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Key Takeaways:
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Both countries are among the top international destinations for vacation. So, making a decision between Thailand and Vietnam isn’t simple
Thailand has been the familiar choice for decades. Vietnam is growing faster, attracting Indian travellers who want something newer and less crowded.
The answer depends on what you want. Read through each section of the blog, and by the end, you will know which one suits you.
A Quick Look at Thailand vs Vietnam
| Category | Thailand | Vietnam |
| Visa for Indians | Visa-free for 60 days | E-visa for 90 days |
| Digital entry requirement | Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | None |
| Direct flight duration | 3.5 – 4 hours | 4 – 5 hours |
| Beach spots | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui & Koh Phi Phi | Da Nang, Phu Quoc & Nha Trang |
| Nightlife spots | Bangkok, Pattaya & Phuket | Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi & Da Nang |
| Currency (fluctuates daily) | 1 Thai Baht = 2.89 Indian Rupee | 1 VND = 0.0035 Indian Rupee |
Is Thailand Cheaper Than Vietnam?
Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand for hotels, food, and local transport, while flights can be slightly higher.
- Flights: Round-trip flights to Thailand cost approximately 16,000 – 25,000 INR, making it slightly cheaper than Vietnam flights, which are approximately 20,000 – 30,000 INR.
- Hotels: A mid-range hotel in Vietnam costs 3,000 – 4,500 INR per night. A similar room in Thailand costs 3,000 – 5,500 INR.
- Food: Vietnamese street food like Pho or Banh Mi costs approx. 220 INR. Thai street food, like Pad Thai, is around 300 INR.
So, Vietnam is cheaper for food and accommodation, and Thailand is slightly cheaper for flights. If you are planning a 7-day itinerary in Vietnam, it costs approximately 65,000 INR. A 7-day itinerary in Thailand costs around 75,000 INR.
Thailand and Vietnam Experiences
| Thailand’s Top Experiences | Vietnam’s Top Experiences |
| Island hopping in Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi | Halong Bay overnight cruise |
| Nightlife is great in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket | Hoi An Lantern streets and tailoring in Hoi An |
| Full Moon Parties in Koh Phangan | Vietnam offers scenic hiking routes in Sapa |
| Floating markets near Bangkok | Coffee culture and cafe hopping |
| Temple visits in Bangkok and Chiang Mai | Temple visits in Vietnam, and many of the best ones are spread across the country |
| Thai massages and spa days | Cave trips in Phong Nha |
| Longtail boat tours in Krabi | Boat rides on the local river in the Mekong Delta |
Visa Rules for Indians: Thailand and Vietnam
Indian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 60 days in Thailand. You only need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival. At the airport, you must show the confirmation QR code, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation at immigration.
For Vietnam, get an e-visa, which costs approximately 2,200 INR for a 90-day stay.
Flights from India and Travel Time for Thailand vs Vietnam
Thailand has better flight connectivity from India. You can catch direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The flight duration to Thailand is short, taking just 3 to 4 hours, depending on the city you board from.
Vietnam also has direct connectivity, but it is still less than Thailand’s. There are direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, with a duration of about 5 hours.
Beach Vacation: Thailand vs Vietnam
Thailand’s beaches are better developed, offer more options, and have a good range of water activities.
While the beaches in Vietnam are less developed than those in Thailand, it’s easy to find beaches with fewer crowds.
Top Beach Destinations in Thailand
- Phuket: It is Thailand’s largest island. Patong Beach here has more activity but also more crowds. While Kata Beach is much quieter and also famous for its family-friendly atmosphere.
- Krabi: Railay Beach here is accessible only by boat, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Good for rock climbing, snorkelling, and kayak tours through sea caves.
- Koh Samui: Chaweng is the main beach with beach nightclubs and activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
- Koh Phangan: This is the place for the Full Moon Party in Thailand. It is one of the top things to experience in Koh Phangan, featuring fire dancing, painting your body with neon paint, drinks, and the whole place filled with music.
Top Beach Destinations in Vietnam
- Phu Quoc: This is Vietnam’s largest island. The Long Beach here is 20 kilometres long and known for its beautiful sunset views.
- Da Nang: My Khe Beach here is 10 km long and well-maintained. It is a good place to stay in Da Nang with many reasonably priced accommodations available nearby. Good for families. Also, it is close to Hoi An, making it easy to combine a beach day with a visit to the old town.
- Nha Trang: It is a beach city in Vietnam with a 6-kilometre stretch of sand lined with bars, restaurants, and water sports operators.
Thailand vs Vietnam Nightlife
For years, Thailand has been known for its nightlife, and it’s one of the main reasons most plan a vacation here. However, Vietnam’s nightlife has been increasingly recognised in recent years.
- Thailand: The nightlife is energetic in Thailand, with places still lively at 2 a.m. Some of those places include Pattaya Walking Street and Bangla Road in Phuket, Khao San Road in Bangkok, and Koh Phangan during the full-moon and half-moon parties.
- Vietnam: The nightlife feels more intimate, less tourist-focused, and more local. Some of the top nightlife places in Vietnam are Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Ta Hien Beer Street in Hanoi, and Dragon Beach in Da Nang.
Shopping in Thailand and Vietnam
In Thailand, there is a variety of shopping experiences, such as malls, street markets, branded stores, beauty products, luggage, and souvenirs.
Shopping in Vietnam is more about craftsmanship and local art. Hoi An is famous for skilled tailors who make custom suits and dresses at reasonable prices within 24 hours. The Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the best spots to buy silk, lacquerware, traditional handicrafts, and local coffee.
Thailand Specialities to Buy
- Thai silk
- Spa products
- Beauty items
- Budget fashion
- Branded mall shopping
- Leather bags
- Snacks and candies
- Home decor
Vietnam Specialities to Buy
- Coffee
- Tailored clothes
- Lanterns
- Ceramics
- Bamboo products
- Local art
- Affordable handmade souvenirs
Conclusion
Choose Thailand for visa-free convenience, high-energy nightlife, and luxury shopping. Vietnam offers authentic culture and landscapes.
Overall, both destinations are affordable, and the budget difference is only around 10,000 – 15,000 INR, depending on where you visit and stay.
If you’re still unsure which destination suits your budget and travel style, contact Dimaak Tours. We can help you plan the right trip.
FAQs on Thailand vs Vietnam
1. Is Thailand cheaper than Vietnam for Indian travellers?
Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand when it comes to land packages, such as hotels, activities and food. However, the flight cost is slightly higher, and the Thailand flight tickets are cheaper.
2. How many days do you need for Thailand and Vietnam?
Both destinations need 8 days to experience the maximum of the country’s specialities. For Thailand, it is ideal to cover the major regions such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi. In Vietnam, you can visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
3. Which country is better for vegetarians?
Vietnam has a vegetarian tradition with Vietnam’s Buddhist ‘chay’ cuisine, and there are dedicated vegetarian restaurants in every major city, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Da Nang.
In Thailand, fish sauce is used in most dishes, so finding pure vegetarian food is more difficult than in Vietnam. However, you can manage in both countries with a better plan. Moreover, you have many Indian restaurants in Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket if you don’t prefer Thai cuisine.
4. Can you manage in both countries with English?
In both countries, English is spoken in major tourist regions and at hotels, airports, and most restaurants. When you travel to smaller towns, it is a must to download a translation app to communicate with locals or even with vendors in main cities.
