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Full Cost Comparison for Budget Travelers
Southeast Asia is famous for being budget-friendly — and two of its most visited countries, Thailand and Vietnam, are top choices for backpackers, couples, and digital nomads alike.
But when it comes to actual spending, which country is more affordable in 2025?
Let’s break it down by comparing key travel costs: accommodation, food, transport, SIM, visa, and more.
🏨 1. Accommodation Costs
| Type | Thailand (USD/night) | Vietnam (USD/night) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hostel | $8–12 | $6–10 |
| 3-Star Hotel | $25–40 | $20–35 |
| 4–5 Star Hotel | $60–120 | $50–100 |
✅ Vietnam wins for slightly lower prices, especially outside major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
🍜 2. Food & Drink
| Item | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food Meal | $1.50–$3 | $1–$2 |
| Restaurant (Local) | $3–$6 | $2.50–$5 |
| Beer (Local) | $2–$3 | $1–$2 |
| Coffee (Cafe) | $2.50–$4 | $1.50–$3 |
🍲 Vietnam is cheaper overall, especially for coffee lovers and beer drinkers.
🚕 3. Transportation
| Type | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk Tuk/Taxi | $3–$6 per short trip | $2–$4 per short trip |
| Grab Ride | $3–$8 | $2–$5 |
| Scooter Rental | $7–$10/day | $5–$8/day |
| Bus (Local) | $0.30–$1 | $0.25–$0.50 |
🛵 Vietnam offers lower transportation costs, particularly for scooters and local travel.
📶 4. SIM Card & Internet
| Item | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| SIM (4G, 7–10GB) | $6–$10 | $4–$8 |
| Wi-Fi Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
📱 Both countries have fast internet, but Vietnam is slightly cheaper for mobile data.
🛂 5. Visa Fees (Tourists)
| Country | e-Visa Fee (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Free (for many countries, up to 30 days) | Varies |
| Vietnam | $25–$50 | Up to 90 days |
✅ Thailand is cheaper in terms of visa (or even visa-free), but Vietnam offers longer stay options.
👉 Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa at VietnamVisaEasy.com — fast, reliable, and available for 80+ nationalities.
🎟️ 6. Attractions & Tours
| Activity | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Day Tour (group) | $25–$50 | $20–$40 |
| Entrance Fees | $2–$20 | $1–$15 |
| Cooking Class | $25–$40 | $20–$35 |
🎯 Vietnam is more budget-friendly, especially for cultural experiences and nature tours.
📊 Total Daily Budget (Backpacker Style)
| Category | Thailand (USD/day) | Vietnam (USD/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Traveler | $30–$45 | $25–$40 |
| Mid-Range | $60–$90 | $50–$80 |
| Luxury | $120+ | $100+ |
🏁 Final Verdict: Which Country Is Cheaper?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
| Food & Drink | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
| Transport | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
| SIM & Internet | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
| Visa (short term) | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Total Budget | 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
✅ Vietnam is overall cheaper than Thailand in 2025, especially for long-term stays and digital nomads.
However, Thailand offers more visa-free entry and larger tourist infrastructure.
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Planning a trip to Vietnam?
Make sure you start with a hassle-free visa process.
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