Economy Vietnam Tourism Threat Looms: Could It Overtake Thailand?

[JoseThailand]

Let them all go to Vietnam.

Go! Go!

We don't need you here

[The Pattaya Man]

10 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Thailand is pricing itself out of business, especially here in Phuket the cost of accommodation is stupid now, Around the area I live you can see the difference it's going quiet, Ive spoke to a few people recently and they all say the same thing, it's quiet, 

Baht way to strong,us old guys got 60 baht to a high of 75 from 99 to 2010,and easy visa's.

[LittleBear57]

Just returned from 2 weeks in Vietnam.  Obviously didn't do everything. But did Hanoi, Halong bay Ninh Binh, Hue Danang and Hoi An.

For families it was so much easier to get good hotels for 3 people or more, no 800bht extra bed charges. Hotels were excellent and like for like half the price. Everything in Vietnam is on time. Trains buses tours, taxis etc.

I found pollution a little worse for sure and I much preferred Thai food generally. Ban me sandwiches were nice though. Nightlife in Hanoi similar to Bangkok, I didn't see a red light area but perhaps it's there but I wasn't looking.

Halong bay nicer than Phang Na bay area. Can be crowded though. Ninh Binh loved it, nicer than anywhere I have visited in Thailand. Cycled everywhere there it felt so safe to do so. 

Hue a lovely city buzzing with life at night preferred it to Chiang Mai. Danang is nicer and cleaner than Pattaya, especially the beach and sea front area. If there is a red light area I didn't see it.

Hoi An a wonderful place in the evening, with the boats and lanterns. Like loy kratong every night but with boats in a lovely old town.

More bargaining required in Vietnam and more hard sell than Thailand. Apart from food Vietnam for me is nicer especially for a holiday.

[iaminwa]

Everyone I speak to is visiting or moving to Vietnam this year, especially Na Trang. Seems everything is better there, and the birds have natural big T*%s and not bolt ons.

[davb]

11 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

And they have great coffee.

They absolutely do. I was in Da Nang for a border run and it was coffee heaven.

[Jiggo]

Been to Vietnam a few times now, back next month from Thailand, Thailand now attracts weed heads and idiots who like to get away with things they would not do in there own country, not family favourites.

The bubble has burst, you have milked it all you can TAT.

[Jiggo]

1 hour ago, JoseThailand said:

Let them all go to Vietnam.

Go! Go!

We don't need you here

Who's We, Joe other weed heads?

[Jumbo1968]

4 hours ago, Pinot said:

 

A couple of years ago, I visited Vietnam for a month. Walking home at night in Hoi A the rats were all over the trash and garbage. I saw nothing in Da Nang that would make me want to return. Saigon was a crowded mess where every scooter driver constantly honked their horn. Crossing the street was a constant challenge. It's a place where you have to bring your scooter into your house at night or it would certainly be stolen. The cops there make the BIB look like alter boys. Overall, it's a full step down in every category from LOS. I never want to return. 

 I have been to Da Nang and Hoi An for the last 3 years, no piles of garbage or rats, no idea where you were staying. Scooters do honk their horns as do car drivers to warn you, or they are approaching a junction.

As far as the Police were concerned I never saw any, we were involved in a minor road accident in a taxi, no Police involved, drivers sorted it out amicably.

[Patong2021]

Maybe, but it will take time. And if it does, many of the  farangs who  are in Thailand will not be welcome.

 

I expect that for some of the Vietnam boosters here, they have never been to Vietnam or had dealings with the Vietnamese.  It is not easy. They are more fatalistic than Thais and their sense of hospitality is different too. Their corruption can be more intense and overt.  You want to complain about Thais not being proactive, well the Vietnamese are  even worse. A large number of the people who visit Thailand now would not be welcome in Vietnam as the Vietnamese have a low tolerance for  misbehaving foreigners. In public, they can be quite prudish.  For some people fed up of the debauchery of Thailand,  this would be welcome. However for much of the demographic that visits Pattaya and  Patong, Vietnam is not an alternative. Be careful what you wish for.

[norsurin]

The only thing Thailand allways talk about is the billions of baht they will make 

What about talking about tourists Safety..the ridiculous high thai baht and so on.A beer in Bangkok cost more then a beer in Europe.Their rice export going down because of this high thai baht but they want admit it 

I really hope that the US tariffs will hit them soon.They overpricing everything that they import and think thats ok 

Thailand is a paradise for criminals who can do whatever they want.How many foreigners have lost everything they had in Thailand..many on daily bases but instead of doing something about it they let the Thais get away with it.

Its not strange that some thaigirls kicking their foreigner husband and take it all..its because the thai government learning them that this is ok 

[KireB]

I find the people in Hanoi too much in your face, Lots of scams back in the early 2000's. Thailand has color, feels warmer. 

[portisaacozzy]

13 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Oh wow, good one - you said "lieland" instead of "Thailand"!! 

Vietnam isn't a patch on Thailand in many aspects.

 

13 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Oh wow, good one - you said "lieland" instead of "Thailand"!! 

Vietnam isn't a patch on Thailand in many aspects.

i bet the last time you were there was during the Viet war,yep things were not the best then

[Maxbkkcm]

7 hours ago, Jimjim1 said:

2000 baht renewal each month! You got to be joking? 
The Thai government is making enough on visa costs as it is and when add to the rising cost of everything plus the manipulation of the baht is why people are going elsewhere, but the Thai government are obsessed with greed and cannot see the wood for the trees so perpetuate this stupidity.

I returned to Thailand 3 years after Covid and my monthly costs have doubled and I don’t drink or go to bars.

We could all get together and send an ‘en block ‘ email to TAT but to Thais farang no nothing, so carry on doing what you do best Thailand but don’t complain when the costs of disrespect and greed comes home to roost

What items or things are you paying more than 3 years ago? 

[BayArea]

3 hours ago, LittleBear57 said:

Halong bay nicer than Phang Na bay area. Can be crowded though. Ninh Binh loved it, nicer than anywhere I have visited in Thailand. Cycled everywhere there it felt so safe to do so. 

Hue a lovely city buzzing with life at night preferred it to Chiang Mai. Danang is nicer and cleaner than Pattaya, especially the beach and sea front area. If there is a red light area I didn't see it.

Hoi An a wonderful place in the evening, with the boats and lanterns. Like loy kratong every night but with boats in a lovely old town.

More bargaining required in Vietnam and more hard sell than Thailand. Apart from food Vietnam for me is nicer especially for a holiday

this is a perfect summary. the only thing I don't agree with and is a big one, the food. Viet food is second to none. the variety, originality, nutritional benefits, and flavor are amazing!!

[spidermike007]

Thailand suffers from an impossible level of smugness and arrogance, and a persistent belief that they are truly the center of the universe and the best thing in the world. They don't have a clue. Sometimes it feels like the fact that the nation was never colonized was a leading factor in this hubris and inability to see the world for what it is. The severe inability to adapt, improve, and reform, has hurt their prospects. 

 

Thailand is no longer attracting very many Western tourists for a dozen very good reasons. Right now it is predominantly Malaysian, Indian, Arab, some Chinese, and Russian. One could argue that these are relatively low quality tourists, in terms of the amounts of money that they spend. Sure you have a few wealthy Russians and some wealthy Chinese, but most are lower to middle income and don't spend alot. 

 

It's all good. Far less tourism would make Thailand far more comfortable for the tourists who come, and for the expats, and would likely lead to better attitudes amongst people in tourism. They simply would need to be creative in figuring out ways to make up for the lost billions in revenue. 

[DonniePeverley]

I call bull. 

 

Too many of these stories around the Casino debate. It's not a coincidence. 

 

Thailand is ram packed with tourists, and is on course to have a record breaking year in terms of numbers of visitors - albeit they are cheap, criminals, and horrific low rent tourists. 

[Lancelot01]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Halong Bay. Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Could Thailand’s tourism crown be slipping to Vietnam? Tourism chiefs are alarmed as Vietnam's inbound tourism rocketed nearly 50% in March compared to pre-pandemic levels, while Thailand grapples with lacklustre growth. Experts warn Vietnam could surpass Thailand as Southeast Asia's top destination in just a few short years.

 

President of the Chon Buri Tourism Federation, Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, suggests that Vietnam's appeal, with family-friendly resorts and cheaper living costs, is becoming irresistible.

 

Vietnam has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 23 million foreign visitors this year, challenging Thailand's recently revised down target of 36.5 million arrivals from an initial 38.5 million forecast.

 

Thailand saw a notable decline in tourist numbers in March, with 2.7 million arrivals, 20% down from 2019 levels. Meanwhile, Vietnam registered over 2 million visitors, marking a substantial 40% increase over the same period.

 

Mr Thanet highlights Vietnam’s competitive edge, citing newer, cost-effective attractions, and all-inclusive packages at half the price of Thailand’s offerings.

 

Additionally, Vietnam's strategy includes supporting international travel agents, like those from Russia, by subsidising air travel and reducing airport landing fees, prompting agents to prefer hosting tours in cities such as Nha Trang over typically popular Thai destinations like Phuket.

 

This logistical ease is bolstered by Vietnam's well-placed international airports, which significantly reduce transfer times for tourists.

 

Mr Thanet warns that without significant infrastructure upgrades and innovating new attractions, Thailand risks losing its tourist draw. He's calling on the Thai government to actively enhance tourism strategies and intensify safety measures to hit their target of 36.5 million arrivals.

 

Concerns echo from Sanga Ruangwattanakul, President of the Khao San Road Business Association, who notes Bangkok's dwindling visitor numbers amidst a shrinking Chinese market and a drift towards destinations like Vietnam.

 

Vietnam boasts a diverse array of natural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment options, challenging reputed Thai tourist spots like Khao San Road.

 

To counteract these trends, the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) recently proposed a subsidy plan to the Tourism Authority and the government, aiming to bolster Chinese tourism arrivals.

 

They estimate the plan, requiring a 320 million baht government-backed investment, could generate 8.3 billion baht in revenue, subject to stringent conditions like flight quotas and partnership costs covered largely by the private sector.

 

The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking for Thailand to reform and adapt its tourism strategies as Vietnam's offerings lure away eager globetrotters.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-06

 

 

 

With a 45 day visa free entrance which can be extended at any travel agents, what's not to like.

Similar weather, similar food, and less expensive. 

[josephbloggs]

6 hours ago, Xonax said:

Thailand wants mass-tourism, but most tourists don't!  I have long ago stopped paying for overprized tours, where all tourists like cattle are being ferried to the same small beaches!

Why have you used a picture of Maya Bay from several years ago?

Maya Bay has been closed for long periods, it is closed for a few months every year, tourist numbers are strictly limited, and speedboat landings have been banned for years.

Boats can only drop off at Loh Samah Bay on the back side, tourists are allowed one hour on the beach and can't go in the water beyond paddling. No swimming or snorkeling.

Please keep up.
 

[josephbloggs]

3 hours ago, portisaacozzy said:

 

i bet the last time you were there was during the Viet war,yep things were not the best then

Wasn't born during the Vietnam War, but nice try buddy.

[Lorry]

People who complain double pricing in Thailand should go to Vietnam.

No double pricing there. 

5-times pricing

[connda]

Vietnam Tourism Threat Looms: Could It Overtake Thailand?

 

"Vietnam Tourism Threat?"  Oh my goodness.  Should Thailand go to war with Vietnam to counter the "threat?"

Thailand should try some serious introspection: The world does not revolve around Thailand and its culture.
Make tourist feel unwelcome and they go elsewhere.  So figure out what Vietnam is doing better than Thailand and adjust.

[Tigger01]

 

 

17 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Oh wow, good one - you said "lieland" instead of "Thailand"!! 

Vietnam isn't a patch on Thailand in many aspects.

Vietnam is my favourite destination nowadays, been going to Thailand for 30 years 

[josephbloggs]

7 minutes ago, Tigger01 said:

 

 

Vietnam is my favourite destination nowadays, been going to Thailand for 30 years 

Where do you go? And for how long for each year? And why do you prefer it to Thailand?

Honestly looking for personal insight. I like Vietnam but personally find it lacking compared to Thailand, but I am no Vietnam expert and I am not massively widely travelled there, so really interested to hear other opinions, not just those of the automatic Thai bashers.

If you can share your comparisons I would love to hear.

[JoseThailand]

5 hours ago, Jiggo said:

Who's We, Joe other weed heads?

 

When are you leaving for Vietnam?

[geisha]

Vietnam attracts a different type of tourist. There is a lot of history and plenty to see from the north to the south . Nha  Trang is nice with a lovely beach but the water is freezing. The Vietnamese food is delicious, and different, many Thais love Vietnamese food. Vietnamese people are generally very nice, and better educated. The sex scene is there but more discreet. I’ve met many people who have been or want to go to Vietnam. A lot of would be Asia tourists are frankly disgusted by what they’ve seen in Pattaya, Phuket especially. I don’t think Patpong is on most tourists list of sightseeing, Bangkok has loads of wonderful sites to see.

, and tourists rarely spend more than 3 nights. 
Prices have soared in Thailand , I think it is more axed to “ all in holidays”  these days, which doesn’t do much for the average Thai business es. 
Thais just have to get it into their heads that tourists do not want to come back every year, they want change.

[AhFarangJa]

17 hours ago, Jimjim1 said:

2000 baht renewal each month! You got to be joking? 
The Thai government is making enough on visa costs as it is and when add to the rising cost of everything plus the manipulation of the baht is why people are going elsewhere, but the Thai government are obsessed with greed and cannot see the wood for the trees so perpetuate this stupidity.

I returned to Thailand 3 years after Covid and my monthly costs have doubled and I don’t drink or go to bars.

We could all get together and send an ‘en block ‘ email to TAT but to Thais farang no nothing, so carry on doing what you do best Thailand but don’t complain when the costs of disrespect and greed comes home to roost

Spot on Jim....

[AhFarangJa]

17 hours ago, Jimjim1 said:

2000 baht renewal each month! You got to be joking? 
The Thai government is making enough on visa costs as it is and when add to the rising cost of everything plus the manipulation of the baht is why people are going elsewhere, but the Thai government are obsessed with greed and cannot see the wood for the trees so perpetuate this stupidity.

I returned to Thailand 3 years after Covid and my monthly costs have doubled and I don’t drink or go to bars.

We could all get together and send an ‘en block ‘ email to TAT but to Thais farang no nothing, so carry on doing what you do best Thailand but don’t complain when the costs of disrespect and greed comes home to roost

Spot on Jim....

[LittleBear57]

11 hours ago, BayArea said:

this is a perfect summary. the only thing I don't agree with and is a big one, the food. Viet food is second to none. the variety, originality, nutritional benefits, and flavor are amazing!!

Food is a very individual thing.  We found it bland in general. My daughter loves noodles but didn't like the pho so I ended up eating it. OK but I wouldn't buy it. Had a lovely tasting chicken dish but the chicken chopped into pieces bones and all. Sort of Chinese styl I guess, made it hard eating. Ended up eating a lot of western food in the end which was generally of a high quality, but not what I expecting to eat. Thai wife and daughter not impressed either. Horses for courses.

Will it stop me going back,  no chance, lovely place.

[mikebell]

20 hours ago, Shocked farang said:

DTAC is a no brainier, anyone who has difficulties filling up DTAC has a serious cognitive problem and should book an appointment with a doctor. 

If you are an 82 year old ex-pat with a re-entry permit and have no internet access in Spain, one might be forced to wait till arrival.  Before, I just played the age card and was taken to the front of the queue.

My cognitive problem is understanding why some contributors on here are so unpleasant.

[Joe32]

First of all, everything goes up and down. Somehow in Thailand they think money keeps increasing infinitely. Newsflash, it actually could go down sometimes. 

 

Second, why is it always that they have some plans, they take a careful look at them and always end up with the most difficult, least convenient option? And then, why do these people start moaning about people leaving or not coming here anymore? 

 

Third, when enough tourists come, they want either more or they start moaning there are too many? 

 

Fourth, if one of the problems is that other countries are cheaper, stop the dual pricing to overprice everything. Maybe just trick everyone into coming by cutting that foreigner price in half and let everyone pay the same. Then if Thai people complain, they can just explain that coming with a foreigner would normally result in paying the same price anyway. And if you stop the big signs where Thais and foreigners are separated by price, and make a sign for everyone, it's very likely that there won't be anyone who would complain. 

 

Fifth, stop the greed. The fact that this is such big news here proves that it's all about greed greed greed. It's always big news how much money comes in from tourism here. They should stop jerking off to these numbers, because foreigners notice it and won't be attracted to that. 

 

Sixth, they would only let in 'quality tourists'... However, literally every. single. article. On ASEANNow is about how a foreigner f's up here. Trashing a 7eleven, being naked on a beach, starting fights with police, causing traffic accidents, acting like morons.... How did they qualify for the quality tourist check? Other foreigners don't want to either put up with trash tourists, or bear the consequences of these trashy people's actions like being looked at negatively.