around the resorts and chatting with locals.

    Do you want to get acquainted with eastern sights?

    Do you want to plunge into exotic shows?

    Prefer the most comfortable hotels.

    Do you want to relax on cleaner beaches and sea.

    Are you planning a trip in winter?

You will like Vietnam if you:

    Do you want to save money on your tour?

    Interested in France - the French have had a huge influence on local architecture and culture.

    Do you want to relax quietly, in nature?

    Don't strive for maximum comfort.

    Have difficulty withstanding heat and extreme humidity.

    Love the coffee - it's outstanding here.

    Traveling with small children.

More details about the choice between these two countries can be seen in the video of an experienced traveler who lived in Samui and Nha Trang for several months

Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? If you want to know the answer to this question, then my article is especially for you. Today I will spend comparison between Thailand or Vietnam, so that you can decide for yourself where to go: to Thailand or Vietnam. Of course, there is no universal answer to the question “Which is better, Thailand or Vietnam?”, so everyone will decide for themselves, and I will help with this and tell you about these two countries, about food, entertainment, the sea and service for Russian tourists.

The first thing I want to point out about comparing Thailand and Vietnam is that they are two completely different cultures. And for tourists, some will be better off in Vietnam, others in Thailand, because tourists are also completely different and go on trips for different purposes. Personally, I decided a long time ago that I prefer Thailand. But you make your own choice, Thailand or Vietnam, which is best for you.

Vietnam is very different from Thailand. There is not such a variety of entertainment 24 hours a day as in Thailand, but there is something to see besides the beaches. Our compatriots live in Vietnam, but even more of them live in Thailand. For some this is a plus, but for others it is a minus. Let's look at the sea, environment and entertainment of the two countries to decide which is better: Thailand or Vietnam.

Sea to Thailand or Vietnam

The first thing we go on holiday to hot countries for is, perhaps, the sea. Sea Thailand or Vietnam? What's better? The sea in Vietnam is simply super, despite the fact that Its coast is very clean, the sea is exactly what it is worth going for. The beaches are looked after, cleaned and monitored all the time. It commands respect. The sea in Thailand is also cool and sky blue.

The situation in Vietnam and Thailand

The overall impression and environment are also important in comparison between Thailand and Vietnam. In Vietnam there is no smell on the streets like in Thailand. The streets in Vietnam are very clean, cows don’t walk, and stray dogs don’t run around. But like many places in Asia, you will have to shut up your disgust and not pay attention to fat rats walking on foot and not afraid of anyone, lizards as neighbors in the room, all kinds of living creatures on the balcony. This is the norm in such places.

Infrastructure for Russians in Vietnam and Thailand

If you are still in doubt when choosing Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? you will have a rest, let's look at the service for Russian tourists. IN There is a Russian Information Center. Huge respect to the guys - they work from morning until late evening, you can find out any information: where to eat, until what time the store is open, exchange money at a good rate, etc. They sell excellent excursions, they don’t try to sell you anything, they are very friendly. It is clear that such a center was organized by a very competent person and the marketing did an excellent job. IN . It's like coming to Gelendzhik, only in Asia: all the entertainment, food and much more are adapted to our Russian brother. In Pattaya, Russian speech is heard more often than Thai.

Food in Vietnam, Thailand and Goa

A lot has already been said about food, but if you decide, Vietnam or Thailand which is better, then cuisine in Asia occupies a special place. If you want to lose weight, this is the place for you. The main thing is to pay more attention to street food. Personally, I am not attracted to the type of Vietnamese food - fried spring rolls, soup and noodles with flavor enhancers, especially if you look at what they eat and sell on the street.
There are no questions about cafes and restaurants adapted for tourists: everything is fresh and of high quality. Prices are approximately the same in my opinion, both in Vietnam and in Thailand. In Thailand, the cuisine is spicier than in Vietnam. But in Thailand there is more diversity, there are scorpions, grasshoppers, and much more. So decide for yourself what you like best from food, spicy or not very spicy food to choose for relaxation Vietnam or Thailand are better. From the exotic side, I tried Luwak coffee. For those who don’t know, look on the Internet what it is and where they get it from. It is difficult to write a comparison between Vietnam and Thailand in terms of food. I have already written two articles on this topic about each of these countries, I advise you to read: V etnamese cuisine,.

Entertainment Thailand, Vietnam

Vietnam or Thailand, where is the best entertainment and nightlife for tourists? In terms of entertainment, when comparing Thailand and Vietnam, Thailand definitely wins. Thailand was the first to embark on the path of tourism and has definitely moved further away from Vietnam, although this cannot be said about every resort. There is no Walking Street in Vietnam yet, the Nha Trang resort is developing, it’s only 7 years old and is just getting used to tourists, but there are quite good establishments. We went to — the club is mainly for Russian tourists, there are a lot of people, the music is good.
Nha Trang Skylight Bar on the roof of the Best Western Premier Havana Hotel. Located on the 45th floor, excellent view of the city. A very high-quality place, to be honest, I don’t remember anything like it.

So, to answer the question " Which is better, Vietnam or Thailand?, I made a comparison of Thailand or Vietnam. To definitely decide for yourself what is better than Thailand or Vietnam, I would advise visiting both countries.

Is it good to vacation in Vietnam and Thailand? Yes! Where would I advise a person to go who has never been to these countries? Go to Thailand, to Pattaya. There you will be whirled by a whirlwind of emotions, events, interesting excursions, entertainment, Bangkok alone is worth it. Why in Pattaya probably no one goes to the beach to watch the sunrise and sunset? There’s no time for that, there’s a lot of other things to do. Although you must admit that the sun also rises and sets there. If you are interested in comparing not only Vietnam and Thailand, I advise you to read also ,

Thailand or Vietnam

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, located in the southwest of the Indochina Peninsula and the north of the Malacca Peninsula. It borders Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. From north to south, the country stretches for 1860 km, is washed by the South China and Andaman Seas, and the coastline is more than 3 thousand km. Due to the diversity of climate in different parts of the country, there is no tourist season as such in Thailand. This is one of the few countries where holidays will be equally enjoyable at any time of the year. Vietnam is a small state in Southeast Asia that occupies part of the Indochina Peninsula. It borders China, Laos and Cambodia, is washed by the South China Sea, and is rapidly gaining popularity among Russian tourists. The best time for tourists is summer. To objectively assess the quality of your vacation and decide where is better - Thailand or Vietnam, you need to visit both countries, preferably in different places and more than once. The generalized experience of our compatriots, who prefer traveling to exotic countries and trips to popular foreign resorts when vacationing in Russia, will help with this.

Where is it better - in Thailand or Vietnam?

The first thing that interests our tourists is where it is cheaper, in Thailand or Vietnam, because the thickness of everyone’s wallets is different, not everyone can afford a holiday at a fashionable resort.

  • Housing. It is better to compare prices in capitals and popular holiday destinations. Sadly, hotel rooms in Hanoi (the official capital of Vietnam) and Ho Chi Minh City (the economic capital) are about half the price of those in Bangkok (the capital of Thailand). In the first case, you can rent a decent room for two for 15-20 dollars, in the second - for no less than 40. As for resorts, the situation is different. An average double room in Pattaya (Thailand) with a courtyard view and paid Internet will cost about 700 baht ($10), a spacious double room in Mui Ne (Vietnam) with a pool under the windows and free Internet costs an average of $20. But here you have to choose between price and comfort. It would be fair to set the score 1:1.
  • Food. The question is controversial, since it all depends on your appetite, your tastes and preferences. Only one thing can be said for sure - alcohol is cheaper in Vietnam, but fruits and snacks in cafes cost the same as in Thailand. If we talk about imported products, they are expensive everywhere. 2:2.
  • Transport. The cheapest taxi in Vietnam. You can ride around Hanoi within an area interesting for tourists for only 10-15 rubles. City transport and tourist buses are also cheaper here, meaning Vietnam leads in this category with a score of 3:2.
  • Vouchers. Two or three years ago, prices for trips to Thailand were significantly lower than to Vietnam, but now they have become equal, especially in the segment of inexpensive tours. 4:3.
  • Flight. Flights to Thailand are much cheaper than to Vietnam, only sometimes tickets to this country are sold at discounts. Promotions on tickets to Bangkok are valid almost all year round. The score is leveled - 4:4.
  • Climate. The next criterion by which a country is chosen for a holiday is climate. If we take two southern resorts as an example - Nha Trang in Vietnam and Samui in Thailand, then the first one wins. At the height of the tourist season (winter), the climate here is milder and more pleasant: not hot during the day, fresh and cool in the evening. But the further north the holiday destination is, the better it will be in Thailand. If we summarize the answer to the question of where and when it would be better to vacation - in Vietnam or Thailand, it is simple: in the summer at Vietnamese resorts, in the winter - at Thai resorts, when the sea is calm, the weather is dry, and the sun is gentle. So 5:5
  • Internet. A modern person, even on vacation, rarely parts with gadgets, so the Internet plays an important role when choosing a resort. If we talk about mobile Internet access, it is cheaper in Vietnam; cable lines and Wi-Fi access in hotels are of poor quality in both countries. It is best to buy a SIM card from a local telecom operator and use its services.
  • Infrastructure. Thailand is an ideal country for tourist trips. There are excellent roads here, and there are 24-hour shops, bars, cafes, clubs and entertainment centers at every step. At any time of the day you can have a snack, drink a glass of wine and dance. In Vietnam, the tourism business is not so well developed, so after 23-00 it is almost impossible to buy anything, only small shops operate, more like warehouses, and their range is not the widest. 6:5 in favor of Thai resorts.
  • Visa. The procedure for obtaining a visa to Vietnam is much simpler than to Thailand. It can be issued for 1-3 months directly at the receiving airport. But the visa-free regime for Russians is only two weeks, while in Thailand it is four. However, you can apply for and extend a visa to this country only at a consulate on the territory of another state; the visa policy of the Thai authorities is very strict and there is always the possibility of not getting to the desired resort. Draw again - 6:6.
  • Nutrition. The choice of food options and variety of national cuisines in Thailand is much greater than in Vietnam. This is especially true for street food - the price of all kinds of culinary delights like hamburgers is low, they are available at any time of the day. In Vietnam, at lunchtime all the sellers go for a siesta, but there are also many restaurants, the basis of the menu of any establishment is seafood dishes. Here the food is closer to our spirit, it is simple and affordable. For $1 you can have a filling and tasty lunch. It's fair to leave the score tied - 7:7.
  • Trips. As in Russia, in both countries large cities and provinces are different things. Thailand has a metro and surface trains, but the cities are so crowded with cars that there is a high risk of standing in traffic jams for several hours. There is no such abundance of transport in Vietnam, and traveling around the country will cost several times less. It is very profitable to travel around the city by pedicabs and auto-rickshaws. The cost of public transport depends on the type and comfort. 8:7 in favor of Vietnam.
  • Beaches. Thailand is a country of developed seaside resorts, so Vietnam is inferior here in all respects. In the first case, there is a wide selection of comfortable beaches with developed infrastructure and a large selection of entertainment; in the second, there are mid-level beaches, filled in the evening with local residents who come to the sea with their entire families. Clean water on the Vietnamese coast can only be found in wild places that are not popular with tourists. 8:8.
  • Medicine. Thailand has a large number of public and private clinics that both locals and tourists can visit. The prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly. The same can be said about Vietnam, the only difficulty is the problem of finding a doctor who speaks English, and even more so, Russian. By the way, Vietnam has very cheap and high-quality dentistry, so another point in favor of this country. 9:8.
  • Adaptation. This is a purely individual criterion, because the degree of addiction depends on the characteristics of the body and the person’s habits. If in Thailand it is difficult to get used to food, then in Vietnam the language barrier remains a problem. Thai dishes are spicy and have a specific smell, Vietnamese dishes are blander and simpler: rice, meat, fish and noodle soup can be served in almost every village. Vietnamese resorts still skimp on staff, so it is difficult to find a manager or seller at the market who speaks reasonable English, much less Russian. Under all other approximately equal conditions, the leadership remains with Thailand. The final figure is 9:8 in favor of Thailand.

Vietnam and Thailand are two states that share small territories of Laos and Cambodia. They are located on the same peninsula, their traditions and climate are similar. But the tourism business in Vietnam has just begun to take shape, so in many ways Thailand is more attractive to travelers. But even in our rating, he scored only one point more, which says one thing: choosing Phuket or Vietnam - where it is better, cheaper and more interesting - is for you and only you, since even generalized information does not give a complete picture of the living and recreation conditions in these countries . We are engaged in renting real estate in Thailand and, for our part, we promise to do everything possible to ensure that these conditions remain the best possible during your stay.

Among the Asian tourism destinations, the question often arises, where is it better and cheaper to go, to Thailand or Vietnam? It is quite difficult to choose, since both countries have their own flavor, which has loyal fans. But still, if you are faced with a choice of where to spend your vacation, you should carefully study all aspects of life in these countries in order to accurately choose for yourself what is better for your vacation - Vietnam or Thailand.

The decision largely depends on your personal preferences, financial capabilities and expectations that you have for the trip. That is why you need to carefully familiarize yourself with all aspects of tourism.

Flight to destination

When choosing a place to relax, many pay attention to the time factor. What type of transport can be used, how many hours the trip takes and what the price of tickets are - these are the questions on which the final decision depends.

From this point of view, when comparing both countries, neither has advantages. In terms of time, it turns out that flying to Thailand takes an hour longer. And considering that the cost of a ticket depends on the chosen tour operator or airline, as well as the time of year, you can find reasonable prices for each destination.

Thus, in the question of what to choose, Thailand or Vietnam, this criterion is not decisive. You can even purchase a Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam tour and visit three countries for more than a small amount of money.

Vietnam and Thailand, comparison of climate and weather conditions

Although both countries have a tropical climate with high humidity, Vietnam is more comfortable in winter. You can be sure that during the day you will not have to swelter from the heat, while in Thailand the temperature is much higher. But here it all depends on your personal preferences.

The peak tourist season in both countries occurs from the beginning of December to the end of March. At this time, you don’t have to be afraid of tropical downpours and the mercilessly scorching sun.

Which is better - Thailand or Vietnam, comparison of beaches

When deciding which country to go to, you should decide what type of beaches interests you.

If we talk about a civilized vacation with hotels on the shore and developed infrastructure, as a rule, these are city beaches. In Vietnam, these are located in the cities of Nha Trang and Phan Thiet (Mui Ne). In Thailand these are Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.


According to this criterion, the advantage is in the direction of Vietnam, where there are no huge crowds of people, prices for food and housing are cheaper, and you can also enjoy clean air and a real riot of greenery. In addition, in Vietnam it is much more common to find signs with inscriptions in Russian, which means that it will be much easier to navigate the country.

And when it comes to wild beaches, Thailand has a distinct advantage as you can find a wide variety of places to relax on your own. In Vietnam, this opportunity is only on the islands of Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Cat Ba. Moreover, in the last two cases, heavenly solitude will cost you quite a lot.

As for Thailand, a number of resorts are offered to your attention, from which you only need to choose the one you like most, which will definitely cost less. This is an impressive list of islands, among which there are semi-civilized ones, where you can find some kind of service, for example, shops, bars, restaurants, massage.

This number includes:

  • Koh Chang;
  • Koh Phangan;
  • Koh Tao;
  • Phi Phi;
  • Koh Lanta.

There are also completely wild places in Thailand where you can feel completely alone. These are the islands:

  • Samet;
  • Koh Kood;
  • Koh Mak;
  • Ko Wai and many others.


The maximum level of service here comes down to massage at the hotel and several restaurants throughout the island, but at the same time the cost of services is much cheaper.

Thus, to choose where it is better to vacation, Vietnam or Thailand, you should consider what type of vacation you need.

If you prefer a civilized holiday, go to Vietnam, and if you want to take a break from society and fully enjoy being close to nature, choose Thailand.

Thailand or Vietnam – which is cheaper?

When it comes to housing prices, in order to choose a more economical option, it is important to consider exactly how long you plan to stay in the country. If your vacation lasts no more than 2-3 weeks, accommodation in Vietnam will cost less, and the conditions in the room will be approximately the same.

But if you are going to stay at sea for more than a month, the price will be about the same. It may even be that Thailand will cost you less due to the fact that the Vietnamese are not yet accustomed to renting out housing for a long period of time, which is why there is practically no competition here.

Cost of goods and services


In each country, the price of food, massage services, moving around the city on public transport, and motorbike rental is approximately the same. The exception is alcohol; Vietnamese winemakers sell it much cheaper than in Thailand.

However, the cost of products from global brands is approximately the same. Therefore, when choosing which is better - Thailand or Vietnam, this criterion is not decisive.

What to see on vacation, sights of countries

Vietnam or Thailand, where is it better to spend time? If, in addition to a beach holiday, you want to walk around the resort and see its attractions, it is difficult to give a definite answer which country is better to choose.

It should be borne in mind that there have been no global wars in Thailand for many centuries, so here you can find attractions dating back to antiquity. You can even go to a museum located directly in the open air, for example, Sukhothai or Ayutthaya.

But, despite the fact that the war of the last century in Vietnam destroyed much of the country, many interesting sights can also be found here. For example, in big cities there are palaces and other buildings related to the European style, while in Thailand it will be simply impossible to see this. Therefore, you need to choose a country to visit based on personal preferences.

Where is the best place to go, visa regime comparison

If your vacation lasts no more than two weeks, it doesn’t matter which country you choose. You can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days, and in Vietnam -15.


But if your stay in another country is more than a month, you must have an official permit for a long stay. In this regard, it is better to choose Vietnam, since the visa regime here is not only simpler, but also cheaper. So, you can apply for a three-month visa, and after the expiration of the period, extend it for another six months without leaving the country.