Vietnam or Thailand: which destination to choose?

Updated 31 October 2026

Our verdict

Choose Vietnam for a roaming trip of landscapes, history and food, from north to south. Choose Thailand for an easier first trip to Asia, or if islands and beaches are the priority. Vietnam broke its visitor record in 2025 (21.2 million) while Thailand fell by about 7%.

Point-by-point comparison

Criterion	Vietnam	Thailand
Main strength	Scenery (Ha Long, rice terraces, passes), food	Islands and beaches, temples, ease
Shape of the trip	Roaming, a long narrow country	Easier to stay in one place
Beaches	Good, season varies by coast	The big strength
Ease for a first trip	Good	Very good
2025 trend	Record: 21.2M visitors (+20%)	About 33M, down about 7%

Which to choose?

Vietnam

The right choice if you want to keep moving, see varied landscapes and exceptional street food.

Thailand

The right choice if it is your first trip to Asia or you mostly want islands.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?

Both remain affordable for European travellers. The budget depends more on your travel style (hotels, cruises, domestic flights) than on the country.

Can you combine Vietnam and Thailand?

Yes, direct flights link Bangkok with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Allow at least three weeks so you do not spend the trip in transit.