Where is it better to relax in Thailand or Vietnam reviews. Vietnam or Thailand: which is better? “In Bangkok you pay for comfort, in Ho Chi Minh City - because you are “rich”
Since Turkey has slightly lost its position, the eyes of Russian tourists have turned to the east. Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam offered the most suitable conditions for recreation. And if the first has long been popular among tourists and attracts them with its exoticism, the second has only now begun to gain popularity. They are very similar, so the choice of “Thailand or Vietnam?” It is very difficult for tourists. We will describe the differences between these countries.
Climate
Both countries are in Southeast Asia. It is warm here all year round and there is no distinct summer or winter, but there is a rainy season.
Vietnam can be visited all year round. In winter, it is most pleasant to relax on Phu Quoc Island, in summer - in Nha Trang or Hoi An. It has been raining almost everywhere since the end of October.
In this regard, it is also democratic. It is most comfortable here in winter, when it is dry and not too stuffy and humid. This is especially true for such a popular resort as Phuket. In Koh Samui, it rains mainly in the fall, but usually this does not interfere with your vacation.
As you can see, in any month you can find a resort in Vietnam or Thailand that is better to go to. So the choice is not between countries, but between resorts.
There is another important point - acclimatization, adaptation to the country’s climate. It is less hot in Thailand, but tourists note that the heat is much more difficult to bear due to high humidity. This is especially true in summer and autumn when it rains. It’s easier to breathe in Vietnam; the climate is reminiscent of Crimea and Sochi.
Bottom line: The climate in the two countries is similar, but winter in Vietnam is not as comfortable as in Thailand, but acclimatization is easier.
Beaches
In terms of beaches, Vietnam is definitely inferior to Thailand. The water here is not so clear, there are many locals on the public coast, and the infrastructure is less developed. The beaches are beautiful, but you need to get to them by bike and there is almost no infrastructure.
The beaches of Thailand are cleaner and more equipped - except that in Pattaya the sea is quite dirty and not suitable for swimming. But you can find yourself in truly heavenly conditions. And in Thailand there are many more opportunities for active recreation.
In Vietnam, almost all beaches have a gentle entrance to the water, which is pleasant for families with children.
The water is always warm, but in winter in the south of Vietnam it rarely warms up above +25 °C, while in Thai it is heated to +27 °C and above.
Bottom line: Thai beaches are better than Vietnamese ones in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure, but among the latter, in the distance, there are very quiet ones with untouched nature.
Attractions
If you are interested in ancient Asian culture, then Thailand is strong in this regard - there are a huge number of pagodas, Buddhist temples, Buddha statues, palaces and other interesting places. The nature here is also very beautiful, and excursions, according to tourists, are much better organized.
In Vietnam, after the war, there are few ancient monuments left, but there are interesting modern buildings. In Hanoi you can walk through beautiful parks, and in Dalat you can look at French architecture.
Bottom line: For exclusively sightseeing tours, choose Thailand, preferably in winter, when it is not so humid and stuffy.
Infrastructure
Accommodation
Since Thailand has long been a popular resort, there is much more housing here - there are a lot of hostels and hotels even in the smallest resorts. There are various bungalows on the shore, and quite a few villas that are rented out to tourists, including some very close to the sea.
Along with a wide variety and high level of service come quite high prices. Often they are still lower than in Europe or the former CIS countries.
In Vietnam, the hotel infrastructure is not so developed. They have already appeared, but it’s often not very comfortable to relax in inexpensive ones. It is better to stay in three- and four-star hotels. Even in 5* hotels, prices are generally pleasing, especially since they offer fairly comfortable conditions.
Bottom line: For the most comfortable hotels, go to Thailand, for inexpensive ones - to Vietnam.
Nutrition
Thailand has a lot of cafes and restaurants, street food stalls, so you will always find somewhere to eat. However, it is very spicy, and some tastes and dishes are so unusual that it can cause stomach problems. Adapting to local food is not easy.
There are also many cafes and restaurants in Vietnam, but they often close in the evenings. Street stalls also leave early and are not open during lunch - the Vietnamese have a siesta.
At the same time, it is much closer to us - often it is ordinary rice with meat, fish, rice noodles or light soups. Moderate spiciness. True, sometimes they add an unusual nyok-mam sauce to food, which is made from rotten fish - this exotic is not for everyone. Fresh vegetables and fruits are cheaper.
Vietnam is especially famous for its coffee - there are ideal conditions for growing it. It is prepared using special aluminum filters, which gives it a special taste.
Food prices in both countries are approximately the same. Local food is cheap, but imported products like milk are quite expensive.
Bottom line: There is more food in Thailand, but it is unusual. Vietnamese cuisine is softer and less exotic.
Entertainment
If you want to relax as fun as possible, then you shouldn’t even wonder what is better: Thailand or Vietnam. In terms of entertainment, Tai is definitely the leader - even in small resorts there are discos and clubs, and in large cities there are constantly noisy parties, interesting and exotic shows. There are also many more water parks and amusement parks. And the adult entertainment industry can be the envy of any other country in the world. Water activities and diving are much better developed, especially on the islands.
Question to an expert: Which destination, Thailand or Vietnam, would you recommend for a holiday with children and why?
Nikolay Zhuravlev answers:
CEO
LLC "BUSINESS PLANNING EXPERTS",
experienced traveler
“Thailand is more suitable. Firstly, there is a much more developed recreation infrastructure there compared to Vietnam. Secondly, Vietnam has a completely different nature - the jungle with all the ensuing consequences. I once barely rode a moped around a huge cobra that stretched the entire width of the road and glittered under the moonlight so much that it gave me a shiver. Another time I was bitten quite badly at night by a swarm of some midges, so that the bites did not go away for two weeks. This has never happened in Thailand. And the main features of Vietnam, the freshest and cheapest seafood and wood products, are unlikely to be appreciated by children, since they are not yet mature.”
Vietnam has recently become popular among tourists, and its specialty is still calm and quiet family holidays. Noisy clubs and bars can only be found here in Nha Trang; noteworthy amusement parks and water parks can also be found only in Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. And the Vietnamese go to bed very early, so after 10-11 pm the streets become very quiet.
Such a meager range of entertainment will upset the lover of night parties, but if peace and quiet attracts you, then Vietnam will be the ideal choice. And you can always go to Nha Trang for a few days and have a fairly good rest - the short distances between the resorts allow this.
Bottom line: For any entertainment, it is better to go to Thailand. If you are in Vietnam, then you can have fun in Nha Trang.
Visa regime
If you do not want to apply for a visa and you are choosing where to go, Thailand or Vietnam will suit you equally. There are no visa formalities at entry into these countries.
A Vietnam visa costs about $30 and is valid for 15 days. Placed at the airport after filling out a special form. In Thailand, upon entry, you will be given a stamp for free, which will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days.
Bottom line: You can enter Thailand easier, cheaper and for a longer period.
Prices
A flight to Bangkok from Moscow will cost less than to Nha Trang. Many flights with transfers. Direct charter flights during the season cost about the same.
Prices for tours are also at the same level, around 20-30 thousand rubles per person for two weeks. But a trip to Vietnam can be cheaper thanks to low accommodation prices.
Food prices in Thailand are higher, but not significantly. Goods and souvenirs here are also usually more expensive, but the range is wider. But taxis in Vietnam are one of the cheapest in the world, so you can save a lot on travel.
Bottom line: Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand in almost all respects.
Language
In Thailand, almost all locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Even in non-tourist markets you can always find someone who speaks English and bargain. And in some resorts, for example, in Pattaya, there are entire Russian restaurants and shops.
In Vietnam, the circumstances are different - almost everyone speaks only the local language, price tags in supermarkets and signs are not duplicated in English. This doesn’t interfere with relaxing in a hotel on the beach, but if you travel around the country, you’ll have to learn a couple of phrases and get a phrase book.
Bottom line: In Thailand, you won’t be lost if you speak English, and in Vietnam, when traveling independently, you can’t do without a phrasebook.
What to choose
Travel to Thailand if you:
Do you want to relax noisily and cheerfully?
Appreciate the developed tourist infrastructure.
Planning walks around the resorts and chatting with locals.
Do you want to get acquainted with eastern sights?
Do you want to plunge into exotic shows?
Prefer the most comfortable hotels.
Do you want to relax on cleaner beaches and sea.
Are you planning a trip in winter?
You will like Vietnam if you:
Do you want to save money on your tour?
Interested in France - the French have had a huge influence on local architecture and culture.
Do you want to relax quietly, in nature?
Don't strive for maximum comfort.
Have difficulty withstanding heat and extreme humidity.
Love the coffee - it's outstanding here.
Traveling with small children.
More details about the choice between these two countries can be seen in the video of an experienced traveler who lived in Samui and Nha Trang for several months
With the arrival of the first cold weather, I want to extend the summer more and more. Thailand or Vietnam, which is better? Where to go? Where is the sea cleaner? Where is the most fruit? Is it better to vacation in Thailand or Vietnam? Where is there a lot of seafood? Where is the climate better? Is it cheaper in Thailand or Vietnam? And there are many, many more questions to which I want to find answers. In today's post I will share my observations and impressions. My review of holidays in Vietnam and Thailand. Comparison of two countries and two resorts. In Thailand it will be Pattaya, and in Vietnam the small fishing village of Mui Ne, which is located near Phan Thiet. By the way, most tourists consider Mui Ne to be Phan Thiet. I don't know why they think so, but it's a mistaken opinion. Not the point.
Visa regime.
Night life
Transport
Shopping
Fruits
Visa regime.
Do you need a visa to Thailand? No need for up to 30 days. And if you want to stay in this country longer, then yes, you need it.
Do you need a visa to Vietnam? Up to 15 days of stay in the country is not required. And if your vacation is planned for a longer period, then my post will help you
How long does it take to fly from Moscow to Vietnam and how long does it take to fly from Moscow to Thailand?
Fly to Thailand (Pattaya) and to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) 9 hours 30-50 minutes. Flying is about the same. For some reason, our plane flew back from Ho Chi Minh City to Moscow faster. We arrived in 9 hours 30 minutes, but it took us 9 hours 50 minutes to get there.
How long does it take to get from the airport to your holiday destination?
Let me remind you that in our case, the vacation spots are Mui Ne in Vietnam and Pattaya in Thailand.
From Hosh Minh Airport to the resort of Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) it takes 5-6 hours and it doesn’t matter what you travel on: an uncomfortable tourist bus or a comfortable sleeping bus. Flying for almost 10 hours, and then still waiting for luggage and riding a bus for 6 hours... It’s tiring. But it's worth it. More on this below.
From Pattaya Airport to the beaches of Pattaya - just a stone's throw away. It's not a long drive. We stayed at the Cozy beach hotel and it took about 30 minutes to get there. This time took into account the delivery of all tourists to other hotels. I’d rather travel 6 hours to the resort of Mui Ne in Vietnam on an uncomfortable bus than 30 minutes to the resort of Pattaya.
Having written three points comparing two countries and resorts, someone has already received an answer to the question: Thailand or Vietnam, which is better? I think the six-hour bus ride to the Mui Ne resort influenced the decision and most of you chose Thailand. Don't rush to conclusions. Ahead is the main point that will make you change your mind - the sea. Although, perhaps, this is not the only point. But still, if you decide to go to Pattaya, then here are more answers to the question in
Is the sea better in Vietnam or Thailand?
I will answer this question without hesitation that the sea in Thailand is worse than in Vietnam. Everyone remembers that we are comparing Pattaya and Mui Ne. I have never seen a dirtier beach than in Pattaya. And I have never seen a dirtier sea than in Pattaya. The sea is green and smells. Therefore, definitely Vietnam, Mui Ne.
Beach in Pattaya near the Koz Beach Hotel 
The beach at the Allezboo beach resort and SPA in Mui Ne, Vietnam Where is there more seafood: Thailand or Vietnam?
Comparing the two resorts of Mui Ne and Pattaya, I will say that seafood is tastier and cheaper in Vietnam. Yes, and there are many more of them. Almost all dishes are made from seafood, but in Pattaya, you need to look for fish places. In Vietnam they are on every corner.
Night life.
Nightlife in Vietnam is very different from nightlife in Thailand. There is practically none in Mui Ne. The only Dragon club is at the end of the village. There's a small dance floor and bed-shaped tables. Nightlife in Phan Thiet, but you need something to get there. I don’t think it’s worth writing separately about Pattaya’s nightlife here. Everyone has heard about Pattaya's Walking street and its numerous clubs to suit any sophisticated or perverted taste, as you please.
Transport.
How to get around Pattaya and Mui Ne. Or rather, what can you use to get from point A to point B. What kind of transport.
In Vietnam, if you don’t break the law and don’t rent a bike, you have little choice. Tourists can travel by bus or taxi. But in Pattaya there is more choice. Services available: tuk-tuks and taxis. If you negotiate, a taxi will cost the same as a tuk-tuk. But in Vietnam, taxis go by meter and taxi drivers take you straight away with a tip. And if you don’t know the way, they can take you for a ride. For your money, they will cover as many kilometers as you like and take you to places you don’t want, allegedly without understanding you.
Shopping.
Prices in Vietnam are lower than in Thailand. Shopping in Phan Thiet will cost you less than in Pattaya.
Fruits.
Vietnam and Thailand have almost the same fruits. And they also cost almost the same.
Excursions.
Excursions in Vietnam are more exotic than in Thailand. Although, who means what by the word exotic.
Even despite the long flight and long drive from the airport to the resort, I would go to Vietnam again. If only because Mui Ne has a clean sea, golden sand, delicious seafood in large quantities, and low prices. And I will remember the dirty and smelly sea in Pattaya, the sand on the beach covered in dog poop as a bad dream. Although, if you get from Pattaya to the island of Koh Larn, with its clean beach and blue sea, then a trip to Pattaya may seem like paradise. Not for long. Until you get tired of traveling to the island and back every day. Every day, 40 minutes one way on a scary and lopsided ferry to the island of Koh Larn is tiring.
And we look at previous posts.
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 is 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 a 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.
The weather is 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 a plus to Thailand.
- 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 just 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 city 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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tourism
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.)
Updated: 2017-9-6
Sergeich74
158We continue to search together with our readers, just in case. Although it seems that Thai double-entry visas are still working and nothing has changed for winterers. There was already a blog post about this, now about Vietnam, an even closer analogue of Tai. What's better? Sergey will tell you his opinion.
Among the residents of our country, and especially among those who have traveled at least once in their lives, probably every second person has been to Thailand. And, if 10 years ago everyone considered Turkey to be a kind of summer cottage for Russians, now it is Thailand that has firmly become the leader in the number of vacationers from Russia. But not only our compatriots prefer the “land of smiles” to many other resorts in the world, but tourists from all over the world are increasingly choosing Thailand as a place for holidays and wintering. And this is not surprising. Here you have an eternal summer with the sea and beautiful beaches, kind and smiling people, and the cost of living cannot be called expensive. Everything would be fine, but recently the Thai government has been passing more and more laws that make life more difficult for the so-called winterers. First of all, this is the abolition of Visarans. So now many of those who return to Thailand year after year are beginning to turn their attention to other countries in the Southeast Asian region. And one of these countries is Vietnam.
Vietnam cannot be called a discovery for winterers. And simple “package tourists” have long been chosen by many resorts in this country. But still, if Thailand is already simply abandoned and even in the north of the country there are more and more “ours”, then in Vietnam you can still find places where a European tourist will be a wonder. These countries are very similar, but they also have many differences. And the longer you live and travel here, the more it catches your eye.
I have already been able to visit both Thailand and Vietnam more than once. I have lived both in tourist places and in places where tourists (especially from Russia) are rare. So I can compare these countries regarding which one is better for wintering or just traveling on your own. I will say right away that this will not be a comparison of who is better and who is worse. Personally, I liked both! I propose to simply compare Thailand and Vietnam on those points that will be important for any traveler and especially for a long-stayer. And draw your own conclusions about where it is better or worse.
The visa issue in Vietnam is resolved very easily. Until 15 days it is not required at all. If you stay for a longer period, you will need a visa, but obtaining one will not be a problem. It is issued directly at the airport. This process will take no longer than an hour. But you can get it in advance, at the Vietnamese embassy in Moscow. The visa itself will be free, but you will have to pay the so-called consular fee. The visa can be single or multiple, for 1 or 3 months. The consular fee depends on the frequency of entry and length of stay in the country: from 20 to 125 dollars. You can stay in the country for a maximum of 9 months without leaving, since a 3-month visa can be extended twice. You can extend your visa at any travel agency and it will cost from 30 to 80 dollars.
To extend a visa (as well as to obtain it for the first time), you need:
- foreign passport, valid for at least 6 months;
- 2 photographs 4 by 6 cm;
- an invitation to enter the country (issued by a tour company or through special online services);
- completed application form in 2 copies.
That is, as you can see, everything is very simple, although not free. Thus, winter residents will not have problems with visas. In addition, there is no need to leave and enter the country. Everything is done in any tour company and you can live in the country for up to nine months! And in Vietnam there is a completely visa-free territory - this is the island of Phu Quoc. If you fly straight to Phu Quoc and don’t leave the island, you can live here without a visa for as long as possible. At least until your passport expires.
But in Thailand, with visas, everything is a little more complicated. Of course, if you come for no more than a month, then you do not need a visa, but for those who constantly winter or live in Thailand, the visa issue is more acute. Typically, a tourist visa is issued for 60 days, and then extended for another month. There is also a double-entry visa with a total stay in the country of no more than 6 months, but you cannot live in the country for more than 90 days in six months (the 90-day rule does not yet work and it is not a fact that it will work, note Geleosan). You can also get a study visa or a work visa. But many winterers preferred to go to the so-called “Vizaran” (exit and entry from Thailand to a neighboring country with a stamp in the passport and thus permission to stay in the country for another 30 days). Now this has become difficult - Visaran has been cancelled! Now you can only enter once without a visa for 30 days!
Prices for housing, transport, food, recreation and entertainment
If you are a budget traveler, then this will be the most important point for you. Let's compare in order:
Accommodation prices
It all, of course, depends on the conditions in which you are used to living. The more expensive the accommodation (this also applies to expensive hotels), the smaller the difference between Thailand and Vietnam becomes. A rich man is a rich man everywhere, and in any country in the world they will try to extract as much money as possible from such people. If you are used to living in luxury apartments or exclusively in five-star hotels, get ready to pay well! But cheaper housing costs differently, and Vietnam seems preferable to me in this regard. If we talk about hotels, even in the resort of Nha Trang you can rent a room with all amenities, air conditioning, TV, daily room cleaning and breakfast for 400 rubles per day! Try to find the same thing somewhere in Phuket or Pattaya!?
Long-term housing in Vietnam will also be much cheaper than in Thailand.
Transport prices
Transport links in both countries are very well developed. Moreover, both urban public transport and intercity transport. In terms of prices, the difference is not very significant, but still Vietnam will be a little more attractive in this regard. And that's exactly what it is - Sleeping bass. Translated as "Sleeping Bus". In such buses, instead of the usual seats, there are lie-flat seats. That is, you can sleep very comfortably the whole way. That is why such buses are most often used at night. Of course, there are regular buses with regular seating, but the Sleeping Bus is more popular than a regular bus. After all, the price of a ticket for the “Sleeping Bus” is not much higher and is generally very affordable. For example, a ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang will cost only 250 thousand dong (about 370 rubles). But the distance there is 450 kilometers! And by the way, I was very surprised, but it turns out that Vietnam officially ranks second in the world (after the USA) in terms of development and accessibility of intercity bus service!
Vietnam's urban public transport is slightly inferior to Thailand in terms of variety, but not in terms of price. For example, a ticket on a city bus here costs only 5000-7000 dong (7.5-10 rubles). Moreover, all buses in Vietnam are air-conditioned and always very clean. This is being closely monitored here!
In Thailand, of course, transport is also not expensive and at the same time very convenient to use, so this point, in my opinion, does not play a big role in terms of choosing a country for a long trip. Both there and there everything is very convenient and quite affordable.
Food prices
Again, a lot depends on where you are used to eating. Lunch in expensive restaurants designed for wealthy tourists will cost a pretty penny in both countries. Well, this will happen in any country. We are primarily interested in the cost of food in mid-price shops, markets and cafes. When talking about stores, it’s difficult to give a general comparison. Much depends on the specific product. Unlike Thailand, bread, pastries and cakes are popular in Vietnam, so the prices for these goods are much cheaper. Also, yoghurts and kefir are sold very inexpensively - a rare product for supermarkets in Thailand. Those products that are equally common in both countries cost about the same (in Vietnam a little cheaper). And what is not produced domestically is equally expensive (for example, sausage or cheese).
In the markets, prices are approximately the same, but this takes into account the fact that everywhere you have to bargain! In Vietnam, it is very difficult for a European to buy something on the market at a low price! Prices are usually raised several times! However, this applies more to tourist places. Somewhere in the outback, one often gets the impression that the Vietnamese are generally incapable of deceiving anyone. Only this applies entirely to the provinces. I've been to a couple of villages where there are never tourists at all - that's where the real Vietnam is!
In average cafes in Vietnam, prices are much cheaper than in Thailand. Of course, it’s difficult to talk about the whole country, but if you compare, for example, the resort of Nha Trang and the well-known Pattaya, the comparison is clearly not in favor of the latter. In Nha Trang, for 400 rubles you can arrange a real belly feast. This money is enough for several dishes, dessert and beer. In Pattaya, you will pay 2-2.5 times more for the same thing! If you compare the provinces, then the prices there will of course be cheaper, but unlike Thailand, in the Vietnamese provinces, even for 100 rubles, the two of you will eat your fill!
I would also like to mention street food. In Thailand, I always really liked it and I prefer to eat it. Well, if you eat exclusively street food, then you can safely go to both Thailand and Vietnam. Both there and there everything is very cheap and tasty. In Vietnam, it’s literally just pennies! For example, in non-tourist areas of Nha Trang you can have a great lunch for only 15,000 dong (23 rubles!). For this money you will get a large portion of rice with sauce, a grilled pork chop, a plate of fresh herbs and soup! In Thailand, makashnik food is a little more expensive, but still, if you are not a completely desperate backpacker with a budget of $100 for 3 months, you won’t notice much of a difference.
And one more thing - alcohol. If you like to spend time with a bottle of beer or something stronger, then Vietnam is paradise for you! I've never seen alcohol so cheap. Moreover, the alcohol is of good quality. And this applies equally to both shops and bars. In Thailand, all alcohol is 3 times more expensive. However, this only applies to locally produced alcoholic beverages.
Imported alcohol is not cheap in either case.
Prices for leisure and entertainment
Entertainment means visiting different bars and nightclubs. This also includes visits to various spas and massage parlors, excursions and parks.
This is of course more relevant for ordinary tourists, and not for longsteers. But those who stay in the country for a long time also sometimes want to relax and unwind!
Active nightlife in Vietnam (mainly in famous resorts) will cost you less than in Thailand. This is mainly a consequence of the previous point (cheap alcohol). But all kinds of massages and spa treatments cost about the same.
Those who like to go on organized excursions will definitely like Vietnam. Excursion routes here are constantly developing, and prices remain quite low. Everything, of course, depends on the resort and the specific excursion, but generally the prices for the most popular ones are around 700-1200 rubles, while in Thailand popular excursion routes can cost 3-5 thousand or even more!
It is not very expensive to visit various amusement parks in Vietnam. For example, a ticket to Vinpearl Park in Nha Trang will cost 500 thousand dong (approximately 750 rubles). This amount includes a water park, an aquarium, an amusement park, an arcade and much more! In many countries, as in Russia, just visiting one water park will cost more!
In general, regarding prices, Vietnam is a cheaper country to live than Thailand.
Nature and climate
Thailand and Vietnam are geographically very close to each other, so the climate here is approximately the same. Vietnam also has a dry season and a rainy season and a very large part of the country is covered with real tropical jungle. But there are some differences. In Vietnam it rains in different months than in Thailand and the humidity here is not so strong. And sometimes it’s even cool in the mountains! So for those who don't like high humidity, but still love the tropics, Vietnam can be a very good choice. And for those who do not necessarily want to live by the sea, but at the same time love the mountains, the mountainous Dalat is very suitable. The temperature here is always about 18-25 degrees. Tangerines and grapes grow everywhere. Mountain Vietnam is something!
Safety
Definitely both Vietnam and Thailand are much safer in terms of the criminal situation than Russia! I think it’s all about legislation, although mentality also plays an important role. But if, as they say, to get to the bottom of it, I would call Thailand a safer country. Here, they don’t even lock cars, and often the keys are left right in the ignition! In Vietnam this is becoming stricter. Thefts are not uncommon here. Therefore, at night in cities, almost no one leaves bikes on the streets, and cafes and shops are closed with roller shutters. Pickpocketing is also common. But for someone to just come up to you on the street and “use” your cell phone is very rare in Vietnam. And if you follow basic precautions, you are unlikely to become the target of theft.
In general, both countries are much safer than in our homeland (unfortunately).
Development of tourism infrastructure
Well, Thailand is probably ahead of the rest! Everything here is done so that tourists feel comfortable. All inscriptions are duplicated in English, Tourist Information can be found everywhere. Everything is very convenient and understandable, even in the outback. What about Vietnam in this regard? In Vietnam, in this regard, there is simply a gap between tourist cities such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Saigon and the non-tourist province. Somewhere in Nha Trang you don’t even need to know English; many locals understand and speak Russian well! Everywhere they will help you and explain what, how and where. But once you get somewhere deep into the country, away from the main resorts, you won’t be able to do it without ingenuity. They will look at you the way we would look at an African native somewhere in a remote Siberian village))) Almost no one here knows even two words of English or Russian, everything is in Vietnamese everywhere and nothing is clear. But this makes it even more interesting!
Thailand is the “land of smiles”! Our compatriots have always been amazed by the fact that in Thailand the locals always smile, are always polite and ready to help even a stranger. For many, this is the main reason why they travel to Thailand again and again. Many longstayers who have lived in Thailand for a long time say that Thais are not so white and fluffy, but still a smile and a sincere desire to help a stranger will always captivate.
But in Vietnam, much more often you can encounter complete indifference towards you. And there are much fewer smiling Vietnamese on city streets. In this regard, Vietnam is more like Russia. But still, the mentality and warm climate leave their mark and outwardly the Vietnamese look more cheerful than the Russians. This is especially noticeable to those of our tourists who have never been to Thailand and arrived in Vietnam for the first time. To me, after three trips to Thailand, the Vietnamese even seemed somewhat gloomy, but only at first. In general, for the most part they are very good people.
Cleanliness and tidiness
I would also like to say about the level of cleanliness and order on the streets of Vietnamese cities. In general, many people who have never traveled to Asia have the opinion that Asian cities are filled with mountains of garbage and rats run everywhere. Well, Vietnam really fits this description. Not to say that everything is very sad, and in our homeland we also have problems with this, but to not even find a single trash can in large cities is something! All the garbage here is thrown directly onto the roadsides and the local fat rats happily feed on this garbage! There are a lot of rats in the cities of Vietnam! After a week I even got used to not paying attention to them. In general, of course, the garbage is removed by special services late at night, but by this time the food waste has time to rot in the heat, so in some places the smell is amazing))) Personally, I don’t pay much attention to this, but for true aesthetes, Vietnam can simply be shocking!
Even in Vietnam, you need to be more careful if you buy some street food. The Vietnamese do not pay much attention to the freshness of food and hygiene during its preparation. You can often see locals preparing food with very dirty hands or using perishable foods that have been sitting in the heat all day.
But Thailand, from an aesthetic point of view, is of course a more civilized country. As a rule, everything in cities is clean and tidy. And ordinary Thais are much cleaner people.
Summary
These are probably all the points on which I would like to compare Vietnam and Thailand. As you can see, in many ways these countries are very similar. In Vietnam, everything is moving towards the point where everything here is becoming the same as in Thailand. And if you are looking for some other country (except Thailand) for wintering or just for a long trip, but you don’t want to radically change the situation, then Vietnam is very well suited for this.
However, it is not for nothing that many longsteers would not exchange Thailand for any other country. Having traveled through both of these countries for quite a long time, having visited both large cities and the outback, I am more drawn to return to Thailand! And not because Vietnam is bad. It’s just that in Thailand everything is somehow more convenient, clearer and simpler. Of course, if you live somewhere far away from civilization and people (in a remote village or on a small island), you won’t feel the difference, but in cities the contrast is felt more strongly. But, if you still look for some kind of alternative to Thailand, then Vietnam is better suited for this!
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KLAUDIA BULGARIA
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Thailand and Vietnam are two popular and beloved countries for a good holiday. When you haven’t been to any of them, you have a difficult choice of where to go first. Let's compare both countries so that you make the right choice and have a good rest.
1. Flight cost.
Flights for an independent traveler are a major expense. Both countries are nearby, which means the approximate cost of the flight will be the same. Differences in price may only appear during a specific season and certain dates. If you prefer to buy a tour, the cost will depend on the star rating of the hotel, the availability of full meals and other factors that influence the cost of the tour.
2. Climate, humidity, heat.
In Vietnam, the humidity is lower, so the heat is easier to bear, things dry faster, and skin wounds heal faster. Thailand has a very high percentage of humidity and many people find it even more difficult to bear the heat. There is a rainy season in both countries, but in Thailand it is longer than in Vietnam.
3. Availability of hotels, budget accommodation, local cuisine.
Both Vietnam and Thailand have a very large selection of housing in resort regions. Hotels, apartments, guesthouses, bungalows, villas - there is everything from fashionable five-star to one or two stars. In Vietnam, hotels have also appeared that operate on an all-inclusive basis; in Thailand there is no such system and, as a rule, hotels offer accommodation only with breakfast. Vietnam is just gaining its tourism momentum, the land along the sea is just being built up, so the country is less “traveled” than Thailand, where everything has already been built. Both countries offer not only local cuisine, but also European food, but it will be much higher in cost.
4. Insurance.
If you purchase a tour, then insurance is already included, but if you are going to fly on your own, then you need to stock up on insurance. Insurance in Thailand is more expensive than in Vietnam, but there are good hospitals in both countries at all popular resorts.
5. Local population, crime rate, safety for tourists.
Both there and there people are friendly, smiling and sociable. Of course, there are also scammers among them, but crime exists in every country in the world. Thefts happen in Thailand and Vietnam, you just need to be careful and careful during your entire trip.
6. Transport accessibility and rental of a car or bike.
In Thailand, within the country you can travel cheaply on domestic airlines, and in Vietnam it’s the same. Bus service is developed in both countries. In Vietnam you can take a train ride. But renting a car and (or) bike in these countries differs. In Thailand, you can freely take any vehicle if you have an international license; in Vietnam, only local licenses are required, so you won’t be able to take a car, and they will give you a bike at your own peril and risk, but in case of any accident you will be considered at fault. In addition, in Vietnam there is a chaotic and very active movement of mopeds and bikes, so driving in the city is very unsafe and uncomfortable.
7. Attractions.
Both countries are rich in attractions. In Thailand, these are national parks, temples and pagodas, waterfalls and lakes, zoos, water parks and much more. In Vietnam these are cable cars, museums, temple complexes, waterfalls, and amusement parks. The countries have developed excursion programs, there are individual and group tours. Russian guides work in both countries.
8. Infrastructure.
Both countries have developed infrastructure: hospitals, pharmacies, shops, post and bank branches, bus stations, railway stations, airports, parking lots.
9. Presence of Orthodox churches.
In Thailand, there are Orthodox churches in different provinces: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Chang, where services are held. There are no Orthodox churches in Vietnam.
10. Fauna and flora, the presence of “reptiles”.
The climate in the countries is similar, so the tropical greenery is no different. Bright tropical flowers and palm trees grow everywhere. Creeping and other “reptiles” are found everywhere, you need to be prepared for this.
It is not without reason that many compatriots love Thailand and Vietnam because of their beautiful beaches, comfortable hotels, stunning nature and rich excursion program. To compare countries, you need to visit each of them. If the choice has not yet been made in favor of one of them, then start from the budget within which you need to enter. In any case, you will enjoy these countries!