| Criterion | Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (mid-range) | about $30-50 per a 2026 comparison; budget Hanoi $25-40 | about $40-70 per the same comparison |
| Visa for French, German, Spanish, Dutch travellers | visa-free 45 days; otherwise e-visa $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple), up to 90 days | 30-day exemption since 15 September 2026 for about sixty countries, plus the free TDAC arrival card |
| Flight from Paris | direct Paris-Hanoi of about 11 h 30 to 12 h, average return about €800 with the national carrier (October 2026) | direct flights and many flights with a stop to Bangkok |
| Beaches | Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang: season differs by region | highly developed islands and beaches on both sides of the peninsula |
| Food | pho, bun cha, banh mi: light, fresh herbs | spicier and sweet-and-sour; huge variety |
| Suggested length | 10 to 14 days for a north-south trip with 3 or 4 stops | 1 to 2 weeks for Bangkok, the north or the islands |
| For a first trip | needs more organisation (distances, trains, flights) | easier, very well equipped |
Budget
Vietnam costs less day to day: street meals, hotels and local transport stay cheap, and our Hanoi travel budget figures give $25 to $40 a day on a budget. Thailand is pricier mainly on the islands and in Phuket in high season. Domestic flights weigh on the budget in both countries.
Visa and entry
For most Europeans Vietnam is visa-free for 45 days, and the electronic visa serves other nationalities: see Vietnam e-visa. Thailand cut its exemption to 30 days on 15 September 2026, according to press read in October 2026, and requires a free online arrival card (TDAC): check both rules on the official sites before leaving.
Beaches or cities and scenery
If the beach is the goal, Thailand is the safe bet for a first time. Vietnam shines elsewhere: Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City. See the best beaches in Vietnam if you want to mix the two, and an itinerary in Vietnam.
When to go
Vietnam is read by region (north October to April, centre February to August, south November to April): see when to go to Vietnam. In Thailand the dry season from November to April covers most destinations. February to April is a good time for both.
The verdict
- First trip to Asia, 1 to 2 weeks, beach: Thailand.
- Tight budget, culture, scenery, 2 weeks or more: Vietnam.
- One month: combine both, with a flight between Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
- To start in Vietnam: planning a trip to Vietnam and flights Paris-Hanoi.
FAQ
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand? Generally yes day to day, according to 2026 comparisons; the gap depends on islands, domestic flights and comfort.
Which country for a first trip? Thailand for ease, Vietnam if you like organising a circuit and travelling for longer.
Can you do both? Yes, in three to four weeks, with a flight between the two.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team, 30 October 2026
