Vietnam vs Thailand: Which Should You Pick?
Both are Southeast Asia's best-value trips for Indians, but the visa process and pace of the trip are different enough to matter.
Photo: Sergio Tittarini, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Answer
Thailand is the simpler trip to book last-minute — visa-free entry and a shorter process end to end. Vietnam needs a bit more lead time for the e-visa but rewards it with Halong Bay and Hoi An, at a similar cost per day.
| Factor | Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Indians | e-Visa required in advance, ~$25/₹2,100 (single-entry), valid 90 days, 3–5 working days to process — apply at least 10 days ahead. (Phu Quoc island alone allows visa-free entry for 30 days under strict conditions.) | Visa-free for 30 days — no visa fee, just a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) |
| Flight time from India | ~5–6 hours direct to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City | ~4–5 hours direct to Bangkok/Phuket |
| Budget for 5 nights (mid-range) | ₹55,000–90,000 per person | ₹55,000–90,000 per person — similar day-to-day cost |
| Best for | Halong Bay cruises, Hoi An's old town, a quieter pace than Thailand | Nightlife, island-hopping (Phuket/Krabi), quick long-weekend trips |
| Best time to visit | November–April (dry, cooler in the north); avoid Jun–Nov typhoon season on the central coast | November–February (cool, dry season) |
Still Not Sure Which One?
Tell us your budget, travel dates, and what you're looking for — we'll tell you honestly which one fits your trip better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes — Vietnam requires an e-visa in advance for most Indian travellers (~₹2,100, valid 90 days, 3–5 working days to process). The exception is flying directly into Phu Quoc island, which allows visa-free entry for 30 days under strict conditions.
Is Thailand visa-free for Indians?
Yes, Thailand allows visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for 30 days — you just fill out a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival, no visa fee or advance application.
Which is cheaper, Vietnam or Thailand?
They come out similar day-to-day for a mid-range 5-night trip — roughly ₹55,000–90,000 per person for either.