Thailand vs Vietnam: Which Country Should You Visit First?

Thailand and Vietnam sit at the top of most Southeast Asia bucket lists. Both offer incredible food, stunning coastlines, rich history, and affordable travel. But they're different enough that choosing between them – especially for a first trip – matters.

Thailand is more developed, easier to navigate, and has better tourist infrastructure. Vietnam is rawer, less touristy in many areas, and feels more adventurous. Thailand has famous islands and world-class beaches. Vietnam has dramatic landscapes and a more authentic street food culture.

The right choice depends on travel style, priorities, and what kind of trip sounds more appealing. This guide breaks down the real differences: cost, ease of travel, food, beaches, culture, and weather – so the decision becomes clearer.

Thailand vs Vietnam: Quick Comparison

Quick answer:
Visit Thailand first if: Want ease, comfort, famous beaches, and well-trodden paths.
Visit Vietnam first if: Prefer adventure, authenticity, lower costs, and less touristy experiences.

Cost Comparison: Which is Cheaper?

Both countries are affordable by Western standards, but Vietnam edges ahead as the cheaper option.

Daily budget breakdown (mid-range traveler):

Thailand:

• Hostel/budget hotel: €10–20/night
• Mid-range hotel: €25–50/night
• Street food meal: €1.50–3
• Restaurant meal: €5–10
• Beer: €1.50–3
• Local transport (bus/songthaew): €0.30–1
• Scooter rental: €5–8/day
• Internal flight: €25–60

Total daily average: €25–40

Vietnam:

• Hostel/budget hotel: €8–15/night
• Mid-range hotel: €20–40/night
• Street food meal: €1–2
• Restaurant meal: €4–8
• Beer (bia hoi): €0.40–1.50
• Local transport (bus/motorbike taxi): €0.20–0.80
• Scooter rental: €5–7/day
• Internal flight: €20–50

Total daily average: €20–30

Where the difference shows:

Accommodation: Vietnam's hotels and hostels run 10–20% cheaper than equivalent Thailand options.

Food: Vietnam's street food is noticeably cheaper. A full bowl of pho costs €1–1.50. Thailand's equivalent pad thai runs €1.50–3.

Beer: Vietnam's bia hoi (fresh draft beer) costs around €0.40–0.60 per glass. Thailand's beer prices (Chang, Singha) are higher at €1.50–3.

Tourist attractions: Vietnam's entrance fees (temples, museums, national parks) tend to be lower. Thailand's popular attractions like Grand Palace in Bangkok or temples in Chiang Mai charge more.

Islands: Thailand's famous islands (Phuket, Koh Samui, Phi Phi) have inflated tourist prices. Vietnam's islands (Phu Quoc, Con Dao) remain cheaper overall.

Verdict: Vietnam is 15–25% cheaper than Thailand on average. The difference adds up over weeks of travel.

Ease of Travel: Infrastructure and Tourist Friendliness

Thailand wins here significantly.

Thailand's advantages:

Better transport infrastructure. Buses, trains, and domestic flights connect cities efficiently. Booking tickets online is straightforward. English signage is common. Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT make navigating the capital easy.

Tourist services are polished. Hotels, tours, and transport cater heavily to international travelers. Staff speak better English. Websites and apps function smoothly. Tourist police exist to help with issues.

Easier navigation. Google Maps works well. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) operates everywhere. Finding vegetarian food, Western food, or specific dietary needs is simple.

ATMs everywhere. Withdrawing cash is easy. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas.

Vietnam's challenges:

Less developed tourist infrastructure. Outside major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), English proficiency drops sharply. Booking transport and tours often requires going through agencies or hostels.

Language barrier. Vietnamese is tonal and difficult for foreigners. English menus exist in tourist areas but disappear quickly in smaller towns. Translation apps become essential.

Inconsistent transport. Sleeper buses vary wildly in quality. Train schedules are less frequent than Thailand. Domestic flights are affordable but routes are limited compared to Thailand.

Scooter culture dominates. Crossing streets in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is genuinely intimidating – constant flood of motorbikes that don't stop. Renting scooters is common but traffic is chaotic.

Verdict: Thailand is significantly easier for first-time Southeast Asia travelers. Vietnam rewards those comfortable with less hand-holding.

Food Scene: Street Food, Restaurants, and Flavors

Both countries have exceptional food, but the styles differ drastically.

Thai food:

Flavor profile: Sweet, sour, spicy, and salty – all balanced. Coconut milk features heavily. Tom yum soup, green curry, pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), mango sticky rice – Thai food is complex but approachable.

Tourist-friendly. Thai food has global popularity, so most travelers recognize dishes. Spice levels are often adjustable ("not spicy" requests are respected).

Variety: Regional differences exist. Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) has khao soi and sai ua. Southern Thailand features Muslim-influenced dishes and seafood. Isaan (northeast) does grilled meats and som tam.

Vietnamese food:

Flavor profile: Herbaceous, fresh, complex. Heavy use of herbs (cilantro, mint, basil), fish sauce, and lime. Pho, banh mi, bun cha, cao lau, banh xeo – Vietnamese food feels lighter and fresher than Thai.

More adventurous. Vietnamese cuisine is less globally familiar. Dishes sometimes include organ meats, blood curd, or unusual textures. Travelers need more openness to try unfamiliar things.

Regional variety is huge. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi) focuses on pho and bun cha. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An) has cao lau and banh beo. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) features sweeter flavors and French-influenced dishes.

Street food culture:

Vietnam wins on authenticity. Vietnam's street food scene feels more local, less sanitized. Plastic stools on sidewalks, vendors with single-item specialties, locals eating alongside tourists. It's chaotic but genuine.

Thailand's street food is more commercialized in tourist areas but still excellent. Night markets in Chiang Mai, Bangkok's street stalls, and island seafood grills all deliver. Less adventurous eaters find Thailand easier to navigate.

Verdict: Both countries have world-class food. Thailand is more approachable for cautious eaters. Vietnam rewards adventurous eaters willing to try unfamiliar dishes.

Beaches and Islands: Where's the Better Coast?

Thailand's beaches and islands are more famous and better developed. Vietnam's coastline is beautiful but less touristy.

Thailand's beaches:

Andaman Coast (West): Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach. Dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise water, famous beaches. Phuket is overdeveloped and touristy. Railay and smaller islands feel more pristine.

Gulf of Thailand (East): Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao. Koh Samui has resorts and nightlife. Koh Phangan hosts Full Moon Parties. Koh Tao is a diving hub.

Southern Islands: Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe. Quieter, less developed, beautiful beaches.

Pros: World-class diving and snorkeling. Established beach infrastructure. Easy island-hopping. Wide range of accommodation (budget to luxury).

Cons: Popular islands (Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Samui) feel overcrowded and commercialized. Prices inflate in peak season.

Vietnam's beaches:

Central Coast: Da Nang, Hoi An (An Bang Beach), Nha Trang. Long sandy beaches, good for relaxing. Nha Trang is more developed with resorts and water sports.

South Coast: Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao Islands, Mui Ne. Phu Quoc is Vietnam's most developed beach destination – resorts, diving, seafood. Con Dao is remote, pristine, and less touristy. Mui Ne has unique red sand dunes and kitesurfing.

North Coast (Halong Bay): Not traditional beaches but stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Overnight boat cruises are the main way to experience it.

Pros: Less crowded than Thai islands. More authentic local vibes. Cheaper overall.

Cons: Less developed beach infrastructure. Fewer options for diving and water sports. Beaches aren't as picture-perfect as Thailand's top islands.

Verdict: Thailand wins decisively for beaches and islands. Vietnam's coast is beautiful but doesn't compete with Thailand's variety and quality.

Culture and History: Temples vs Colonial Architecture

Both countries offer rich cultural experiences, but the focus differs.

Thailand:

Buddhist temples dominate. Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Ayutthaya's ancient ruins. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai.

Hill tribe culture in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai). Opportunities to visit ethnic minority villages, though tourism has commercialized many experiences.

Floating markets, elephant sanctuaries (ethical ones exist), traditional massage culture. Thai culture is accessible and tourist-friendly.

Vietnam:

French colonial architecture. Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City's Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, Hoi An's Ancient Town. The French influence creates a distinct aesthetic absent in Thailand.

War history. Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) near Hue. Vietnam War history is heavy but significant.

Imperial history. Hue's Imperial City, ancient temples in My Son (Cham ruins), Hoi An's preserved trading port.

Ethnic diversity. Northern Vietnam (Sapa, Ha Giang) has ethnic minority hill tribes with distinct cultures, less commercialized than Thailand's equivalents.

Verdict: Thailand has more iconic temples and Buddhist culture. Vietnam offers colonial history and war-related sites. Both provide deep cultural experiences, just different focuses.

Best Time to Visit: Weather Comparison

Both countries have complex weather patterns depending on region.

Thailand:

Best time overall: November to February (cool and dry across most of Thailand)

Hot season: March to May (very hot, 35–40°C, humid)

Rainy season: June to October (monsoon, but not constant rain – usually afternoon storms)

Regional variations:

• Southern islands have two monsoon seasons depending on coast (Andaman vs Gulf)
• Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) has burning season (March-April) with poor air quality from agricultural fires

Vietnam:

Best time depends on region:

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): October to April (dry season, cooler)

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): February to May (dry, sunny). Avoid September-November (typhoon season).

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): November to April (dry season).

No perfect time for entire country. When the north is ideal, the center might be rainy. When the south is perfect, the north might be cold.

Overlapping ideal months:

February to April works well for most of both countries. Thailand is in its dry season. Vietnam's south is dry, the center is improving, and the north is warming up.

Verdict: Thailand has more straightforward weather patterns. Vietnam requires more planning based on which regions matter most.

Making the Choice: Which One First?

Visit Thailand first if:

• First time in Southeast Asia and want ease
• Prioritize beaches and islands
• Prefer well-developed tourist infrastructure
• Want famous backpacker trail experiences (Full Moon Party, Khao San Road)
• Traveling with family or prefer comfort over adventure
• Limited time (Thailand's ease allows more efficient sightseeing)

Recommended Thailand itinerary (2 weeks):
Bangkok (3 days) → Chiang Mai (3 days) → Islands (Krabi/Phuket or Koh Samui/Koh Phangan, 7 days)

Visit Vietnam first if:

• Want more authentic, less touristy experiences
• Prefer adventure over comfort
• Budget is tight
• More interested in food culture and local life than beaches
• Enjoy navigating less polished destinations
• Fascinated by war history and colonial architecture

Recommended Vietnam itinerary (2 weeks):
Hanoi (3 days) → Halong Bay (1–2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) → Mekong Delta (2 days) → Phu Quoc (3 days)

Why not both?

Many travelers do Thailand and Vietnam in one trip. They're geographically close, and flights between them are cheap (Bangkok to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City costs €50–100).

Common 3–4 week route:
Thailand (10–14 days) → Vietnam (10–14 days) or reverse.

Logistically: Start in Bangkok (major international hub), work through Thailand, fly to Hanoi, travel south through Vietnam, exit from Ho Chi Minh City. Or reverse it.

Booking flights through Skyscanner or Google Flights helps compare routes and prices. Budget airlines like AirAsia, VietJet, and Bangkok Airways connect major cities cheaply.

Practical Tips for First-Time Southeast Asia Travel

Visas:

Thailand: 60 days visa-free for most Western passport holders (as of 2024).

Vietnam: 45 days visa-free for most Western passport holders (as of 2024).

Always check current requirements before booking – visa policies change.

Transport between cities:

Thailand: Buses, trains, and domestic flights. 12Go Asia aggregates transport options and allows online booking.

Vietnam: Similar options. Baolau and 12Go Asia both work for Vietnam. Sleeper buses are common for overnight routes.

Accommodation:

Booking.com and Agoda dominate Southeast Asia accommodation. Hostelworld works for budget hostels.

Both countries offer guesthouses, hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Booking ahead in peak season (December-February) avoids disappointment.

Money:

Both countries are largely cash-based outside major cities. ATMs are widespread. Notify banks before traveling to avoid card blocks.

Currency:

• Thailand: Thai Baht (THB)
• Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Note: Dong has large denominations (10,000 VND ≈ €0.40), which confuses newcomers.

Staying connected:

Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to get at airports. Alternatively, eSIMs through Airalo or Holafly work across both countries, activate instantly, and eliminate the need to swap physical SIM cards.

Travel insurance:

Essential for Southeast Asia. Motorbike accidents are common. Medical facilities vary in quality. SafetyWing and World Nomads both cover Thailand and Vietnam, including adventure activities.

Scams to watch for:

Thailand: Tuk-tuk drivers offering "special price" tours that end at gem shops. Jet ski rental scams (false damage claims). Inflated taxi fares.

Vietnam: Taxi meter tricks (fast meters, wrong rates). Overcharging for street food (tourists get higher prices). Fake bus tickets.

Solution: Use Grab for transport. Agree on prices before services. Book tours through reputable companies or hostels.

Final Verdict: Thailand or Vietnam First?

For first-time Southeast Asia travelers: Thailand is the safer bet. Easier logistics, better English, more developed tourist infrastructure, and world-class beaches. It's a gentler introduction to the region.

For adventurous travelers or those on tight budgets: Vietnam offers more authentic experiences, lower costs, and less commercialized culture. It rewards travelers comfortable navigating challenges.

Honestly, both are incredible. Neither is a "wrong" choice. Thailand delivers exactly what it promises – beautiful beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and ease. Vietnam surprises with its energy, food culture, and landscapes that rival anywhere in the world.

If time allows, do both. If choosing one, pick based on priorities: ease and beaches (Thailand) or adventure and authenticity (Vietnam).

Either way, Southeast Asia leaves an impression. Most travelers end up returning to explore more of the region. The question isn't really "Thailand or Vietnam?" – it's "Which one first, and when do I come back for the other?"