Vietnam or Thailand

essgee

Looking at spending 14/16 days in December this year at one of these two countries. I'm torn as I can't do both but appreciate the have their own merits.

Anyone got any hints or tips from their own experiences?

domtheone

Why can't you do both?  Not very far apart.

Love Thailand so would say Thailand

Never been to Nam though but everyone I know who has, says it was great.

Either way, win win for you I reckon

garryboy

Me and my wife went to Thailand for 3 weeks for our honeymoon. Was the best holiday we've ever had.

Stayed 1st night in Bangkok. Then travelled north to Chiang Mai. Stayed in a stunning boutique hotel our friend who stayed there had found us. Travelled about on mopeds there for a few days. Chaing mai is beautiful. Full of temples wonderful people and the food was amazing. We Then drove 110km into the hills to a wee place called Pai. What a place. Was like travelled back in time. Stayed in a wooden hut at the side of a padi field.

We went onto the Island of koh Chang. Got the overnight bus from Bangkok down the coast to catch the morning ferry to the Island. Booked a standard room but we're upgraded to an oriental villa for free as we were on honeymoon. What a stunning Island at that time was not a tourist hotspot so was unspoiled unlike some of the other islands.

We went back to Bangkok for a few days before we came home.

Really was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to go back.

essgee

If I had 4 weeks, I'd do both! But I don't want to spend just a few days in each area and end up rushing around. It's part sight seeing/part relaxation hopefully!

essgee

Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for the comments. If we do Thailand, I think we'd do similar... Bangkok for a few days, then chang mai, then phuket area.

As I haven't been to either country, I'm sure both are good choices for winter sun/exploration. I don't know many that have been to vietnam unfortunately.

garryboy

If you need any help with accommodation then give me a shout. The places I stayed in were stunning and great value for money.

I used the lonely planet as my guide. Gives priceless information about getting about from bus routes, places to visit, eat ect

Suggest buying the Thailand one and have a read.

domtheone

Cheap Air travel across Thailand too.  Have used both Air Asia and Nok Air.  No complaints.

You can generally get Ryanair/Easyjet type prices, traving across the country (BKK-Chiang Mai-Phuket).

Of course you can still travel much cheaper via train/bus but it takes an age!

garryboy

Yeh agree. Paid £50 for return flights from Bangkok to chaing mai. About 1hr flight time and it was a 747[emoji574]️Jam packed it was

The overnight bus from Bangkok to Trat was an experience. Took about 6-7 hrs Best to travel with the locals on the government buses and avoid the tourist buses.

We sat next to a bloke and with all his fishing gear. Long way to go fishing

craig1912

Not been myself but speaking to someone recently who has just booked their third trip to Cambodia and reckons it is so much nicer (and cheaper) than Thailand (which he has been to for many years - as long ago as 30 years).

garryboy

We toyed with idea of Cambodia. As we're right on the border down at Trat. Decided to leave that for another trip.

Fancy Laos also