Korean Job Discussion Forums

thewolf · Joined: 30 Apr 2007

i've shortened my summer vacation list to thailand & vietnam. i've found similar rates for airfare. i am equally interested in each destination for travel.

can anyone who has traveled through both these countries offer advice? most intriguing location? cheapest travel? easiest country for to & fro travel?

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

Thailand for R&R. Vietnam for that "country on the move" feel.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

It's too subjective (as most comparitives always are).

I prefer Vietnam.

Biggest bang for the buck.. uhmm.. its southeast asia.. why would 'bang for buck' be a factor? Choose what appeals to you more.. $-wise it's more or less the same depending on what you spend your money on.

desultude · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 3:18 pm Post subject:

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

It is just bad timing to post something contrary to the desultude�s post above because I think the points are valid

However, I stayed in Hanoi and I thought everything was more expensive than in Thailand. Hotels being the most clear example. You can find basic very cheap accommodations in both places, but if you want to move up to step or two you get much better value for you money in Thailand.

The cost of food in both places is about the same, but in Thailand you have more budget choices. The food in Hanoi was excellent and a good value for the money, but it was more mid level prices than budget. In Thailand good cheap food can be found easily.

Vietnam is an excellent destination, but it is a little tougher for a tourist. Both places have there share of locals who will try to hustle tourists for higher prices. Vietnam is the gold medal winner in that department.

As a first time traveler to S.E. Asia looking to travel on a budget�.. I would recommend Thailand hands down.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I really didn't like Vietnam, constant touts, noisy and traffic.

If I were you, I'd spring for a cheap flight up to Udon Thani (sp?) from Bangkok and then go to Laos. It has a lot of the charms of Thailand, the french influence like in Vietnam but without the costs or hassles of a 'touristy' country.

bosintang · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject:

I have to agree with Passport. If you're on a strict low-end budget, then it doesn't really matter which country you're in, both are cheap. But if you're looking for mid-range or upscale hotels, food, and transportation, you'll get better bang for your money in Thailand.

As well, shopping is definitely better and cheaper in Thailand.

Overall, Thailand just has better tourist infrastructure and a more free-market economy. You have more choice available.

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

thewolf · Joined: 30 Apr 2007

crazylemongirl-

did you encounter any difficulty entering laos from thailand? did you take a bus/train? i've just begun the research - any insight you can provide would be much appreciated. do i need a visa?

i thought about thailand-to-cambodia but i've been advised by friends that it's a tourist trap and not worth the hassle.

currently - my plan is to fly in and out of bangkok.

thanks so much for all the suggestions!

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

For some weird reason it was cheaper for me to fly directly to Laos on thai air than it was to fly to bangkok! You do need a visa but you can get them on arrival at the airport or at the friendship bridge linking laos and northern thailand.

For more info I recommend this site:
http://www.travelfish.org/country/laos

passport220 · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

I have taken the overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai (2nd class, a/c). It is cheap and comfortable however, I should say I am a �train person�. I like travelling on Thai trains to see the countryside when I travel.

The Nong Khai station is very near the Lao / Thai boarder (linked by the Friendship bridge). When you get off the train take a tuk-tuk for about 20 baht - you just have to follow the crowd, a lot of other people will be going to the boarder�..it is all somewhat �programmed�. As CLG said you can get a visa on the spot at the boarder, the cost is around $20-$25 usd.

thewolf · Joined: 30 Apr 2007

thanks for the advice!

i decided to fly into bangkok/out of laos

of course, the travel agents tell me everything is booked. i'm waitlisted and the prices continue to escalate.

what's the deal? are they pulling my chain? i realize the demand is high and they can charge ridiculous prices...is this about the way things roll? they offer a rate, you agree to book, then they tell you there is no room and it will be more expensive?

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

I've been to Thailand and Vietnam a few times and prefer Thailand. Vietnam just got stressful with the constant touts and scam factor.
You are mentioning Laos and Cambidia. If you are adventurous, fly to Ubon Rachathani (different from Udon Thani) and cross into southern Laos. Then down the Maekong river into Cambodia. Then back from Cambodia to Thailand (less stressful that direction). That would be a nice trip, a lot of travel.
An easier trip would be Fly train to Udon Thani, Nong Khai, cross to Laos and Luang Phrabang, as crazylemon mentioned.
All of these trips would be better in the cool season. It is hard to beat Koh Samui for a trip in July or August.
Drew