I begin this post by admitting my bias – after all, I published it on the website “Thailand Starts Here”. (Minor spoiler: I actually tried to buy VietnamStartsHere.com, but someone beat me to it.)

I also want to start generously. I love both countries; if I were told I had to explore only one of them for the rest of my life, I wouldn't be unhappy.

At the same time, despite Vietnam's rise and Thailand's various setbacks, the Thailand vs. Vietnam debate is not a particularly close one. I hope you will read the following paragraphs to understand my argument.

Why so many travelers now prefer Vietnam to Thailand.

A few years ago, if you had asked travelers, there probably wouldn't have been a clear choice between Thailand and Vietnam. Most would have said Vietnam was beautiful, but only for a short time and in a few places. Thailand, on the other hand, despite all its shortcomings, was considered the more tried and tested, reliable destination. Unfortunately, many trends intensified during and especially after the pandemic, most of them favoring Vietnam.

While both countries kept their borders closed for over a year—a move that proved counterproductive in both cases—Vietnam returned to normal much faster. Both the restrictions and the population's tendency to revert to pandemic-era behaviors faded away far more quickly there than in Thailand. Furthermore, prices in Thailand skyrocketed, and the value of the currency also rose rapidly. Vietnam, on the other hand, remained affordable despite significant improvements in infrastructure and security.

Ways to compare Thailand with Vietnam

Price

Vietnam is the clear winner in this category. Whether you're looking for a luxury vacation or a budget-friendly backpacking trip, Vietnam is at least half the price of Thailand, and often even cheaper. Remarkably, this hasn't changed over the years: Prices for many things in Vietnam have remained virtually the same since my first visit in 2010. In contrast, the cost of many items in Thailand has at least doubled during this period.

Destinations

Comparing Thailand and Vietnam in this respect, the advantage is less clear. Thailand undoubtedly has more beautiful beaches and islands; Bangkok is more cosmopolitan than Hanoi or Saigon. On the other hand, as much as I love northern Thailand, it lacks the extreme high-mountain scenery found, for example, in Sapa, not to mention the unique cultural character of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

Eat

Similarly, I think it's fair to argue that when it comes to food, these countries are more or less on par. Thai food is certainly spicier, and I would argue that Thai street food is more widespread and readily available. Nevertheless, I prefer the simplicity of pho to the complexity of Thai soups like tom kha or tom yam; generally speaking, I appreciate the availability of beef in Vietnam compared to Thailand, where pork is very popular.

Infrastructure and security

If I were to compile a list of countries (let alone Asian countries) with the best road and rail networks, Vietnam and Thailand would both rank near the bottom; the same is true (mainly due to traffic accidents) for public safety. While I would say that Thailand (especially Bangkok) is objectively "better" in this regard, travelers in Thailand tend to be more aware of this, leading them to be less cautious.

Visas and Immigration

From 2025, Thailand will offer visa-free entry (for 30 to 60 days) to citizens of dozens of countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries. Vietnam, on the other hand, requires many foreigners to obtain an e-visa before traveling, although this process has been significantly simplified over time. However, neither country offers universal 90-day entry visas like Malaysia or Singapore, so there is still room for improvement in both cases.

And the rest of Southeast Asia?

I have traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, and although Thailand is my absolute favorite, I have positive things to say about most of the countries in Southeast Asia:

  • In many ways, Myanmar resembles a bleak version of Thailand, trapped in the past for at least two decades. On the other hand, it is mired in a seemingly endless war and conflict.
  • I like Cambodia, but it simply doesn't have much to offer. Apart from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the island of Koh Rong, the country feels empty. The same goes for Laos – beautiful, but boring.
  • When it comes to Southeast Asia with a Muslim majority, I appreciate the ease of exploring Malaysia more than the incredible diversity and vastness of Indonesia.
  • Among the very rich countries, I prefer tiny Singapore to the larger Brunei, both because there is much more to do in Singapore (and because it is much easier to get around there), and because of Brunei's conservatism.
  • To be honest, I've never really liked the Philippines. The people are friendly and many places are beautiful, but the country is a complete mess with terrible food, questionable safety, and a repugnant penchant for dictators.

    • Other frequently asked questions about comparing Thailand and Vietnam

    Is it better to travel to Thailand or Vietnam?

    I think you should definitely visit both Thailand and Vietnam if possible! But if you can only choose one, I would start with Thailand. Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country with fantastic food and friendly people, and it's much cheaper than you might expect. However, Thailand offers a significantly safer and more reliable travel experience, as well as a richer and more varied one.

    Is it cheaper in Thailand or Vietnam?

    Vietnam is significantly cheaper than Thailand. This is due both to the overall lower prices and to the fact that the Vietnamese dong has remained stable in recent years, while the Thai baht has dramatically appreciated in value compared to foreign currencies, especially the US dollar.

    Is Thailand or Vietnam safer for tourists?

    On the one hand, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Thailand or Vietnam is low. On the other hand, both countries have questionable road conditions, and travelers should expect other inconveniences not encountered in Western countries. Nevertheless, I would say that Thailand is somewhat safer than Vietnam due to its higher level of development.

    Conclusion

    Comparing Thailand and Vietnam is insightful, even if you ultimately decide to travel to both countries. Thailand is, of course, my absolute favorite—after all, I run one of the leading Thailand travel websites on the internet—but Vietnam is also very close to my heart. At the same time, I believe that Thailand is the "better" destination overall, despite recent developments in both Thailand (rising prices, political unrest) and Vietnam (rapid economic growth, improved infrastructure). The best way to experience Thailand and Vietnam is to see for yourself, if possible, and form your own opinion! How? Commission me to plan your individual Southeast Asia trip and leave the details to me.