Thailand Vs Vietnam For Expats part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

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Introduction

For expats looking to relocate, Thailand and Vietnam are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Both countries boast unrivaled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, tropical climates, vibrant cultures, and rich histories.

However, each country offers unique experiences that vary greatly depending on where you settle down. So which destination should you choose? Well, today, we will walk you through a few of the major differences between living in Thailand and Vietnam.

Not only is that, but we’ve compiled the pros and cons of living in these two countries. This will allow you to understand each country’s culture and lifestyle better, so you can choose the destination right for you.

By the end of this article, expats will have more profound knowledge of Thailand vs. Vietnam. This will allow them to make their decision more easily when choosing their next home abroad. Before we get into the details of each countries’ unique qualities, we would like to point out that Thailand and Vietnam share a lot of similarities.

Most importantly, both countries feature affordable living costs and tax rates, as well as attractive social benefits such as one month of paid vacation and mandatory state healthcare (though the quality of that healthcare may vary). Let’s dive into the main concept.

Overview of the Differences

In this section, we will discuss each country’s language and culture. For those worried about adapting to a new country, its language, and customs, this section is for you! Without further ado, let’s get it started!

Language: Thai vs. Vietnamese

Here’s how you can compare and contrast Thailand vs. Vietnam to help you make the right decision. In Thailand, the official languages of the country are Thai and English. However, most people from urban areas tend to speak at least some level of English.

In addition, many educated Thais also speak Japanese or German. Of course, these languages can be extremely helpful when doing business with other countries. However, do keep in mind that most Thai people will not speak any English.

This can make it difficult for expats who want to communicate with locals. Furthermore, Thailand has a very strong “tourist industry,” which means that many Thais are experts in speaking English. As far as other languages are concerned, most educated Vietnamese also know.

Lifestyle

Thailand is an extremely popular destination for retirees because of how inexpensive it is compared to Western countries. Many expats choose to settle down in Chiang Mai, as it’s considered a cultural hub with numerous Western amenities such as Wi-Fi, Western restaurants, and comfortable lodging.

It’s much more expensive to live in Vietnam compared to Thailand; however, expats tend to prefer the southern coastal city of Nha Trang for its affordability and active nightclub and café scene.

Goals

Many expats come to Southeast Asia hoping to recreate the lifestyle they left behind in their home country. As a result, they try to recreate Western-style dining, nightlife, and accommodations in the countries they choose to settle down in.

If you want to experience Southeast Asia without completely immersing yourself in local culture, Thailand is ideal as it’s similar to many parts of Europe with its multitude of upscale bars and restaurants that serve Western-style cuisine and beverages. Nha Trang is also a good choice if you’re looking to live like a local and experience Vietnam’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Entertainment

Both countries offer abundant entertainment options no matter what you enjoy doing. Popular activities for expats living in Thailand include visiting the beaches, diving, exercising, visiting temples, cooking classes, and watching Muay Thai (Thai boxing).

Vietnam offers many exciting outdoor activities such as hiking up Fansipan Mountain or cruising on Ha Long Bay. You can also opt to join one of the expat-organized excursions for more adventurous outings.

Culture

Although Thailand has its own unique culture, it’s still extremely welcoming to Western visitors and expats. Its people are known for their positive attitudes, friendliness, and hospitality. Meanwhile, Vietnam is also home to some of the kindest locals in Southeast Asia who are always ready to help if you get lost or need assistance with anything.

Pros and Cons of Living in Vietnam

Living in Vietnam has its perks, but it also comes with some downsides you should consider before making a move. Before you get too excited about all of the great things about living in Vietnam, think about the following cons.

Pros

Cheap Living

Vietnam is a relatively cheap place to live, especially in the larger cities. Rentals are very affordable, and food can be purchased for a fraction of what you pay back home. Transportation costs are low if you have a motorbike, don’t mind being cramped in a taxi or 24-seater bus, or want to live further from the main hubs and go for a bicycle.

Transportation costs are on par with the cheaper countries in East Asia but lower than most other ASEAN countries. For example, a one-way trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by bus is 100,000 dong ($4.37), a 25-minute motorbike ride is around 10,000 dong ($0.44), an hour bus ride is around 200,000 dong ($8.91), and a four-hour minibus ride is around 500,000 dong ($22.11).

The Vietnamese Are Amazing

The Vietnamese are some of the warmest people, and they make for amazing traveling companions. The language barrier can be a challenge to overcome, but as long as you know basic Vietnamese phrases and respect the locals, you should have no problem meeting new friends.

Food Is Delicious

One of the best things about Vietnam is the food. Being a former French colony means that there are lots of amazing French-inspired dishes available. However, Vietnamese food is some of the best in the world, and there are tons of other regional cuisines to try. The pho (pronounced like “fur” with a noodle dropped into it) was voted best street food in the world by CNN, and it is easy to see why.

It Is Relatively Safe (Avoid the Touristy Areas)

Vietnam is almost as popular as Thailand with backpackers these days, but it still maintains its title of “South East Asia’s best-kept secret” (or least it did before this article came out). The crowds will be smaller than in Thailand, Malaysia, and other popular tourist areas in the region.

There are still thieves and con artists around – especially in Vietnam’s more touristy spots like Hoi An – but they choose easier targets than foreigners who know how to avoid scams. In general, if you do your research ahead of time and don’t go looking for a fight, you will have an enjoyable experience.

It Is Beautiful

Vietnam has some of the most beautiful beaches, scenery, and landscapes anywhere I have visited. With so much to see in this country, it will be hard to get bored. The many mountains are stunning all year round, especially during the spring when they are covered with blooming flowers.

Cons

Pollution

Vietnam has one of the highest traffic densities in the world. It is also a hub for several heavy industries, which means that it has some of the worst air quality in Asia. According to one survey, Hanoi is now ranked the second most polluted city on Earth after New Dehli.

Money Woes

Although Vietnam has seen an economic boom in the last few decades, its GDP is still relatively low for its population. Many people are now traveling abroad to find better work opportunities with higher salaries. Even those who stay at home may not be making enough money to lead comfortable lives, which means they might have trouble paying off their loans and credit card debts.

Overcrowding

Since the average Vietnamese is on a tight budget, living in major cities can be tough. For example, modern studio apartments in Hanoi often fetch prices as high as US$1,000 per month even though they are way too small for most Westerners.

Rents in Ho Chi Minh City are also among the highest in Southeast Asia, which means that only those who have well-paying jobs may enjoy life in these cities.

Fake Items

For some strange reason, fake items are more common in Vietnam than anywhere else. Fake cars and motorbikes often get mistaken for the real thing, not to mention that such products can be more affordable than their genuine counterparts. This is especially true for food and drink, where one would never know what chemicals they are putting into their bodies.

Poor Infrastructure

Vietnam is a developing country, and poorer countries usually have poor infrastructure, but Vietnam especially has a lot of catching up since it has one of the lowest GDPs in Southeast Asia. Some roads and waterways can be impassable during certain months, resulting in more deaths from natural disasters than in wealthier countries.

Thailand Vs Vietnam For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Understanding the Concept of Living in Thailand

The concept of living in Thailand is often misunderstood by the foreigner who chooses to live there. One might think that it’s about having fun, partying, and meeting pretty girls.

But, to make money, you must also look at the country for what it is, a developing nation that does not understand or care about foreigners’ morals, ethics, or way of life. This is why many foreigners living in Thailand often find themselves in trouble with the law. Some of these problems include but are not limited to:

• Being overcharged for simple items – i.e., a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, or a pack of cigarettes
• Unfriendliness from service providers, whether it’s your local corner store, the bar down the road, or the nightclub. This is because many people working in service (particularly tourist-orientated areas) are expected to act like this with foreigners
• Being cheated out of your hard-earned money. Some bars charge you for girls’ drinks even if they’re not there, and some taxi drivers will tell you it’s 300 Baht to get to the place when in fact, it’s only 80 Baht.
• People not being able to understand you. The language barrier makes a living in Thailand much harder than in other countries, especially if you are trying to talk your way out of a situation or argue about something with somebody else
• Being taken advantage of by ‘fellow’ foreigners. This happens a lot when you bar fine or pass a girl on to your friends or even when your friend does the same thing to you
• Being taken advantage of by Thai people. There have been many stories about bar owners charging customers 100 Baht for a bottle of water while they sell them drinks at inflated prices
• Staying in a country where everything is expensive. Thailand’s prices are high for foreigners because everything from drinks to accommodation must be paid for in foreign currency.
• Staying in a country that does not have the law/system you would normally have at home
• Not being able to find work easily. Maybe it’s because people do not want foreigners working in their country, or maybe it’s because of the language barrier, but getting a job in Thailand is not easy. Many employers are only willing to hire Thai people, which leaves many foreigners disillusioned about finding work
• Cultural differences between your home country and where you live. This includes everything from food to lifestyle changes that may not be suitable for your daily routine
• Loss of friends and family back home. Many people complain about not seeing their real-world lives when they are constantly surrounded by Thais every day
• High crime rate. There was a recent report released from the UN which mentioned Thailand’s high crime rate for tourists, especially against foreign females

Which One Is The Best, Thailand Or Vietnam?

Both Thailand and Vietnam are beautiful countries with their own unique identity. Thailand is often called the land of smiles due to the friendly nature of its people. It has nice beaches, great food, and cheap drinks and is one of the most visited places in South East Asia every year. A popular destination for tourists from all over the world!

Vietnam also has beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, but this article will focus on the differences between these 2 countries so that you can decide which one is best for your next vacation.

Price: Vietnam and Thailand offer great value, and you can get a really good meal, usually starting at just $2. Cheap drinks and great accommodation can also be easily found.

Safety: Thailand has a good reputation for safety, and the crime rate is fairly low compared to Vietnam. There are still petty crimes in Thailand, but they won’t cause you any trouble if you’re sensible.

However, there have been recent bombings in some of their tourist areas which have put off some travelers. The city of Bangkok in Thailand is known to be dangerous at night due to the high poverty rates and crime, but during the day, it’s very safe.

Vietnam also has a low rate of crimes against tourists; however, more serious crimes like robbery. But again you won’t have any problems if you’re sensible.

People: People in Thailand are more outgoing, and they love to have fun; even the monks you see on the street try to make you laugh. This makes it a great place to go if you want some entertainment. The people in Vietnam are also very friendly but not as outgoing as their Thai counterparts. But this may be a good thing if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday.

Relationship between Thailand and Vietnam

Both Vietnam and Thailand are located in south-east Asia. They share a common border, with the largest mutual boundary lying along the Mekong River. The exact demarcation of land boundaries was officially agreed to in February 1997 through notes between the two countries.

This laid foundation for the development of relations between Thailand and Vietnam. The two countries, under the pretext of strengthening their international trade relations, have also joined forces in mitigating regional terrorism, drug trafficking, and piracy by setting up a joint enforcement agency – Eastern Sea Borders Defence Committee (ESBDC).

This has helped to reduce crime rates in the region while improving both Thai-Vietnamese relations and the fight against regional terrorism. Thailand is also Vietnam’s largest investor in ASEAN, with over 1,200 Thai companies operating businesses in Vietnam. Each year about 4 million Vietnamese visits Thailand for tourism purposes while the number of Vietnamese migrant workers increases steadily, reaching 130,000+.

Overview of the Interesting Facts about Vietnam

The following facts are bits of information about the wondrous land of Vietnam. In no way is this article meant to contain significant facts but rather present casual facts for you to enjoy.

The One-Legged Village

In a small village in Vietnam lives a man with seven children born with only one leg. This man has worked many jobs, one of which was as a pig farmer.

When he has money left over, he goes to the market and buys nonperishable food (rice included) that his seven children can live off of for an entire week. However, when he does not have enough money, the one-legged man drinks alcohol until all his money is gone.

The Polluted River

On one of Vietnam’s highways, a large river runs with waste and pollution. Despite this, many people use the water to brush their teeth, shower themselves, or even drink the water! People do not realize that they are poisoning themselves by doing so. There are signs over the river that warns people of the pollution, but many ignore them.

The Northern Vietnamese

People in northern Vietnam are called “North Vietnamese” to distinguish them from the other half – the population of southern Vietnam. Some say that North Vietnamese are stingy with their money, South Vietnamese are scheming with theirs, and Central Vietnamese are friendly with everyone’s money.

The Traffic Police Danger Zone

A Vietnamese man once received a ticket for entering the ‘danger zone’ of the police while they were diverting traffic – he was about to enter danger but was saved by luck when he found out that he needed to wait to avoid being fined. Also, a young Vietnamese man once received a 100,000 VND ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding his bicycle.

The Traffic Police Line

For as long as anyone can remember, there has been a white line painted on the road in Vietnam. However, no one knows what it is for – some have said that cars have to stay at least 1m away from it while going down the street, but most believe that the line indicates a ‘restricted area’ and keeps cars from going near the sidewalk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand vs. Vietnam

Why is Thailand so cheap?

Thailand is cheap for both foreigners and locals alike because the country has a low cost of living. This does not mean that everything in Thailand is extremely inexpensive, but it certainly means that groceries, restaurants, hotels, transportation options, etc., are considerably cheaper than they would be in other countries around the world.

Is Thailand safe?

Thailand is generally safe for foreigners, but some precautions to take when visiting this country. It is important to note that in addition to being one of the most visited countries in Asia, it is also one of the most widely reported on travel advisories.

Is Vietnam safe?

Vietnam has significant dangers for foreigners who do not understand the country’s social structures. It is recommended that tourists follow safety tips, as there are many phases of Vietnamese travel that could be dangerous. Moreover, there have been some reports of violence against foreigners, so it is important to be on the lookout for potential dangers.

Conclusion

Many things draw people outside their home countries to head away and start a new life in a foreign place. Usually, it’s the hope for a better quality of life, including affordable housing, low cost of living, high salaries, and even beautiful weather. However, look at the pros and cons to select the right one according to your budget and lifestyle.