Vietnam or Thailand: Which one is best for a holiday?

Visiting Southeast Asia is really exciting, but deciding where to prioritise, especially if you’re going for the first time, can be a little daunting. There are so many incredible places to choose from! For many UK travellers, the choice is often between Vietnam and Thailand.

So, which of these countries is best for a holiday? The answer is, of course, always subjective, but to help you decide which one may be the best choice for you, we at Trip.com have put together a guide. Covering everything from which of them is best for a tight budget to what you can expect when you touch down, we’ve got it down. Let’s get started!

✈️ Vietnam or Thailand: Key Travel Differences

Vietnam or Thailand: Which destination is cheaper?

Vietnam is slightly cheaper than Thailand, but honestly, there’s not much in it. Both offer great value for money, especially if you’re travelling on a budget. Thailand’s prices go up a little more in and around tourist-heavy areas, like its beach resorts, but overall, food, accommodation, and activities are still pretty reasonable!

Take a peek at our comparison table below to see what to budget for a trip to Vietnam or Thailand.

🎯 Vietnam or Thailand: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Vietnam or Thailand for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Food is one of the greatest parts of travel. Going to new places to try new dishes, and authentic takes on dishes you may have already tried, is well worth the price of the flight alone.

So, when it comes to Vietnam and Thailand, which one has the best food? There’s no real answer to this - it all depends on what you like to eat and how adventurous you are. Vietnam’s flavours are typically fresh and subtle, whereas Thailand's dishes are often bold and spicy.

But both offer an incredible variety of local and regional eats that you won’t want to miss. Here are some regional favourites across both countries to tickle your taste buds!

Best food to try in Vietnam

• Phở: This fragrant soup is packed full of noodles, tender meat, and veggies. Iconic for a reason.
• Bánh mì: A proper hunger-buster, this baguette-style sandwich comes with meat, pickles, and herbs.
• Cao lầu: Originally from Hoi An, this rich, savoury noodle dish is popular for its combo of pork, thick noodles and greens, topped off with pork crackling.
• Bánh xèo: A crepe-like savoury pancake with extra crispiness filled up with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and herbs, all wrapped in fresh greens. Yum!!

Best food to try in Thailand

• Pad Thai: One of the country’s most famous dishes, where stir-fried rice noodles are served with a sweet-sour sauce, peanuts, egg, and a choice of tofu or prawns.
• Massaman curry: This satisfying, rich curry combines coconut milk, spices, potatoes and beef. Both sweet and savoury, and we’ll have another serving, please.
• Moo ping: Great for those on the go, this street-food favourite pairs grilled marinated pork skewers with sticky rice and a scrumptious sweet-and-savoury dipping sauce.
• Mango sticky rice: Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, this delectable dessert is a luscious combo of sweet sticky rice, mango and creamy coconut sauce.

🏙️ Vietnam or Thailand for city breaks: Which is the most exciting?

From historic quarters to vibrant modern centres, bustling markets to exciting nightlife, both Vietnam and Thailand have incredible cities ready to explore. If you want to add a city break to your holiday itinerary, deciding where to go all depends on the sort of vibe you’re after.

Thailand’s cities can be a little easier for first-time visitors to navigate, as they have a more developed tourist-friendly infrastructure. They offer a mix of easy transportation options, familiar comforts, and a wide variety. Vietnam’s cities are fantastic for those looking for a more adventurous experience, with exciting neighbourhoods, a fast, energetic pace, incredible food scenes, and rich histories to uncover.

Best cities to visit in Vietnam

• Hanoi: The country’s capital, Hanoi, is a charming blend of ancient temples, historic streets, and modern life. Make sure to explore its food scene!
• Ho Chi Minh City: Based in the south, Ho Chi Minh City is popular for its bustling streets, historic landmarks, lively markets and rooftop bars.
• Da Nang: This gorgeous coastal city sits near mountains and boasts incredible beaches. It’s also home to the Golden Bridge.
• Can Tho: Right in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is known for its floating markets, bustling river life, and tropical countryside.

Best cities to visit in Thailand

• Bangkok: One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. This vibrant capital city is where modernity meets tradition. Think grand temples, luxury shopping, and exciting nightlife.
• Chiang Mai: This quieter city is in the north of the country and is home to ancient temples, night markets, and a chilled cafe scene, all set against the backdrop of mountains.
• Pattaya: Found on the coast, this lively city not only has a fantastic nightlife scene but also makes a great base for exploring nearby islands.
• Hat Yai: Located in the south, Hat Yai is known for its diverse Thai-Malay culture, markets and scrumptious street food. It’s also super near many natural attractions.

🌳 Vietnam or Thailand for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

If you’re headed to Southeast Asia to take in nature, choosing between Vietnam and Thailand all depends on the sort of landscapes you want to spend time in. Both have stunning natural scenery, with Vietnam boasting dramatic, mountainous vistas and Thailand being home to world-renowned, tropical beaches.

Here is a selection of each country’s top natural attractions to help you make your choice.

Best nature spots in Vietnam

• Halong Bay: Dramatic and lush, Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters are flanked by limestone karsts and caves. We recommend exploring by boat!
• Ninh Binh: Sometimes called ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, this picturesque destination is filled with limestone mountains, rice fields, and rivers.
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: Located on the Vietnam-China border, this spectacular, turquoise waterfall is surrounded by lush forests and limestone peaks.

Best nature spots in Thailand

• Khao Sok National Park: Found in the south of the country, this nature reserve features misty limestone mountains, dense jungle, and the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. Incredible wildlife calls this rainforest home, including tigers and gibbons.
• Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s highest mountain, surrounded by a national park, is often called the ‘Roof of Thailand’. You’ll find cloud forests and waterfalls, too.
• Similan Islands: This tropical archipelago is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral, and is also home to white-sand beaches and granite rock formations.

💒 Vietnam or Thailand: Which is best for a honeymoon?

Both Vietnam and Thailand make wonderful settings for a romantic getaway. But which one is best after the ‘I-dos’? It all depends on the sort of honeymoon experience you want - a romantic, beach escape or something a little more adventurous?

Thailand is the destination for beach resort holidays, and the perfect backdrop for relaxed, quality time. Vietnam is ideal for couples wanting to bond through exploration and shared experiences, but it also offers quieter destinations for a more intimate trip.

We’ve pulled together a selection of each country’s top honeymoon destinations to help you decide which is best for you and your partner.

Best honeymoon locations in Vietnam

• Phu Quoc: The quintessential romantic island escape. Choose from multiple luxury beach resorts, take in stunning sunsets and enjoy a truly intimate trip.
• Hoi An: Under the glow of lantern-lit streets, spent time in this romantic riverside town, with honeymoon-ready boutique hotels to stay in.
• Con Dao: Secluded and quiet, stay in a quiet beach resort on this island paradise, enjoying untouched beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Best honeymoon locations in Thailand

• Koh Yao Noi: Peaceful and romantic, this island retreat offers beautiful beaches and incredible views across Phang Nga Bay. Take your pick from a range of boutique resorts.
• Koh Samui: A dreamy tropical island straight from a postcard, covered by palm trees, private villas and luxury resorts.
• Phuket: A true island getaway, stay in a private villa and take in glorious sunsets as you celebrate your honeymoon.

🕐 What to see in Vietnam or Thailand, depending on the length of your trip

Now you may have more of an inkling of which country to visit, let’s get onto the planning. If you’re travelling to Vietnam or Thailand for the first time, you’ll want to get ahead in organising your trip.

Looking for a little inspiration? Here are some itinerary outlines for each country, based on different trip lengths, to get you started.

🌤️ Best time to visit Vietnam and Thailand

When planning a visit to either Vietnam or Thailand, it’s well worth considering the weather. Both are located in Southeast Asia and are quite close to the equator, with Thailand being the closest. This means that both boast tropical climates with distinct seasons to watch for.

As a rule of thumb, it’s pretty much hot all year round, although the climate does run a little cooler in Vietnam, especially during the winter. Humidity can also get pretty intense, with wet and dry seasons to watch out for. Let’s go into a little more detail on what the weather is like across both countries throughout the year.

🇻🇳 When to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is at its most comfortable during March-April and October-November, with warm temperatures and dry weather. This is perfect for spending time outside, whether you want to sightsee, hike, explore cities or relax on beaches.

🇹🇭 When to visit Thailand

Heading to Thailand during November to February will mean cooler temperatures and drier conditions. Much more comfortable for spending time outside, especially if you want to get a little adventurous.

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