For decades, Thailand was the undisputed king of budget travel in Southeast Asia. However, post-pandemic inflation and currency fluctuations have shifted the landscape. Travelers planning their getaways are left wondering: does Vietnam offer a more wallet-friendly alternative, or do the costs balance out once you factor in logistics? Yes, Vietnam is generally 20 percent to 30 percent cheaper than Thailand across the board. While both remain incredibly affordable by Western standards, Vietnam offers superior value on day-to-day expenses like accommodation, street food, and local transport for the Indian traveler. However, Thailand still retains an edge in flight availability and mature tourism luxury.
Currency Comparison: INR To THB And INR To VND
Thailand
Current Conversion Rate: INR 1 = 0.35 THB
Your money splits, meaning everything feels numerically lower, but adds up very quickly in commercial hubs like Bangkok or Phuket.
Vietnam
Current Conversion Rate: INR 1 = 275.29 VND
The massive conversion rate turns a budget of INR 30,000 into millions of Vietnamese Dong, giving you deep purchasing power for accommodation and dining.
Expense Breakdown: Category-Wise Cost Comparison
| Expense Category (Per Person) | Thailand Cost (Estimated) | Vietnam Cost (Estimated) | Budget Winner |
| Average Flight (Return from India) | INR 18,000 to INR 35,000 | INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 | Thailand (Marginally) |
| Daily Accommodation (3-star / Homestay) | INR 1,500 to INR 3,500 | INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 | Vietnam |
| Local Food & Coffee (Daily) | INR 800 to INR 1,500 | INR 400 to INR 900 | Vietnam |
| Local Transport (Grab / Public Transit) | INR 400 to INR 800 | INR 200 to INR 500 | Vietnam |
| Entry-Level Visa Fees for Indians | THB 2,000 (~INR 5,900) | USD 25 (~INR 2,100) | Vietnam |
Connectivity And Flight Costs
Thailand wins slightly on flight frequency. Direct budget airlines (AirAsia, IndiGo) fly frequently into Bangkok from major Indian hubs. Vietnam (via VietJet or Vietnam Airlines) has excellent connectivity to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but flights to secondary destinations can cost a bit more.
Accommodation Costs: Hostels, Boutique Stays, And Other Options
Vietnam offers luxury aesthetics at absolute baseline prices. A gorgeous, highly-rated homestay in Hoi An or Hanoi regularly costs under INR 1,500 per night. In Thailand, equivalent quality in tourist zones like Phuket or Krabi starts closer to INR 2,500.
Food, Drinks, And Nightlife Expenditures
Street food culture is legendary in both countries. However, a bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi sandwich in Vietnam costs roughly INR 100 to INR 150, whereas a basic Pad Thai or green curry at a Thai night market ranges between INR 150 and INR 250. Thailand still wins if your priority is a heavy party and alcohol-fueled nightlife, but Vietnam’s cafe culture is significantly cheaper.
Getting Around Town: Commuting Costs
Booking a “Grab Bike” (motorcycle taxi) in Vietnam is incredibly cheap and highly efficient for solo travelers. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system is excellent, but prices compound for families, and traditional Tuk-Tuks frequently overcharge tourists.
Thailand Visa Rule Changes
As mentioned previously, Thailand served as an affordable international destination for Indians for years. However, that completely changed when the entry costs completely flipped after May 2026. The Thai government cancelled the 60-day visa exemption. Indian passport holders must now pay a steep THB 2,000 (around INR 5,900) fee for a 15-day Visa on Arrival, or pre-arrange a tourist e-Visa. Furthermore, Indian travelers must carry a minimum of THB 20,000 in cash per passenger to clear immigration.
On the other hand, Vietnam, while not completely visa-free, has an online e-Visa portal that is exceptionally straightforward, costs a flat USD 25 (INR 2,100) for a 30-day stay, and requires zero mandatory cash-in-hand thresholds.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pick, Vietnam Or Thailand?
While both destinations are guaranteed to provide you with fun and memorable experiences, Vietnam, if cost is a strict criterion, is better than Thailand. However, you must still decide what things you want to prioritize on your trip.
Choose Vietnam If: You want maximum value for money, prefer dramatic scenery (like Ha Long Bay or Sapa), love a relaxed cafe vibe, and want to keep your daily expenses under INR 3,000 per day.
Choose Thailand If: You are a first-time international traveler looking for highly streamlined tourist infrastructure, world-class beach resorts, intense commercial shopping, and bustling nightlife, and you don’t mind paying a little extra.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Vietnam
Summing Up
Both Vietnam and Thailand remain excellent choices for Indian travelers seeking an affordable international vacation, but Vietnam currently offers better overall value. Lower costs for accommodation, food, local transport, and visa fees make it easier to stretch your budget without compromising on the experience. Thailand, meanwhile, continues to shine with its extensive flight connectivity, well-developed tourism infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous beach destinations. If your primary goal is to maximize every rupee, Vietnam is the clear winner. However, if convenience, island hopping, luxury resorts, and a lively entertainment scene matter more than keeping costs to a minimum, Thailand is still worth the extra expense. Ultimately, the best destination depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities.
