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.

Cambodia Vs Laos For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Which One Is The Best, Cambodia Or Laos?

Kampot, Sihanoukville, or Siem Reap? In terms of tourist spots, the two small countries of Cambodia and Laos are both top destinations in Southeast Asia. However, despite sharing borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and China, neither country patches its dominant neighbors.

Whereas Thais flock to Bangkok and head to Phuket or Koh Samui, the number of Vietnamese in Saigon pales with the hordes visiting Hanoi or Halong Bay. Cambodia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for a good reason.

With Angkor Wat at its heart, it’s brimming with gorgeous temples. And thanks to a massive archaeological excavation project in the 60s and 70s. The French colonial architecture of Phnom Penh is a delight to explore; there’s some brilliant shopping at places like Psar Tuol Tom Pong and Sorya Market.

Also, you’ll enjoy the nightlife scene once you escape from the city center. This place is great, with a whole host of bars and clubs that stay open late. The road to Sihanoukville is a particularly picturesque lake-side drive where you can see the sunrise over the water if you’re sneaky enough to get up early.

Of course, not everyone wishes to leave their resort or hotel room for much of the trip, and that’s where Laos comes in. The country has a lot of luxurious spas and resorts where you can recharge your batteries in style.

And there’s plenty to do even if you’re not staying at such places. The rejuvenating properties of the thousands of elephants (for hire) that roam freely around Laos cannot be overstated. Seriously, one ride on an elephant is enough to rejuvenate you for a week.

So, we can tell you that Cambodia is pretty awesome. But, what about Laos? For all the backpackers who’ve been to Southeast Asia, it’s one of those countries that tend to come with a few caveats. Firstly poverty is quite depressing, even after you’ve just come from Thailand or Cambodia.

Interesting Facts about Living in Laos

You may think that you would never want to leave your home country and relocate somewhere completely different, but for many people around the world, this is a dream come true. There are so many things in foreign countries that we cannot see from our own homes, and it is great to get out there and explore them!

Laos Has an Incredible Amount of Biodiversity

The fact that Laos has so much land covered in tropical forests is incredible, but even more impressive is the fact that this home country to roughly 6 million people has an estimated 5,000 species of vascular plants – that’s almost 1,000 different types of plant per 100 square kilometers. This is due to the country’s unique geology, which contains a mixture of volcanic mountain ranges and alluvial plains.

The People Have a Unique Culture

The culture in Laos has remained unchanged for centuries. The Laotian people are a relaxed bunch who value their lives outside of work to be filled with family and friends rather than spending time in front of a computer. Another unique aspect of the Laos people is their dress code, which is quite formal compared to western countries.

People Speak More Than One Language

For most westerners, this is no surprise; after all, many people learn an additional language or two throughout life – but for those who are new to learning languages, it can be a bit overwhelming to see that there are over 20 languages spoken throughout the country.

The Weather Is Always Changing

The one thing that you can rely on in Laos, regardless of which part of the country you are in, is that the weather will be ever-changing. This means that it’s very important to have clothes for all types of weather – whether it be blistering cold or unbearably humid. It is advisable to pack a variety of clothing to suit a range of temperatures, as well as a raincoat and umbrella.

Laos Is Still Very Rural

One thing that many people find interesting about Laos is that no matter how far into the country they go, it still has a very rural feel to it. In fact, even though the country’s population has increased significantly since the 1950s, there are still less than 5 million people living here.

This is largely due to the fact that many of the Laotian people live outside of formal housing – often traveling from place to place to farm their crops. This means that you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with locals who don’t live in big cities and follow formal customs.

The Food Is Safe To Eat

Due to the rural nature of Laos, many people are concerned about the cleanliness of Laos food. However, this should not be a concern because all food (including water) is carefully monitored by health officials who ensure that it is safe for Laotians and tourists alike to consume.

There Are a Range of Unique Festivals

Festivals play a major role in the culture of Laos, and there is one to celebrate any occasion throughout the year. The Laotian calendar is packed with amazing events, from New Year’s Day to Khao Pansa – all of which are interesting in their own way. Also, the Laotian people are very friendly and will often invite you to participate in their festivities if they see that you are not doing anything.

Why Choosing Cambodia Over Laos

The Monarchy

Cambodia is the only country in mainland Southeast Asia to have a constitutional monarchy, making it one of the unique experiences you can find. The palace provides amazing insight into Khmer culture while also leaving room for exploration.

Siem Reap

The town of Siem Reap lies adjacent to Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Southeast Asia. The temples are magical, and Siem Reap is a vibrant town rich with history and colorful locals. Besides, you can’t beat the food and nightlife. So, when you’re done with the temples, load up on some BBQ and beer and let loose.

Thai Border Town

The little-known border town of Poipet has transformed into a popular destination for backpackers in recent years, thanks to one of the unique markets in the world. The border market is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it couldn’t be found anywhere else in South East Asia.

The Beaches

While you’ll find some incredible beaches throughout Laos, Cambodia has the most pristine coastline with beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and tropical islands to explore. Also, take advantage of the Tonle Sap Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

Transportation

Cambodia’s transportation network is the best in Southeast Asia, hands down. You can travel by plane, train, or bus with ease and efficiency that rivals even some of the largest cities in the world. Moreover, international options abound, and it’s easy to get to and from neighboring countries.

Food

The food scene in Cambodia is intensely varied since ingredients are relatively easy to come by, and people are extremely resourceful. You can find food from all over the world and at reasonable prices, which will provide a culinary adventure that’s hard to match in Southeast Asia.

Standard of Living

Though Cambodia is still emerging, but it has come a long way in recent years. The standard of living is above most other countries in the region, allowing expats to live comfortably while enjoying affordable healthcare and utilities. In comparison, Laos lacks in this department. This way, Cambodia wins out overall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laos vs. Cambodia

What do you call the person who lives in Laos?

The proper term for a person from Laos is “Lao.” “Laotian” is considered offensive by many Lao people. There are exceptions to this rule, however, as some Laotian Americans use it to distinguish between themselves and other groups of overseas Lao people.

What do you call the language of Laos?

Lao is the official language of Laos, where it is spoken as a first language by the majority of the population. Lao people, speakers of this language, are called “Lao” in English. However, some prefer to use the French-influenced term “Laotian.”

What do you call someone who is from Cambodia?

People from Cambodia are often called “Cambodian.” However, Cambodians themselves will sometimes use the word “Khmer” to distinguish between other groups of overseas Cambodians. Also, the word “Cambodian” is sometimes considered offensive by Cambodian people, as it was once used to refer disparagingly to the population of earlier Cambodia.

What is the difference between Laos and Cambodia?

Laos and Cambodia are often confused because they have some superficial similarities. Both countries are in Southeast Asia, on the western shore of the Indochinese peninsula. Also, they both used to be part of French Indochina, a “haphazardly constructed state composed of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos” (Library of Congress).

Is Laos safe for expat?

Many expats enjoy living in Laos, as it has an affordable cost of living and several natural attractions. However, some international organizations caution against travel to Laos due to unexploded bombs leftover from the Vietnam War era.

Conclusion

It is always difficult to choose a place to live with so many options. If you ask someone in the U.S. which country they would like to live in, for example, they might say Thailand or Canada. Is one of these countries better than the other? It depends on who you ask and why they want to leave the U.S., Cambodia, or Laos? Well, the choice is yours to decide.