Thailand or Vietnam for a first solo trip?

Hi, I’m planning to travel from April 12 to 24, 2025, for my first solo trip. I’m torn between two destinations: Thailand or Vietnam. Which one would you recommend? Thanks so much for your advice!

Hi,

This question has been asked very often.

The usual answer is Thailand, where tourism has been developed for quite some time. It’s a country where it’s easier to make yourself understood, and where people are very smiley. Great for a first experience in Southeast Asia.

Hi, Both are equal in terms of landscapes, but Vietnam will be better priced for hotels and transportation. Thailand has become quite upscale with Russians and visitors from the Gulf states and Arab countries, and the exchange rate isn’t great right now.

Yeah, it's mostly Pattaya, Phuket, and Ko Samui that have become less livable...

Thailand is making insane efforts to attract visitors and their money. It’s working pretty well, but it also comes with its share of downsides. Overall, if you avoid the December to February period, it’s much more bearable.

For someone looking to ease into Southeast Asia, Thailand is a good starting point. That said, our first self-organized trip was Vietnam, and we dove straight into the less touristy northeast—it was a real tropical eye-opener! !

Hi Yes, even off-season, Pattaya and Phuket have become unbearable, and I’m not even talking about the Indians who are now arriving in droves. Businesses are being bought up by Russians—it’s turned into a real mafia, whether it’s massage parlors, bars, restaurants, or now hotels. I go to Thailand every four months, and I have to say my preference is now for Isan, even though I do like Bangkok—but no more than a week. Vietnam hasn’t reached that point yet, even if Hanoi is seeing massage parlors pop up left and right. Still, nostalgia is starting to kick in. I’m heading back next month, and it’ll be the first time I spend more time in Vietnam than in Thailand.

Hi there

Thailand has become way too touristy—it’s been *so* overdone, except for Bangkok, which remains one of the most incredible capitals.

Vietnam is truly a stunning destination that outshines Thailand in every way.

Thailand, of course 😎

Thailand is a victim of its own success and sometimes suffers from the downsides of mass tourism, so it's best to visit during the off-season. For the North: April, May, June, October, November For the South: Pay attention to rainfall depending on whether you're heading to the Andaman Sea side or the Gulf of Thailand

I'm hesitating between two destinations: Thailand or Vietnam. I'd like to know which one you'd recommend, please.

Hello, I didn’t really like Vietnam (I visited the south and center—I didn’t go to the north). It’s a more urbanized country (denser population), with landscapes scarred by war remnants in some places. The people weren’t particularly welcoming—often commercially motivated—and there were a few scams (agencies, taxis, etc.). So, I’d vote for Thailand without hesitation... or Laos, my favorite of the three. Besides, for a first trip, Thailand is easier to visit. Of course, you should avoid the "tourist traps." There are plenty of less-visited regions—most tourists always go to the same spots. I really liked the Mae Hong Son region (northwest), but not only that... and the islands in the far south of the Andaman Sea (Koh Tarutao, Koh Lipe, Koh Muk, Koh Libong).

Someone who wants to ease into Southeast Asia more gently should start with Thailand.

Hi, Totally agree with that.

I’d vote for Thailand too, especially since you only have 10 days off—including 2 days for travel and dealing with the time difference... That really only leaves enough time to see Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and maybe a nearby beach.

Hello, I’d also recommend Thailand for your first taste of Asia. As mentioned, it’s a more developed country, which will help you ease into Asian culture, mindset, food (even though every country has its own dishes), and so on. If you start with Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia, Thailand might seem too advanced, bland, or even disappointing by comparison. On the flip side, you’ll get to experience two amazing discoveries that should really enchant you. Happy travels!

Hello A cheeky question Like asking a young child if they prefer their dad or their mom Personally, I know both destinations well And I wouldn’t pick one over the other If you’re unsure Don’t hesitate to ask your questions about one of your choices And later, ask the same questions about the other option

There you go