Thailand and Vietnam are the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, exotic temples and vibrant nightlife. Popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok (the most visited city in the world), Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. On the other hand, Vietnam is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history and unique culture. Popular tourist destinations in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. The friendly visa policy, a variety of entertainment and the development of tourist services have made Thailand more attractive than Vietnam in the eyes of foreign tourists. In 2019, 18 million tourists visited Vietnam, which brought the country $ 18.3 billion, which is much lower than Thailand‘s figures (39.8 million people and $ 60 billion). According to statistics, foreigners spend an average of nine days in Vietnam and Thailand. However, in Thailand they spend $163 per person per day, while in Vietnam they spend only $96. This year, 8 million guests are expected to arrive in Vietnam, while Thailand is eyeing 30 million.
Vacation in Vietnam or Thailand
When it comes to holidays in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Thailand are usually the first on the list of places to visit. Both countries are notable for their unique attractions, beautiful beaches, rich culture and delicious cuisine. However, before planning your trip, it is important to consider some factors in order to choose the best place for your vacation. Although Vietnam has beautiful landscapes, delicious food and friendly people, tourism in Thailand is better developed, especially in terms of the quality of services. However, in some areas, especially during peak season, it can be quite crowded and expensive.
Vibrant Thailand
Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and bustling cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is a popular destination for beach lovers and those interested in Buddhist culture and ancient temples. In addition to its natural beauty, Thailand offers many activities such as trekking, diving, kayaking, rock climbing, Muay Thai. The lively local markets and long–tailed boats are an example of vibrant Thai life, and the flickering neon lights of parties and bars are its crazy side. Golden temples will tell you about ancient Buddhist culture, and elephants and wild animals in its prehistoric jungle will take you back in time.
Peaceful Vietnam
Vietnam, on the other hand, has a more laid-back relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on history and food. It has a mixed cultural atmosphere due to the influence of China and France. Here you will find charming ancient cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An with narrow streets and colonial attractions. As well as scenic landscapes such as Halong Bay and Sapa, ethnic villages in the mountainous northern area and boat cruises along the Mekong.
Beach holidays: The best beaches of Thailand and Vietnam
If you are looking for beautiful beaches, then both of these destinations can offer you several Instagram options. In Thailand, popular places for beach holidays are Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui. They are known for their white sand, clear water, many water sports and resorts with stunning views. In Thailand, you can find your own paradise island, which can only be reached by boat. Vietnam also boasts good beaches such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, but they are not as developed for tourists as Thai ones. If you are looking for a secluded place where you can be alone with nature, there are more opportunities in Vietnam for this. However, the beaches of Thailand are more picturesque than the beaches of Vietnam.
Transport
In Thailand, public transport is better developed: motorcycle taxis, minibuses, buses, tuk–tuks, songteos, trains, low-cost airlines, which allows tourists to conveniently explore the whole country. In Vietnam, there are xe om (motorcycle taxis) or buses. Transport prices in Thailand are much cheaper, for example, from Suvarnabhumi airport you can get to the center of Bangkok by metro for only 35 baht. The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) and the Bangkok Metro (MRT) are two of the most convenient ways to get around the Thai capital. Public transport is still limited in Vietnam. Although the first subway in Hanoi was opened in 2021, it failed to connect many of the main tourist attractions, and the Ho Chi Minh City Subway (HCMC) work has not started yet due to constant delays.
Nightlife and entertainment
Thailand is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially in the popular paradise resorts of Phuket and Pattaya, which are full of entertainment shows that attract crowds of Western tourists every evening. And its numerous shopping malls and night markets are more suited to Western tastes with a wide selection of high-quality goods. Thailand impresses with its street life: you can buy literally anything anywhere, from food to clothes and souvenirs, while in Vietnam everything is concentrated in the markets where locals come for fresh food. Take, for example, Bangkok, where there are many bars, clubs, night markets and the famous streets of Khao San, Nana and Soy Cowboy, which are crowded every day from midnight to morning. In Hanoi, the pedestrian street is open only on weekends, and there is not much entertainment for foreigners. Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang also have nightlife, but it is quieter than in Thailand, although cheaper.
Food and cuisine of Vietnam or Thailand
Vietnamese and Thai cuisines have a lot in common, but there are also differences. Vietnamese cuisine uses rice and noodles more often, whereas Thai cuisine is more famous for its fish dishes and curries. In addition, Thai cuisine is sharper, while Vietnamese cuisine is softer and lighter with fresh ingredients and herbs. One of the most famous Vietnamese dishes is pho, a soup with rice noodles, meat and vegetables. It is also worth trying ban mi — a sandwich made of crispy baguette with pickled vegetables, coriander, jalapeno, meat (usually pork), which is often served with a spicy broth for dipping. Thai cuisine is known for its soups, including tom yam, a spicy soup with seafood and spicy herbs, and curry, an aromatic dish with coconut milk and spicy spices. Thai dishes can be spicy, sweet, sour and salty at the same time, which makes them unforgettable.
Attractions in Vietnam or Thailand
Both countries have a rich cultural heritage, but it is very different. Thailand‘s culture is defined by the strong religious influence of Buddhism, reflected in its temples (especially in Chiang Mai or Hua Hin, as well as the Royal Palace in Bangkok), traditions and festivals. In Vietnam, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ancient City of Hoi An, explore the minority culture in Dalat, or visit the famous Vietnamese National Opera in Hanoi.
The best attractions in Vietnam
-Halong Bay is a stunning natural wonder and a breathtaking landscape of thousands of limestone islets protruding from the sea.
-Hoi An is a charming ancient city where guests can explore the historical architecture, traditional markets and cultural attractions such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Kuan Kong Temple.
-The Imperial City of Hue is the former residence of the emperors, which is a walled fortress with palaces, temples and ornate tombs.
-Phongnya Kebang National Park with stunning cliffs, underground rivers and caves, including the world‘s largest Song Dung Cave.
The best attractions in Thailand
-Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand near Bangkok. In its historical park there are ruins of the old city, impressive temples and palaces.
-Chiang Mai‘s old town, surrounded by ancient walls and moats, is home to many temples, markets and cultural attractions.
-Phang Nga Bay is famous for its high limestone cliffs and picturesque islands. Visitors can see James Bond Island, Koh Panyi Village and sea caves.
-The hidden Gems of Thailand.