Thailand vs Vietnam: Where Should You Go in 2025?
Both Thailand and Vietnam are top choices for Indian travelers in 2025, offering stunning landscapes, rich cultures, delicious food, and budget-friendly experiences. But which one should you choose for your next adventure?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from budget and activities to food, visa rules, and travel vibes — so you can pick the perfect destination for your 2025 trip.
🌏 Quick Overview
| Feature | Thailand 🇹🇭 | Vietnam 🇻🇳 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Indians | Visa-free (until mid-2025, check updates) | E-visa available (₹1,200 approx) |
| Avg. Budget | ₹1,800–₹2,500/day | ₹1,200–₹2,000/day |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov–Feb | Mar–May, Sept–Nov |
| Ideal For | Island hoppers, first-timers, party lovers | Nature lovers, history buffs, foodies |
| Language | Basic English widely spoken | Less English in rural areas |
🏖️ Nature & Landscapes
Thailand
- Tropical islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi
- Lush northern mountains in Chiang Mai & Pai
- Rainforests and marine parks
Vietnam
- Terraced rice fields in Sapa
- Dramatic limestone cliffs in Ha Long Bay
- Caves, waterfalls, and beaches like Da Nang
👉 Choose Thailand for beaches, Vietnam for mountains & bays.
🏙️ Cities & Culture
Thailand
- Bangkok: modern city life + temples
- Chiang Mai: laid-back culture & night markets
- Ayutthaya: ancient ruins
Vietnam
- Hanoi: colonial charm & local street life
- Ho Chi Minh City: buzzing metropolis
- Hoi An: well-preserved historic town
👉 Thailand is flashier; Vietnam is more raw and authentic.
🍜 Food Scene
Thailand
- Famous for Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry
- Street food is spicy, varied & cheap
- Great for vegetarians too
Vietnam
- Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, egg coffee
- Strong French influence in flavors
- Healthy, light, and fresh
👉 Both are delicious — Vietnam is milder, Thailand is spicier.
🎉 Nightlife & Vibe
Thailand
- Legendary nightlife: Full Moon Parties, Bangkok rooftop bars, beach raves
- Popular with young backpackers
Vietnam
- More relaxed but growing: Hoi An bars, Hanoi beer streets
- Focus is more on culture than clubbing
👉 Thailand wins if partying is your priority.
🛍️ Budget Breakdown (Per Day)
| Category | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Stay | ₹600–1,000 | ₹400–800 |
| Street Food Meal | ₹100–300 | ₹80–250 |
| Local Travel | ₹150–300 | ₹100–200 |
| Attractions | ₹200–500 | ₹150–400 |
💡 Vietnam is better for ultra-budget backpackers, while Thailand offers more comfort at a slightly higher price.
🛂 Visa & Travel Ease
- Thailand: Visa-free for Indian passport holders (as of early 2025)
- Vietnam: E-visa available online, quick processing
✈️ Flight costs from India:
- Thailand: Starts around ₹14,000 return (major cities like Bangkok/Phuket)
- Vietnam: Starts around ₹18,000 return (to Hanoi or HCMC)
👉 Thailand is slightly easier to access for first-time international travelers.
🧳 Who Should Choose What?
Go to Thailand if you want:
- Stunning beaches and island hopping
- Non-stop nightlife
- A well-developed tourist infrastructure
- A beginner-friendly first trip abroad
Choose Vietnam if you want:
- Rich culture and local authenticity
- Budget-friendly adventures
- Mountains, rice terraces, and unique landscapes
- Slower, offbeat travel vibes
✨ Or... Do Both?
Thailand and Vietnam are just a short flight apart (approx. 1.5 hrs). If you have 2+ weeks, consider combining them in one trip!
🧭 Final Thoughts
Thailand is perfect for travelers looking for comfort, ease, and beaches. Vietnam, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking authenticity, history, and dramatic landscapes on a tighter budget.
Whichever you choose, Southeast Asia in 2025 is welcoming, exciting, and unforgettable. Want to experience either (or both) with new friends? JoinYourTrip’s curated group adventures make it easy.
