Thailand or Vietnam: Which is Cheaper to Visit?

Thailand or Vietnam, it’s a tough choice. The two Southeast Asia countries are popular tourist destinations for good reasons. For their Beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine, and vibrant local culture both countries have a lot to offer travelers.

Making the decision based on cost seems like a good way to go about it. Accommodations, food, and shopping are all important factors to consider. Let’s look at them side by side and see which is cheaper to visit Thailand or Vietnam.

Both Thailand and Vietnam are Affordable to Visit, but Vietnam is Cheaper

Southeast Asia is known as an affordable travel destination overall, and Thailand and Vietnam are no exception. While you can spend without limit on a luxury tour in both countries, mid-range and budget travel options are plentiful.

The savings come from clean and comfortable hotels at reasonable prices, and the low cost for daily life. Food costs in Vietnam and Thailand, in particular, can be very cheap. Street food meals cost 1-3 USD per person, and it’s a must-try whether you’re trying to save money or not.

Comparing similar travel styles, Vietnam is a little cheaper than Thailand. Mid-range travelers can have a great holiday for around 50-80 USD a day without missing out on the best experiences. A similar trip in Thailand, getting around on tuk-tuks and eating mostly local food, costs around 60-100 USD per day. 

The cost of street food in Bangkok is very low.

Thailand vs Vietnam Tour Accommodation Cost Comparison

The costs of accommodations vary depending on where you stay, what time of year it is, and how many stars the hotel has. Popular destinations and big cities like Bangkok, Hanoi, Phuket, and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be expensive, but prices can decrease by up to 50% in the low season.

For mid-range, 3-star accommodations in Thailand, peak season prices in places like Pattaya, Phuket, or central Bangkok are around 50-60 USD per night. In the low season, that can drop to as low as 30 USD, and 4-star accommodations can cost between 50 and 100 USD.

In Vietnam’s hotspots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc, mid-range hotels are usually between 40 and 65 USD per night. Central Vietnam around Hue and Da Nang is usually less expensive, and off-season deals are common all around the country.

9 Days Thailand and Vietnam Classic Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi

Thailand vs Vietnam Tour Cost of Local Transportation Comparison

For many tourists, domestic transportation in Vietnam and Thailand is going to be taxis or tuk-tuks in Thailand. Average prices are 5 USD or less per trip when getting around in the cities. Tuk-tuks are better for short trips or when you want an open-air experience. Vietnam has motorcycle taxis, which can be good for solo travelers or small groups.

Thailand tuk-tuks.

Public buses are cheap in both countries, usually costing less than a dollar. Bangkok has a modern metro system, which is great for avoiding traffic. It costs 1 USD per trip, and the route goes to some tourist attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Adventurous travelers can rent a motorcycle in both countries as well. The cost is around 5-7 USD per day, and it’s an exciting way to tour the countryside or explore city streets.

Thailand vs Vietnam Tour Dining Cost Comparison

Both countries have food that is delicious and cheap, but Vietnam is slightly less expensive. A bowl of pho, the country’s signature noodle soup, can cost as little as 2 USD. Other classic Vietnamese food like banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and grilled meat are around the same price.

A lunch set at a small local restaurant in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is usually around 10 USD. An amazing cup of Vietnamese coffee, including unique local drinks like egg coffee, will cost 1-2 USD.

Thailand isn’t much more expensive. Eating at street food stalls costs 2-3 USD, and small establishments are around 10 USD per person.

Vietnam Banh Mi Sandwiches.

Thailand vs Vietnam Tour Cost of Tickets for Tourist Sites Comparison

Thailand's tourist attractions are very affordable. Entrance tickets for one of the most famous, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, cost 14 USD. The famous temple, Wat Arun, is only 1.5 USD, and museums and historical parks around the country cost 3-4 USD on average.

Vietnam has some great free attractions. Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is a peaceful refuge in the heart of the city and is free to enter. In Ho Chi Minh City, seeing the colonial architecture of the Central Post Office or Notre Dame Cathedral costs nothing. Entrance tickets for other sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels or Hoi An Ancient Town cost 4.5-5.5 USD.

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thailand vs Vietnam Tour Shopping Cost Comparison

Shopping in Vietnam is famously cheap. If you’re buying things at local markets or from street vendors, you’re going to have to bargain, but there are great deals to be found on everything from souvenirs to clothes.

Traditional silk items, ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, or a beautiful silk scarf, cost between 7 and 30 USD. Handicrafts, from lacquerware to hand embroidery, can be cheap to expensive depending on the size and detail involved.

Jewelry, including gold, jade, and precious stones like amethyst, are close to market price with only a small amount added for labor. Prices for name-brand clothes are similar to those in other countries, but in places like Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, you can find fashionable clothing at low prices.

Vietnamese traditional clothing market.

Thailand offers world-class shopping malls with everything you can imagine. While foreign brands are priced similarly to other places, shopping in Thailand for local goods is very affordable. Jewelry tends to be reasonably priced due to low labor costs.

You can find excellent silver and gold pieces. Some of the best souvenirs are local spices and spa products. Give sets made from organic, natural ingredients make a great gift and cost as low as 30 USD.

16 Days Vietnam and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An - Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

It’s Recommended to Take a Solo Trip in Thailand and Escorted Tour in Vietnam

Thailand is a perfect place for a solo trip. Cities like Bangkok are easy to navigate with well-developed tourist infrastructure. Set your own Thailand itinerary and explore at your leisure while visiting the Grand Palace, exploring night markets, and eating street food. Then, head to on e of the many beach destinations to unwind for a few days.

Popular spots like Phuket and Pattaya are known for their pristine Thailand beaches and exciting nightlife. You can spend your days taking boat tours, enjoying water activities, or just sitting on the beach. At night, head to Patong or Pattaya’s walking street for great food and fun until the early hours.

Phuket Snorkeling tour.

Escorted tours are the best way to visit Vietnam. Experienced local guides can show you the hidden gems and fill you in on the historical and cultural background. Guided Vietnam tours let you travel in comfort between places like Hanoi and Sapa and will take care of the arrangements for Halong Bay Cruises and Mekong River boat tours. It’s a convenient way to travel that lets you focus on enjoying the trip.

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

The Most Recommended Vietnam and Thailand Tour Itineraries

With great combined tours of Thailand and Vietnam, you don’t have to decide between them. Our classic 14-day Vietnam and Thailand tours hits some of the best attractions. Arrive in Hanoi and visit sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Take the train to Sapa to see the beautiful terraced rice fields and Bac Ha Market. Then, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, see the history of the city through the colonial architecture and Cu Chi Tunnels, and explore the Mekong Delta.

Arrive in Bangkok for a city highlights tour including the great temples of Wat Traimit, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.

There will be time for delicious street food and visiting local markets before heading to Chiang Mai. The mountainous northern region is famous for its wildlife preserves like Elephant Nature Park and Tiger Kingdom. Before leaving, you’ll see the Crystal Buddha, one of the greatest treasures in Thailand, and visit the Long Neck Karen Village.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

If you have more time, a 17-day Vietnam Thailand tour can add other great activities. In Thailand, the mysterious Golden Triangle is a place of exotic cultures and natural beauty.

Add a stop in central Vietnam to visit the ancient imperial capital of Hue and Hoi An Ancient Town. There’s also time for a cruise of Halong Bay, one of the premiere destinations in Vietnam for its stunning limestone karsts, and emerald waters.

Visit Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park.

More Local Tips for Visiting Thailand and Vietnam

- The best time for visiting Vietnam and Thailand together is from November to April. Both countries have a cooler dry season with perfect conditions for enjoying the outdoors.
- Most travelers can enter Thailand visa-free for periods of 60 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
- The easiest way to get a visa for Vietnam and Thailand is through the e-visa system. It costs 25 USD for a 90-day visa and takes three business days to process.
- Grab is a popular ride-hailing app in both countries. Set it up before you travel to link your local debit or credit card.
- Air travel is the easiest way to transfer between Thailand and Vietnam. Many flights are available between major destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

24 Days In-depth of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket – Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

Conclusion

Based on cost alone, Vietnam comes in as less expensive than Thailand, but both countries have affordable travel options. Keep costs down by enjoying lots of local food, and using a mix of public transportation, tuk-tuks, and taxis, and the difference in costs won’t be very noticeable.

Enjoy a combined tour of Thailand and Vietnam for the best experience. Not only does it help save on international flight costs, but the deep experience of visiting two of the best Southeast Asian destinations will be an unforgettable trip.