Our first trip abroad as a couple took us to Vietnam in 2017. We were living in Australia at the time and stumbled upon some cheap flights, which we booked immediately. It was only a short trip, but we managed to visit some sights like Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Cat Ba Island. This trip really strengthened our relationship, and that's why Vietnam will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Since then, we've been to Vietnam several times and explored places like Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh. On our last visit, we planned to travel around the country for several weeks. However, Cam hadn't properly researched the weather forecast for early January, and we were expecting rain. So we decided to book flights from Hanoi to Koh Samui to soak up some sun. What followed was probably the best two-month adventure of our lives—discovering the spectacular islands of southern Thailand.

Is it better to travel to Thailand or Vietnam?

While we are somewhat biased (since Kat is Thai), we still believe that Thailand is the better travel destination overall. This is mainly due to its reliability and diversity. Thailand has been welcoming visitors since the 1960s and simply knows how to offer a successful experience, whereas Vietnam is still in its infancy – tourism there only really took off in the 1990s. This means that in the Land of Smiles, you'll find better infrastructure, accommodation, and services.

In our opinion, Thailand also offers a greater diversity of landscapes than Vietnam. While northern Vietnam boasts impressive mountain scenery and rice paddies, Thailand offers similar landscapes and some of the world's most beautiful islands. Aside from Phu Quoc, Vietnam isn't exactly known for its breathtaking beaches. However, Thailand can no longer compete in one area: price. For many, this is a decisive disadvantage.

Similan Islands, Thailand

Comparison of the cities and nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a place we'd love to visit again. We still vividly remember our arrival and the impressive "sea of ​​scooters," which we simply loved. The city also boasts excellent coffee and street food, beautiful colonial architecture, and some moving war museums. However, it can't quite match the energy of Bangkok. Bui Vien Walking Street (bar street) isn't as vibrant as Khao San Road, and the selection of rooftop bars, such as the newly opened Iris & Wild Iris @SO, is unparalleled.

Hanoi in the north is a bit rougher, but charming in its own way and serves as a gateway to the north. However, it's not as appealing as, say, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Da Nang has a really decent beach for a city and is probably better than places like Hua Hin. However, it falls significantly short of Phuket's diverse beaches and local cuisine. From our observations, Hoi An, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed riverside Old Town, is the only Vietnamese city that simply cannot be replicated in Thailand.

Thailand scores points with its beaches and nature.

As soon as you arrive in Thailand, you feel like you've entered a tropical paradise, and the further south you travel, the more pronounced this impression becomes. The country is blessed with two distinct coastlines, while Vietnam has a continuous coastline. Both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are home to hundreds of beautiful islands – from Koh Kood to Koh Tao to Koh Ngai. Some of the beaches here are world-class, notably Donald Duck Bay (Similan Islands) and Paradise Beach (Koh Kradan).

Vietnam certainly boasts natural beauty, such as the steep peaks of Ha Giang and the rice terraces of Sapa. However, in some respects, it rivals Thailand. In Mae Hong Son or Phu Chi Fa, you'll find mist-shrouded mountains, and in Khao Sok National Park, the limestone cliffs are truly impressive. Halong Bay is also known for its limestone karst formations, but the amount of trash floating there put us off. Aside from remote islands like Con Dao, Vietnam's coastline is known more for its fishing ports, rough seas, and sand dunes than for idyllic beach holidays.

Read more: The 15 most beautiful beaches in Thailand: Famous spots and hidden gems

Longtail tours in southern Thailand

Which is better: Thai or Vietnamese food?

The question of which country has the best food, Thailand or Vietnam, is easy for us to answer: Thai food is unbeatable. It's once again down to the sheer variety that makes Thai cuisine so incredibly diverse. Vietnamese cuisine, on the other hand, is somewhat more limited. Beef pho, banh mi, and banh xeo are all delicious, but after a few days of traveling, they get pretty monotonous. And to be honest, apart from fresh spring rolls and a few different soups and salads, there wasn't much else to eat.

Furthermore, Thai cuisine is unsurpassed when it comes to spiciness and seafood. Som Tum is one of our favorite dishes, and we love the fresh seafood, from grilled fish (Pla Pao) to steamed crab (Pu Nung). Vietnam, however, truly shines when it comes to drinks. The egg coffee is surprisingly good, and Hanoi beer is also not to be underestimated. An unforgettable meal in Vietnam was at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local restaurant in Hanoi where, as is well known, Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama have also dined. We ordered the same dish, Bun Cha (grilled pork soup with rice noodles), and it was fantastic.

Read more: What to eat in Thailand: 50 dishes you absolutely must try

Vietnam as a budget travel option

Vietnam is significantly cheaper than Thailand – in fact, it's one of the world's best value travel destinations. It costs almost half as much, and that applies to both luxury travelers and backpackers on a budget. Prices in Thailand have risen steadily over the last few decades, although we still consider it relatively inexpensive since we pay in New Zealand dollars. However, the higher quality in many areas is reflected in the price.

Thailand is a wealthier country, and the standard of hotels, restaurants, and public transportation is significantly higher. However, Vietnam is developing rapidly and catching up, so prices will (in all likelihood) rise soon. Spending with Dong (VND) also gives you a feeling of wealth—the currency is so inflationary that, theoretically, you could easily become a millionaire (you only need about US$40). A similar, albeit lesser, effect can be seen with the Thai Baht, although you would need around US$30,000 to become a millionaire there.

Rich in Vietnamese dong

Why it's easier to get around in Thailand

Thailand is significantly superior to Vietnam in terms of travel comfort and transportation. Bangkok's MRT and BTS are far superior to the rail networks in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and Thai domestic airlines simply feel safer and more reliable. Due to the elongated shape of both countries, flying is recommended for north-south travel. We've flown with VietJet a few times, and it was quite cramped. AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways, on the other hand, offer a great deal of comfort.

Thailand's well-developed network of ferries and speedboats makes island hopping a breeze, thanks to well-equipped docks and established routes. Both destinations are also suitable for motorcyclists, though Vietnam, in particular, promises a true adventure on two wheels. The Ha Giang loop is one of the country's highlights and, frankly, far surpasses the Mae Hong Son loop. Motorbikes are simply part of everyday life here: we once saw a mother with her four children on a single scooter, all of whom somehow managed to squeeze in. That was the epitome of "We're in Vietnam."

Speedboat tour through the Similan Islands

Explore Koh Mak by scooter

Does Thailand or Vietnam have the better weather?

In Thailand, it's warm almost all year round, no matter where you go. The only catch is that it can rain a lot during the monsoon season. In Vietnam, on the other hand, the climate varies greatly depending on the region: In the north, it can even get quite cold (from December to February). As mentioned before, we had to learn this lesson the hard way. We had to book an expensive flight from Hanoi back to Thailand in January, a month we had simply assumed would bring warm and sunny weather (which turned out to be a mistake).

Central and southern Vietnam are characterized by a typical two-year climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, both of which are hot (and occasionally humid). However, since these seasons do not coincide with those of Thailand, you should take this into account if you plan to visit both countries on the same trip. The dry season in central Vietnam lasts from January to August, while in the south it more closely corresponds to Thailand's dry season (November to April). Overall, we believe Thailand offers a more pleasant climate, although this depends on the specific month of your trip.

Frequently asked questions about traveling to Thailand vs. Vietnam

Is it safer to travel to Thailand or Vietnam?

We never felt threatened by crime in either Thailand or Vietnam, so we would rate both countries as equally safe. The biggest safety risk remains with scooters and motorbikes – some roads can be treacherous, and the heavy traffic can be dangerous. In Thailand, we saw many travelers outside hospitals after what appeared to be serious accidents. Remember to always wear a helmet and drive carefully.

Both Thais and Vietnamese are very friendly, so you'll rarely have problems with the locals. However, some political situations can cause difficulties, especially if you openly criticize the monarchy in Thailand and the communist regime in Vietnam. It seems odd to see communist flags with the hammer and sickle right next to luxury Louis Vuitton stores, but that's exactly what we experienced in Hanoi. We also saw tanks driving through the streets, but it didn't feel threatening.

Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip

Explore Vietnam by scooter

Which country has simpler visa and entry requirements?

Currently, Thailand has somewhat less stringent visa requirements, particularly for holders of US, Canadian, British, European, or Australian passports. They can visit the Kingdom visa-free for 30 days and only need to complete a digital entry card for Thailand (TDAC) in advance. Vietnam is somewhat more restrictive: Nationals of certain countries (including the UK and many European countries) can enter visa-free for 45 days. However, holders of US, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand passports must apply for an e-visa before entering Vietnam.

More information: Thailand's new visa regulations: How to stay for 60–90 days

Thailand or Vietnam – which country is better suited for a family holiday?

In our opinion, Thailand is one of the best family travel destinations worldwide – ideal for families with young children. The country offers numerous beach resorts, diverse activities such as water parks and elephant sanctuaries, and a well-developed transport network. For Vietnam, we recommend a trip with teenagers. They will certainly appreciate the charm of Hoi An and Hue and will likely prefer Vietnamese cuisine to the spicy dishes of Thailand.

Final thoughts on the topic of traveling to Thailand vs. Vietnam

Comparing two such popular travel destinations as Thailand and Vietnam is never easy, as both have so much to offer. From our perspective, however, there's a clear winner: Thailand. It simply offers a more straightforward travel experience and still has so many undiscovered corners – like the relatively unknown Isaan region. If you have the time, visit both countries. But if you have to choose, pick the Land of Smiles. Keep an eye on your budget, because it's hard not to spend money constantly in such a fascinating country. Get inspired for your trip and read our travel guide to the most beautiful places in Thailand.