Thailand vs Vietnam: Which Is Cheaper (And Which Should You Visit First?)

Thailand vs Vietnam: which is cheaper? Vietnam wins – by about 20 to 30% across the board. But that is only half the answer. The more useful question is which one you should visit first, and which one is actually right for how you travel. We did both on our 202-day Asia trip. Here is the honest breakdown.

The Quick Answer: Daily Budget Comparison

Vietnam is cheaper in almost every category. But Thailand has one big cost advantage that rarely shows up in comparison posts: flights into Bangkok (BKK/DMK) are almost always cheaper than flights into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. More airlines compete on that route, especially from Canada.

Food: Vietnam Wins on Price, Thailand Wins on Range

In Vietnam you can eat incredibly well for almost nothing. A bowl of pho costs $1-2 CAD. Banh mi runs about the same. Fresh spring rolls, bun bo Hue, cao lau – the street food scene is one of the best in Asia and it is cheap. If you are on a tight budget, Vietnam is hard to beat for food value.

Thailand is not far behind on price, but where it really pulls ahead is variety. From night markets to rooftop restaurants to beach shacks serving grilled fish, the range is enormous. Pad thai, mango sticky rice, massaman curry, boat noodles – the food culture is just as deep as Vietnam’s, and it caters to every budget. We spent more on food in Thailand, but we also ate at a wider range of places.

Beaches: Thailand Wins, No Argument

This one is not close. Thai beaches – Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, the Similan Islands – have clear turquoise water, white sand, and the kind of scenery you see on travel posters. Vietnam has beaches too, but outside of Phu Quoc and parts of Da Nang, the water is murkier and the vibe is less developed.

Where Vietnam more than makes up for it is non-beach scenery. Ha Long Bay is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Asia. Sapa’s rice terraces are stunning. The hill tribe regions in the north feel completely different from anything in Thailand. If beaches are your priority, go to Thailand. If scenery variety is what you are after, Vietnam surprises you in ways Thailand does not.

Ease of Travel: Thailand Wins for First-Timers

Thailand has been the Southeast Asia starter pack for decades and it shows. English is spoken widely. Buses, ferries, and trains are easy to book. The tourist infrastructure is mature – you can sort out almost any logistics from your hostel or hotel. Visa on arrival or visa exemption covers most Western passports including Canada (30 days, extendable).

Vietnam requires a bit more planning. The country is long and narrow – getting from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes serious time by bus or train. A visa is required for Canadians (e-visa, 90 days, straightforward to apply online). The Reunification Express train is an experience worth doing at least once, but if you are tight on time, budget flights between cities save a lot of hours.

If this is your first time in Southeast Asia, Thailand is the softer landing. If you have traveled in the region before and want more edge to your trip, Vietnam rewards the effort.

Which Should You Visit First?

If you are doing both on one trip – which we did – visit Thailand first. Here is why: Bangkok is one of Asia’s biggest flight hubs with excellent connections, so your entry flight will almost always be cheaper. Thailand eases you in. By the time you get to Vietnam you have your bearings, you are comfortable haggling, you know what a reasonable tuk-tuk fare looks like. Vietnam then rewards you with lower prices and more intense experiences once you are ready for them.

If you are only doing one, it comes down to your travel style. Beach person who wants easy logistics? Thailand. Budget traveler who wants to stretch every dollar and see something genuinely different? Vietnam.

How to Book: Getting the Most Out of Both Countries

For flights, Trip.com is what we use to compare routes – it surfaces budget airline options that Google Flights sometimes misses, especially for intra-Asia routes. If you are heading to Vietnam, read our Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay honest review – it covers everything you need to know about booking a cruise.

For activities and tours, Klook covers both countries well. Ha Long Bay cruises, Thai cooking classes, Mekong Delta day trips, Chiang Mai temple tours – you can book in advance and skip the hostel markup.

Thailand vs Vietnam Which Is Cheaper: Our Final Verdict

Thailand vs Vietnam which is cheaper? Vietnam wins. Thailand is easier. Both are worth your time. If you have three weeks or more, do both and do Thailand first. If you have two weeks, pick one and go deep rather than rushing through both. Either way, you will not regret it.

Thailand vs Vietnam FAQ

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?

Yes. Vietnam runs about 20-30% cheaper than Thailand for accommodation, food, and local transport. Expect to spend $25-35 CAD per day in Vietnam on a budget versus $40-55 CAD in Thailand.

Do Canadians need a visa for Thailand and Vietnam?

For Thailand, Canadians get 60 days visa-free on arrival (as of 2024). For Vietnam, you need an e-visa – apply online before you go, it costs around $25 USD and allows 90 days.

Which is better for solo travelers?

Both are excellent for solo travel. Thailand has a more developed hostel and backpacker scene, making it easier to meet people. Vietnam’s traveler trail (Hanoi – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City) is well-worn and solo-friendly too, just with slightly less infrastructure.

How long do you need for each country?

Minimum two weeks each to do them justice. Thailand has enough to fill a month – you can split time between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands. Vietnam is long – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City alone is a serious journey. Budget at least 2-3 weeks if you want to cover the highlights without rushing.