Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Chicken pad thai or a bowl of phở? If solely it was that simple to select a rustic to discover…
So, you’ve determined to plan your subsequent journey (good on you). And you’ve narrowed it all the way down to South East Asia. But then you definately face a dilemma: must you go to Thailand or Vietnam? The wrestle is actual, we get it. Both international locations boast enchanting cultures, pristine seashores, fascinating cities, heat tropical climate and scrumptious meals (oh, the meals!).
To prevent from spending hours on Google, sifting by way of countless journey mags or tossing a coin (although to be sincere, you’d be a winner both method), we’ve put collectively a information that may hopefully make the choice slightly simpler.
Beaches
Swaying palm timber? Check. Powder white sand? Check. Gentle waves lapping the shore? Check, verify, verify. While you’ll discover beautiful seashores in each international locations, Thailand’s are arguably extra well-known – ahem, bear in mind the enduring Maya Bay within the cult basic, The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio? Whether you need to celebration beneath the celebs at Haad Rin on Koh Phangan, swim in tranquil lagoons on Koh Hong, bathe within the sapphire waters of Phra Nang on the Railay Peninsula or benefit from the secluded vibes of Phuket’s Freedom Beach, Thailand caters to seaside bums of all types.
RELATED: 6 BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THAILAND YOU SHOULD VISIT
Vietnam’s seashores in all probability don’t characteristic on as many ‘world’s prime seashores’ lists, and there may not be as a lot vacationer infrastructure, however this might be perfect for those who’re on the lookout for a lower-key seaside vacation. With 2,000 miles of beautiful shoreline, you’re certain to discover a seaside to match your vibe. Looking for a laid-back resort only a stone’s throw from the charming metropolis of Hoi An? Head to An Bang. Want to laze in a hammock whereas listening to the sounds of the jungle? Check out the island of Phu Quoc. The seaside events don’t rival Thailand’s, however for a extra upbeat ambiance the place you possibly can sip cocktails and have a boogie, go to Nha Trang.
Landscapes
Sharing borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma), Thailand’s geography varies enormously from area to area. There’s no scarcity of beautiful surroundings and ‘pinch me’ panoramas – from lush jungles and misty highlands within the north, to sheer limestone cliffs and picturesque islands within the south. In reality, dreamy islands are what makes Thailand actually shine. Whether you need to discover ways to dive, go jungle trekking or take pleasure in a distant, romantic getaway with somebody particular, there are numerous islands to discover.
Both locations have landscapes that promise to wow you, however many would say Vietnam’s are extra dramatic. Occupying an extended, skinny a part of the Indochinese peninsula and sharing borders with China, Laos and Cambodia, you’ll uncover everchanging surroundings from forested mountains, enormous caves and wind-whipped sand dunes, to steamy jungles, fruit-filled orchids and peaceable rice paddies. Whatever actions you take into consideration, there’s you’ll be capable of do all of them in Vietnam.
DISCOVER THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF VIETNAM ON OUR SCENIC VIETNAM TOUR
Now, we are able to’t speak about Vietnam’s landscapes and not point out Halong Bay. With 1000’s of little limestone islets rising from deep, emerald waters, this magnificent archipelago is likely one of the nation’s most spectacular scenes. Explore the karst-studded bays on a junk-style boat cruise, stand up shut and private to Cat Ba’s otherworldly rock formations on a kayak or admire the epic stalagmites and stalactites in Surprise Cave.
RELATED: CAT BA ISLAND IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HALONG BAY. THIS IS WHY
Cities
Whether you run towards or away from huge cities, it’s unimaginable to not be intrigued by Thailand’s capital metropolis, Bangkok. This enormous metropolis is an attractive mixture of previous and new, chaos and calm – assume fashionable rooftop bars overlooking golden temples, vibrant tuk-tuks maneuvering beneath fashionable sky trains and back-alley avenue meals distributors amongst fantastic eating eating places. Fill up on recent tropical fruit at Tha Kha floating market, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the backpacker mecca of Khao San Road or take pleasure in a Thai therapeutic massage.
RELATED: WHAT TO DO, EAT & DRINK IN BANGKOK
If you favor a slower tempo, head to the charming metropolis of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand to marvel at tons of of golden temples glistening within the daylight, and tuck into tasty native fare on the well-known night time markets. If you’re a historical past buff, look no additional than the historic, UNESCO-listed metropolis of Ayutthaya to discover the spectacular ruins of 14th-century palaces, temples and monasteries.
EXPLORE NORTHERN THAILAND WITH INTREPID
The power of Vietnam’s capital metropolis, Hanoi is much like Bangkok. The streets are flooded with vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles; fixed visitors and loud horns observe you in all places you go; and crossing the street appears like profitable the Olympics. But there are a lot of moments of peace among the many mayhem. Explore the town’s maze-like alleyways, take pleasure in bia hoi (recent beer) with locals on tiny plastic stools or watch life go by in cosy espresso retailers.
If you’re all concerning the meals, then head down south to Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh to take pleasure in a few of Vietnam’s most scorching avenue eats and sip cocktails in stylish rooftop bars. To be taught concerning the nation’s previous and the Vietnam War, it’s nicely value visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.
RELATED: EMBRACING THE CHAOS AND LEARNING TO LOVE HANOI
If the fixed horn honking will get an excessive amount of, you may like to move to Dalat the place lakes, forests and waterfalls are in your doorstep. Or, for a extra romantic vibe make your strategy to Hoi An – a lovely metropolis brimming with vibrant lanterns, heritage buildings, peaceable pagodas and winding waterways. If a laid-back coastal getaway stuffed with solar, sand and seafood sounds good, then head to the quaint, sleepy metropolis of Qui Nhon.
Cuisine
Add a squeeze of zingy lime juice, just a few springs of lemongrass, a splash of fish sauce, a sprinkling of palm sugar and many chilli, and you’ve got the fundamentals of Thai delicacies. It’s daring, insanely scrumptious and full of aromatic aromas you can scent a mile off. Get caught right into a rainbow of curries loaded with tender meat, seafood or veggies. Slurp bowls of tom yum – a standard soup ready with inventory, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and chilli. Or chow down on pad thai – an iconic stir-fried rice noodle dish garnished with meat, veggies, bean sprouts and peanuts.
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The Vietnamese know a factor or two about pho-nomenol meals. It’s characterised by recent, contrasting flavours and textures. Think candy and bitter, crunchy and silky, fried and steamed. Tuck into piping sizzling bowls of phở (beef noodle soup), crunchy bun bo xao (beef noodle salad) and scrumptious seafood hotpot washed down with chilly beer. Not forgetting banh mi – a Vietnamese baguette stuffed with tender meat or tofu, pickled veggies, creamy mayo and recent chilli.
RELATED: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EATING IN VIETNAM
The proof is within the pudding, proper? Well, these cuisines are that good, Intrepid has whole journeys devoted to discovering, consuming and cooking the most effective Thai and Vietnamese fare.
TAKE YOUR TASTEBUDS ON A REAL FOOD ADVENTURE IN THAILAND OR VIETNAM
Culture
Littered with 1000’s of beautiful temples, the peaceable pulse of Buddhism permeates each day life in Thailand. Family can be paramount and nationwide delight is woven into the tradition. Thai persons are recognized for his or her heat and hospitality (it’s not known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’ for no cause!), and also you’re by no means too removed from a pleasant face welcoming you right into a restaurant, store or market stall.
Festivals additionally play an enormous function. If you need to immerse your self in Thai tradition, you might wish to align your journey with Songkran – a country-wide water combat that takes place in April to mark the Thai New Year. Or go to throughout November for the dazzling Yi Peng lantern pageant in Chiang Mai, or the strange Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi the place you possibly can watch tons of of native macaques feast on recent fruit.
Vietnam’s tradition is historical, nevertheless it has been influenced in several methods over time by the Chinese, Khmer, French and American cultures. Despite the hardships of the Vietnam War within the Sixties and Seventies, most Vietnamese folks are eager to get on with life and reside with a powerful sense of optimism and humility.
Many Vietnamese folks observe a type of faith that’s an fascinating mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, though there are additionally many practising Catholics. Like Thailand, household is an enormous focus, and festivals and holidays are spent with family members – taking part in rituals, feasting on particular meals, exchanging symbolic items and honouring ancestors. Some of the highest festivals embody Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) in late January/early February, Buddha’s birthday in April and Reunification Day celebrations in late April/early May.
Weather
Thailand has a tropical local weather with sizzling, humid and monsoonal climate. There are two seasons – moist and dry – however they differ barely from coast to coast. The greatest time to go to northern, jap and western Thailand is usually between November and February when it’s cooler and dry. If you’re heading south otherwise you fancy diving or snorkelling, January by way of April presents prime climate and sea circumstances.
The monsoon arrives in July by way of to November, and these months could also be uncomfortably sizzling and sticky for individuals who aren’t accustomed to tropical warmth. That stated, it’s much less crowded and generally is a nice alternative to expertise a quieter, extra tranquil Thailand.
Vietnam has extra numerous regional climate attributable to its location and landscapes. There are two distinct seasons – the northeast monsoon from October to early April and the southwest monsoon from April to September – however the climate varies lots throughout the nation.
Northern Vietnam experiences chilly, dry winters from December to February and in a single day temperatures can dip to 4°C (39°F), whereas southern Vietnam sees heat to sizzling temperatures all yr. That stated, temperatures typically exceed a swelteringly sizzling 36°C (97°F) in Ho Chi Minh City through the dry season, which isn’t perfect for individuals who want cooler climate.
The verdict
The jury’s out on this one. Thailand and Vietnam are each unimaginable international locations, and with a lot on provide – beautiful seashores, dramatic landscapes, mouthwatering meals, buzzing cities and heaps of tradition – we now have no doubts you’ll have an unforgettable journey regardless of the place you go. Happy travels!