Where is Thailand or Vietnam cheaper? Vietnam or Thailand - which is better for wintering? Resorts: “civilized vacation”

18.01.2024

Thailand or Vietnam

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, located in the southwest of the Indochina Peninsula and the north of the Malacca Peninsula. It borders Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. From north to south, the country stretches for 1860 km, is washed by the South China and Andaman Seas, and the coastline is more than 3 thousand km. Due to the diversity of climate in different parts of the country, there is no tourist season as such in Thailand. This is one of the few countries where holidays will be equally enjoyable at any time of the year. Vietnam is a small state in Southeast Asia that occupies part of the Indochina Peninsula. It borders China, Laos and Cambodia, is washed by the South China Sea, and is rapidly gaining popularity among Russian tourists. The best time for tourists is summer. To objectively assess the quality of your vacation and decide where is better - Thailand or Vietnam, you need to visit both countries, preferably in different places and more than once. The generalized experience of our compatriots, who prefer traveling to exotic countries and trips to popular foreign resorts when vacationing in Russia, will help with this.

Where is it better - in Thailand or Vietnam?

The first thing that interests our tourists is where it is cheaper, in Thailand or Vietnam, because the thickness of everyone’s wallets is different, not everyone can afford a holiday at a fashionable resort.

Housing. It is better to compare prices in capitals and popular holiday destinations. Sadly, hotel rooms in Hanoi (the official capital of Vietnam) and Ho Chi Minh City (the economic capital) are about half the price of those in Bangkok (the capital of Thailand). In the first case, you can rent a decent room for two for 15-20 dollars, in the second - for no less than 40. As for resorts, the situation is different. An average double room in Pattaya (Thailand) with a courtyard view and paid Internet will cost about 700 baht ($10), a spacious double room in Mui Ne (Vietnam) with a pool under the windows and free Internet costs an average of $20. But here you have to choose between price and comfort. It would be fair to set the score 1:1.
Food. The question is controversial, since it all depends on your appetite, your tastes and preferences. Only one thing can be said for sure - alcohol is cheaper in Vietnam, but fruits and snacks in cafes cost the same as in Thailand. If we talk about imported products, they are expensive everywhere. 2:2.
Transport. The cheapest taxi in Vietnam. You can ride around Hanoi within an area interesting for tourists for only 10-15 rubles. City transport and tourist buses are also cheaper here, meaning Vietnam leads in this category with a score of 3:2.
Vouchers. Two or three years ago, prices for trips to Thailand were significantly lower than to Vietnam, but now they have become equal, especially in the segment of inexpensive tours. 4:3.
Flight. Flights to Thailand are much cheaper than to Vietnam, only sometimes tickets to this country are sold at discounts. Promotions on tickets to Bangkok are valid almost all year round. The score is leveled - 4:4.
Climate. The next criterion by which a country is chosen for a holiday is climate. If we take two southern resorts as an example - Nha Trang in Vietnam and Samui in Thailand, then the first one wins. At the height of the tourist season (winter), the climate here is milder and more pleasant: not hot during the day, fresh and cool in the evening. But the further north the holiday destination is, the better it will be in Thailand. If we summarize the answer to the question of where and when it would be better to vacation - in Vietnam or Thailand, it is simple: in the summer at Vietnamese resorts, in the winter - at Thai resorts, when the sea is calm, the weather is dry, and the sun is gentle. So 5:5
Internet. A modern person, even on vacation, rarely parts with gadgets, so the Internet plays an important role when choosing a resort. If we talk about mobile Internet access, it is cheaper in Vietnam; cable lines and Wi-Fi access in hotels are of poor quality in both countries. It is best to buy a SIM card from a local telecom operator and use its services.
Infrastructure. Thailand is an ideal country for tourist trips. There are excellent roads here, and there are 24-hour shops, bars, cafes, clubs and entertainment centers at every step. At any time of the day you can have a snack, drink a glass of wine and dance. In Vietnam, the tourism business is not so well developed, so after 23-00 it is almost impossible to buy anything, only small shops operate, more like warehouses, and their range is not the widest. 6:5 in favor of Thai resorts.
Visa. The procedure for obtaining a visa to Vietnam is much simpler than to Thailand. It can be issued for 1-3 months directly at the receiving airport. But the visa-free regime for Russians is only two weeks, while in Thailand it is four. However, you can only apply for and extend a visa to this country at a consulate on the territory of another state; the visa policy of the Thai authorities is very strict and there is always the possibility of not getting to the desired resort. Draw again - 6:6.
Nutrition. The choice of food options and variety of national cuisines in Thailand is much greater than in Vietnam. This is especially true for street food - the price of all kinds of culinary delights like hamburgers is low, they are available at any time of the day. In Vietnam, at lunchtime all the sellers go for a siesta, but there are also many restaurants, the basis of the menu of any establishment is seafood dishes. Here the food is closer to our spirit, it is simple and affordable. For $1 you can have a filling and tasty lunch. It's fair to leave the score tied - 7:7.
Trips. As in Russia, in both countries large cities and provinces are different things. Thailand has a metro and surface trains, but the cities are so crowded with cars that there is a high risk of standing in traffic jams for several hours. There is no such abundance of transport in Vietnam, and traveling around the country will cost several times less. It is very profitable to travel around the city by pedicabs and auto-rickshaws. The cost of public transport depends on the type and comfort. 8:7 in favor of Vietnam.
Beaches. Thailand is a country of developed seaside resorts, so Vietnam is inferior here in all respects. In the first case, there is a wide selection of comfortable beaches with developed infrastructure and a large selection of entertainment; in the second, there are mid-level beaches, filled in the evening with local residents who come to the sea with their entire families. Clean water on the Vietnamese coast can only be found in wild places that are not popular with tourists. 8:8.
Medicine. Thailand has a large number of public and private clinics that both locals and tourists can visit. The prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly. The same can be said about Vietnam, the only difficulty is the problem of finding a doctor who speaks English, and even more so, Russian. By the way, Vietnam has very cheap and high-quality dentistry, so another point in favor of this country. 9:8.
Adaptation. This is a purely individual criterion, because the degree of addiction depends on the characteristics of the body and the person’s habits. If in Thailand it is difficult to get used to food, then in Vietnam the language barrier remains a problem. Thai dishes are spicy and have a specific smell, Vietnamese dishes are blander and simpler: rice, meat, fish and noodle soup can be served in almost every village. Vietnamese resorts still skimp on staff, so it is difficult to find a manager or seller at the market who speaks reasonable English, much less Russian. Under all other approximately equal conditions, the leadership remains with Thailand. The final figure is 9:8 in favor of Thailand.

Vietnam and Thailand are two states that share small territories of Laos and Cambodia. They are located on the same peninsula, their traditions and climate are similar. But the tourism business in Vietnam has just begun to take shape, so in many ways Thailand is more attractive to travelers. But even in our rating, he scored only one point more, which says one thing: choosing Phuket or Vietnam - where it is better, cheaper and more interesting - is for you and only you, since even generalized information does not give a complete picture of the living and recreation conditions in these countries . We are engaged in renting real estate in Thailand and, for our part, we promise to do everything possible to ensure that these conditions remain the best possible during your stay.

Among the Asian tourism destinations, the question often arises, where is it better and cheaper to go, to Thailand or Vietnam? It is quite difficult to choose, since both countries have their own flavor, which has loyal fans. But still, if you are faced with a choice of where to spend your vacation, you should carefully study all aspects of life in these countries in order to accurately choose for yourself what is better for your vacation - Vietnam or Thailand.

The decision largely depends on your personal preferences, financial capabilities and expectations that you have for the trip. That is why you need to carefully familiarize yourself with all aspects of tourism.

Flight to destination

When choosing a place to relax, many pay attention to the time factor. What type of transport can be used, how many hours the trip takes and what the price of tickets are - these are the questions on which the final decision depends.

From this point of view, when comparing both countries, neither has advantages. In terms of time, it turns out that flying to Thailand takes an hour longer. And considering that the cost of a ticket depends on the chosen tour operator or airline, as well as the time of year, you can find reasonable prices for each destination.

Thus, in the question of what to choose, Thailand or Vietnam, this criterion is not decisive. You can even purchase a Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam tour and visit three countries for more than a small amount of money.

Vietnam and Thailand, comparison of climate and weather conditions

Although both countries have a tropical climate with high humidity, Vietnam is more comfortable in winter. You can be sure that during the day you will not have to swelter from the heat, while in Thailand the temperature is much higher. But here it all depends on your personal preferences.

The peak tourist season in both countries occurs from the beginning of December to the end of March. At this time, you don’t have to be afraid of tropical downpours and the mercilessly scorching sun.

Which is better - Thailand or Vietnam, comparison of beaches

When deciding which country to go to, you should decide what type of beaches interests you.

If we talk about a civilized vacation with hotels on the shore and developed infrastructure, as a rule, these are city beaches. In Vietnam, these are located in the cities of Nha Trang and Phan Thiet (Mui Ne). In Thailand these are Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

According to this criterion, the advantage is in the direction of Vietnam, where there are no huge crowds of people, prices for food and housing are cheaper, and you can also enjoy clean air and a real riot of greenery. In addition, in Vietnam it is much more common to find signs with inscriptions in Russian, which means that it will be much easier to navigate the country.

And when it comes to wild beaches, Thailand has a distinct advantage as you can find a wide variety of places to relax on your own. In Vietnam, this opportunity is only on the islands of Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Cat Ba. Moreover, in the last two cases, heavenly solitude will cost you quite a lot.

As for Thailand, a number of resorts are offered to your attention, from which you only need to choose the one you like most, which will definitely cost less. This is an impressive list of islands, among which there are semi-civilized ones, where you can find some kind of service, for example, shops, bars, restaurants, massage.

This number includes:

Koh Chang;
Koh Phangan;
Koh Tao;
Phi Phi;
Koh Lanta.

There are also completely wild places in Thailand where you can feel completely alone. These are the islands:

Samet;
Koh Kood;
Koh Mak;
Ko Wai and many others.

The maximum level of service here comes down to massage at the hotel and several restaurants throughout the island, but at the same time the cost of services is much cheaper.

Thus, to choose where it is better to vacation, Vietnam or Thailand, you should consider what type of vacation you need.

If you prefer a civilized holiday, go to Vietnam, and if you want to take a break from society and fully enjoy being close to nature, choose Thailand.

Thailand or Vietnam – which is cheaper?

When it comes to housing prices, in order to choose a more economical option, it is important to consider exactly how long you plan to stay in the country. If your vacation lasts no more than 2-3 weeks, accommodation in Vietnam will cost less, and the conditions in the room will be approximately the same.

But if you are going to stay at sea for more than a month, the price will be about the same. It may even be that Thailand will cost you less due to the fact that the Vietnamese are not yet accustomed to renting out housing for a long period of time, which is why there is practically no competition here.

Cost of goods and services

In each country, the price of food, massage services, moving around the city on public transport, and motorbike rental is approximately the same. The exception is alcohol; Vietnamese winemakers sell it much cheaper than in Thailand.

However, the cost of products from global brands is approximately the same. Therefore, when choosing which is better - Thailand or Vietnam, this criterion is not decisive.

What to see on vacation, sights of countries

Vietnam or Thailand, where is it better to spend time? If, in addition to a beach holiday, you want to walk around the resort and see its attractions, it is difficult to give a definite answer which country is better to choose.

It should be borne in mind that there have been no global wars in Thailand for many centuries, so here you can find attractions dating back to antiquity. You can even go to a museum located directly in the open air, for example, Sukhothai or Ayutthaya.

But, despite the fact that the war of the last century in Vietnam destroyed much of the country, many interesting sights can also be found here. For example, in big cities there are palaces and other buildings related to the European style, while in Thailand it will be simply impossible to see this. Therefore, you need to choose a country to visit based on personal preferences.

Where is the best place to go, visa regime comparison

If your vacation lasts no more than two weeks, it doesn’t matter which country you choose. You can stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days, and in Vietnam -15.

But if your stay in another country is more than a month, you must have an official permit for a long stay. In this regard, it is better to choose Vietnam, since the visa regime here is not only simpler, but also cheaper. So, you can apply for a three-month visa, and after the expiration of the period, extend it for another six months without leaving the country.

Which country should you choose if you are offered two tours at approximately the same price? Tour operators, in conditions of the economic crisis and the high dollar, are fighting for every client, so very often they sell ready-made tours for less than the cost of air tickets. If you are not a winterer who lives in warm climates for six months, but an ordinary person who goes to the sea a couple of times a year, then a last-minute inexpensive tour can be an excellent economical solution. I am often asked the question “Which country to choose: Thailand or Vietnam?” Today it’s all about how to make the right choice based on your expectations, needs and budget.

Why do I have the right to write this post and compare two countries?

We lived in Vietnam twice and spent a total of six months there. We drove around, visited 10 cities, and I wrote about various aspects of life and recreation in this country.

We visited Thailand three times, lived in different cities for seven months. In the blog you will find from our Thai life.

Thailand and Vietnam: geographical location

Thailand and Vietnam are two countries in Southeast Asia. The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is approximately 800 kilometers closer to Europe than the southern capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City.

Charters from Moscow to Vietnam's main seaside resort of Nha Trang fly in approximately 10.5 - 11.5 hours, depending on the class of the aircraft. The flight to the Thai island of Phuket is a little faster - 8.5-9.5 hours.

Both Vietnam and Thailand have a shape stretched from south to north and have a dozen different resorts. Today we will look at the most popular of them: Nha Trang in Vietnam and Phuket in Thailand. Nha Trang is washed by the South China Sea, and Phuket is washed by the Andaman Sea.

Seasons in Thailand and Vietnam by month

Now about the choice between Thailand and Vietnam depending on the time of year.

The high season is when it is sunny, warm and practically no rain.

The best time to visit Nha Trang is from mid-February to the end of September. The wettest months are October and November. Brief rains and sea waves may occur in December and January. At this time, there may also be cool water, although the air warms up to +24+25C during the day.

The high season in Phuket begins in November and ends at the end of March. At this time, the island has wonderful weather, it rarely rains, the air temperature is +28+32, the sea water is clear and there are practically no waves.

The so-called “wet season” lasts from April to the end of September. At this time, sudden downpours are common, when a bucket of water seems to be poured out in a minute. It often rains for several days with rare breaks. In summer it can be very hot and stuffy, and the beaches are washed away by waves, which makes swimming not very pleasant and sometimes downright dangerous. I know people who like to vacation in Phuket in the summer, because at this time there are few tourists and prices for housing and food are lower. But a summer holiday in Thailand is like a lottery: if you are unlucky, you will spend half of your holiday in a hotel room, watching the rain.

Beaches of Nha Trang and Phuket: where is better?

Phuket beaches

Nha Trang beaches

In Nha Trang, all life is concentrated near the city beach. Hotels - both expensive and budget - lined up along the long coastline. As a rule, the walk to the beach is no more than 10 minutes. And it doesn't matter how much you pay for the room - 10 dollars or 100.

The city beach of Nha Trang is elongated, with a wide coastline. There are densely populated areas near restaurants and beach clubs, and there are areas where there will be no one around you within 100-200 meters. We stayed in an inexpensive hotel near the Sharaton, paid $7 a night for a room for three, and enjoyed an almost deserted beach with very few people during the day. In the evening, local residents flocked there after work and it became crowded.

In the vicinity of Nha Trang there are a dozen more islands where you can also swim on a pretty beach. You can buy a beach excursion to or go to the northern islands. A separate adventure is a visit to the water park, aquarium, amusement and entertainment park. Vinpearl has a gorgeous beach, the snow-white sand of which was brought specially on barges.

If you compare the beaches of Phuket and Nha Trang, then in Phuket they are better. But this does not mean that you will be completely disappointed in Nha Trang. If measured on a ten-point scale, then the beaches of Nha Trang will receive a solid “seven” from me, and the beaches of Phuket will receive a “nine”.

Things to do in Phuket & Nha Trang

There is a lot of entertainment in Nha Trang. In addition to inexpensive restaurants with cuisine from around the world, you can relax in several spas and mud baths, go to and, go on sea excursions, visit the famous entertainment center, which is reached by a very long cable car over the sea.

If you are traveling for two weeks, then if you wish, you will have time to go for a couple of days to a very beautiful mountain or even more exotic one, where elephant hunters live.

There is also a huge amount of entertainment in Phuket. Every day you can discover a new beach on the island, or go to a neighboring island. Phuket has a zoo, an aquarium, a Bird Park, butterfly and orchid farms, and the Tiger Kingdom, where you can pet real predators. We can ride elephants or fly over the jungle on a bungee.

In addition, only in Phuket you can see the magnificent shows “Siam Niramit” and “Phuket Fantasy”, which involve hundreds of actors in luxurious costumes. Expensive decorations, pyrotechnics and the scope with which the shows are made make them famous far beyond the borders of Thailand.

For diving enthusiasts, it will be much more interesting to dive in the Andaman Sea in Thailand. From Phuket you can go to the Phi Phi Islands or on a small diving safari to the Similan Islands untouched by civilization.

Phuket & Nha Trang: transport

Nha Trang is a small city. If desired, you can walk around it all in about an hour. You can get around the city by bus, which connects almost all the attractions in the surrounding area. For long trips to waterfalls, hot springs and beaches, you can rent a bike. One day of rental costs 100 thousand dong - that's about 5 dollars. You can only rent a car in Vietnam with a driver (about $50 per day), because you can’t rent a car without a Vietnamese driver’s license.

If you rent a bike, be aware of the difficulties of driving in Vietnam. Local residents are unpredictable drivers who not only drive according to their own unknown rules, but also often get behind the wheel “under the influence.” If you have little experience riding a bike or are new to riding, avoid rush hour and busy highways, always wear a helmet, don't speed, and stay close to the side of the road.

Phuket is an island of a very convenient size - about 40 by 20 kilometers. In a week or two you can explore most of the island and visit all the beaches.

Phuket has a network of city buses. They connect all the beaches with the capital of the island - the city of Phuket and the airport, but by public transport you cannot go from one beach to another directly, so you often have to use a taxi or rent a bike or car.

Taxis in Phuket are very expensive compared to other cities in Thailand. We were trying to get from the bus station in Phuket town to our condo in the Kathu area. The distance is small, only 3 kilometers. Taxi drivers wanted at least 300 baht ($9) for the trip. I’ll say right away that in Bangkok we drove 35 kilometers from Don Mueang airport for 200 baht, paying for highway tolls along the way.

An alternative to a taxi is to rent a car or bike. A car costs from 30 dollars per day, a scooter costs from 7 dollars per day. If you rent for a week or two, ask for a discount.

Features of the island are mountain passes. There are a lot of them here, so you will definitely have to travel through the mountains. Some descents require certain driving experience and skill. If you plan to ride together, then take a more powerful scooter. We felt very comfortable riding the Honda PCX 150.

Well, I wouldn’t advise complete beginners to get behind the wheel in Phuket. Steep descents and ascents are not the place for training. In addition, the drivers are full of equally inexperienced tourists.

Thailand & Vietnam: food

I like both Thai food and Vietnamese food. In my opinion, Vietnamese food is healthier and less spicy. And the Thais put a lot of sugar in their dishes and fry everything in a lot of oil.

It is in Vietnam that you can try exotic dishes from silkworm larvae, crocodile and ostrich meat, eat snake and taste inexpensive lobsters.

In Thailand they use more familiar products, but in an unusual design. I really like Thai spicy soups and spicy vegetable salads.

In both cuisines you can find your ideal dish and food that you can eat.

Prepare for your trip in advance and read about the most famous and delicious dishes from Vietnamese and Thai cuisines.

Phuket & Nha Trang: prices

Now about the most important thing - the budget. Even if tours to Nha Trang and Phuket were offered to you by a travel agency for about the same price, a vacation in Thailand will still cost you more due to the expenses that you will incur on the spot. You will need to have lunch and dinner, pay for transport, excursions, entertainment.

A hearty dinner in a middle-class restaurant in Nha Trang for two will cost about 15-25 dollars. In Phuket, in tourist villages, one dish can cost about 6-7 dollars, and a whole dinner can cost from 30 dollars. Of course, you can always find a street food stall and eat your own bowl of soup for $1.5-2. But such places exist mainly in non-tourist areas of the island, which are located far from the beaches. In Nha Trang, you can choose a place for dinner according to your wallet. Street cafes with minimal prices are on every corner.

In Nha Trang you can use city buses - a ticket costs only a third of a dollar. In Phuket you can’t go everywhere by bus, so you’ll either have to reduce your travel or rent a scooter or car.

Vietnam is still a country with victorious socialism. Entertainment here is relatively inexpensive. Boat excursion to the islands - from $7 per person. A full-day ride on the cable car to the Vinpearl entertainment complex - $26, a visit to the spa with healing mud - from $3 per person.

In Phuket, entertainment will cost several times more. Sea excursions from $25. Zoo - $15, Siam Niramit show - from $50 per person, entrance tickets to the Tiger Kingdom - from $24 per area per person.

Today they compete seriously, fighting for every Russian tourist. This is not surprising, because the countries are located next door, at first glance they are very similar, prices for tours in them are almost neck and neck. And as a result, it is even more difficult for a tourist who is going to travel to one of these countries for the first time to choose the most suitable option for himself. Of course, ideally it’s worth visiting both countries, even if not at once. But if you do not have such an opportunity, your time and finances are limited, then you should approach your choice very carefully.

To make this task easier for you, I tried to compare both countries, taking the most significant ones in my opinion as parameters for comparison. This comparison may be somewhat subjective, but believe me, it was not the result of a one-time visit to one of the popular resorts in these countries. I have visited both Thailand and Vietnam several times, and not only to the popular resorts. Well, if something seems incomprehensible to you or you disagree with something, you can leave your comments at the bottom of the page.

Prices
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:1
Prices for tours of the same duration to Thailand and Vietnam are practically the same, although a couple of years ago Vietnam was a very expensive destination. When it comes to the cost of hotels, transport, food, and souvenirs, Vietnam wins here.
But to make things even clearer, it’s worth saying that prices for some things in Vietnam can even be several times higher than in Thailand. For example, prices for exotic fruits in tourist areas of Vietnam may be almost the same as in our Russian supermarkets. This is due to the fact that the Vietnamese still see all tourists as a huge plastic card or wallet from which dollars fall out, and they try to rob every foreigner like crazy. Of course, if you start bargaining (and this needs to be done), the price will immediately drop significantly, but you must always remember this and know at least approximately the real prices to which you need to bargain.

Taking all this into account, for a standard package tourist, Vietnam is no different in price from Thailand, so it’s a draw. But if you go to Vietnam on your own, then you can experience the beauty of being able to save on anything.
Seasons and weather
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:1
Both countries are great for holidays all year round. Of course, there are rainy seasons (low tourist season) and dry seasons (high tourist season), but for a real tourist, a little bad weather is not an obstacle at all. If you understand the weather in detail, then the high and low tourist seasons in both countries and even in their different resorts take place at different times, but in general you can relax there and there at absolutely any time of the year.
Weather-wise, it's a solid draw.
Beach holiday
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
To be honest, I didn’t find any decent beaches in Vietnam. More or less good beaches can be found on the islands, in particular on the island. Phu Quoc, but, in general, the number of beach places and their quality is significantly inferior to Thailand. In Thailand, you have a huge number of beach resorts to choose from, both on the islands and on the mainland, with the purest clear water and snow-white sand. It is enough just to list the most popular, world-famous beaches of the islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, Chang, Samet, Tao, Phangan and many others. You will not find such a variety of islands with ready-made tourist infrastructure in Vietnam. The undisputed favorite here is Thailand.
Tourist infrastructure
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:1
By tourism infrastructure I mean how developed is the country's network of tourist and public transport, hotels, entertainment and shops for tourists.
Of course, tourism in Thailand has been developing for much longer than in Vietnam: there are more developed tourist sites, transport is somewhat better developed, and resorts are a little more suitable for European tourists. But Vietnam is catching up with Thailand in this parameter by leaps and bounds, and it is almost impossible to determine the winner. In Vietnam, new modern hotels are constantly being built, new routes are opening, and large supermarkets are appearing.

Although Thailand is ahead of Vietnam by a small margin in this matter, it is so insignificant that one can safely bet on a draw.
Attractions
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
Both countries, at first glance, are quite similar: they are equally exotic, and the attractions in them seem to be very similar. Well, it would seem that there are temples, some ruins, waterfalls and mountains.
However, all this is only at first glance. Unfortunately, the wars and politics of Vietnam have wiped out many wonderful sights from the face of the earth, of which there were not so many. Today in Vietnam there is nothing that, in scale and significance, even remotely resembles the Thai city of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, the royal palace of Bangkok, the Golden Triangle, the temples of Lopburi, and the countless temples of the pearl of the north of Tayal Nad - Chiang Mai.

In popular resorts in Vietnam, historical attractions are few and far between, and in order to somehow entertain tourists, tour operators offer multi-day trips to remote provinces of Vietnam or even to neighboring Laos or Cambodia.

Thailand definitely wins in terms of attractions.
Entertainment
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
There is not even any doubt about this issue. Thailand is the undisputed leader in tourism entertainment. In Vietnam you won’t find anything even close to the fun Walking Street in Pattaya or the entertainment venues on Patong Beach in Phuket. And what is Patpong Street worth in Bangkok? Almost every resort in Thailand offers tourists cheerful bars, night discos, entertainment for adults and many ways to relax with a large family with children.
In Vietnam, on the contrary, even in the most popular resorts of Mui Ne and Nha Trang, for example, in the evening there will be nothing to do on the street except wander around in search of a place for dinner that suits your wallet.
Kitchen
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
The cuisines of both countries are interesting and varied, and are not at all as similar as many people think. There are, of course, very similar dishes, and in any Thai restaurant you can try traditional Vietnamese dishes, and vice versa. But Vietnamese cuisine is not as spicy as Thai cuisine, it is rather too sweet. Almost all dishes, including meat, are served sweet.
In Vietnam you will not find such exotic dishes as fried insects (scorpions, locusts, spiders, etc.), but just like in Thailand you can try snake, frog, crocodile, ostrich and even rat. The basis of both cuisines and the main product is rice, although dishes with rice and egg noodles are very common in Vietnam.

Personally, I prefer Thai spiciness to the sweet taste of all Vietnamese dishes. Therefore, I give preference to Thai cuisine, led by its famous spicy Tom Yam soup, spicy papaya salad (Som Tam) and quite moderately spicy Pad Thai, and give Thailand a plus.
Number of Russian tourists
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:1
For some, the presence of a large number of Russian tourists may be a negative motive for traveling, while for others, on vacation in distant lands, they want to spend time in a cheerful company of compatriots. Therefore, it is up to you to decide which country gets the plus.
Although, speaking objectively and in general about both countries, there is no definite favorite here. If a couple of years ago in Vietnam it was not easy to meet a Russian tourist, now there is no such resort where you will not meet groups of Russian tourists transported by bus from attraction to attraction on a tourist bus. Other resorts, such as Mui Ne, Nha Trang or Hoi An, have almost completely become Russian, and there are almost more Russian-speaking tourists there than all other tourists combined (for some this is only a plus). However, in both countries there are still places where it is not so easy to meet mass Russian tourists, and visiting them is the lot of rare independent travelers. In Thailand, for example, these are still the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Maehong Son; not many tourists can be found in Bangkok and on the small islands. And in Vietnam, there are few Russian-speaking tourists in the mountain town of Sapa, the beach resort of Da Nang, the ancient capital of Hue, and the mountain town of Dalat.

Overall, it's a draw here.
Visa regime
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
Russians can come to Thailand for up to 30 days, and to Vietnam for 15 days. Of course, for some this may seem insignificant, but if you want to stay in Vietnam for more than 16 days, you will have to pay money for a visa invitation (the visa itself is free for Russians at the airport upon arrival).
So, in this parameter, Thailand wins.
Shopping
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
Most tourists believe that there is no shopping in Vietnam, except for buying souvenirs. I almost agree with them, but still... The Vietnamese make and sell excellent clothes and toys all over the world. In addition, the proximity to China has an effect, from where many cheap goods are imported and sold here with a minimal markup. But still, none of the cities in Vietnam can be compared with shopping in Bangkok. So Thailand has a plus here.
Safety.
Thailand:Vietnam - 1:0
Both countries are quite safe, with very little crime. However, Vietnam is considered the safest country in Asia. Of course, in both countries the road situation leaves much to be desired, but you will only get problems with it if you rent a vehicle.
However, in my subjective opinion, the number of all kinds of tricks and tattoos on tourists in Vietnam exceeds all conceivable limits. Unforeseen expenses in the form of fees for “passing the bridge”, double taxi fares for traveling on a toll road, the requirement to pay a person who imposed his services as a guide on you without your consent, and the like, can be encountered at every step here. Perhaps, if you travel on a package deal and are under the constant care of a travel agency and your guide, you will not encounter anything like this, but, in my opinion, Thailand cannot be compared with Vietnam in terms of the number of such scams.

Therefore, here Thailand, in my firm conviction, wins over Vietnam.

Total:

Thailand:Vietnam - 11:4

When I started writing this review, I did not at all expect to get a result of 11:4 in favor of Thailand. I love both countries and enjoy visiting them, and the fact that Vietnam lost to Thailand in my review, albeit not the most objective, does not mean at all that you should refuse a trip to Vietnam. Vietnam is an interesting and wonderful country in which it is pleasant to spend a holiday on the seashore or travel to its remote corners, especially if you have already been to Thailand.

Wish you the right choice and have a good trip!

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Much Dear Author, I ask you to take note that you are mistaken about VIETNAM, I will tell you that I know this country very, very well, I was there 8 races and am very familiar with the Vietnamese cuisine and not only, and I want to tell you that you are very you are mistaken about the cuisine, it is not at all sweet as you mentioned above, and even very bitter, it is very exotic and I also wanted to tell you about the climate in Vietnam, if in winter it is very good there, then in summer there are midges that you They constantly bite both day and night, and regarding a visa for Russian citizens, it is not needed, it is only needed for citizens of the CIS (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.)

The countries of Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly popular among Russian tourists. This is due to the relatively mild climate and numerous attractions. Among the countries in this region, Thailand and Vietnam stand out. They are located close to each other, have similar cultural traditions and the same climate. All this creates difficulties for tourists when choosing a holiday destination. Thailand or Vietnam - which country should you prefer? This is discussed in this article.

An important factor when choosing a place to visit as part of a tourist trip is the possibility and duration of stay without registration; this period is thirty days. There are only fifteen in Vietnam. Flight time to both countries is up to nine hours.

Thailand has a more developed one than Vietnam. In terms of the number of attractions, Thailand and Vietnam are not inferior to each other.

Like any country, Vietnam and Thailand have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at some of them.

Climate

The climatic conditions in both countries are similar. The optimal time for vacation is from June to September. Thailand or also successfully receives tourists. However, the region is warm all year round. The rainy season will create certain inconveniences for tourists. Both countries are attractive for beach holidays. Average temperatures during the peak tourist season reach +32°C. Hot weather in Thailand is more difficult to endure due to high humidity.

In Vietnam, the influence of the monsoons is felt during the winter season. Therefore, the temperature during this period can reach +5°C. Based on this indicator, it is difficult to determine where it is better to go, Vietnam or Thailand. Since the countries are located almost at the same latitude and have a similar climate. There are other, more important selection criteria.

Beaches

For connoisseurs of a comfortable beach holiday, Thailand is most suitable with its unforgettable beaches and numerous resorts equipped with everything necessary. The beaches in this country are distinguished by their sandy bottom and clean sea. The only downside is that it is overcrowded with tourists during peak season. The number of swimming places in Thailand reaches more than a hundred. Those that are located on the islands are distinguished by the greatest purity. The beaches in Vietnam are somewhat less numerous, however, they are in no way inferior to those in Thailand. The sandy coasts in both countries have a gently sloping entrance. The beaches on the islands are surrounded by cliffs and located in bays. Thanks to this, they are protected from waves and wind and provide calm and quiet places to relax.

Vietnamese beaches are characterized by perfectly white sand and clear blue water. They are a great place to relax with children. Local beaches have fewer opportunities for active water recreation, but water sports enthusiasts can still find some decent options for themselves.

Where is it cheaper? Vietnam or Thailand

An important, and for some, the determining factor in choosing a country for a holiday, is the cost of staying at the resort. In Thailand and Vietnam, tourists have the opportunity to choose the most suitable holiday options for themselves, based on their financial capabilities. You can use the services of travel agencies and go on vacation with a package. It is also possible to make an independent trip. One of the options for staying at the resort is to stay in a rented bungalow. Let's consider various pricing policy options in Thailand.

The cost of any tourist trip consists of the price of air tickets, costs of recreation, purchase of souvenirs and excursion services.

The purchase of air tickets is a mandatory expense item, since it is simply impossible to get to these countries in any other way. It is better to book tickets in advance. Their cost varies according to the class and level of comfort during the flight. The higher it is, the more expensive air tickets are. Since the distance and flight time to Vietnam and Thailand are approximately the same, the cost of air tickets will be the same.

The second significant expense item is the cost of living. Depending on financial capabilities, accommodation can be either very expensive or relatively budget-friendly. For example, staying in a luxury hotel room or in a separate bungalow will cost significantly more than staying in an economy class hotel.

The cost of food and attending entertainment events in Vietnam is lower compared to Thailand. Sometimes they are much cheaper than in Thailand. The choice of places to eat and relax is of great importance. Individual excursions to local attractions will cost more than similar group activities. In terms of saving money, independent travel around the country is promising.

Roads and leisure

For such trips with a rented vehicle, Thailand is best suited. The quality of roads in this country is slightly better than in Vietnam. Therefore, it is better not to book tours to Thailand from travel agencies. It will be much cheaper to travel around the country on your own. There is also a more developed network of shops, cafes and restaurants and all kinds of entertainment centers. Options for a fun night out in Vietnam are more limited for tourists. After midnight, life here comes to a standstill. Due to the population's habit of going to bed early, it is very difficult to find a working grocery store.

In this regard, Thailand is more preferable as a leisure destination. It doesn’t stop here until the morning. The list of entertainment for tourists is also more extensive. In Thailand you can not only relax, but also improve your health.

Medicine

Where to go for health, which country to choose - Thailand or Vietnam? Medical care in these two countries has significant differences in terms of treatment prices. In Thailand, the cost of visiting a doctor in a public or private clinic is up to forty dollars. Similar services in Vietnam will cost slightly less. However, it all depends on the severity of the disease or injury. A necessary condition for receiving quality medical services is that the tourist has medical insurance. In Vietnam, there may be some difficulties in obtaining medical care due to local doctors not speaking English. However, despite some inconveniences, the quality of medical care in both countries is approximately the same.

Accommodation

The cost of living and its comfort in hotels in Thailand and Vietnam are approximately the same. Vietnam, however, has a slight advantage in terms of cheap hotel stays. A stay in one of the hotels in the capital of Vietnam - the city of Hanoi - will cost about five dollars less than the cost of a stay in a similar establishment in popular Thai cities among tourists. Therefore, travel agencies sometimes offer incomparably cheap tours to Vietnam. This is due to the fact that in this country you can save a lot on housing.

Undersea world

The availability of recreational opportunities is of great importance for travelers. Staying in Vietnam and Thailand is the most promising for diving. Thailand wins somewhat in terms of the diversity of marine species and the number of places recommended for diving. The marine fauna of Vietnamese waters is less diverse, however, divers can find a lot of interesting things here too.

Local population

For tourists, when choosing a holiday destination, the friendliness of the local population towards visitors is of no small importance. If we compare Vietnam/Thailand on this basis, we can say that the residents of both countries are equally friendly to guests. The hospitality of local people is based on the profitability of the tourism industry for the economy. Thais are more reserved and do not reveal their feelings and emotions to tourists. Vietnamese are more emotional. In addition, the joint historical past of the countries affects the attitude towards Russians, namely, the assistance provided by the USSR to Vietnam in repelling American aggression is not forgotten.

Transport

In Thailand and Vietnam, transport links between cities are quite developed. You can get to any corner by taking a bus or by plane. The most common vehicle in both countries is the bike, available for rent by tourists.

But which country should gastronomic gourmets choose, Vietnam or Thailand? Where is the best food?

Nutrition

National cuisines in both countries are distinguished by their originality and abundance of exotic and incomprehensible dishes for Russian-speaking tourists. Frogs and all kinds of insects are widely used as products. Local dishes of national cuisine are usually nutritious and spicy. In this regard, the masterpieces of Thai cuisine are more famous. Food in Vietnam is sweetish due to the use of a variety of sauces and seasonings. Therefore, for lovers of sweet tastes, according to this criterion, the choice is obvious. Thailand or Vietnam? For them, this issue loses relevance.

Animals

A trip to Vietnam or Thailand can be overshadowed by the local fauna. One specific feature of both countries is the abundance of tropical insects (such as lizards). In Vietnam, in addition, they do not particularly care about cleanliness. Thanks to street garbage dumps in cities, tourists can encounter numerous rats and cockroaches. Mosquitoes, which carry dangerous diseases, pose a great danger in Vietnam. Therefore, before traveling to this country, you must get all the necessary vaccinations. Agencies offering tours to Thailand and Vietnam strongly recommend this. After arrival, you must carefully observe basic rules of personal hygiene. You should not eat local food if its appearance and taste are incomprehensible or cause unpleasant associations for tourists. It should be remembered that not everything that is familiar to the local population is suitable for a tourist who is accustomed to a completely different way of life. The comfort of your stay and the impressions gained during your vacation depend on compliance with hygiene rules.

Attractions

The cultural heritage of a particular country can also influence a tourist’s choice. Thailand or Vietnam? What is the culture of these countries? Both states have an ancient history and are distinguished by an interesting, distinctive culture. For vacationers it will be very educational to get acquainted with local attractions. In addition, staying in Vietnam has a special flavor in terms of the fact that the dominance of communist ideology remains in this country. Fans of modern military history will also find a lot of interesting things in Vietnam. The memory of American aggression, which brought many troubles to the local people, is carefully preserved here. You can see numerous examples of military equipment of that era on display. There is an opportunity to take part in excursions to places associated with the local partisan movement (in particular, see the underground passages used by the rebels). Also in Thailand and Vietnam, tourists will be curious to get acquainted with the local architecture, which is distinguished by its originality and unique national flavor.

At the end of the 20th century. Thailand has become a popular destination for so-called sex tourism. However, it should be taken into account that recently the authorities have been doing everything to get rid of such a peculiar image of the country. Therefore, lovers of all kinds of pleasures, often forbidden, risk getting into an unpleasant situation. The main rule for a tourist should be compliance with the laws of the country they are visiting. Vietnam or Thailand? Where it is better to spend leisure time is up to the tourist to decide. The choice of places to visit is varied in both countries.

So, both states are attractive places to visit. The mild climate, the beauty of the local seascapes, the presence of a developed tourist infrastructure and the friendly local population are certainly attractive aspects. To this must be added the relatively low price level. But what do vacationers themselves say about these countries, which resort to choose, Thailand or Vietnam?