Vietnam vs Thailand: Where is the perfect tropical destination for 2024 summer?

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Well, if you are planning a trip to explore Southeast Asia with its magnificent landscapes and diverse culture, but are unable to pick between Vietnam vs Thailand. Then you’ve come to the right place, this article will point out a few differences between these two countries worth experiencing so you can make the most suitable choice.

Is the entry simple or complicated?

Vietnam vs Thailand are both highly developed tourism destinations with major international airports that welcome millions of visitors each year. However, for the Golden Temple country of Thailand, airline options will possibly be more diversified and at cheaper prices for travelers to select from. Typically, the Suvarnabhumi Airport near Bangkok, which plays a vital role in trade, tourism, and the large economy in Southeast Asia

Furthermore, because Vietnam vs Thailand have durable diplomatic relationships as well as development for neighboring countries, transferring from the surrounding areas is not a huge concern. The border area between these two countries makes it exceedingly simple for people to travel and connect. In summary, people of any background can travel to these nations with almost no difficulty.

Vietnam vs Thailand: Growth in General

Source: LocaliseAsia

When placed on the scale of the general development between these two countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand will be somewhat better.

The first difference is about infrastructure in big cities, Thailand has done a better job already. Since they developed highways, pedestrian crossings, and many facilities for people with disabilities. The traffic order on the street is better than in Vietnam, where drivers prefer to give way to pedestrians frequently. Thailand might suit your needs if you wish to appreciate the developed buildings and urban areas of a country in Asia. Bangkok is known as the city of modern metropolises with enormous shopping malls.

Considering that Thailand is a more developed country in many aspects, the average income of Thai people will also be higher than in Vietnam. Thailand, in particular, receives more funding since it receives a vast number of visitors each year.

Nevertheless, Vietnam remains in the tourism rankings as a rising star. In terms of economics and infrastructure, there are still significant and well-developed cities here. For instance, it’s an economic spearhead city like Ho Chi Minh. This is where people from other provinces come to study, work, and live, so visitors can also feel the dynamic vibe of a bustling city. Large cafes, restaurants, malls and high-rise buildings are easy to find here.

Landscapes

Escape from the urban landscape, where are the majestic and poetic beauties that international tourists are always looking for?

Pristine islands off Koh Samui

Source: Shippedaway

The mountainous and plateau terrain in Thailand is also very diverse in each region. The stunning scenery of the jungle or limestone cliffs seen from above will make you feel worthy to admire once. Many tourists choose Thailand for trips to romantic islands to enjoy.

Precious green pearl – Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Source: Travelbook

Many people chose Vietnam as their ideal destination due to the various natural wonders with picturesque landscapes. Once you’ve come to Ha Long, you will be amazed by the majestic and magnificent scenery of the islands and limestone caves here. Admiring closely on comfortable cruises will be an experience floating on the emerald waters of Ha Long. Not stopping there, the scenery of mountains, forests, terraced fields, or large sand dunes will become unforgettable memories when coming to Vietnam.

Cities

The bustling capital city of Bangkok

Source: Theakyra

One of the most prominent cities that tourists cannot miss in Thailand, Bangkok city is a combination of tradition and modernity. Woven in the lavish scene of famous bars, restaurants or large shopping centers are still golden temples, streets selling traditional street food, and tuktuks running on the road. This interesting combination makes an impression in the eyes of international friends who want to travel here. Don’t forget to visit Tha Kha floating market, Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the beauties of Thai culture. The massage service here is also a highlight for you to experience.

Dynamic vibe in Ho Chi Minh City

Source: Holidify

In terms of parallels between Vietnam vs Thailand, we can immediately notice the familiar ambiance of bustling cities, as well as the country’s unique cultural aspects. If Bang Coc has skyscrapers and major shopping malls, then Vietnam’s two main cities, Hanoi capital and Sai Gon (HCMC), will have them, too. Visitors may also experience street culture in the lively city center with souvenirs or local cuisine. In Thailand, you experience city sightseeing by tuk-tuk, while a cyclo trip in Vietnam offers a more relaxed journey.

Cuisine

Source: LocaliseAsia

In the world culinary map, Vietnam and Thailand both have many impressive dishes that tourists should try once during their trip. Be ready to gain weight after the trip because the local cuisine of these two countries contains the essence of flavor and unique culture. You may want to eat an extra portion or have to spare your stomach for a diverse list of dishes!

Vietnam is well-known for its hot and deep-broth flavor food; Pho is a typical example of Vietnamese cuisine. In addition, visitors can try many other noodle dishes, such as Bun Cha, Bun Bo Hue, etc., served with lots of herbs and fresh vegetables. There are also other meals with outstanding flavors, like Banh Mi, Spring Rolls, Banh Xeo, and so on. Wow! It’s absolutely impossible to list them all.

When it comes to Thai cuisine, the dishes that immediately come to mind are Pad Thai or Tomyum Gooing, with its explosive spicy and sour taste. Thai dishes are generally more spicy and sour than Vietnamese. The typical tastes in these dishes will be fish sauce and kaffir leaves. If you can’t eat spicy food, then with foods like Thai curry, especially green curry, tell the seller to reduce the spiciness since the original recipe will always have a lot of fresh chili.

Each country has an attractive cuisine in its own way. The common point between local dishes in Vietnam vs Thailand, as we mentioned, is the richness and harmony of many different spices. Spicy lovers, on the other hand, will be more enthusiastic about Thai food since the seductive flavor will explode in your mouth between the sour and spicy flavors. 

In order to be able to eat many of these two nations’ signature foods, tourists will need to spend a few days researching and making a list in advance to fit your tour itinerary. To spend less time, how about checking out some of Ftrip’s Vietnam vs Thailand trips to experience many exciting sights and exclusive local cuisine?

Wrapping ups,

Ultimately, the uniqueness of each country is difficult to tell because it depends on many factors and each person’s travel preferences. It would be awesome to visit both Vietnam vs Thailand to open your eyes to Asian countries as well as experience many aspects of history, culture and cuisine. Hopefully some of our general comparison between these 2 countries can be helpful for tourists. Contact us to explore further about our trip to Vietnam vs Thailand!

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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