Vietnam to Thailand: How to Travel from Vietnam to Thailand

The unique culture, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam and Thailand make both countries popular tourist destinations for travelers to Southeast Asia. Visiting both countries on a combined tour is a great way to see more of the region's highlights, but you'll have to be able to get from one country to the other. Luckily, there are convenient options for any needs and budget, making transit easy. Here's how to travel from Vietnam to Thailand.

How Far from Vietnam to Thailand? The Location Map of Thailand and Vietnam

Stretching along the South China Sea, Vietnam's over 3000 km of coastline marks the country's eastern flank. Located on the eastern edge of the Indochina peninsula, the long stretch of country from north to south encompasses a diverse landscape from the lush forests and mountainous region in the north to the iconic Mekong Delta in the south.

More central in Southeast Asia is Thailand to the west. Its stunning beaches line the southern and western coasts along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Bangkok is in the fertile plains of the central region, and the north is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful mountain landscapes.

Separated by Laos and Cambodia, the distance between Vietnam and Thailand varies depending on where you start and where you're going. The route between the two capital cities, Hanoi and Bangkok, is around 1850 km. The closest two major cities are Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Bangkok, which are a little over 700 km apart.

Thailand and Vietnam Location map.

The Fastest and Easiest Way from Vietnam to Thailand: by Flight

The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Vietnam to Thailand is to fly. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, and AirAsia offer regular direct flights between major cities in the two countries. Here are some of the common routes.

Multiple flights from Hanoi to Bangkok are available every day. The best ticket price is offered by VietJet Air for $70 USD, and the flight takes around 2 hours.

Saigon to Bangkok is a popular route because the two cities are closer together than other major cities in the two countries. Depending on the time of year, tickets can be found for as low as $64 USD from regional carriers like Thai AirAsia and VietJet. The flight takes 90 minutes.

From Saigon, it is also possible to fly direct to Chiang Mai. It is a 2-hour, 5-minute flight, and tickets can be found for $73 USD.

9 Days Thailand and Vietnam Classic Tour

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

Budget-Freindly Way from Vietnam to Thailand: by Driving or Tourist Bus

Road travel from Vietnam to Thailand is an adventurous and budget-friendly way to travel. The most common route starts from Saigon, travels through Phnom Penh in Cambodia, and ends in Bangkok. Routes from Hanoi to Bangkok that travel through Laos are also available but take longer.

The journey from Saigon to Bangkok takes between 20-21 hours. Bus tickets can cost as little as $35 USD, or private cars can be hired for between $100-150 USD. Hanoi to Bangkok takes 35-36 hours. The cost for a bus ticket starts from $47 USD, and for a private car, you can expect to pay $150-200 USD.

It is important to choose a reputable bus company to ensure you have a safe journey. A good bus company will have a licensed driver, well-maintained and comfortable vehicles, and ensure there are sufficient stops for rest and food. Cambodia's Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are two well-reviewed companies offering travel services between Vietnam and Thailand.

Join our Vietnam to Thailand tourist bus group tour.

How to Get from Vietnam to Thailand by Boat?

The main reason to travel from Vietnam to Thailand by boat is to enjoy the scenery. For most people traveling this way, that means enjoying a Mekong River cruise as part of the journey. Traveling by boat can be a more expensive way to get to Thailand from Vietnam, but it offers a chance to see some of the region's unique landscapes.

The main route starts at Chau Doc in Vietnam. From there, the journey travels along several rivers, including the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, before arriving in Phnom Penh. This part of the journey takes around 6.5 hours and costs $25-65 USD per person. From Phnom Penh, you can take a speed to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 5 hours and costs $35 USD. There is no boat connection from Siem Reap to Bangkok, so some people decide to fly or travel overland to Thailand direction from Phnom Penh.

Vietnam to Thailand boat tour.

When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Thailand?

It is fortunate for travelers that there is a wide overlap in the best seasons to visit both Vietnam and Thailand. November to April is widely considered to be the time when travelers can have the best experience.

In Vietnam, in popular destinations such as Hanoi and Halong Bay, these months bring the dry season with cooler weather. While you're there, you'll want to be outside exploring cultural attractions or taking a cruise around the bay, and the clear weather of the dry season will make for the most comfortable experience. Around Hue and Hoi An in central Vietnam, the days are sunny and dry, and Saigon and Mekong Delta are comfortable and cool.

November to April is also the best time to visit the beaches of Thailand. The sunny days in the south of the country are rarely interrupted by rain, so you'll be able to relax by the sea or get out to enjoy water activities. In central Thailand, Bangkok is at its mildest during these months, making it a great time to experience cultural attractions there. And the cool temperatures in the north make for perfect weather for exploring local markets and temples.

November to April is best time to Thailand beach tour.

The Most Popular Vietnam Thailand Tour Route

If you're visiting both countries, you'll want to have enough time to experience some of the best Vietnam and Thailand have to offer. Here are the most popular tour routes.

Thailand: 5-8 days (2 days in Bangkok, 3 days in the Golden Triangle, or 3 days relaxing on the beach)

Start in the vibrant city of Bangkok for the 5-day tour of Thailand. There you'll have time to enjoy the exciting cuisine and shop in local markets. Exploring Bangkok has to include Wat Phra Kawe and The Grand Palace as well as other famous temples such as Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun.

After Bangkok, it's off to Chiang Mai as the jumping-off point for the Golden Triangle. On the drive to Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle, there will be a chance to see sites such as the Mae Kachan Hot Spring and Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). In Chiang Rai, you can experience local villages, ancient temples, and the Opium Museum.

The other option after Bangkok is three days on the beach. Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world in places like Phuket, Koh Samui, and the Krabi Islands. All have different beaches offering experiences ranging from tranquil relaxing to exciting nightlife.

Check for details about how many days are enough for a lifetime Thailand trip.

One Week Thailand Golden Triangle Exploration Tour Package

Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon National Park - Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai

Vietnam: 8 days (Hanoi, Hoian, and Saigon )

8 days in Vietnam is the perfect length to visit major regions of the country. A highlight tour of Vietnam starts in Hanoi, which has significant cultural and historical sites like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Of course, there will be opportunities for sampling cuisine, including Hanoi's excellent street food, before setting off for a Halong Bay Cruise. The overnight cruise of Halong Bay is a peaceful escape to see the stunning natural beauty.

Next is exploring Hoi An Ancient Town via Da Nang. The well-preserved archaeological wonder is an amazing way to see a part of Vietnam's history through places like the 200-year-old Tan Ky House and Chua Ong Pagoda. Finally, it's on to Saigon as the embarkation point for discovering the Mekong Delta. Traveling along the river, you'll see floating markets and traditional river life.

Check for all most classic and popular Vietnam tour packages. 

8 Days Hanoi, Hoi An, and Saigon Tour

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon

Conclusion

Vietnam and Thailand are popular tourist destinations for good reasons. Rich cultural traditions and breathtaking natural scenery attract visitors from all over the world. Traveling between the two countries is convenient and affordable, offering an excellent opportunity for a more extensive tour of Southeast Asia. Let us know what you're looking for so we can start planning your Vietnam and Thailand tours right away.