Thailand vs Vietnam: Which Country Should You Visit First?

Can’t decide between Thailand and Vietnam? Don’t worry — both are amazing. But depending on your style, one might be the better first stop. Here’s a quick breakdown.

🏝️ Beaches

- Thailand: World-famous beaches like Krabi, Koh Tao, Phuket - Vietnam: More rugged, less touristy (e.g., Da Nang, Nha Trang)

🍜 Food

- Thailand: Spicy, flavorful, variety of street food - Vietnam: Fresh herbs, pho, banh mi — very budget-friendly

💰 Budget

- Both are affordable, but Vietnam is often cheaper day-to-day - Thailand has more variety (budget to luxury)

🛵 Transportation

- Thailand: Excellent train & bus network, Grab everywhere - Vietnam: Buses dominate, plus domestic flights are cheap

🧳 Travel Vibe

- Thailand: Easy for first-timers, well-developed tourism - Vietnam: More raw, great for culture & off-the-beaten-path

📌 Verdict?

- Choose **Thailand** if: you're a first-timer, like beaches, want ease - Choose **Vietnam** if: you want adventure, culture, tighter budget

Still can’t decide? Start with one — and take a cheap flight to the other!

Southeast Asia is full of adventure — but where should you begin? Here’s our top pick for the best country to start your trip, and why it works for most travelers. 

🇹🇭 Why Thailand Is the Best Starting Point

- **Bangkok has cheap flights** from around the world - **Great infrastructure** for first-timers - Mix of cities, mountains, and beaches - Friendly locals, strong backpacker culture - Tons of hostels, tours, and street food

🛂 Easy Entry

- Many nationalities get 30 days visa-free - Visa extensions are simple - Airports like Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) are well-connected

🧭 Easy to Move On From

- Land borders to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia - Cheap flights to Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore

🎒 What to Do After Thailand?

- **North:** Chiang Mai, Pai - **South:** Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao - Then move to Vietnam, Cambodia, or Malaysia

Thailand is the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia — safe, tasty, cheap, and endlessly flexible.

How to Plan a Trip to Thailand on a Budget

Planning a trip to Thailand doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little preparation and some smart decisions, you can explore this amazing country without breaking the bank.

🛫 Book Flights Early

Look for deals on budget airlines and use flight comparison websites. The best time to book is 1-3 months before your trip.

🏠 Choose Budget Accommodations

Thailand has a wide range of hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels. Use platforms like Agoda or Booking.com to find deals.

🍜 Eat Like a Local

Street food is not only cheap but delicious! Try pad Thai, grilled chicken, sticky rice, and mango.

🛺 Use Local Transport

Tuk-tuks, songthaews, and public buses are great ways to travel cheaply and see local life.

🧳 Travel Light

Packing light can save you money on flights and make your trip more flexible and fun.

Traveling on a budget lets you enjoy more while spending less.