Let’s not kid ourselves – choosing between Thailand and Vietnam is like picking your favorite child (if you had two very different but equally awesome kids). When it comes to Thailand vs Vietnam travel, both countries offer unique experiences for backpackers and solo travelers alike.
Guess what? Thailand pulled in over 11 million visitors in 2022, while Vietnam only saw 3.6 million backpackers roaming its streets. But hold up – these numbers don’t tell the whole story of what you’ll actually experience on the ground when comparing Thailand and Vietnam.
Here’s the real deal: Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand? Absolutely! Vietnam is your go-to if you’re trying to stretch those dollars. We’re talking $1 meals compared to Thailand’s $2 minimum (I know, still cheap, but those dollars add up after a few Chang beers). But there’s something magical about Thailand that keeps people coming back – a whopping 50% return rate compared to Vietnam’s humble 5%.
Thailand’s got that whole package going on – wild parties that’ll make your head spin and trains that actually run on time (mostly). Meanwhile, Vietnam’s serving up those jaw-dropping views at Ha Long Bay and enough historical sites to fill a semester’s worth of classes.
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Keep reading! I’ll help you figure out which spot matches your vibe, budget, and crazy travel dreams. Oh and pro tip – whichever you pick, you’re in for one hell of a ride!
Thailand vs Vietnam: Key Differences for Backpackers
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty? After bouncing between these two countries like a ping-pong ball, I’ve got some juicy details to share about what makes each spot unique (and why you might love – or hate – either one).
Backpacking Culture and Community
Here’s the deal – Thailand and Vietnam are about as different as pad thai and pho. Thailand’s got this crazy 50% tourist return rate (compared to Vietnam’s measly 5%), and I totally get why. It’s like backpacking with training wheels – perfect for first-timers who don’t want to get thrown into the deep end right away.
Oh, and if you’re one of those digital nomad friendly types (like me), Thailand’s your jam. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are basically heaven for laptop warriors, with enough coworking spaces to house a small army and Wi-Fi that actually works. (Unlike that time in Vietnam when I had to climb onto a roof to send an email… but that’s another story).
Popular Backpacker Routes
Let me break down the classic routes I’ve stumbled through (sometimes literally after a few Chang beers):
Thailand’s Greatest Hits:
Bangkok (2-3 days) → Southern Islands (2-3 weeks)
Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai (Northern Route)
Island hopping: Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui
Vietnam’s North-to-South Adventure:
Hanoi → Sapa → Halong Bay (Northern Circuit)
Hoi An → Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Stretch)
Hostel Scene Comparison
Let’s talk beds and budgets (cause we’re all cheap here, right?):
Aspect | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
Dorm Prices | $9-20 USD | $6-11 USD |
Private Room | $20-40 USD | $20-35 USD |
Quality Rating | Higher | Good but Basic |
Thailand’s got everything from fancy boutique hostels to wild party pads. Vietnam’s scene took a hit after COVID though – RIP Vietnam Backpacker Hostels chain. I still pour one out for those legendary spots.
Here’s the bottom line: Thailand’s got that English-friendly vibe with signs you can actually read. Vietnam? It’s more like throwing yourself into the deep end – but hey, that’s part of the fun! Plus, I literally had to try to spend more than $35 a day there. (Trust me, I tried. Those $1 beers only get you so far).
Did you make it this far? Good, cause we’re just getting started! Let’s dive into how you’ll actually get around these crazy countries…

Transportation and Getting Around
Let’s talk about how to drag yourself from place to place in these countries (without losing your mind or all your money).
Public Transport Options
Thailand’s got this whole city transport thing figured out. Bangkok’s rocking the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, with fares starting at just 15 baht. Vietnam? Well, they’re mostly about buses, though Hanoi finally jumped on the metro bandwagon in 2021. (Better late than never, right?)
Here’s what you’ll burn through your wallet for getting around:
Transport Type | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
Taxi Start | 35 Baht | Similar |
Tuk-tuk/Motorbike taxi | 80-150 Baht | 20-100 Baht |
Public Bus | 7-15 Baht | Varies |
Motorbike Culture
Holy moly, Vietnam is WILD about their bikes – we’re talking 58 million registered motorcycles! That’s like everyone and their grandmother has one (and trust me, you’ll see grandmas zipping around with entire families on their bikes).
Honestly, I was terrified of renting a bike at first, but for $5-10 a day, it’s worth facing your fears. Plus, if you break down (like I did, multiple times), there’s literally a repair shop every 100 meters. Best part? Full service and oil change for under $10. My mechanic back home would laugh at those prices!
Inter-city Travel Methods
Thailand’s got their transport game sorted with:
Train network hitting all four corners (Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern)
Buses that’ll take you anywhere with a road
Budget airlines for when you’re feeling fancy (or lazy)
Pro tip: book those Thai trains way ahead during peak season (November to March). I learned this the hard way when I had to spend 12 hours sitting on my backpack in the corridor…
Vietnam’s night buses though – that’s a whole different beast. Think of it as a backpacker rite of passage, complete with tiny sleeper beds and drivers who think they’re in Fast & Furious.
Thailand makes it super easy to book transport right from your hostel. Vietnam? Not so much. But honestly, that’s part of the fun. Sometimes you end up on the wrong bus heading to the middle of nowhere, and those usually turn into the best stories!
Did you survive reading about transport without falling asleep? Good, cause there’s more juicy stuff coming up…
More In Vietnam & Thailand
Budget Breakdown: Vietnam vs Thailand
Alright, let’s talk money (cause we’re all broke backpackers here, right?). After counting every last penny in both countries, I can tell you Vietnam’s the winner for us cheapskates. Let me break down where your precious dollars will go.
Daily Costs Comparison
Listen up – Vietnam’s gonna treat your wallet way better than Thailand. We’re talking $30-35 per day versus Thailand’s budget-crushing $40-65. (Like me, you’ll probably blow that budget anyway, but it’s nice to pretend we’re responsible adults).
Here’s the damage you’re looking at:
Expense Category | Vietnam | Thailand |
---|---|---|
Hostel Dorms | $6-11 | $9-20 |
Private Rooms | $20-35 | $20-40 |
Street Food | $1-2 | $2-5 |
Local Restaurant | $4-12 | $4-12 |
Beer | $1.40-6.20 | $1.40-6.20 |
Where to Save Money
After blowing way too much money in my first week (rookie mistake), I figured out some sneaky ways to keep my bank account happy:
Food Choices: A bowl of pho in Vietnam costs like $1. That’s cheaper than my morning coffee back home!
Transportation: Jump on those night buses – free accommodation while you travel! (Just don’t expect quality sleep… or any sleep)
Accommodation: Vietnam’s hostels will save you about $9 a night compared to Thailand. That’s basically three extra beers!
Hidden Expenses
Oh boy, here’s where they get you (trust me, I learned the hard way):
Festival Premiums: Prices go nuts during festivals. Full Moon Party in Thailand? Your hostel suddenly thinks it’s a 5-star resort.
Tourist Traps: Vietnam’s all about that haggling game. I once paid $10 for a coconut before I learned to bargain (still hurts to think about).
Banking Fees: ATM fees will eat you alive. I started withdrawing enough cash to look like a drug dealer just to avoid multiple fees.
Transportation Add-ons: Those fancy “VIP” buses in Thailand? Highway robbery. Stick to the local buses where chickens might be your seatmates.
Here’s the real tea – Thailand’s whole economy is built on tourism, so they know how to squeeze those tourist dollars. Vietnam’s still figuring out this whole tourism thing, so prices are cheaper. (Quick, go there before they catch on!)
Ready to learn about where to actually spend all this money you’re saving? Keep reading…
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Backpacker Hotspots
Ready to experience the vibrant nightlife and culture these countries have to offer? After bouncing between countless cities, I’ve got the inside scoop on where you should (and shouldn’t) spend your time.
Must-Visit Cities
Let’s start with Thailand – Bangkok’s your gateway drug to Southeast Asia, serving up street food that’ll blow your mind and the infamous Khao San Road. Oh and pro tip: head to Chiang Mai if you want that perfect mix of culture and crazy nights, plus some quality time with elephants.
For Vietnam, you’ve got two choices to kick things off – Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Most backpackers do the north-to-south route (like me), which makes it super easy to bump into the same faces along the way. Here’s what you’re looking at:
City | Known For | Average Stay |
---|---|---|
Bangkok | Street food, temples | 3-4 days |
Chiang Mai | Cultural activities | 3-4 days |
Hanoi | Old Quarter, food tours | 2-3 days |
Ho Chi Minh | War history, markets | 3-4 days |
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Guess what? Your search for hidden gems might just be over because I’ve stumbled upon some real treasures. In Thailand, check out:
Bang Krachao – Bangkok’s “green lung” just 5 miles from the city center (trust me, your lungs will thank you)
Koh Kret – Where fishing villages meet pottery heaven
Trang archipelago – Think pristine beaches without the Full Moon Party chaos
Vietnam’s got its own secrets too. Ever heard of Bai Tu Long Bay? It’s like Ha Long Bay’s quieter, cooler cousin – same stunning views but way fewer tourists taking selfies.
Party Scenes Compared
Let’s not kid ourselves – Thailand’s the undisputed party king. Bangkok goes absolutely mental after dark, and don’t even get me started on the Full Moon Party. That’s basically a backpacker rite of passage (though you might not remember much of it).
Vietnam? Well, they’re more like “early to bed, early to rise” – most places shut down at midnight by law. But here’s where it gets interesting – they’ve got this thing called Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer), which might just be the world’s cheapest beer. I mean, who needs late nights when you can day drink for pennies?
Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City tries to keep up with Thailand’s party game, mixing backpacker vibes with local flavor. But it’s kind of like comparing a house party to a festival – both fun, just different energy levels.
Did you make it to the end? Good, cause there’s more juicy stuff coming up about the cultural experiences that’ll blow your mind…

Food and Dining Culture
Let’s talk about stuffing your face in Southeast Asia! After countless street-food adventures (and maybe a few questionable stomach situations), I’ve got the inside scoop on both countries’ local cuisine scenes.
Street Food Safety
Look, nobody wants to spend their trip hugging the toilet, so here’s how to avoid becoming best friends with your bathroom:
Hit up the busy stalls where food’s flying off the grill
If it’s not steaming hot, it’s probably not
When in doubt, get it fried (everything’s safer in hot oil!)
Watch how they handle the food (if they’re scratching and cooking, maybe skip that one)
Thailand’s got their street food game pretty organized, with actual health inspections and everything. Vietnam? Well, let’s just say it’s more… adventurous. Though tourist areas have definitely stepped up their game!
Regional Specialties
Holy flavor explosion, Batman! Thailand’s throwing punches with their face-melting Tom Yum soup and papaya salads that’ll make your taste buds dance. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s over here flexing their French connection with those legendary Banh Mi sandwiches.
Country | Signature Dishes | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Thailand | Tom Yum, Green Curry | $2-5 |
Vietnam | Pho, Banh Mi | $1-2 |
Vegetarian Options
Calling all veggie lovers! Thailand’s your best friend here – they’ll veggie-fy almost anything. Vietnam? That’s where it gets tricky. They love sneaking fish sauce and meat broth into EVERYTHING.
If you’re vegetarian in Vietnam (like my poor friend who learned the hard way), here’s how to survive:
Look for “Com Chay” or “Quan Chay” restaurants (your veggie salvation!)
Get real friendly with Google Translate
Pack snacks like you’re preparing for the apocalypse
Thailand’s got your back though – thank Buddha (literally) for all those Buddhist vegetarian options! Most Thai spots can modify dishes faster than you can say “no fish sauce” [link_10].
The times, they are a-changin’ – even Vietnam’s getting hip to the veggie scene in tourist spots. But let’s be real, Thailand’s still winning the veggie-friendly Olympics.
Did you survive all this food talk without getting hungry? No? Me neither. Time to grab some pad thai…
Adventure Activities
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping? After dragging myself through jungles, caves, and mountains (and surviving… barely), I’ve got some wild stories about the adventures waiting for you in both countries.
Hiking Opportunities
Not gonna lie – I totally thought Thailand would be the hiking champion until I hit Vietnam’s trails. The Sapa Vietnam trek will blow your mind with those endless rice paddies, plus you get to crash with local families. Thailand puts up a good fight though – that Hang Nak Nature Trail in Ao Nang? Four hours of sweating your face off for some killer Krabi views.
Activity Type | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
Mountain Treks | Doi Inthanon, Pai Canyon | Sapa, Ha Giang |
Cave Exploration | Khao Sok caves | Hang En Cave, Phong Nha |
Jungle Hikes | Khao Sok National Park | Cat Ba National Park |
Water Sports
Let’s get wet! (This is a pun because… well, you know). Both countries bring their A-game to the water scene. Thailand’s scuba diving spots are insane:
Similan Islands – Where you might bump into a whale shark (I didn’t, but I’m not bitter…)
Koh Tao – Get certified to dive without selling your kidney
Phang Nga Bay – Kayak through limestone karsts like you’re in Avatar
Vietnam’s got its own water playground – Ha Long Bay’s perfect for kayaking through those empty tropical islands. And Mui Ne? They call it Vietnam’s “Mecca” for surfing. Think windsurfing, kitesurfing, and falling off paddleboards (or maybe that was just me).
Mountain Activities
Holy moly, the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam changed my life! My driver Pao (legend!) showed me spots I didn’t even know existed – we’re talking morning cloud rides and mountain views that’ll make your jaw drop.
Want to hear something crazy? I hiked 13 miles with 30+ river crossings just to reach Hang En Cave. Picture this: steep muddy trails, blood-thirsty leeches, and me questioning all my life choices. But guess what? It was totally worth it (even though I still have nightmares about those leeches).
Dalat’s got this wild waterfall canyoning thing going on. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop is cool and all, but after Ha Giang? It’s like comparing a kiddie pool to the ocean.
Did you make it through all that without booking a flight? Impressive! Let’s talk about how to not get scammed when you do…
Safety and Scams
Alright, time for some real talk about not getting yourself into trouble (like I did, multiple times). After years of dodging scams and learning things the hard way, here’s the dirt on staying safe in these crazy countries.
Common Tourist Scams
Let’s not kid ourselves – both countries have their fair share of people trying to separate you from your money. Thailand’s got some classics:
The old “Hey buddy, wanna buy some gems?” routine in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Tuk-tuk drivers who take you on a “scenic route” to their buddy’s shop
That sneaky “sorry, Grand Palace is closed today” trick (Spoiler alert: it’s probably not closed)
Vietnam’s a bit more straightforward – they’ll just casually try to overcharge you for everything. At least you know where you stand, right?
Scam Type | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
Transport | Rigged meters, tuk-tuk detours | Meter tampering |
Shopping | Gem scams, tailor tricks | Market overcharging |
Activities | Jet ski damage claims | Tour booking schemes |
Solo Travel Safety
Guess what? These places are actually pretty safe – Vietnam’s chilling at 41st on the Global Peace Index while Thailand’s at 92nd. Though Vietnam’s pickpockets are next level, so maybe invest in one of those slash-proof bags . (I learned this after losing my phone… twice)
Here’s what your mom would want you to do (and for once, she’s right):
Copy those documents (like your life depends on it)
Tell someone where you’re crashing
Save those emergency numbers
Get travel insurance (seriously, don’t be that guy)
Emergency Services
Oh no, something went wrong? Here’s who to call in Thailand:
Tourist Police: 1155 (they actually speak English!)
Medical Emergency: 1669
Fire Brigade: 199
And in Vietnam:
Ambulance: 115
Fire Department: 114
Police: 113
Thailand’s private hospitals are actually pretty fancy – like, “better than my hometown” fancy. Both countries usually have English-speaking medical staff in cities, but good luck in the countryside! Pro tip: carry a card with your blood type and medical info translated into the local language. (Trust me, trying to mime “allergic to penicillin” is not fun)
Ready for the scary part? The biggest danger in both countries is traffic accidents. Those motorbikes might look fun (and they are!), but remember – traffic rules are more like “traffic suggestions” here. Did you make it through all that without getting paranoid? Good, cause there’s more adventure waiting…
Cultural Experiences
Ready to dive into the good stuff? After temple-hopping my way through both countries (and embarrassing myself countless times by breaking cultural rules), I’ve got some wild stories about what makes these places tick.
Local Festivals
Holy water fights, Batman! Thailand’s Songkran in April is literally the world’s biggest water battle. Picture an entire country armed with water guns – it’s pure chaos and I loved every second of it. Then there’s Loi Krathong in November, where thousands of lanterns light up the rivers like something out of a fairy tale.
Festival Season | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
New Year | Songkran (April) | Tet (Jan/Feb) |
Autumn | Loi Krathong (Nov) | Mid-Autumn (Sept/Oct) |
Religious | Buddhist Lent (July) | Perfume Pagoda (Feb) |
Temple Etiquette
Listen up, cause you don’t wanna be that tourist who gets kicked out of a temple (like me, on my first day). Here’s how to not mess up in Thai temples:
Shoes off before you step inside (yes, even if your feet stink)
Cover those shoulders and knees (I’m looking at you, tank top warriors)
Keep those feet pointed away from Buddha (it’s like giving someone the middle finger)
No climbing on Buddha for your Instagram shots (seriously, don’t be that person)
Vietnam’s temples play by similar rules, though they’re a bit more chill with Western tourists. Still, better safe than sorry – nobody wants to be that disrespectful foreigner.
Cultural Workshops
Guess what? You can actually learn cool stuff while traveling! In Hoi An, I tried making traditional lanterns (spoiler alert: mine looked like it was made by a drunk monkey). But watching those artisans work their magic with techniques from the 16th century? Mind-blowing.
Oh, and Chiang Mai? I took this cooking class with the most amazing Lanna family. We’re talking garden-to-table action, picking lemongrass and galangal like we knew what we were doing. Pro tip: Thai cooking is way more about community than just following recipes.
The countryside’s where it gets real though. Those craft villages near Hoi An? Watching silk weaving and rice paper making made me realize I have zero artistic talent. And don’t even get me started on Vietnam’s village traditions – floor mat weaving and rice wine brewing are basically an art form (though sampling too much rice wine might make you forget the art part).
Did you make it through all that culture without booking a flight? Don’t worry, there’s more coming up…
Comparison Table
Alright, time for the ultimate showdown! After dragging myself through both countries (and probably spending way too much money on Chang beer), here’s the nitty-gritty breakdown of Thailand vs Vietnam.
Pro tip: grab a beer and settle in, cause this table’s got everything you need to know (and probably some stuff you don’t):
Aspect | Thailand | Vietnam |
---|---|---|
Tourist Numbers (2022) | Over 11 million | 3.6 million |
Tourist Return Rate | 50% (they know what’s up!) | 5% (ouch) |
Daily Budget | $40-65 (thanks, Full Moon Party) | $30-35 (your wallet will thank you) |
Hostel Dorm Prices | $9-20 | $6-11 |
Street Food Costs | $2-5 (worth every baht) | $1-2 (steal of the century) |
Public Transport | BTS Skytrain, MRT subway (fancy!) | Buses, New MRT (Hanoi) |
Popular Routes | Bangkok → Southern Islands, Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai | Hanoi → Sapa → Halong Bay, Hoi An → Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City |
Backpacker Infrastructure | Well-developed, English-friendly (your mom will approve) | More basic, authentic experience (adventure time!) |
Party Scene | Active nightlife, Full Moon Party (let’s not kid ourselves, you’ll be up for 24 hours) | More subdued, venues close at midnight (early bird gets the hangover) |
Adventure Activities | Diving in Similan Islands, Khao Sok caves | Ha Giang Loop, Hang En Cave exploration |
Safety Ranking (Global Peace Index) | 92nd | 41st (surprisingly chill) |
Common Scams | Gem schemes, tuk-tuk detours (classic!) | Taxi meter tampering, market overcharging |
Vegetarian Options | Widely available, easily modified dishes | More challenging, limited options (bring snacks!) |
Wi-Fi/Digital Nomad Scene | Extensive coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi (Instagram away!) | Less developed (maybe time for a digital detox?) |
Did you make it through all those numbers without your eyes glazing over? Good, cause there’s more coming up in our conclusion…
Did You Survive Both or Neither?
Alright party people, we’ve made it to the end! After dragging myself through both these incredible countries (and probably shortening my life expectancy with cheap beer), here’s the real deal about Thailand and Vietnam.
Let’s not kid ourselves – Thailand’s got that tourist game on lock. With hostels everywhere and parties that never end, it’s perfect for those “I’ve never left my country before” backpackers (no shame, we all started somewhere). Meanwhile, Vietnam’s over here being all mysterious and authentic, serving up mind-blowing landscapes and history lessons while keeping your wallet happy.
Speaking of money – Vietnam’s gonna save you about $10-30 a day compared to Thailand. That’s like… what, 10 extra beers? But here’s the thing – Thailand’s got that crazy 50% return rate for a reason. People keep coming back like it’s some kind of Southeast Asian boomerang.
Are you the type who gets excited about motorbiking through mountains and crawling through the world’s biggest caves? Vietnam’s your jam with that Ha Giang Loop and Hang En Cave action. More into diving with whale sharks and dancing till sunrise? Thailand’s islands are calling your name (and they won’t stop until 6am).
Here’s my hot take – stop trying to choose! These countries are like pad thai and pho – totally different but both freaking delicious. Thailand’s your comfortable party paradise with actual street signs you can read, while Vietnam’s that raw adventure you’ll be bragging about for years.
Whether you’re planning a Thailand solo trip or considering solo travel in Vietnam, both countries offer incredible experiences for backpackers. Just remember, which is safer Thailand or Vietnam? They’re both relatively safe, but always stay alert and use common sense.
Did you make it to the end? Good, cause now it’s your turn – share your wild stories from either country. Maybe you’ll win a prize… or at least some street cred in the backpacker world!
Oh and if you have any crazy tales from either country? Let us know! These places change faster than my travel plans after a hangover, and your stories help other backpackers make their dreams come true.