Vietnamese still prefer traveling to Thailand despite rising costs

February 12, 2025 | 03:09 pm PT
Traveling to Thailand has become more expensive for Vietnamese tourists, with higher airfares and hotel room prices. Despite this, many still choose Thailand for its attractions and tourism services.

Many readers shared their opinions on whether Thailand is still worth visiting despite the increased travel costs.

Reader Bqcsyv said: "I traveled to Thailand three times last year. Flights and hotels cost me over VND30 million (US$1,186). But I enjoyed my trips, so I didn't regret it."

Traveling to Thailand has now become more expensive for Vietnamese visitors, where flight tickets, hotel prices, and the baht exchange rate have all gone up.

In August 2023, a round-trip Hanoi-Bangkok ticket on AirAsia, a Malaysian budget airline, cost $99. By August 2024, the price had risen to $12. Hotel prices also increased by 30%, especially for 4-5 star hotels, while budget hotels saw a smaller 10% rise. In 2023, the exchange rate ranged from VND690-710 per baht, but in 2024, it sometimes reached VND780 per baht.

Dancers welcome tourists to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, September 2023. Photo by AFP

Dancers welcome tourists to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, September 2023. Photo by AFP

Some travelers are now reconsidering Thailand due to the rising travel costs.

Reader Dai Hai Vo said: "Thailand's scenery isn't that special, but their tourism services are excellent. I've been there once or twice, and that was enough for me. Before, the Thai government offered subsidies that kept travel costs low and attracted more visitors. Now that prices have gone back up, I don't think I'll return."

Reader Kienchaymuarao added: "With travel costs in Thailand so high now, I'd rather travel domestically in Vietnam. Our country is just as beautiful as Thailand. I just wish our tourism industry was more professional and stopped overcharging visitors so we could improve our reputation."

But others still choose Thailand as a top destination.

Reader Bug said: "I've been to Thailand 12 times. Their beaches are beautiful, and their service is welcoming - much better than ours (Vietnam's). Thai food is as good as Vietnamese food, but their prices are more reasonable. Their shopping malls also surpass Vietnam's in both variety and affordability.

Flights to Thailand are cheaper than domestic flights, their shopping options are better, their products are more diverse, and they treat foreign tourists more kindly than in Vietnam. The only downside now is Thailand's political instability, with recent violent incidents in shopping malls making the country less safe."

Comparing Vietnamese and Thai tourism, reader Dinh concluded: "In the 1990s, Vietnam had more stunning landscapes than Thailand. But while we let urban development ruin our natural scenery, the Thai preserved theirs. Thailand also does a better job at tourism. Their prices are stable and fair. It's a shopping paradise with huge malls and a wide variety of products. Food is affordable everywhere - from fancy restaurants to street stalls. Even at the airport, prices are the same as outside.

Public transportation is another plus. Thailand has plenty of buses, trains, and taxis, all convenient for tourists. A tour from HCMC to Da Nang or Phu Quoc costs about the same as a trip to Thailand. For my family and me, the choice is clear - we'll keep choosing Thailand."

The opinions expressed here are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress's viewpoints. Send your opinions here.
 
 
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