6 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

6 hours ago, atyclb said:

import and craft beer in thailand is a ripoff. the big beer companies maintain a monopoly and tailor laws to keep it that way.  

 

lots of fairly priced craft beer made in vietnam as they do not try to stop microbreweries as does thailand.  even those with deep pockets feel like they are being raped and lost enthusiasm.

 

http://7bridges.vn/

I'll give the same response as I do to posts complaining about wine. If you only go somewhere for the booze, then go elsewhere. Thailand has more attractions that grog, if one cares to look.

 

i was just addressing the beer comments. primary reason i like da nang is the beach and surfable waves, big wide open streets, no terrible traffic, good food.  alcohol is never a reason for choosing a place.

4 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Up from what to what.... easy to have impressive increments in % terms when the starting point is low.

"International visitors to Viet Nam in September estimated 1,561,274 arrivals, increase 3.2% over last month and up 28.8% over the same period last year. Total international arrivals in 9 months reached 12,870,506 arrivals, increasing 10.8% over the same period last year."

Up from the same period last year.

 

Not a bad increase for only 12 months. 

 

7 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

If it gets as popular as Thailand expect it to become just as difficult to live there as LOS. Everything that's great is only great till it isn't, and every good thing ends, as I have found out, sadly.

I agree, and I have considered this, but I think that issue would be some years away.

 

Vietnam only opened their boarders around 1990, so their tourism industry is quite young.  It will be sometime before it is saturated.

 

In the meantime, it will be interesting to see Vietnam's progression, and I think we will see it progress quite fast.

 

One prime example is the F1.  Unthinkable a few years ago, now a reality. 

 

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tickets-for-the-2020-vietnam-grand-prix-on-sale-now.acEhLhk8JWJ2bUehed4w5.html

 

 

6 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I'll give the same response as I do to posts complaining about wine. If you only go somewhere for the booze, then go elsewhere. Thailand has more attractions that grog, if one cares to look.

Thailand has cheap booze, just pop a laukhao open. Since all grog is equal, eh?

3 hours ago, DrTuner said:

Thailand has cheap booze, just pop a laukhao open. Since all grog is equal, eh?

Smells like gasoline, good for constipation.

13 hours ago, atyclb said:

alcohol is never a reason for choosing a place.

I agree, but it is a bonus.  ????

On 10/21/2019 at 5:24 PM, thaibeachlovers said:

Cheaper dental is a big one. 

Cheaper accommodation is another.

Being warm all the time is a really big one.

We are all aware of the Hilton Hotel chain.

 

I have just done a comparison on Agoda.

 

The Pattaya Hilton is 6,591 baht a night, and the Hilton Hotel Danang is 4,280 baht a night.  I used the same date for the search, which was tonight, the 24/10/19. 

 

So, comparing like to like, your comment that accommodation is cheaper in Pattaya is not correct.

 

I have compared the prices of a random dentist in Pattaya, and a random dentist in Danang.  The prices are in the links below.

 

http://www.dentalsmilepattaya.com/service.html

 

http://danangdentist.com/services/

 

Comparing a basic scale and clean, it's 800 to 1200 baht in Pattaya, and 300,000 to 400,000 VND in Danang for the same service.

 

Picking the average, is 1000 baht, and 350,000 VND.

 

From the www.xe.com website, 350,000 VND is 459 baht.

 

So, 459 baht in Danang, and 1000 baht in Pattaya, for the same dental procedure.

 

As for the climate, Thailand and Vietnam are both warm for me, as I would suggest it is for a vast majority of westerners.

 

So, I have to not only disagree with your post, but also say your post is completely wrong.

 

Accommodation and dentistry is in fact cheaper in Vietnam. 

 

1 hour ago, Leaver said:

The Pattaya Hilton is 6,591 baht a night, and the Hilton Hotel Danang is 4,280 baht a night.  I used the same date for the search, which was tonight, the 24/10/19. 

Other than the Pattaya Hilton being closer to more entertainment options, the fact you chose a last minute booking at the resort's top hotel might not quite be like to like. How about a last minute room in Pattaya at 200 baht.... no reservation required. 

On 10/24/2019 at 3:10 PM, jacko45k said:

Other than the Pattaya Hilton being closer to more entertainment options, the fact you chose a last minute booking at the resort's top hotel might not quite be like to like. How about a last minute room in Pattaya at 200 baht.... no reservation required. 

I'm not sure I understand.

 

Are you saying a comparison of the cheapest accommodation available would be better?

8 hours ago, Leaver said:

I'm not sure I understand.

 

Are you saying a comparison of the cheapest accommodation available would be better?

If wanting to compare the average price of accommodation I believe so, rather than comparing the absolutely top end. Pattaya generally wins out on cheap accommodations. 

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

If wanting to compare the average price of accommodation I believe so, rather than comparing the absolutely top end. Pattaya generally wins out on cheap accommodations. 

I see.  You do have an interesting point, however, the Hilton chain maintains Hilton standards, globally, so I thought it a fair hotel comparison. 

 

Pattaya is a lot bigger, as a tourist destination, than Danang, so, the range of accommodation would be greater, as would be the competition.  The average price of accommodation would be difficult to accurately compare, but I do take your point.  

 

What about The Big Mac Index?  A Big Mac in Thailand is exactly the same product as a Big Mac in Vietnam, and any other country, for that matter.

 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/274326/big-mac-index-global-prices-for-a-big-mac/

 

This shows a Big Mac in Thailand is $3.72USD and the same Big Mac in Vietnam is $2.80USD, which is are 25% cheaper. 

 

At 25% more purchasing power in Vietnam, that makes a holiday to Thailand 25% more expensive than a holiday to Vietnam, thus making Vietnam "scary" for Thailand. 

 

 

 

 

On 10/20/2019 at 3:36 AM, moontang said:

Plenty of excellent viet doctors... all practicing in the US. So try not to get blacklisted in LOS.. it will be a lot more convenient.  I heard they do the warm beer idiocy in Hanoi.  Any truth to that, or is that only at places in LOS where the Brits used to go, before they were knocked off their high horse. 

You can come and hang off our coattails again then ? 

20 hours ago, Leaver said:

This shows a Big Mac in Thailand is $3.72USD and the same Big Mac in Vietnam is $2.80USD, which is are 25% cheaper. 

 

At 25% more purchasing power in Vietnam, that makes a holiday to Thailand 25% more expensive than a holiday to Vietnam, thus making Vietnam "scary" for Thailand.

I don't know how Thailand handles these foreign companies, generally the foreign outfit has to pay more for things. Even a sign or label, put some English, price goes up. I expect Vietnam or Saigon would on average be cheaper for food... but on variety surely Pattaya could win out, and may be cheaper for that great British staple.... a curry! Thai food is one of the pluses. I would have to live for a spell in both places, but, for example, I think my old home in UK is cheaper than Pattaya. I usually don't have to pay for accommodation there, else the situation would be opposite. Beer and food and transport all cheap, although no dancing girls come with that beer. 

23 hours ago, jacko45k said:

If wanting to compare the average price of accommodation I believe so, rather than comparing the absolutely top end. Pattaya generally wins out on cheap accommodations. 

Absolutely untrue, not speaking of condos etc, but comparing apples to apples. Rooms are far cheaper in Vietnam without question 

On 10/27/2019 at 9:54 AM, jacko45k said:

I don't know how Thailand handles these foreign companies, generally the foreign outfit has to pay more for things. Even a sign or label, put some English, price goes up. I expect Vietnam or Saigon would on average be cheaper for food... but on variety surely Pattaya could win out, and may be cheaper for that great British staple.... a curry! Thai food is one of the pluses. I would have to live for a spell in both places, but, for example, I think my old home in UK is cheaper than Pattaya. I usually don't have to pay for accommodation there, else the situation would be opposite. Beer and food and transport all cheap, although no dancing girls come with that beer. 

My understanding of The Big Mac Index is that it compares the purchasing power you have when you go to that country. 

 

In this comparison, Thailand and Vietnam, a Big Mac is 25% cheaper in Vietnam, so the theory is your money has 25% more purchasing power in Vietnam, when compared to Thailand. 

 

This theory extends to many commodities, so would give an indication the cost of living in that country. 

On 7/23/2019 at 2:02 PM, marcusarelus said:

Does the recent clampdown effect Chinese tourists?  How do you know that more people die on the roads than the official numbers?  I don't. 

In Thailand, road toll numbers are made up of those that die at the scene of the accident. There are a lot of victims who die on the way to or in hospital so the figure given is not accurate. 

On 10/27/2019 at 10:22 AM, Ron jeremy said:

Absolutely untrue, not speaking of condos etc, but comparing apples to apples. Rooms are far cheaper in Vietnam without question 

It's difficult to compare apples to apples for hotel rooms.  There's just too many variables.  That's why I chose the Hilton.  

 

I agree that rooms are cheaper in Vietnam, but how do you do a comparison?

On 10/29/2019 at 4:45 PM, Bangna Betty said:

In Thailand, road toll numbers are made up of those that die at the scene of the accident. There are a lot of victims who die on the way to or in hospital so the figure given is not accurate. 

And Thailand still has one of the highest road death rates in the world.

On 10/29/2019 at 1:26 PM, Leaver said:

It's difficult to compare apples to apples for hotel rooms.  There's just too many variables.  That's why I chose the Hilton.  

I agree that rooms are cheaper in Vietnam, but how do you do a comparison?

I just booked this penthouse with private balcony in the centre of Saigon.

Under 500bht/night, what would that cost in Bangkok?

 

On 10/21/2019 at 7:51 PM, mostcurious said:

I just arrived in pattaya and will be visiting my favourite restaurant Cafe Petini on soi buakhao. The food they serve here appears to be of a high standard I think. 

That restaurant ( sic ) was my favourite in Pattaya. Definitely the best breakfast. Unfortunately, Buakhao is so dangerous due to no pavements that I was reluctant to go there.

On 10/31/2019 at 2:52 PM, BritManToo said:

what would that cost in Bangkok?

Step outside nice and cheap accommodation like this in Ho Chi Minh City, and your food, beverage, transport, tourist activities, and "fun" is also nice and cheap. 

 

The question now is: "Why would anyone bother going to Bangkok when Ho Chi Minh City is so close?" 

2 hours ago, Leaver said:

Step outside nice and cheap accommodation like this in Ho Chi Minh City, and your food, beverage, transport, tourist activities, and "fun" is also nice and cheap. 

 

The question now is: "Why would anyone bother going to Bangkok when Ho Chi Minh City is so close?" 

Your right, I feel Bangkok is so much more expensive now. Whilst just an 1 1/2 hours away by plane, you have Ho Chi Minh city. The flights are quite cheap, it's possible to book a return from Bangkok to HCMC for under £100. Last time in HCMC I stayed at a very nice guesthouse for £15 per night in the heart of the city. That is now not possible in Bangkok. 

19 hours ago, mostcurious said:

Your right, I feel Bangkok is so much more expensive now. Whilst just an 1 1/2 hours away by plane, you have Ho Chi Minh city. The flights are quite cheap, it's possible to book a return from Bangkok to HCMC for under £100. Last time in HCMC I stayed at a very nice guesthouse for £15 per night in the heart of the city. That is now not possible in Bangkok. 

Bangkok is only a tourist destination for a few days.  I doubt many tourists spend their whole holiday in Bangkok.

 

What is interesting is, with cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City, particularly with Vietjet, out of Suvarnabhumi, you may even start to see what was domestic Bangkok tourism that would normally go to Pattaya on weekends, start to go to Ho Chi Minh City, or, Danang or Nha Trang, as their weekend is nicer and cheaper, and with an overseas feel.  

 

Once again, "scary" for Pattaya.

On 11/4/2019 at 10:18 PM, mostcurious said:

Your right, I feel Bangkok is so much more expensive now. Whilst just an 1 1/2 hours away by plane, you have Ho Chi Minh city. The flights are quite cheap, it's possible to book a return from Bangkok to HCMC for under £100. Last time in HCMC I stayed at a very nice guesthouse for £15 per night in the heart of the city. That is now not possible in Bangkok. 

Of course you can find a guesthouse or cheap hotel for 500-550 baht/ night in Bangkok. 

On 11/4/2019 at 7:18 AM, mostcurious said:

Your right, I feel Bangkok is so much more expensive now. Whilst just an 1 1/2 hours away by plane, you have Ho Chi Minh city. The flights are quite cheap, it's possible to book a return from Bangkok to HCMC for under £100. Last time in HCMC I stayed at a very nice guesthouse for £15 per night in the heart of the city. That is now not possible in Bangkok. 

Why even bother with Bangkok?  Just fly straight into HCMC.  From there you can work your way north all the way to Hanoi if you want to.  There are lot of places to visit and sights to see that haven't been destroyed by wars with the Japanese, French, and Americans.

6 hours ago, Hanuman2547 said:

Why even bother with Bangkok?  Just fly straight into HCMC.  From there you can work your way north all the way to Hanoi if you want to.  There are lot of places to visit and sights to see that haven't been destroyed by wars with the Japanese, French, and Americans.

That's what I do, stay just one night at a hotel near Bangkok airport and then fly out next day to Vietnam. Its easy, on arrival at Bangkok airport get to the airport rail link, travel to the first stop at Lad Krabang station then take a taxi to a nearby hotel. There are many along Lad Krabang road which is close by.

 

The only reason I stayed in Thailand this time around was because there were only 5 months left on my passport so I was unable to fly to any neighbouring country's. I stayed for 6 nights in Pattaya and saw lots of tourists, and yes Walking street was very busy, just not with "Westerners". So I disagree with the title of this thread.

 

People may argue that Pattaya has beer bars and Go Go bars. Well things have changed, I am now very wary of going into a beer bar, knowing the minute my back is turned some one will pad my bar bill. With fewer beer bar customers, bar workers are becoming more desperate for money and so this will become more regular. That is wrong. I want to sit in in a nice bar / restaurant, with genuinely friendly staff, relax and enjoy myself, that's what holidays are for.   

On 11/8/2019 at 12:02 AM, mostcurious said:

That's what I do, stay just one night at a hotel near Bangkok airport and then fly out next day to Vietnam.

New airport being built near Ho Chi Minh City.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Thanh_International_Airport

 

Charter flights already go into Vietnam, particularly Russian charter flights into Nha Trang.

 

Given tourism in Vietnam is up 28% on last year, it's only a matter of time before a lot more airlines start long haul direct flights to Vietnam.  Then, no need to stop over in Bangkok.

On 11/7/2019 at 4:28 PM, Hanuman2547 said:

Why even bother with Bangkok?  Just fly straight into HCMC. 

Many use Bangkok for cheap flights and as a stop over, then get a connecting flight to Vietnam.

 

You can bet the TAT count these passengers as tourists to Thailand, despite them never leaving the airport.  ????

the greedy bar owners and expensive lady of the night are to blame ..punters seek better places now for their boom booms

2 minutes ago, 3NUMBAS said:

the greedy bar owners and expensive lady of the night are to blame ..punters seek better places now for their boom booms

Where is better to pick up a 30 something issarn beauty with a momma ,papa , and a horde of kids and a motorbike taxi husband ? Pattaya is unique ????