By Anastasiia Sanina 
Thailand and Vietnam are two Southeast Asian icons — vibrant, colorful, full of character, and absolutely unforgettable. But they offer very different travel experiences.
If you’re stuck wondering “Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?”, don’t worry. Thai HUB has your back. Let’s compare them honestly, joyfully, and with the usual touch of humor.
Quick Comparison (For the Fast Decision Makers)
| Category | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | More variety, clearer water | Good beaches, but fewer hotspots |
| Food | Spicy, sweet, balanced | Bold, salty, herbal |
| Prices | Affordable | Slightly cheaper |
| Transportation | Excellent | Improving fast |
| Vibes | Relaxed, smooth, tourist-friendly | Energetic, chaotic, lively |
| Nature | Islands, jungles, mountains | Rice terraces, bays, highlands |
| Beginner Friendly | Very easy | Slightly more intense |
Both are fantastic — but in different ways.
Beaches & Islands
Thailand:
The clear winner here.
Thailand’s islands are world-famous — turquoise water, soft sand, palm trees, and an island for every personality.
Top picks:
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Phuket
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Krabi
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Koh Samui
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Koh Tao
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Koh Lipe
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Koh Chang
From quiet paradise to luxury resorts to party islands — Thailand has it all.
Vietnam:
Vietnam has lovely beaches (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc), but they can’t compete with Thailand’s island diversity and water clarity.
Winner: Thailand 🌴
Nature & Landscapes
Thailand:
A mix of:
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Islands
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Jungles
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National parks
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Mountains (Chiang Mai, Pai)
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Wildlife
Beautiful and accessible.
Vietnam:
Vietnam shines with dramatic landscapes:
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Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands
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Sapa’s rice terraces
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Ha Giang Loop’s rugged mountains
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Phong Nha’s caves
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Da Lat’s cool pine forests
Vietnam’s scenery is more dramatic and raw.
Winner: Vietnam ⛰️
Food
Thailand:
World-famous flavors — spicy, coconut-rich, citrusy, sweet-salty harmony. Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry, Khao Soi — delicious and everywhere.
Vietnam:
Fresh, herbal, fragrant. Pho, banh mi, bun cha, spring rolls.
Lighter, less spicy, more refreshing.
Both cuisines are top-tier, so…
Winner: Tie (depends on your taste!)
Prices
Thailand:
Very affordable, but some islands and major cities can get pricey due to tourism.
Vietnam:
Often slightly cheaper — especially food, coffee, transport, and accommodations.
Winner: Vietnam 💰
Transportation & Ease of Travel
Thailand:
One of the easiest countries in Asia for travelers:
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Budget airlines everywhere
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Smooth buses & trains
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Ferries
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Bangkok BTS/MRT
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Tons of English signage
Vietnam:
Improving quickly but still chaotic:
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Bus system is extensive
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Train routes scenic but slow
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Traffic can be intense
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English less common outside cities
Winner: Thailand 🚌
Vibes & Atmosphere
Thailand:
Relaxed, friendly, flexible.
Perfect for first-time travelers.
The vibe ranges from serene beaches to busy cities — but always warm.
Vietnam:
Energetic, fast, full of life.
Especially Hanoi — scooters everywhere, street food smoke, honking symphonies.
It’s charming chaos, but definitely chaos.
Winner: Depends on your travel style.
Culture & History
Thailand:
Buddhist temples, ancient kingdoms, festivals, hill tribes, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Vietnam:
A complex history shaped by dynasties, colonization, and wars.
War museums, ancient towns (Hoi An), old citadels, unique ethnic cultures.
Winner: Vietnam for history buffs, Thailand for spiritual travelers.
Beginner Friendliness
Thailand:
One of the world’s easiest countries for new travelers.
Clear signage, friendly locals, great tourism infrastructure.
Vietnam:
Still easy — but busier, more chaotic, and slightly more challenging.
Winner: Thailand ✨
Final Verdict: Thailand or Vietnam?
Choose Thailand if you want:
✔ Beautiful islands
✔ Easy transportation
✔ Relaxed atmosphere
✔ Great food and nightlife
✔ Beginner-friendly travel
✔ A balanced mix of everything
Choose Vietnam if you want:
✔ Dramatic landscapes
✔ Adventure
✔ Incredible northern scenery
✔ Cheaper costs
✔ A fast-paced, energetic environment
✔ Strong cultural history
Honestly?
Thailand is the BEST all-rounder.
Vietnam is the BEST for adventure.
And if you can do both… do both. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s best combos.