Thailand vs Vietnam: Which First?

By HiThai Editorial ·

I sat at a plastic table on Soi Sukhumvit 38 in 2014, sweating over a 65 baht plate of Pad Thai. That evening, I flew to Hanoi and realized the two countries offer entirely different rhythms for a first-time traveler.

The Battle of the Flavors

Thailand hits your tongue hard. Most dishes rely on bird's eye chilies, lime, and fish sauce to create a sharp profile. If you visit a street stall near BTS Ari, expect a heat level that lingers for twenty minutes after your last bite.

Vietnam offers something lighter. While Thai food focuses on punchy heat, Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh herbs like mint and cilantro to balance savory broths. You can find a bowl of Pho in the Old Quarter of Hanoi for roughly 55 baht, which feels incredibly refreshing during a humid afternoon.

  • Thai Spice: High heat, heavy coconut milk, fermented shrimp paste.
  • Vietnamese Herbs: Fresh basil, dill, lime juice, subtle pepper.
  • Street Food Cost: 50–120 baht per meal in most urban centers.

Choosing between them depends on your stomach. You might prefer the creamy richness of a Green Curry in Bangkok, although your palate might crave the clean, clear broth of a Bun Cha in Saigon after several days of heavy eating.

Landscape: Islands vs Highlands

Thailand is famous for its coastlines. Most travelers head to Phuket or Koh Samui because they want white sand and turquoise water. You can rent a longtail boat in Krabi for about 2,500 baht per day if you want to explore the limestone cliffs around Railay Beach.

Vietnam excels in its northern mountains. Sapa offers terraced rice fields that change color depending on the season. The air is cooler there than in Bangkok, which provides a much-needed break from the tropical humidity found in central Thailand.

The geography dictates your pace. You will spend more time on boats in Thailand, while you will likely spend more time on winding mountain roads or sleeper trains in Vietnam.

Language and Ease of Travel

Thailand is very easy to navigate. English is common in tourist hubs like Chiang Mai or near the BTS Skytrain stations. Most taxi drivers in Bangkok use apps like Grab, so you do not need to struggle with bargaining in broken English.

Vietnam requires more patience. While younger people in Ho Chi Minh City speak decent English, you will find it harder to communicate in rural areas like Ha Giang. You often rely on translation apps or hand gestures when ordering food at a local stall.

The infrastructure differs too. Thailand has an incredibly efficient rail and air network, although the traffic in Bangkok can turn a short trip into a two-hour ordeal.

Visa Logistics and Budgeting

The visa rules change frequently. As of 2025, many Western travelers receive a 60-day visa exemption for Thailand, which makes spontaneous trips very simple. You just show up at Suvarnabhumi Airport and walk through the gates.

Vietnam often requires an e-visa processed in advance. This process usually takes three to five working days, so you cannot decide to visit on a whim. Once you have the paper, the cost is roughly 25 USD for a single entry.

Budgeting for 2026 looks like this:

  • Thailand Mid-range: 2,200 baht per day including a decent hotel and meals.
  • Vietnam Mid-range: 1,400,000 VND (approx. 1,850 baht) per day.
  • Hostel Beds: 350 baht in Bangkok; 180,000 VND in Da Nang.

Vietnam is generally cheaper for long-term travelers. You will find that your money stretches further in Hanoi than it does in the high-end districts of Bangkok.

The Verdict: Where to Go First?

Go to Thailand if you want comfort. It is the better choice for people who value air conditioning, reliable transport, and familiar tourist amenities. If you want a "soft landing" in Southeast Asia, start here.

Go to Vietnam if you want grit. The country feels more raw and less polished than Thailand. It offers a sense of discovery that is harder to find in the well-trodden paths of Pattaya or Hua Hin.

Many travelers choose to do both. Since the flights between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are short and often cost under 2,000 baht, you can easily combine them into a single three-week itinerary.

Quick Reference

  • Best for Beaches: Thailand (Koh Tao, Krabi, Phuket).
  • Best for Mountains: Vietnam (Sapa, Ha Giang, Da Lat).
  • Best for Foodies: Tie (Thai for spice, Vietnamese for freshness).
  • Easiest Transport: Thailand (BTS, MRT, Grab).
  • Cheapest Daily Spend: Vietnam.

Check your passport expiration date before booking any flights. Most Southeast Asian countries require at least six months of validity remaining to allow entry.