Vietnam or Thailand? Find out the differences before booking your Asian travel adventure

Two of the most visited destinations in all of Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Thailand are very different countries in their own unique ways. Yes, there are a few similarities, but generally speaking, there are some major differences between the two, like the language, the history, the food, and the culture. If you are considering visiting one of these countries and are having a hard time deciding between the two, here are 7 major differences that may help you decide your winner; Vietnam or Thailand.

Food

Both cuisines are known around the world and have a few famous dishes, like Vietnam’s Pho and Vermicelli, and Thailand’s Pad Thai and Som Tam. When you break it down into flavors, both of these countries have their very own unique palates which are completely different to the other.

In Vietnam, each dish has its own distinct taste that is influenced by the Asian principle of five elements, and appealing to the five senses. Common herbs include coriander, lemongrass, shallot, green onion, dill, and mint.

Thai cuisine also appeals to the five senses, with garlic, galangal, chili, lemongrass, coriander, and kaffir lime leaves being common herbs used. In Vietnam, food tends to have a fresh taste, while in Thailand it is spicy.

A big difference between Vietnamese and Thai food is the presentation. In Vietnam, many dishes are ‘do it yourself’ where ingredients are brought to you and you put it together yourself, using spices and herbs of your choice. A good example of this is Pho (noodle soup). You get a bowl of noodles and broth and decide what meat to use, as well as what herbs, spices, sauces, and vegetables to add in. You can tweak it to suit your exact taste buds.

In Thailand, this does not happen. Food is served as a complete dish and chefs are often offended if you want to make any changes. So in Vietnam the focus is more on the individual, where in Thailand you get what you get.

Transportation

There are some very big differences between the transportation in Vietnam vs the transportation in Thailand. This is true in terms of cross-country travel and transportation within the cities.

For domestic travel Thailand probably wins, as their train and bus services are far better than those in Vietnam. In terms of air travel it is generally the same, as both countries have pretty frequent domestic flights. Still, domestic travel in Thailand is much more convenient and comfortable, though that doesn’t mean getting around Vietnam is difficult. It is just as easy, although the condition of the trains and buses are much more superior in Thailand.

In terms of city transportation there are pros and cons in each. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is far denser than Bangkok, so it is easier to get around on foot. Bangkok is far more congested, which means traffic jams no matter what time of day it is.

There is also a big difference in terms of taxis. In Vietnam a taxi is always happy to pick up a customer and will automatically put the meter on. In Thailand, taxi drivers are often seen as lazy, and only pick up a customer if they feel like it. You will have to argue with them to put the meter on because if they don’t they can charge you whatever they would like, which is usually quite a lot. The same is true for tuk-tuks, which don’t exist in Vietnam. Instead, they have cyclos. Both tuk-tuk and cyclo rates need to be negotiated in advance.

Vietnam and Thailand both have motorbike taxis, with drivers that will wiz you around the city. These are great for short distances, especially in heavy traffic.

At the time of writing, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City did not have a subway network, though both cities are currently developing one. Bangkok has both an underground and above ground system that makes getting around the city extremely easy. However, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are much smaller cities, and both do have a good network of buses.

Sights

Both Vietnam and Thailand have a plethora of things to see, but they are very different. Thailand is, of course, known for its stunning beaches, while Vietnam is known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Culture and natural scenery are the main attractions in Vietnam, while beaches and history are what drives Thailand’s tourist industry. That’s not to say that Thailand doesn’t have culture and natural scenery, and Vietnam doesn’t have history and beaches. But the scenery in Vietnam far surpasses that in Thailand, while the beaches in Thailand are far more spectacular.

Places like Sapa, Halong Bay, and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam are magnificent, each of which are very unique and different than anywhere else in the world. Thailand’s hills, limestone karsts, and Mekong area are also beautiful, just not as much as in Vietnam. Instead, Thailand has more ancient sites, like its ancient temples in Ayutthaya, the Royal Palace in Bangkok, and Phimai Historical Park.

Vietnam’s lack of historical sites has a lot to do with its past, with its colonization and war destroying quite a lot of it. Still, there are a few ancient sites to see, like the temples of Mỹ Sơn, Temple of Literature in Hanoi, and Hue’s Imperial Citadel. There are also newer attractions, like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Saigon Opera House, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Thailand happens to boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Vietnam also has beaches, but they do not compare to those in Thailand.

Cost

In Vietnam the currency is Dong, while in Thailand it is Baht. At the time of writing, $1 US was equal to roughly 23,000 Dong and 31 Baht. This does not mean much unless you know what you can buy with this amount of money.

Well, you can buy a cheap meal on the street in both of these countries for around $1. However, in Vietnam you will definitely get more bang for your buck, as prices there are substantially lower than they are in Thailand. For example, a budget hotel is approximately $20 per night in Vietnam, but $33 in Thailand. You can spend less than $10 per day on food in Vietnam, where in Thailand you are lucky if you spend less than $15. Local transportation is also half the cost in Vietnam, as is local beer.

If you want to spend your time surrounded by luxury, like, for example, at a 5-star resort on a beach, than the cost is not much different. The difference in prices is seen more in everyday life, like at markets, restaurants, shops, and budget and mid-range accommodations. If you want to save money, than Vietnam is the cheaper option.

People

Vietnam is an extremely diverse country, with people hailing from over 50 different ethnic groups. Thailand is also diverse culturally, but not nearly as much as Vietnam. Vietnam also learned a lot from the French, so they are rather charming. Thais are polite, but for the most part, they are not as down to earth.

Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’ because it appears that everyone is friendly and welcoming, but this is often a facade. In fact, the Thais are very good at taking advantage of newbie tourists. That’s not to say that the same isn’t true of the Vietnamese, but it is on a much smaller scale.

Both countries are used to seeing foreigners, so both are great at catering to them. Still, Vietnam is much less westernized culturally than Thailand, especially in the northern part of the country. As well, they are a newer country on the tourist track, so there are less English speakers in the more remote areas than in Thailand.

Generally speaking, Vietnam tends to be more authentic than Thailand, so overall you will get a better experience. This is of course debatable, as everyone will have a different experience.

Language

Vietnamese and Thai are two completely different languages with pretty much no similarities. One thing that they both have in common is that they are difficult to pick up. A few general phrases goes a long way in both of these countries, although you will always find an English speaker, especially in the larger cities.

Overall, there are more English speakers in Thailand than there are in Vietnam. This is because historically more people have visited Thailand than Vietnam, so more locals know English. It is also taught in schools.

In Vietnam, French is more widely spoken among the aging population than English, although you won’t have a hard time finding an English speaker while there. However, in some of the more remote areas it will be harder to come by, although all hotel staff will speak it. English is also now taught in school in Vietnam, so the younger population will be pretty proficient.

Culture & Religion

In Vietnam, the main religions are Taoism, Confucianism, and Mahayana Buddhism. In Thailand, the majority of the people practice Theravada Buddhism, including the monarchy. This is a major difference between the two countries; Thailand has a monarchy and Vietnam doesn’t. In fact, the Thai royal family is very loved, respected, and followed in Thailand, which influences its culture, its religion, and its politics.

Vietnam has not had an emperor since Bảo Đại, who reigned until October 1955. Since then a president has ruled the country. The Indochina War also influences the culture in Vietnam, with some locals being a bit hostile towards visitors, especially in the north. The war did not affect Thailand, so the results of it are nonexistent.

Generally speaking, Vietnam’s culture is based on various religions and on the war, while Thailand’s is based on Buddhism and the west. The culture in Vietnam is often more appealing because it is almost as far away from western culture as you can get.

Those that would prefer a more westernized experience will prefer Thailand, as many Thais enjoy a westernized lifestyle. This doesn’t mean that the culture in Thailand isn’t appealing. To many it is. As well, some parts of Vietnam are also very westernized, like in Ho Chi Minh City, especially among the younger population.

Conclusion

Overall, it is hard to say which is better, Vietnam or Thailand. In the end, it depends on your own personal preference. If you want a more authentic experience, with magnificent natural scenery, cheap prices, and laid-back locals, then Vietnam wins. If you want a more comfortable, easy travel experience, and are more into historic sites and beaches, than Thailand is the easy choice.