With proper planning, the dream of traveling to Asian countries is achievable, even on a fixed income. Southeast Asia is the most popular resort for budget tourists. There is a lot to please a foreigner here: a high level of service, a good climate, amazing local food and hospitable people.
The beaches in Nha Trang (Vietnam) are inferior to Thai beaches in terms of azure water. In the evening, all the beaches are crowded with Vietnamese people who like to come to the sea with their whole families. There is little entertainment on the beaches, and the infrastructure is worse. Although, if you go to Vietnam on bicycles, you can see a large number of beautiful beaches with blue sea and white sand, but these will be wild and non-tourist places.
Nutrition
Thailand is a place where you will never go hungry. Such a large quantity and variety of street food is unlikely to exist in any other country in the world. Street food is available and you can find it at any time of the day. - one of the main attractions of the country.
But in Vietnam, at certain times, food simply disappears from the streets. It is difficult to find something at lunchtime because the Vietnamese take a siesta.
There are a huge number of restaurants that serve delicious seafood. Frankly speaking, the food in Vietnam is closer to ours.
For $1 you will get a huge portion of soup or rice with meat or fish. Many tourists complain of stomach pain due to daily overeating due to such generous portions and affordable prices.
Prices for food and groceries
In Vietnam, fresh fruits and vegetables are more affordable. But if we talk about imported products that the average Asian does not eat too much (milk, cheese), then it is difficult to compare. Imported products are definitely more expensive than local ones.
How much does it cost to eat in tourist places?
| Vietnam ($Dollars) | Thailand ($Dollars) |
|
| Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant | $2,24 | $2,83 |
| Three-course lunch (for two) | $13,46 | $14,15 |
| Combo lunch at McDonald's | $3,93 | $5,52 |
| Local beer | $0,90 | $1,49 |
| Imported beer | $1,35 | $2,26 |
| Cup of cappuccino | $1,12 | $1,63 |
| Pepsi/Cola Can | $0,40 | $0,58 |
| Water (0.33) | $0,19 | $0,32 |
In Vietnam, as in Thailand, there are many good supermarkets where you can buy high-quality and inexpensive products. In Nha Trang these are CoopMart, Big C, MaxiMark. There are several popular chain stores in Thailand: 7/11, Family Mart - these are mini markets; and Tesco Lotus and Big C are large supermarkets.
Food prices in stores and supermarkets in 2018
| Vietnam ($Dollars) | Thailand ($Dollars) |
|
| Milk, 1 liter | $1,30 | $1,41 |
| Bread, 0.5 kg | $0,61 | $1,18 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $0,81 | $0,99 |
| Eggs (12 pcs) | $1,38 | $1,67 |
| Cheese | $8,98 | $13,02 |
| Chicken fillet, 1 kg | $6,73 | $2,77 |
| Tomatoes | $1,06 | $1,56 |
| Potato | $1,08 | $1,25 |
| Cucumbers, 1 kg | $2,24 | $0,85 |
| Bottle of water 1.5 liters | $0,54 | $0,45 |
| Marlboro cigarettes | $1,12 | $2,60 |
Attention! Please note that prices may differ from those stated due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Clothing, household appliances, electronics
In Vietnam the market is very poor. Technology is not the strong point of this country. Everything costs more than in Thailand. There are several times fewer popular online clothing brands in Vietnam than in Thailand. Yes, and it costs more here.
In Thailand, the price level is very low, even for clothing from American and European brands. The quality is quite good though.
Approximate prices for clothes
| Vietnam ($Dollars) | Thailand ($Dollars) |
|
| Women's tank top/t-shirt | from 5$ | from 2$ |
| Women's shorts | from 8$ | from 3$ |
| Men's shirt | from 9$ | from 4$ |
Dress in stores of popular brands | from 25$ | from 12$ |
Accommodation
Thailand is better developed in terms of housing. There are a huge number of hostels and hotels for everyone in every city. Any resort is “teeming” with simpler and richer villas, which are located near the sea, and the price is much better and lower in relation to the CIS countries. On average, prices vary between $15-20.
Accommodation is cheap in Vietnam, especially hotels and hostels. But finding something is very difficult for a European. You will have to choose more impressive options. The rest of the rooms are simply furnished with wooden furniture in the Vietnamese style, which is not very familiar or comfortable for a European.
Prices start from $8, but on average fluctuate around $12-23 for a double room in an inexpensive 2 or 3 star hotel.
There are many high-class hotels near the sea, where room rates start from $65/day. At the Intercontinental Nha Trang (one of the best hotels in Vietnam), prices per night start at $120.
In any case, everyone will have to choose the best one for themselves... And to read detailed descriptions of Phuket hotels, tourist reviews of hotels, make reservations, etc., use the hotel search engine Hotellook - search and compare the best prices for hotels and inns with a discount of up to 60%.
Internet availability and speed
Vietnam has large and cheap mobile Internet. It works almost everywhere. If we talk about the internal Internet, the connection is very unstable. Failures are usually associated with network transmission failures.
Infrastructure and entertainment
Thailand is ideal for tourists. The country's roads are better than those in Vietnam. On every street you can see shops, street food, shopping centers and entertainment centers.
Vietnam is much more sparse in this regard. It is very problematic to purchase and have fun somewhere after 23:00.
- Vietnamese people go to bed early, so you won't meet anyone until midnight.
- There are small food shops. But they work here according to a schedule, which is convenient for the owner.
- Shopping centers are no better.
In Nha Trang, for example, there are many attractions and travel agencies that organize excursions around the city and trips to neighboring regions. Here you can go on rides in an amusement park all day or undergo treatments in a mud bath for $27. And two-day excursions to a neighboring city cost from $10-100. From Thai Phuket, in turn, you can go on excursions to neighboring regions for $50-150.
Transport
When it comes to Vietnam, it is quite difficult to compare the capital and provinces. There are no subways in major cities in Vietnam. Bangkok has an underground metro, road and water transport. And also a very expensive taxi.
You'll pay 35 baht ($1) for landing and 5 baht ($0.14) per kilometer after that. Considering the fact that traffic jams are very common in Bangkok, the taximeter may unpleasantly surprise you at the end of the trip.
In Vietnam, taxis are better and more affordable. Buses are inexpensive (within city limits only $0.3), and there are plenty of bicycles and motorbikes.
In Thailand, you will be surprised by the abundance of tuk-tuks, but there they charge exorbitant prices to unknowing tourists. There is a free shuttle service in Bangkok, but these are usually wooden buses without air conditioning. The price depends on the type of tire. Article
Many tourists who decide to visit Asia for the first time think, where is the best holiday in Thailand or Vietnam? It seems that both directions provide a lot of opportunities. However, there are pros and cons. Taking them into account, you can already decide for yourself where it is better to go.
Flight
For example, from Moscow to Bangkok the flight time is 8 hours. Hanoi is 1 hour longer. Ticket prices are approximately the same.
Climate
The subtropical climate prevails in Thailand and Vietnam. In Thailand, the high season begins in June and lasts until the end of September. During this period, the average air temperature is + 30 degrees Celsius.
The peculiarity of Vietnam's climate allows it to receive tourists throughout the year. The average air temperature is +32 degrees Celsius.
Where is the best beach holiday?
Here it is worth giving preference to Thailand. On the territory of the exotic country there are a large number of different resorts, where all the conditions for a good beach holiday are created. The peculiarities of the beaches are that they are located both on the mainland and on the coastal islands. Almost all beaches are sandy with crystal clear waters. The most popular are:
- Patong
- Chaweng
- Karon
There are fewer beaches in Vietnam, but they are not inferior in beauty. Shallow waters and a gentle entrance to the sea allow vacationers with children to calmly enjoy swimming in the sea. Lovers of a relaxing pastime will be able to choose any island beach in picturesque bays. Such places are surrounded by rocks, which provide an opportunity to spend a secluded holiday. The most popular are:
- Chiong
- Katdua
- Changfu
- Nha Trang
As for lovers of the underwater world, diving enthusiasts should definitely visit places such as Koh Tao, Phi Phi, and the Surin Islands.
Where are the best hotels?
Many tourists, especially those on vacation with children, pay great attention when choosing a hotel. There are no problems with this in Thailand. Almost every resort has a variety of accommodation options. On the first coastline there are villas and hotels of 4, 3 and 5 stars. They are distinguished by high service level and developed infrastructure. On the second coastline you can find several budget options, but even they offer clients normal living conditions.
You can find cheap hostels and hotels in Vietnam. However, Europeans will not like it there. There is no service, there is no infrastructure as such. Hotels from 4 stars and above have everything you need for a good holiday.
Visas
You can vacation in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. In Vietnam up to 15 days.
Internet
One of Thailand's main problems in the tourism sector is the slow Internet. It’s easier to take a different route: buy a local SIM card and there will be no problems with the Internet.
In Vietnam, even in the cheapest hotel you can safely use the Internet at good speed.
Nutrition
Fans of exotic dishes will enjoy Vietnam more. Here tourists can taste a snake, crocodile, ostrich, dog and even a rat. National cuisine involves a large use of various spices, including bitter spices. But there are more fruits in Thailand, since this country is famous for its warm climate and fertile soil.
Sea Food is in particular demand in both countries. You will see fresh fish, shrimp, squid, shells scattered on the ice. You point your finger and they prepare what you have chosen. These are the freshest products that have not yet been frozen. You should definitely try it. It is advisable to arrive early, because... late in the evening everything is eaten and there is nothing left to cook.
Where is it better to relax with a child in Thailand or Vietnam?
One of the best resorts for families with children in Vietnam is the picturesque Mui Ne. On its territory there are cozy beaches, completely protected from high waves. The gentle entrance to the sea provides additional safety.
In Thailand, it is better to choose Koh Samui. The absence of high waves and developed infrastructure of the coastline allows you to have a great time with children.
Transport
In large cities in Vietnam there is no metro; the cost of travel on public transport is significantly lower than in Thailand.
In Bangkok, a tourist will be able to choose any means of transportation, taking into account his capabilities. There is also a ground metro here. The so-called tuk-tuks are in greatest demand among tourists.
Where are the best attractions?
In this regard, Thailand takes a significant advantage. Here the tourist will be able to get to know the local culture and Buddhism in general. Curious travelers will be able to unravel the secrets of ancient temples, visit historical complexes, majestic palaces, etc. You should definitely see the following historical treasures at least once:
- Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok
- Baioke Sky Observation Deck in Bangkok
- Siam Ocean World in Bangkok
- Mini Siam Park in Pattaya
- Ancient Stones Park in Pattaya
- Nong Nooch Park in Pattaya
- Big Buddha on Koh Samui
- White Temple
Vietnam also boasts interesting cultural places to tourists. The greatest demand is:
- Imperial City in Hue
- Tomb of Khai Dinh
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda
- Hanoi Citadel
Entertainment
The Land of a Thousand Smiles provides many opportunities for active recreation. Numerous resorts are replete with entertainment centers, nightclubs and other recreational facilities. Go-go clubs, as well as various shows, are especially popular.
Holidays in Thailand are:
- High customer service
- Nice hotels
- Luxurious beaches
- Wide range of entertainment
- Attractions
- Transport accessibility
- Diverse underwater world
Holidays in Vietnam are:
- Low prices
- Accessible Internet
- Opportunities for a relaxing holiday
- Interesting excursions
Holidays in both countries are a sea of positivity and good mood!
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? If you want to know the answer to this question, then my article is especially for you. Today I will spend comparison between Thailand or Vietnam, so that you can decide for yourself where to go: to Thailand or Vietnam. Of course, there is no universal answer to the question “Which is better, Thailand or Vietnam?”, so everyone will decide for themselves, and I will help with this and tell you about these two countries, about food, entertainment, the sea and service for Russian tourists.
The first thing I want to point out about comparing Thailand and Vietnam is that they are two completely different cultures. And for tourists, some will be better off in Vietnam, others in Thailand, because tourists are also completely different and go on trips for different purposes. Personally, I decided a long time ago that I prefer Thailand. But you make your own choice, Thailand or Vietnam, which is best for you.
Vietnam is very different from Thailand. There is not such a variety of entertainment 24 hours a day as in Thailand, but there is something to see besides the beaches. Our compatriots live in Vietnam, but even more of them live in Thailand. For some this is a plus, but for others it is a minus. Let's look at the sea, environment and entertainment of the two countries to decide which is better: Thailand or Vietnam.
Sea to Thailand or Vietnam
The first thing we go on holiday to hot countries for is, perhaps, the sea. Sea Thailand or Vietnam? What's better? The sea in Vietnam is simply super, despite the fact that Its coast is very clean, the sea is exactly what it is worth going for. The beaches are looked after, cleaned and monitored all the time. It commands respect. The sea in Thailand is also cool and sky blue.
The situation in Vietnam and Thailand
The overall impression and environment are also important in comparison between Thailand and Vietnam. In Vietnam there is no smell on the streets like in Thailand. The streets in Vietnam are very clean, cows don’t walk, and stray dogs don’t run around. But like many places in Asia, you will have to shut up your disgust and not pay attention to fat rats walking on foot and not afraid of anyone, lizards as neighbors in the room, all kinds of living creatures on the balcony. This is the norm in such places.
Infrastructure for Russians in Vietnam and Thailand
If you are still in doubt when choosing Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? you will have a rest, let's look at the service for Russian tourists. IN There is a Russian Information Center. Huge respect to the guys - they work from morning until late evening, you can find out any information: where to eat, until what time the store is open, exchange money at a good rate, etc. They sell excellent excursions, they don’t try to sell you anything, they are very friendly. It is clear that such a center was organized by a very competent person and the marketing did an excellent job. IN . It's like coming to Gelendzhik, only in Asia: all the entertainment, food and much more are adapted to our Russian brother. In Pattaya, Russian speech is heard more often than Thai.
Food in Vietnam, Thailand and Goa
A lot has already been said about food, but if you decide, Vietnam or Thailand which is better, then cuisine in Asia occupies a special place. If you want to lose weight, this is the place for you. The main thing is to pay more attention to street food. Personally, I am not attracted to the type of Vietnamese food - fried spring rolls, soup and noodles with flavor enhancers, especially if you look at what they eat and sell on the street.
There are no questions about cafes and restaurants adapted for tourists: everything is fresh and of high quality. Prices are approximately the same in my opinion, both in Vietnam and in Thailand. In Thailand, the cuisine is spicier than in Vietnam. But in Thailand there is more diversity, there are scorpions, grasshoppers, and much more. So decide for yourself what you like best from food, spicy or not very spicy food to choose for relaxation Vietnam or Thailand are better. From the exotic side, I tried Luwak coffee. For those who don’t know, look on the Internet what it is and where they get it from. It is difficult to write a comparison between Vietnam and Thailand in terms of food. I have already written two articles on this topic about each of these countries, I advise you to read: V etnamese cuisine,.
Entertainment Thailand, Vietnam
Vietnam or Thailand, where is the best entertainment and nightlife for tourists? In terms of entertainment, when comparing Thailand and Vietnam, Thailand definitely wins. Thailand was the first to embark on the path of tourism and has definitely moved further away from Vietnam, although this cannot be said about every resort. There is no Walking Street in Vietnam yet, the Nha Trang resort is developing, it’s only 7 years old and is just getting used to tourists, but there are quite good establishments. We went to
— the club is mainly for Russian tourists, there are a lot of people, the music is good.
Nha Trang Skylight Bar on the roof of the Best Western Premier Havana Hotel. Located on the 45th floor, excellent view of the city. A very high-quality place, to be honest, I don’t remember anything like it.
So, to answer the question " Which is better, Vietnam or Thailand?, I made a comparison of Thailand or Vietnam. To definitely decide for yourself what is better than Thailand or Vietnam, I would advise visiting both countries.
Is it good to vacation in Vietnam and Thailand? Yes! Where would I advise a person to go who has never been to these countries? Go to Thailand, to Pattaya. There you will be whirled by a whirlwind of emotions, events, interesting excursions, entertainment, Bangkok alone is worth it. Why in Pattaya probably no one goes to the beach to watch the sunrise and sunset? There’s no time for that, there’s a lot of other things to do. Although you must admit that the sun also rises and sets there. If you are interested in comparing not only Vietnam and Thailand, I advise you to read also ,
Today we have one of the most anticipated posts on the topic, which is better: Vietnam or Thailand? This question has been asked to me for a long time, but I deliberately delayed it in order to distance myself further from Samui and Thailand, as well as to better understand and take off the rose-colored glasses from Nha Trang and Vietnam. So, today we’ll talk about what is better than Vietnam or Thailand for wintering and relaxation.
We have been living in Vietnam for four months now after living in Thailand for 5 months. We’ve already even managed to extend it for another three months – this is the simplest and cheapest extension during our trip. Today it's time to compare these two countries.
We will compare Vietnam and Thailand based on our personal feelings about life. We were also on a package tour while working for hire in Pattaya. We will try to give our most objective assessment.
Let's start looking for the answer to what is better than Vietnam or Thailand in terms of climate. Both of these countries are located in Southeast Asia, where it is always warm.
The air temperature in winter ranges from 24-32 degrees. Samui has a more humid climate. When we arrived there, it felt like we had jumped into the steam room of a Russian bathhouse. This climate is not very suitable for people with health problems.
Nha Trang has a milder climate. It is more similar to the climate of our resorts in Crimea and Sochi. Russian people can breathe easier here, but they still have to get used to the heat. Adaptation for some lasts 2-3 weeks. For us it went very quickly on Samui.
The situation is approximately similar in Koh Samui. It rains in the same months, but the weather is hotter and this makes the humidity stronger. Again, there is no need to be afraid of the rainy season.
There are also cool mountainous areas in Vietnam and Nha Trang. There are Dalat and Sapa in Vietnam. In Thailand, Chang Mai and Chang Rai. You can choose any climate and weather according to your desire.
Therefore, in terms of climate, I would not give a clear answer to the question of whether Vietnam or Thailand is better for wintering and recreation. Both countries have equal climatic opportunities and are equally favorable for recreation and long-term stay here.
Sea and beaches
Vietnam is located along the shores of the South China Sea. The situation is similar with Thailand. But unlike Vietnam, Thailand is washed from the west by the Andaman Sea and such resorts as Phuket, Krabi, etc. are already a little different from other resorts in Thailand.
We lived on the island of Koh Samui in the South China Sea. This is a very warm sea with rich wildlife. You can visit the surrounding area and Tao to dive and look at the underwater inhabitants.
The situation is the same in Nha Trang. The sea is quite warm from 24 degrees. In winter, the water is a little cooler than on Koh Samui and more turbulent, but this does not stop Russian tourists.
There is no threat of a tsunami either on Samui or Nha Trang. They are protected from them by the terrain and islands. You can safely travel with children, which cannot be said about Phuket and Crabs, where there were quite strong and destructive tsunamis.
As for the beaches, they are about the same. What I liked about Koh Samui is that there are different types of beaches. There is a beach with regular sand and deep sea for swimming for adults, a beach like Maenam, for example, there is an almost bounty beach - this is Chaweng, there is one with stones in Lamai. The beach on Bang Po, where we lived, is very shallow for children. There are many options on Koh Samui. And for real beauty you can go to Koh Phangan or Tao.
In Nha Trang the situation is approximately the same. The main beach is spoiled by tourists and has excellent infrastructure. There is also a very good embankment for walks, which we missed so much with Alina on Koh Samui.
In October, a strong wave rises in Nha Trang and you won’t be able to swim with children in the center, although of course you can. A private one in the south of the city is perfect for children. Well, for beauty and white sand I recommend going to
In general, the sea and beaches are again a battle draw. Vietnam and Thailand have equally good sea and beaches.
Vietnam and Thailand, which is better for wintering is still unclear
Insects, reptiles and diseases.
As for insects, then, of course, they are present everywhere. Ants will become your permanent neighbors, so never leave anything of food anywhere.
Cockroaches will move their whiskers grumpily because you disturbed their peace.
Geckos are permanent residents of local houses and apartments. It’s impossible to remove them, and it’s not worth it, you just need to get used to them.
Mosquitoes are the main carrier of various diseases in Asia. There is a lot of this goodness in Thailand. We encountered a huge problem in Thailand, where there are simply a lot of them. Sometimes even mosquito nets and various protective equipment do not save you.
There are no problems with mosquitoes in Nha Trang. Everything is fine here.
We didn’t notice any snakes or other dangerous things here. There are no problems with this within human habitats.
For now, the debate is Vietnam or Thailand, which is better for Vietnam, and we move on.
Housing
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better in terms of housing? Now let’s compare our accommodation in Thailand and Vietnam.
In Koh Samui we changed 5 houses during our 5 month stay until we found our house in Thailand. On the island we are in and on the beaches of Bang Por, Maenam, Bangrak and Bo Phut. Those. We have a real idea of housing on Koh Samui. There will also be a post soon about the cost of housing on Koh Samui, which I wrote with the director of one of the best real estate offices on the island. Subscribe to the blog news at the end of the post to stay informed about investment prospects in Thailand.
For 14,000 baht we finally rented our last and best house on Samui. If you compare it in dollars, it’s about $450-500 with a communal apartment.
We had a gorgeous pool for several houses.
Access to two beaches at once within walking distance. This is Maenam beach. It's a little wild and deserted, but very cool.
The second is Bo Phut Beach with its famous restaurants and party scene.
In Nha Trang, we rented a studio in the center of the tourist area for $350. We pay about $50 more for utilities.
Housing costs are about the same, but the quality in Thailand is much better. The pool alone is worth living in Thailand
Swimming pools in Nha Trang are a real problem. There are simply practically none of them, as well as private houses. There is an acute shortage of condominiums in the city, like those in Pattaya. I hope the Vietnamese will resolve this issue. There is really nowhere to live in normal conditions.
As for lovers of cheap living. Then again Thailand will be stronger than Vietnam. On Koh Samui, it’s quite possible to rent a house with a swimming pool, air conditioning and internet for 5,000 baht. You can rent a guest house in Nha Trang for a similar price. You understand that living in a house is much more comfortable than a guest house.
Therefore, in terms of housing, if you choose Vietnam or Thailand, which is better, I would give preference to Thailand.
So we have a draw.
The cost of living.
Let's now compare Vietnam or Thailand, which is better in terms of cost of living.
The costs are the same here.
As for public transport, there is none in Thailand, except for tuk-tuks. In Nha Trang there is normal city transport with very accessible scenes and you don’t have to buy a bike at all and save on it.
Taxis on Samui are several times more expensive than in Nha Trang. The difference is almost three times. Therefore, transport savings in Vietnam are greater.
We spent about 12,000 rubles on food in Koh Samui at the old rate. Now in Nha Trang we spend even a little less, but at the new rate it is 1.5 times higher than before. Objectively, the difference in food prices between Vietnam and Thailand is about 20%.
How do you like this vitamin tomorrow at the end of November for only 85,000 dong (180 rubles)?
We will make a separate post about prices in Nha Trang. Subscribe to the news at the end of the post and wait for new releases.
For various entertainments: beer, barbecue, cafes and excursions, the costs are approximately the same - $150 per month. Alcohol, by the way, is 2 times cheaper in Vietnam.
We really liked Samui, and Nha Trang.
Visa costs for 5 months in Thailand cost us about $1000 for three of us. In Vietnam, we spent a little more than $150 on a visa for a similar period. We will write more about the visa below.
The result is that Vietnam wins by a small but quite noticeable margin in terms of the main items of travel expenses. The difference is about 20% due to food and visa, but the quality of housing in Nha Trang is let down.
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better in terms of cost of living - Vietnam.
Internet.
I am very concerned about the Internet issue when traveling because... I make money thanks to its capabilities, namely thanks to the information business and blog. Therefore, before going to any country, I find out everything about the Internet.
In Southeast Asia, things with the Internet are not great, but this is compared to Russia. Compared to other countries, the Internet in Thailand and Vietnam is excellent.
In our house on Bangrak, the Internet speed was around 20 MB and the download speed was almost 10. It was stable and did not crash. We even watched TV and movies on our plasma.
In Vietnam, the Internet is less powerful, but quite good and sufficient for work.
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better on the Internet, is equally satisfactory, you can live, but I would like it to be better.
Safety.
People often fear on the Internet that Vietnam is full of various thieves. During the entire period of my stay in Nha Trang, I did not see a single one of them. In my opinion, this is just a story.
True, you shouldn’t walk around drunk at night and waving your handbag and wallet. The guys in Vietnam are not rich. They can easily ride a bike and steal your purse.
Theft using a bike is one of the most common here, but I repeat, in 5 months of living here I have not personally seen a single case.
Security in Vietnam is fine, but you have to be vigilant like in Russia. Don’t leave your bike anywhere, keep your money with you, leave your passports at the hotel, watch your bags and be careful if you’re intoxicated.
Security in Thailand, especially on Koh Samui, is amazing. I often forgot my keys on the bike and never had any problems. It is safe to walk at night. People don't bother drunk people.
From a security point of view, Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? I would choose Thailand. There I didn’t think at all about the safety of thieves and scammers. You still need to be on your guard in Vietnam.
So we have a draw again. Vietnam or Thailand, which is better? This question is still open
Visa to Vietnam and Thailand?
Based on the ease of obtaining a visa, its extension and cost, the winner is immediately clear. It was just the magical accessibility of Vietnam that tipped the scales for us, and we decided after Thailand to go not to Bali, but to Vietnam.
A Vietnam visa for tourists for no more than 15 days is issued upon arrival free of charge. But we flew here to spend the winter, so we pre-issued an arrival visa online for three months for only $66 for three. Read more about this
Mountains and waterfalls.
Zoos.
Ruins of ancient empires.
All this can be seen on various
So, what should you choose in the end: Vietnam and Thailand? We got a draw. Vietnam and Thailand are approximately the same countries in terms of their level of development. But I would highlight three reasons why it is worth going to this or that country. After them, it will probably become clearer whether Vietnam or Thailand is better.
Three reasons to choose Thailand?
- This is your first trip to Southeast Asia. After all, Thailand is a country of smiles. After visiting this country you will fall in love with this region. The positive attitude of the locals inspires and inspires. They know how to create a welcoming and blissful atmosphere, and the Russian heart and soul, tormented by the fierce cold, really lacks this.
- You need comfortable living conditions. Nice house, swimming pool, beaches and large shops nearby.
- Everything is fine with your money.
Three reasons to choose Vietnam.
And in this video I shared our impressions of Vietnam and Thailand during 9 months of travel. I also answer the question: Vietnam or Thailand, which is better?
Vietnam or Thailand, which is better for wintering and vacation? Please write your answer to this question in the comments.
Subscribe to blog news. There is a lot of useful information ahead about life and making money while traveling. Each subscriber has a gift in store.
I remind you that it will end soon. So far Alexey is in the lead. He only has 8 comments, but he needs 20. Everyone still has a chance to win valuable prizes.
Well. and I decided to also take part in a cool competition. This competition is organized by blogger Alexander Borisov. I would like to win 10,000 rubles and a brand new phone by taking 1st place. Mine is already pretty tired of the awesome life. Conditions of the competition I will please myself and my girls with good gifts for the New Year.
Thailand - 4, Vietnam - 5. Let's take two southern resorts: the island of Phuket in Thailand and the city of Nha Trang in Vietnam. During the most touristy time (winter), we found the second one much more pleasant. It's not so hot, the evenings are cooler and fresher. But depending on the time of year and as you move south or north of any country, the weather can vary significantly. In the north of Vietnam in March we were quite frozen, while in Bangkok we were sweltering from the heat and humidity. By the way, winter in Vietnam is not the season, the sea is choppy and there are downpours. But in the south of Thailand at this time it is simply amazing: the sea is clean, you can safely swim, the weather is dry, the sun is not as hot as in spring.
Prices
Food
Thailand - 4, Vietnam - 5. In Vietnam, it seemed to us that fresh vegetables and fruits are more affordable. But if we talk about imported products that Asians don’t particularly eat (like milk, cheese), then it’s difficult to compare.
Clothing, appliances, electronics
Thailand - 4, Vietnam - 2. The Vietnamese market is very meager compared to Thailand. Technology and electronics are not the strong point of this country. Everything is more expensive than in Thailand. As for clothing, there are several times fewer popular chain brands in Vietnam than in Thailand. Clothing from the market is again cheaper here.
Housing
Thailand - 5, Vietnam - 4. Thailand is very developed from a tourist point of view, so there is simply a huge amount of housing for every taste in any city. Any resort is built up with condotels and villas. There are many beautiful apartments and houses in European style near the sea, and the price relative to Russia is much lower. In Vietnam, housing is cheap, especially hotels. But finding something European is very difficult. We looked for an apartment in Nha Trang for a very long time and chose one of the most expensive options. All the rest were filled with Vietnamese-style wooden furniture. For us it was not very familiar and comfortable.
Internet availability and speed
Thailand - 2, Vietnam - 3. Vietnam has excellent and cheap mobile internet. It works almost everywhere, even in villages and on the highway. If we talk about the home Internet, it is quite unstable. Failures are usually associated with breakdowns in backbone networks. In Thailand, the Internet was dead almost everywhere, especially in guesthouses. Mobile Internet is of good quality, but much more expensive than in Vietnam.
Infrastructure
Thailand - 5, Vietnam - 3. Thailand is ideal for tourists. The roads are of excellent quality. There are 24-hour shops, street food, shopping malls, entertainment complexes, bars, clubs on every corner. Here at any time of the day you can find food for every taste. It's the same story with entertainment. Vietnam is much more backward in this regard. Eating or buying something after 23:00 is problematic. The Vietnamese go to bed together, and the streets become empty. Our favorite chain store, 7-Eleven, is missing. There are small grocery stores, but they look more like warehouses. And they work according to a schedule that is convenient for the owner. Shopping malls leave much to be desired.
Visa application procedure (simplicity)
Thailand - 2, Vietnam - 5. This is definitely a tick for Vietnam. A visa can be issued for a period of one or three months directly upon arrival at the airport. It is not expensive at all, there are no consular fees. Until recently, it was easy and cheap to extend this visa, but now it’s more difficult. The visa-free regime for Russian citizens is 15 days, but in Thailand it is 30. It is more expensive to apply for and extend a Thai visa. This can only be done outside the country at the Thai consulate. This process is stressful. You never know what the person at passport control will come up with. We give Thailand a bad mark for tightening its visa policy. In general, we now get into Thailand with difficulty, having several stamps for exiting and entering the country. It used to be much simpler, but every year migration policy tightens its grip. Perhaps Vietnam will one day become less accessible.
Food
Thailand - 5, Vietnam - 4. Thailand - This is a place where you will never go hungry. There is probably no such quantity and variety of street food in any other country in the world. Street food is very affordable and can be found almost any time of the day. Restaurants for every taste. But in Vietnam, at certain hours, food simply disappears from the streets. It's difficult to find something at lunchtime because the Vietnamese take a siesta. There are also a huge number of restaurants with delicious seafood. To be honest, food in Vietnam is closer to us. It is simpler and very affordable – $1 for a huge portion of soup or rice with meat or fish. And you can eat too much of it. And yes, we have never eaten such delicious rice anywhere else.
Transport
Thailand - 4, Vietnam - 4. It is very difficult to compare capitals and provinces, because these are two different things, just like in Russia. Major cities in Vietnam do not have a metro system, while Bangkok has both an underground metro, an overland BTR, and water transport. And also a very inexpensive taxi. Only 35 baht for landing and about 5 baht for each subsequent kilometer. But very often the traffic jams in Bangkok are such that you can spend a lot of money per meter. There are also a lot of taxis in Vietnam, and they are quite affordable. Buses are inexpensive, and there are a lot of bicycle and auto rickshaws. There are a large number of tuk-tuks in Thailand, but we don’t like to use their services; they often inflate prices. There are free bus routes in Bangkok, but these are usually wooden buses without air conditioning. The price depends on the type of bus.
Beaches
Thailand (Phuket) - 5, Vietnam (Nha Trang) - 3. We can compare two countries only by two seaside resorts. Phuket is washed by the Andaman Sea, which has a stunning turquoise color. The island has a huge number of developed beaches with good infrastructure and a lot of entertainment. During the high season, Phuket is simply ideal for those who love the sea. There are not many beaches in Nha Trang, the water is not azure, and in the evening all the beaches are crowded with the Vietnamese themselves, who love to come to the sea with their families. There is little entertainment, and the infrastructure is less developed. Although, when we rode across Vietnam from north to south on bikes, we saw a large number of beautiful beaches with blue sea and white sand, but these were wild, non-tourist places.
Medicine
Thailand - 5, Vietnam - 4. In Thailand, we visited both private clinics and semi-public ones. The service is at a high level, the staff is friendly, the prices are not so high. All necessary medications are given in the required quantities immediately after the doctor’s appointment. It is very comfortable. In Vietnam, we applied for insurance once. Then the doctor came to our house. He spoke very little English, gave us antibiotics and a couple of related medications and left. But I liked dentistry in Vietnam. Dental treatment was not expensive at all. By the way, as far as we know, there are doctors in Vietnam who speak Russian. There are a lot of clinics in both Thailand and Vietnam.
Adaptation
Thailand - 3.5, Vietnam - 3.5. This is a very personal aspect. Everyone in a new country always adapts differently. In Thailand, it was difficult for us to get used to food; both of us came down with stomach pains in the third week. The food is really spicy and very specific: completely new flavors that we haven’t tried before. Well, the smells. In Vietnam, the food is blander and simpler: rice with meat or fish, mild soup with rice noodles can be found in any village.
It is more difficult in Vietnam with adaptation in terms of language. Very few Vietnamese who have nothing to do with tourism speak English. All price tags in supermarkets are in Vietnamese. While we were traveling around the country, we learned numbers and a couple of phrases in order to find out at least the cost of food in a cafe. We often used a translator. This did not happen in Thailand. In tourist places, any local resident will be able to answer you in passable English. Even in a market where there are few tourists.
P.S.
Nastya and Yura maintain a video blog about travel and life in Asia. If you're interested, head over to their channel " Two tickets ».
| Criterion | Thailand | Vietnam |
| Climate | 4 | 5 |
| Food prices | 4 | 5 |
| Prices for clothing, equipment and electronics | 4 | 2 |
| Housing prices | 5 | 4 |
| Internet availability and speed | 2 | 3 |
| Infrastructure | 5 | 3 |
| Visa procedure | 2 | 5 |
| Food | 5 | 4 |
| Transport | 4 | 4 |
| Beaches | 5 | 3 |
| Medicine | 5 | 5 |
| Adaptation | 3,5 | 3,5 |
| Total: | 48,5 | 46,5 |