Thailand or Vietnam: Where Should I Travel First?

Backpacking Southeast Asia is the move to make if you're eager to travel! But now you face the ultimate Southeast Asia face-off... do you pho-get about everything and head straight to Vietnam, or do you thai up your plans with Thailand first? Either way, your trip is bound to be legendary!

When travelling south east Asia you'll find both destinations are bursting with unforgettable experiences just waiting for you to seek them out. We are here to help you decide if you want to travel to Thailand or Vietnam first depending on food, fun and funds. So, let's get into it! 

Culinary 🍜

Thailand 

There are no jokes around here when it comes to cheffing it up! Both Thailand and Vietnam have some seriously flavoursome cuisines that are just irresistible. Thailand is renowned for its glorious pad thai and mango sticky rice. Trust us, these dishes are famous for a reason... they are simply mouthwatering. Be sure to dive into the colourful curries and fresh salads when backpacking on Thailand trips! For the best foodie experiences, venture to Chiang Mai, where they hold night markets filled with street food or join in on a cooking class and learn some classic dishes.

Vietnam

It's easy to win anyone over with steaming bowls of pho or the lip-smacking taste of banh mi. Vietnam is a strong contender for the cuisine category, with heartwarming and exquisite dishes ready for you to tuck into. From brothy noodles and crunchy spring rolls to the chewy che ba ba dessert. Is your stomach rumbling already? Our Vietnam & Sa Pa Discovery includes a foodie tour in Hanoi... I hope your tastebuds are ready! 

Activities 🛺

Thailand

Your time in Thailand will be unforgettable when it comes to activities - plus, there is something for everyone here based on your travel vibe! From the party-goer to the chilled island backpacker, Thailand has excitement around every corner. Get ready for activities like visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, learning authentic Thai dishes in a cooking class, spotting marine life while snorkelling in Koh Phi Phi and dancing under the moonlight at the Full Moon Party. You can do all this and more on our incredible Thai Adventure group trip! Looks like you'll be a busy backpacker here... but what is Vietnam saying? 

Vietnam

Adventure calls in Vietnam! As seen from the iconic videos across TikTok, Vietnam isn't shy of adrenaline bucket list activities... why not try an energetic day out on the basket boats in Hoi An, discover the iconic Ha Giang Loop or get the thrill by visiting Train Street in Hanoi! Or how about chasing some waterfalls on hikes in gorgeous National Parks? You should check out our Vietnam group tours if this sounds like a bit of you!

If you fancy chilling after your action-packed bucket list adventure, opt for travelling to Vietnam before Thailand! But trust us, you don't want to miss out on either. So why not check out our epic Southeast Asia Adventure group trip, where you can tick off both destinations and more like Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia? 

Beaches and Landscapes 🌴

Thailand

Think dreamy islands, paradise beaches, staggering limestone rocks in the South - contrasting with lush jungles, glorious waterfalls and forest mountains in the North. Thailand is not shy when it comes to 'pinch me' landscapes! You can have the best of both worlds here and spend time on your travels hiking up the Sticky Waterfall (also known as Nam Tok Bua Tong) before heading south to soak up the sun in Koh Phangan. Sounds idyllic, right?

Vietnam

So, you think Thailand must be the winner in this category... well maybe you'll think twice before saying it. Vietnam is home to diverse landscapes, including eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the world's largest caves! Enjoy relaxing rice paddies in Sa Pa, dramatic limestone islets and emerald waters in Ha Long Bay, humongous caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and more! It is safe to say, both Thailand and Vietnam will leave your jaw on the floor. Why not check out trending destinations in Southeast Asia, to get even more travel inspo?

Cost 💰

Thailand

Travelling is all fun and games, but let's face it, we have to backpack on a budget. But the good news is Thailand is ideal for a backpacker when it comes to cost! Thailand uses Thai Baht currency, and 10 Thai Baht (at the time of writing this) equivocates to 0.23p in Pound Sterling. Your meals will cost an average of 50-500 Thai Baht (£1.16- £11.63), which is music to a foodie's ears! However, be aware that Thailand has more tourist attractions, meaning some activities will be a little bit more expensive. But hey, who doesn't want to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary or take a boat ride around the beautiful landscapes of Koh Phi Phi?

Vietnam

If you want to budget big on your travels, Vietnam will be right up your street! Vietnam uses a Vietnamese Dong, and 10,000 Vietnamese Dong is (at the time of writing this) around 0.31p in Pound Sterling. Your meals here can cost an average of 20,000 to 200,000 Vietnamese Dong, which is only around £0.62 - £6.18! So, I think that alone settles the discussion that Vietnam is the dream for the budget backpacker.

Weather ☀️

Thailand

Pack the suncream because Thailand is called paradise for a reason... it's a tropical climate so expect hot, humid weather. The weather can often differ between North and South Thailand. There are also wet and dry seasons - this may alter when you decide to visit Thailand or Vietnam first on your travels. To find out more take a read of The Best Time to Visit Thailand. 

The best time to travel to Thailand comes down to your preferences. Northern Thailand is considered ideal to travel from November to February, and South Thailand from January to April. This would be the prime time for sea conditions to have the best snorkelling experiences and beach days!

Vietnam 

When picking Vietnam or Thailand to travel to first, you need to know that Vietnam has different wet seasons due to its diverse landscapes. North Vietnam during October to early April is considered monsoon season, while South Vietnam is from April to September. Also, the temperatures can differ from Thailand's tropical heat, as the north during winter can dip to lows of 4 degrees. However, it is not all lows here, as Ho Chi Minh City can reach highs of 36 degrees during summer! The best time of year to visit Vietnam is generally April, but for more details check out The Best Time to Visit Vietnam.

Cities 🌆

Thailand

Famous for its bustling streets, whizzing tuk tuks, and golden temples (and that is just scratching the surface), Bangkok is an iconic city to explore when visiting Thailand! Chill out on the rooftop bars overlooking the glowing lights. Seek out street food vendors, visit the Tha Kha floating market, admire the Grand Palace or even check out Khao San Road. Or do it all on our Thai Intro trip, where your activities feel endless! 

But if you are looking for a slightly calmer vibe, head north to Chiang Mai. Its magical charm will seize hold of you, making you want to stay forever. Chiang Mai is recognisable by its jaw-dropping temples, fascinating night markets and local ethical elephant sanctuaries. You'll want to visit both, trust us.  

Vietnam 

A plus to ticking off Vietnam before Thailand is that Hanoi has a similar feel to Bangkok! Streets are filled with motorcycles and bicycles, and crossing the street in Vietnam is like finishing a marathon-you need energy and focus! Wander the streets of Hanoi, and you'll stumble on the famous Train Street. Get invited into a cafe to sip a coffee or tuck into a bowl of pho to witness this epic bucket list activity. Or if you're feeling like you need to quench your thirst, make your way to Beer Street (convenient I know)!

But Vietnam is more than just Hanoi... you also have the cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An. In Ho Chi Minh, expect to spend your evenings at rooftop cocktail bars and dive into some of the best street foods. Be ready to immerse yourself in Hoi An with the lantern-light streets, drifting pagodas in the river and stunning heritage buildings. Feeling desperate to tick off this destination already? Head to our Vietnam Adventure group trip to see these cities and more!

People and culture 👋

Thailand

Thailand is known as the Land of a Thousand Smiles, and there is a reason for it! This destination is considered one of the friendliest places - Thai people are known for their warmth and hospitality, so expect to be welcomed with a smile wherever you turn. The Thai culture is mainly influenced by Buddhism and is projected brightly through their lifestyles. This means that they avoid showing anger and instead project positive energy.

Immerse yourself in Thai culture by visiting one of the many awesome festivals they hold throughout the year! Like Chiang Mai's Yi Peng lantern festival in November where the skies glow like they're filled with fireflies. Or let your inner child go wild and visit during Songkran, a country-wide water fight in April...we recommend packing spare clothes!

Vietnam

The wholesome vibes of Vietnam will make you feel at home when backpacking here, as Vietnam's culture has been influenced by a mix of Chinese, Khmer, French and American cultures over the years. They have a loyalty to family. Their culture consists of festivals, religion, and traditions. Some of these traditions consist of gift-giving, removing shoes, dining etiquette and more. Get ready to be greeted with smiles!

 

The great battle of visiting Thailand or Vietnam first has ended! Let's be honest it might have to be a coin toss at this point. But maybe you'd rather be chilling on Thailand's beaches before Vietnam's adventurous landscapes. Or you've placed the decision in the guide's hands by wanting to book an unforgettable Southeast Asia group trip! So, what is it going to be?

Got questions about your epic travels to Southeast Asia? Contact one of our travel advisors who can help!