Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Chicken pad thai or a bowl of phở? If only it were easy to choose a country to explore...
So, you've decided to plan your next (good for you) adventure. And I narrowed it down to Southeast Asia. But then you will be faced with a dilemma: should you go to Thailand or Vietnam? The struggle is real, we get it. Both countries have enchanting cultures, pristine beaches, captivating cities, warm tropical weather, and delicious food (oh, the food!).
To save you from spending hours on Google, sifting through endless travel mugs or tossing a coin (although, to be honest, you'll be a winner either way), we've put together a guide that we hope will make the decision a little easier.
beaches
Swaying palm trees? check. white sand powder? check. Gentle waves hitting the beach? Check, check, check. While you will find stunning beaches in both countries, Thailand is arguably the most famous - Importantremember the famous Maya Bay in the cult classic, the beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio? Whether you want to party under the stars at Haad Rin on Koh Phangan, swim in the tranquil lagoons of Koh Hong, bathe in the sapphire waters of Phra Nang on the Railay Peninsula or enjoy the secluded vibes of Freedom Beach in Phuket, Thailand caters to the bum. On the beach of all kinds.
Related: 6 Beautiful Beaches In Thailand You Must Visit
Vietnam's beaches probably don't appear on many "world's best" lists, and there may not be much tourist infrastructure, but this could be ideal if you're looking for a more low-key beach holiday. With 2,000 miles of gorgeous coastline, you're bound to find a beach to your taste. Looking for a relaxing resort a stone's throw from the charming town Hoi An? Head to An Bang. Want to lie in a hammock while listening to the sounds of the jungle? Check out Phu Quoc Island. Beach parties can't rival those of Thailand, but for a more upbeat atmosphere where you can sip cocktails and get the boogie on, go to Nha Trang.
Natural views
Sharing borders with CambodiaAnd the LaosAnd the Malaysia And the Myanmar (Burma), Thailand's geography varies greatly from region to region. There is no shortage of stunning landscapes and panoramic panoramas - from the lush jungles and misty highlands in the north, to sheer limestone cliffs and picturesque islands in the south. In fact, the dreamy islands are what really make Thailand shine. Whether you want to learn how to scuba dive, go on a jungle trekking trip, or enjoy a romantic getaway far away with that special someone, there are countless islands to explore.
Both destinations have landscapes that promise to dazzle, but many would say Vietnam is more dramatic. It occupies a long and thin part of the Indochina Peninsula and shares borders with China, Laos and Cambodia, you'll discover a changing landscape from forested mountains, massive caves, and windswept dunes to steamy jungles, fruit-filled orchards, and tranquil rice paddies. Whatever activities you have in mind, there is something good you can do all of them in Vietnam.
Discover the natural beauty of Vietnam on our scenic tour of Vietnam
Now, we can talk about Vietnam's landscapes Not Recall Halong Bay. With thousands of tiny limestone islands rising from the deep, emerald waters, this gorgeous archipelago is one of the most impressive sights in the country. Explore karst-studded coves on a junk boat cruise, get up close and personal with Cat Ba's other rock formations on a kayak or admire epic stalagmites and stalactites at Surprise Cave.
Related: CAT BA ISLAND IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HALONG BAY. this is the reason
cities
Whether you're running towards or away from the big cities, it's impossible not to be intrigued by Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. This megalopolis is an enticing mix of old and new chaos and calm - think trendy rooftop bars overlooking golden temples, colorful tuk-tuks maneuvering under modern sky trains, and backstreet food vendors among the fine restaurants. Fill up on fresh tropical fruits at Tha Kha Floating Market, discover the magnificent Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander the backpacker's mecca of Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage.
Related: What to do, eat and drink in Bangkok
If you prefer a slower pace, head to the charming city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand to marvel at the hundreds of golden temples shimmering in the sunlight, and enjoy delicious local cuisine at the famous night markets. If you're into history, head to the UNESCO-listed historic city of Ayutthaya to explore the impressive ruins of 14th-century palaces, temples, and monasteries.
Explore northern Thailand with INTREPID
The energy in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, is similar to Bangkok. The streets are filled with cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Constant traffic and loud horns follow you everywhere you go; And the crossing the road I feel like winning the Olympics. But there are many moments of peace in the midst of chaos. Explore the maze-like alleys of the city and have fun Pia Hoi (fresh beer) with the locals on little plastic stools or watching life go by in cozy cafes.
If you're interested in food, head south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, to indulge in some of Vietnam's busiest streets and sip cocktails at chic rooftop bars. To learn about the country's past and the Vietnam War, it is worth visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Related: Breaking into the chaos and learning to love Hanoi
If the constant honking sounds too much, you might want to head to Dalat where lakes, forests, and waterfalls are right on your doorstep. Or, for a more romantic setting, head to Hoi An - A beautiful city full of colorful lanterns, heritage buildings, serene temples and winding waterways. If a quiet coastal getaway full of sun, sand, and seafood sounds too good, head to quaint and laid-back Qui Nhon.
dishes
Add a splash of lime juice, a few springs of lime, a dash of fish sauce, a sprinkle of palm sugar and plenty of chili pepper, and you've got the basics of Thai cuisine. It's bold, insanely delicious, and full of aromas you can smell a mile away. Indulge in a rainbow of curries loaded with tender meats, seafood or vegetables. Slurp bowls tom yum - A traditional soup made with broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilies. or eat it pad thai - A plate of fried rice noodles garnished with meat, vegetables, bean sprouts and peanuts.
Related: Foody? Here is the reason to travel to Thailand
The Vietnamese know a thing or two about the pho-nomenol food. It is characterized by fresh and contrasting flavors and textures. Think sweet and sour, crunchy and silky, fried and steamed. Tuck into piping hot bowls girl (Beef noodle soup) Crispy bun bo xao (beef noodle salad) and delicious seafood Wash down the hot pot with cold beer. Don't forget banh mi - Vietnamese baguette stuffed with tender beef or tofu, pickled vegetables, creamy mayonnaise and fresh pepper.
Related: Your ultimate guide to eating out in Vietnam
The proof is in the pudding, right? Well, these foods are rhat Good, Basil has entire trips dedicated to that Find, eat and cook The best of Thai and Vietnamese food.
Take your taste buds on a real food adventure Thailand or Vietnam
culture
Dotted with thousands of stunning temples, the quiet pulse of Buddhism permeates everyday life in Thailand. Family is also paramount and national pride is woven into the culture. Thais are known for their warmth and hospitality (it's not called the "Land of a Thousand Smiles" for no reason!), and you never stray from a friendly face that greets you in a restaurant, shop, or market stall.
Festivals also play a big role. If you want to immerse yourself in Thai culture, you may want to match your trip with Songkran - a nationwide water fight held in April to celebrate the Thai New Year. Or visit during November for the fantastic Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai, or the weird and wonderful Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi where you can watch hundreds of local macaques feasting on fresh fruit.
The culture of Vietnam is ancient, but it has been influenced in various ways over the years by Chinese, Khmer, French and American cultures. Despite the hardships of the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, most of them The Vietnamese Keen to get on with life and live with a strong sense of optimism and humility.
Many Vietnamese practice a form of religion that is an interesting blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, although there are also many practicing Catholics. Like Thailand, family is very much taken care of, and festivals and holidays are spent with loved ones – participating in rituals, eating special foods, exchanging symbolic gifts and honoring ancestors. Some of the most important festivals include Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) in late January/early February, Buddha's birthday in April and Reunification Day celebrations in late April/early May.
weather
Thailand has a tropical climate with hot, humid and monsoon weather. There are two seasons - wet and dry - but they differ slightly from coast to coast. The best time to visit northern, eastern and western Thailand is usually between November and February when the weather is cool and dry. If you're headed south or like to dive or snorkel, January to April offers great weather and sea conditions.
The monsoon arrives from July to November, and these months can be uncomfortably hot and sticky for those not used to the tropical heat. However, it is less crowded and can be a great opportunity to experience a quieter and quieter Thailand.
Vietnam has more diverse regional weather due to its location and landscape. There are two distinct seasons - the northeast monsoon from October to early April and the southwest monsoon from April to September - but the weather varies a lot across the country.
Northern Vietnam experiences cold, dry winters from December to February, and overnight temperatures can drop as low as 4 °C (39 °F), while southern Vietnam experiences warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. However, temperatures often exceed a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in Ho Chi Minh City during the dry season, which is not ideal for those who prefer cool weather.
verdict
The jury is out on this one. Both Thailand and Vietnam are two amazing countries, and with so much to offer - stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, bustling cities and heaps of culture - we have no doubt that you'll have an unforgettable trip no matter where you go. Happy travels!
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