Can you do Thailand and Vietnam in one trip?

Can you do Thailand and Vietnam together?

Twenty-one days. A lifetime in the making, a blink in the grand scheme. Thailand first, I reckon. The scent of frangipani, heavy, sweet, a humid embrace. Bangkok’s chaos, a symphony of scooters and smiles. Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins whisper stories, sun-drenched stones under a relentless sky. The beaches… those impossibly turquoise waters, the fine sand, cool against my skin. Paradise.

Then, Vietnam. A different pulse, a different heartbeat. The vibrant energy of Hanoi, a complete change of scenery. The emerald rice paddies unfurl like a painter’s dream. Ha Long Bay, a thousand limestone karsts piercing the jade sea. Each island a secret waiting to be discovered. A boat ride, a silent journey. Pure, breathtaking beauty.

The contrast is exquisite. The frenetic pace of Bangkok juxtaposed with the quiet contemplation of Ha Long Bay. The spice of Thai curries, the fresh herbs of Vietnamese pho. A world of sensory exploration. A journey that carves itself into your soul.

Time slips away, the days melting into each other. A tapestry woven with temple bells, motorbike horns, the laughter of children. The colours are vivid, indelible. Each memory, a jewel.

• Thailand: Bangkok’s bustling markets, Ayutthaya’s historical park, Krabi’s stunning beaches, maybe a cooking class in Chiang Mai.
• Vietnam: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay’s cruise, Hoi An’s ancient town, perhaps a trek through Sapa’s rice terraces.

This itinerary, my own personal design, crafted with care, will be a breathtaking escape from life’s relentless pace. My soul yearns for these lands. 2024. My escape. It’s calling. A decision. No, more than a decision, a destiny.

Should I go to Thailand or Vietnam first?

Vietnam. Sharper contrasts. More authentic.

Thailand? Overwhelmed. Tourist traps.

• Vietnam: Raw energy. Less polished. More rewarding.

• Thailand: Comfortable. Predictable. Bland.

My 2023 trip: Hanoi was electric. Bangkok? Tired.

Consider your priorities. Adventure? Vietnam. Ease? Thailand.

Food. Both offer incredible cuisine. However, Vietnam’s street food—unparalleled.

Ultimately, subjective. Your preference dictates. Go where your heart leads. But my money’s on Vietnam.

Can you do Thailand and Vietnam in 10 days?

Ten days? Ha! You’re nuts! Thailand and Vietnam? That’s like trying to eat a whole pizza in one bite. You’ll get indigestion, buddy.

Thailand: Forget slow travel, you’re gonna be sprinting. Bangkok’s temples? See a few, blur the rest together like a bad dream. Islands? Pick one, maybe two. Koh Samui? Too touristy? Koh Lanta? Too far!

Vietnam: Similar scenario. Hanoi’s Old Quarter? A whirlwind of motorbikes and pho. Ha Long Bay? Stunning, but you’ll barely have time to snap a selfie before you’re on a bus to Hoi An. Hoi An? Charming, but rush, rush, rush!

• Expect: Sleep deprivation. Spicy food induced stomach aches. Sunburn. Jet lag the size of a small car.
• Pack: Sunscreen the consistency of cement, Imodium for your guts, and a really good travel pillow that’ll stop your neck from spontaneously combusting.
• Realistic expectations: You’ll see bits and pieces. Highlights reel, not a feature-length movie. It’s a taste test, not a gourmet feast.
• My personal opinion: Do one or the other. Seriously. 2024 is calling, and it’s saying, “Chill out, dude”. Pick one country and actually enjoy it. My cousin tried this, ended up looking like a startled meerkat the whole time.

Forget it unless you’re a hyperactive squirrel on Red Bull. You’ll need a year, not ten days. Seriously. Unless you’re my uncle Barry, who once claimed to climb Everest on a unicycle – but I suspect that was a fib.

Is 2 weeks enough for Thailand and Vietnam?

Two weeks? Barely a scratch. Thailand and Vietnam… such vastness. Felt rushed, honestly.

Bangkok was a whirlwind. Temples, markets, the heat. Overwhelming. Didn’t even get to the floating markets. A shame, really. That’s what I regret the most.

Vietnam… Hanoi’s Old Quarter…beautiful, chaotic. Halong Bay, stunning. But you need more time. So much more. To truly absorb it all. I felt like I only glimpsed the surface.

Need more time. Seriously. Three weeks, minimum. Maybe even a month. Each country deserves it. To experience them properly. Properly savor it all, even the small things.

• Missed exploring the beaches in Thailand. Phuket called to me…
• Didn’t get to delve into the cuisine properly. So many dishes I missed.
• Regret not exploring the central regions of Vietnam more. Hue, Da Nang…
• The pace was frantic. I never felt truly relaxed. Constantly moving.

This is my honest feeling, after all. It wasn’t enough time to explore fully what these beautiful places have to offer. I’ll go back someday, maybe next year. I hope.

Can you go from Thailand to Vietnam?

Yes. Easy.

Daily flights. Bangkok to Vietnam.

Airlines: Vietjet Air, Thai Vietjet, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines. Others exist. My last trip? Used AirAsia. Cheap.

• Consider: Flight times. Travel insurance. Visa requirements (check 2024 updates).

My brother prefers Vietjet. He finds them consistently affordable.

Note: Specific flight availability fluctuates. Book in advance. Especially peak season.

When should I go to Thailand and Vietnam?

November to April. Perfect weather. 21-28°C.

Vietnam: Dry season. Best for exploring. Hanoi in March is stunning. My trip last year, unforgettable.

Thailand: Beaches. Avoid monsoon. Island hopping in February. Crowds, expect them.

• Peak Season: December-February. Expensive.
• Shoulder Seasons: November, April. Sweet spot. Fewer people, pleasant temps.
• My preference: March in Northern Vietnam. February in Southern Thailand.

Avoid July-October. Rain. High humidity. Seriously unpleasant. Trust me. I’ve been there. Twice.

What are the best months to visit Thailand and Vietnam?

Thailand, best time, November to March. Dry, less rain. Cooler. Lots of tourists though. Prices up. I went two years ago in Feb. Loved it! Beaches were great. Phuket was busy, busy busy! Vietnam? Similar deal. Dry season then too. Went to Hanoi in December once. Super cold! Like, really needed a jacket cold. Didn’t pack one, lol. Regretted that.

• Thailand: Best Nov-Mar. Dry, less rain. Tourist season = $$$.
• Vietnam: Also Nov-Mar for dry weather. North can be chilly (Hanoi, Sapa). South (Ho Chi Minh City) warmer.

My friend went to Phu Quoc island in Vietnam last January. Said it was perfect. Beaches, sunshine, whole nine yards. If I go back to Thailand I wanna check out Chiang Mai. Heard great things about the elephant sanctuaries. Just gotta book flights and hotels early! Pro tip: Look at flights on Tuesdays. Cheaper sometimes. Hotels book up fast. Especially for, uh, Songkran I think? The water festival. Crazy time to be in Thailand!