Every traveller reaches this point eventually, when you finally save enough for your first international holiday, open ten tabs on your browser, and end up comparing the same two countries: Vietnam and Thailand. If you’re planning your holiday around affordability rather than luxury, here’s where your money actually goes, between the two. So, here goes our Vietnam Vs Thailand breakdown.
Vietnam Vs Thailand: Which Is Better For Budget Travellers?
Flights: Thailand Is Easier, But That Doesn’t Make It Cheaper
You may ask any frequent traveller, and they’ll probably tell you Thailand is usually the easiest international trip to book from India. Bangkok receives flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and several other cities almost every day. Competition between airlines means airfare frequently drops during festive sales, with return tickets sometimes touching ₹15,000 to ₹18,000. On normal dates, expect to pay anywhere between ₹20,000 and ₹28,000.
Vietnam has improved dramatically over the past few years. Direct flights now connect India with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Da Nang is becoming increasingly accessible. Still, flight frequencies remain lower than Thailand, which means prices fluctuate more. Return fares generally sit between ₹18,000 and ₹30,000, though booking two or three months in advance can shave several thousand rupees off the final price.
There’s another hidden expense many people forget. If Hoi An, Sapa or Da Nang are on your itinerary, you’ll probably need another domestic flight or overnight train after landing. Those costs add up.
Budget verdict: Thailand Wins
Also Read: Maldives Out Of Budget? 5 Indian Trips Under ₹20,000 That Still Feel Surprisingly Luxe
Visa Costs: Vietnam Makes Budget Planning Simpler
Visa rules change frequently, so checking official government portals before booking is essential.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is very straightforward. Indian passport holders can apply online, upload documents, pay the fee and receive approval electronically. The visa fee is generally around $25 USD (₹2,100 approx.) for single entry and $50 USD (₹4,200 approx.) for multiple-entry, making it one of the easiest expenses to account for while planning your budget.
Thailand is a little less predictable. Over the last few years, Indian travellers have benefited from multiple visa-free or visa-waiver schemes introduced to encourage tourism.
Winner: Vietnam
Hotels: Vietnam May Give You More Than You Pay For
This is where Vietnam starts pulling away.
Spend ₹3,000 a night in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and you’ll often find yourself staying in boutique hotels with spacious rooms, modern bathrooms, rooftop cafes, complimentary breakfast and excellent service. Even hostels have become incredibly stylish, with prices beginning around ₹700 for clean dormitories.
Thailand certainly isn’t expensive, but popular destinations operate differently. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Pattaya attract millions of visitors every year, and hotel prices reflect that demand. A room similar to one costing ₹3,000 in Vietnam could easily cost ₹4,500 or ₹5,500 during Thailand’s peak travel season.
Winner: Vietnam
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Food: Vietnam Is Almost Impossible To Overspend In
Food alone convinces many backpackers to extend their Vietnam trips. Walk through Hanoi before sunrise, and you’ll find steaming bowls of pho being served from tiny roadside kitchens. Most meals cost somewhere between ₹150 and ₹350, portions are generous and ingredients are incredibly fresh. Even restaurants with excellent reviews rarely cross ₹700 per person.
Coffee deserves its own mention! Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and that’s reflected in prices. Egg coffee, coconut coffee and traditional Vietnamese drip coffee are available almost everywhere for less than what you’d spend on a regular cappuccino back home.
Thailand’s street food deserves every bit of its global reputation. Pad Thai, green curry, boat noodles, grilled seafood, satay skewers and mango sticky rice are everywhere. Eat like a local in both countries, and your wallet survives. Wander into tourist-heavy zones every night and Thailand becomes noticeably more expensive.
Winner: Vietnam
Getting Around: The Small Expenses You Forget
Transport rarely gets attention while planning, but it shapes your total holiday budget.
Vietnam makes moving around too affordable. Grab rides cost very little, overnight sleeper buses connect major cities for a fraction of flight prices, and the famous Reunification Express train lets travellers cross much of the country without spending heavily. Renting a scooter for a day is also inexpensive in many destinations.
Thailand’s public transport inside Bangkok is excellent. The BTS Skytrain and MRT make exploring the city easy, while domestic airlines connect different regions efficiently. The catch comes later. Ferries, speedboats, island transfers and long-tail boat rides quickly add thousands of rupees to an itinerary if you’re hopping between Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Samui.
Many travellers underestimate this while budgeting!
Winner: Vietnam
Also Read: 8 Cheapest Countries For Indians To Visit In 2026 With Budget And Visa Breakdown
Sightseeing: Nature Costs Less Than Nightlife
Thailand offers enormous variety. You can scuba dive in crystal-clear waters, visit floating markets, watch Muay Thai fights, spend evenings at rooftop bars or enjoy beach clubs that stay alive until sunrise. They’re memorable experiences, but many come with premium price tags.
Vietnam leans towards landscapes and history. Cruising through Ha Long Bay, cycling around Ninh Binh’s limestone cliffs, wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, trekking through Sapa or exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels often costs much less than comparable experiences elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Museums, temples and historical attractions are also generally inexpensive.
If you’re someone who returns from holidays with hundreds of photographs instead of shopping bags, Vietnam stretches your budget much further.
Winner: Vietnam
The Final Calculation
A 6-day Vietnam holiday covering flights, visa, hotels, food, transport and sightseeing can comfortably fit within ₹55,000 to ₹60,000 if planned well. The same style of trip in Thailand generally lands between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000, especially if beaches and island hopping are part of the itinerary.
So, which country wins? If your goal is squeezing the maximum number of experiences out of every rupee, Vietnam takes the crown. Thailand, meanwhile, remains unbeatable for travellers chasing postcard-perfect beaches, legendary nightlife, effortless flight connectivity and shopping that can fill an extra suitcase before you know it.
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FAQs
Which is cheaper, Vietnam or Thailand?
Vietnam is generally more affordable than Thailand when it comes to accommodation, food, local transport and many sightseeing activities. However, airfare can vary depending on the season and departure city.
Is Vietnam or Thailand better for a first international trip?
Both are excellent choices. Thailand offers a more developed tourism infrastructure and easier island-hopping, while Vietnam is ideal for travellers looking for lower daily expenses and diverse cultural experiences.
Do Indian travellers need a visa for Vietnam and Thailand?
Visa policies can change over time. Indian travellers should check the latest entry requirements before booking, as both countries periodically update their visa rules.
How much should I budget for a six-day trip?
A budget-conscious traveller can often explore Vietnam for less than a similar trip to Thailand, though the final cost depends on flight prices, travel season, accommodation choices and activities.
