Thailand’s Losing Its Edge — Is Vietnam the Next Real Deal?

[Scouse123]

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I’ve been seeing more and more posts on YouTube and the web saying “Thailand is finished,” and while that might be a bit extreme, I get where people are coming from. Something’s changed.

 

Many long-time visitors and retirees are growing increasingly frustrated — and not just because prices are rising (which they are). They are rising everywhere worldwide.

 

Dual pricing is more blatant than ever. Not just in parks and temples, but also in taxis, and even in everyday items — you get quoted one price, while the Thai person behind you receives another.

 

Add to that the visa mess — rules changing all the time, inconsistent enforcement, and immigration officers who seem to go by how they feel that day — and it’s no wonder people are getting frustrated.

 

Even ASEAN NOW itself had multiple threads recently where this came up again and again.

 

What’s worse is the shift in attitude. Foreigners used to feel genuinely welcome. Now it often feels like you’re just a wallet with legs. That has been going on for years, but it's become more blatant, and they don't seem to care.

 

Scams are more common, there's more aggression in nightlife areas, and in certain parts of the country, Customer service is a forgotten word.

 

It’s just full-on hustle 24/7. For people who aren’t here for the bar scene or don’t want sex tourism shoved in their face, it’s becoming less appealing. I found it impossible to have a quiet beer in a bar in Nana Plaza, 

 

That said, I think many people rushing to Cambodia are doing so because they’re priced out, not because it’s better.

 

Outside of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the infrastructure is still weak, and Sihanoukville is a complete disaster thanks to failed Chinese casino projects.

 

Cambodia is cheaper and visa-friendly, but it’s not a real alternative to Thailand for most people. It simply lacks appeal. After three or four days, I'm eager to get back home to Thailand.

 

Vietnam, on the other hand, is playing its cards right and getting its act together.

 

Great beaches, solid infrastructure, a growing expat scene, and they’re working on long-stay visa options — possibly even a 10-year visa for foreigners.

 

It’s cleaner, less intrusive, and doesn’t have the same "walking ATM" vibe. For people without roots in Thailand (such as family or business), Vietnam is becoming increasingly attractive.

 

I won't leave Thailand because of my partner, and I have roots here. However, I will live quietly, pay my living expenses, and probably curb my previous penchant for changing cars every three years, etc. I will probably have a spending binge when I go to Vietnam or Cambodia, where I feel I get better value for money.

 

Thailand’s still got a lot going for it, no doubt. But it’s definitely at a tipping point.

 

If they don’t sort out the immigration headaches, stop gouging tourists and policy flip-flopping, and bring back some of the old warmth, more and more people will quietly (or loudly) move on.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

Dual pricing is more blatant than ever. Not just in parks and temples, but also in taxis, and even in everyday items — you get quoted one price, while the Thai person behind you receives another.

Never buy anything that doesn't have a price sticker.

As for Vietnam, still no long term visa, better off in Cambodia or the Philippines.

It's great for 45 days with waiver on entry for Brits though.

 

If I were a nomad, I'd do 60 in Thailand, 45 in Vietnam, 90 in Malaysia, and 30 in Philippines, no visa required, then repeat as needed.

[henryford1958]

Vietnam would be the best option but with no retirement visa it's a non starter. 

[Quentin Zen]

🇹🇭 1. More Developed Tourism Infrastructure

Thailand has been a top global tourist destination for decades. Its hotels, transport, tour services, and medical tourism are well-developed and more accessible in English.

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🍜 2. More International Cuisine Variety

In major Thai cities, especially Bangkok, you can find a wide range of international food (Japanese, Western, Indian, etc.) that is authentic and easily accessible.

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🚗 3. Better Road and Air Transport

Thailand generally has better highways, domestic flights, and train options. Travel between regions is smoother compared to Vietnam’s often traffic-clogged routes.

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🏥 4. Higher Quality Healthcare (Especially Private)

Thailand’s private hospitals are world-class and attract medical tourists. Vietnamese healthcare is improving but still lags behind in international-standard service.

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😎 5. More Expat-Friendly Services

Thailand has a longer history as an expat haven. It’s easier to find English-speaking staff, expat communities, legal services, and international schools.

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🛍️ 6. More Modern Shopping Options

Thailand has massive shopping malls, high-end retail centers, and better access to international brands compared to Vietnam.

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🎉 7. Nightlife and Entertainment Scene

Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket offer a famously vibrant nightlife that is more developed and varied than what most cities in Vietnam offer.

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🏖️ 8. More Famous Beach Destinations

While Vietnam has beautiful coasts, Thailand has world-renowned islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi with extensive tourism support.

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🧘 9. Cultural Tourism and Wellness

Thailand is globally known for traditional massage, meditation retreats, temples, and Muay Thai training, all of which are better promoted and packaged for tourists.

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💸 10. Easier to Navigate Without Vietnamese Language

While both countries have language barriers, Thailand tends to be more navigable in English, especially in tourist areas, hospitals, and cities.

 

 

Absolutely — Thailand is often considered better than Vietnam specifically because of its retirement visa. Here's a breakdown:

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✅ Thailand’s Retirement Visa Advantage

🇹🇭 1. Official Retirement Visa Program

Thailand offers a clear, long-term retirement visa:

• Non-Immigrant O-A Visa: 1-year stay, renewable annually.

• Non-Immigrant O-X Visa: 5-year stay (for some nationalities), renewable once.

Vietnam does not currently offer a dedicated retirement visa.

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💰 2. Straightforward Financial Requirements

Thailand’s visa requirements are well-defined:

• Age 50+

• 800,000 THB in a Thai bank (~$22,000 USD) or

• Monthly income of 65,000 THB (~$1,800 USD)

Vietnam, by contrast, offers no official retirement visa. Long-term stay often requires business setups, education sponsorships, or marriage.

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📄 3. Simple Annual Renewal (in Thailand)

Renewing a Thai retirement visa is routine with basic documentation. In Vietnam, long-term stay often involves gray-area workarounds that can change suddenly.

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🏥 4. Private Health Insurance Accepted

Thailand requires health insurance (for some visas) and has a strong network of international hospitals. This supports retirees' medical needs far better than Vietnam.

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🧳 5. Retiree Communities Are Established

Thailand has large retiree hubs: Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket. Services, housing, and community support are built around expats and retirees.

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Summary:
✅ Thailand has official, long-stay retirement options that are easy to understand and access.
❌ Vietnam does not have a formal retirement visa, making it harder (and riskier) for retirees to settle long-term.

Would you like help comparing the actual visa process step-by-step?

[save the frogs]

12 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

It’s cleaner, less intrusive, and doesn’t have the same "walking ATM" vibe.

 

Havent been to Vietnam yet.

But that could be because it doesn't rely on tourism as much as Thailand.

It has a lot of manufacturing. Vietnam's economy seems more diverse. 

 

[Quentin Zen]

Its, not it's.

 

fail.  

 

That's what happens when you use ChatGPT for everything, you turn your brain off.  

 

no worries, enjoy.    

 

 

[save the frogs]

12 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Dual pricing is more blatant than ever. Not just in parks and temples, but also in taxis, and even in everyday items — you get quoted one price, while the Thai person behind you receives another.

 

Who the hell goes to temples?

Use Bolt. Price is set. 

Haven't experienced dual pricing, but neither do I go to parks or temples. 

I walk into a restaurant, the price is on the menu, and that's what I get charged. 

 

Thailand is not that cheap. If Vietnam is 20% cheaper, it might be worth it. 

 

[1happykamper]

The OP has the statement backwards. 

 

Thailand.. After being in the hospitality biz for 40 years has lost its edge. 

 

Vietnam, in just a few years ..10?... is catching up with lazy Thailand hospitality biz 

 

Thai have lost their smile, can't blame them with the influx of dross of humanity and the lousy job the current sdmin is doing. 

 

Viet people are generally friendly, warm and curious 

[Cameroni]

2 minutes ago, 1happykamper said:

Viet people are generally friendly, warm and curious 

 

I thought they were rude, aggressive, cold and unhelpful?

[1happykamper]

Viet people are much more friendly... Curious and warm. Thai are increasingly.. angry and have lost their smile. 

 

Thailand hasn't even tried to keep up on the service front... prices are higher and poor service and bad attitude is becoming the current trend. 

 

Thai show very little gratitude. I assumed after covid that they would be kinder and more grateful. Fk me I was so wrong 555

 

Thailand is still good value but I want more than a cheap plate of food served user a tin roof. In Da Nang that similar plate of food is served in a real building with nice decor and comfy seats... Close to the beach.. For the same price! Served by locals who are fun and engaging! I feel welcome in Da Nang. 

[JBChiangRai]

I prefer to live in Thailand but holiday in Vietnam.

 

On the subject of beaches, they may not be famous, but the beaches in Vietnam are significantly better than the beaches in Thailand.

[MalcolmB]

54 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

I thought they were rude, aggressive, cold and unhelpful?

South or North? Chalk and cheese.

[JimmyJake]

2 hours ago, Quentin Zen said:

In major Thai cities, especially Bangkok, you can find a wide range of international food (Japanese, Western, Indian, etc.) that is authentic and easily accessible.

 

You haven't spent much time in Vietnam if you think there is not a wide range of international food available in the big cities.  There is no problem finding high quality Japanese, western, Indian in any big city there.

[frank83628]

Vietnam isnt a patch on Thailand, 

[novacova]

3 hours ago, Quentin Zen said:

That's what happens when you use ChatGPT for everything, you turn your brain off.

Then don’t post unless you’re using your brain.

[Cameroni]

2 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

South or North? Chalk and cheese.

 

North. I still have to make it to my dream island there.

[KhunBENQ]

Decided today:

tax rise on alcohol and cigarettes from 65% to 90%. Introduced in steps.

Will make some enthusiasts think again 😄

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-parliament-approves-hiking-tax-alcoholic-drinks-90-by-2031-2025-06-14/

[Lorry]

13 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

I thought they were rude, aggressive, cold and unhelpful?

Yes, towards you.

[freedomnow]

14 hours ago, 1happykamper said:

The OP has the statement backwards. 

 

Thailand.. After being in the hospitality biz for 40 years has lost its edge. 

 

Vietnam, in just a few years ..10?... is catching up with lazy Thailand hospitality biz 

 

Thai have lost their smile, can't blame them with the influx of dross of humanity and the lousy job the current sdmin is doing. 

 

Viet people are generally friendly, warm and curious 

I'll take Thais any day over Viets...sneaky, beggers, hawkers, closed off to foreigners, clip you at every turn, honk their horns like Indians.

[Cameroni]

38 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Yes, towards you.

 

Bad move.

 

My moneee build their country.

[Cameroni]

1 minute ago, freedomnow said:

I'll take Thais any day over Viets...sneaky, beggers, hawkers, closed off to foreigners, clip you at every turn, honk their horns like Indians.

 

Plus they are worse fraudsters than Indians.

 

And they laugh behind your back when you tip them. For being stupid.

 

Truly awful people, these Vietnamese.

[freedomnow]

10 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

Plus they are worse fraudsters than Indians.

 

And they laugh behind your back when you tip them. For being stupid.

 

Truly awful people, these Vietnamese.

If you are agreeing with me, then I love Viets.

[Cameroni]

8 minutes ago, freedomnow said:

If you are agreeing with me, then I love Viets.

 

No surprise. Hate always comes from the very bottom.

 

 

[Scouse123]

8 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Decided today:

tax rise on alcohol and cigarettes from 65% to 90%. Introduced in steps.

Will make some enthusiasts think again 😄

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vietnam-parliament-approves-hiking-tax-alcoholic-drinks-90-by-2031-2025-06-14/

 

Even with these rises implemented they will still be cheaper than Thailand.

[DonniePeverley]

I wonder why Bendiorm Brits, draft dodging Russians, racist Aussies, and cheap Indians all behave in Vietnam ? 

 

You dare not mess with the police there. 

[hotandsticky]

20 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

---

 

I’ve been seeing more and more posts on YouTube and the web saying “Thailand is finished,” and while that might be a bit extreme, I get where people are coming from. Something’s changed.

 

Many long-time visitors and retirees are growing increasingly frustrated — and not just because prices are rising (which they are). They are rising everywhere worldwide.

 

Dual pricing is more blatant than ever. Not just in parks and temples, but also in taxis, and even in everyday items — you get quoted one price, while the Thai person behind you receives another.

 

Add to that the visa mess — rules changing all the time, inconsistent enforcement, and immigration officers who seem to go by how they feel that day — and it’s no wonder people are getting frustrated.

 

Even ASEAN NOW itself had multiple threads recently where this came up again and again.

 

What’s worse is the shift in attitude. Foreigners used to feel genuinely welcome. Now it often feels like you’re just a wallet with legs. That has been going on for years, but it's become more blatant, and they don't seem to care.

 

Scams are more common, there's more aggression in nightlife areas, and in certain parts of the country, Customer service is a forgotten word.

 

It’s just full-on hustle 24/7. For people who aren’t here for the bar scene or don’t want sex tourism shoved in their face, it’s becoming less appealing. I found it impossible to have a quiet beer in a bar in Nana Plaza, 

 

That said, I think many people rushing to Cambodia are doing so because they’re priced out, not because it’s better.

 

Outside of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the infrastructure is still weak, and Sihanoukville is a complete disaster thanks to failed Chinese casino projects.

 

Cambodia is cheaper and visa-friendly, but it’s not a real alternative to Thailand for most people. It simply lacks appeal. After three or four days, I'm eager to get back home to Thailand.

 

Vietnam, on the other hand, is playing its cards right and getting its act together.

 

Great beaches, solid infrastructure, a growing expat scene, and they’re working on long-stay visa options — possibly even a 10-year visa for foreigners.

 

It’s cleaner, less intrusive, and doesn’t have the same "walking ATM" vibe. For people without roots in Thailand (such as family or business), Vietnam is becoming increasingly attractive.

 

I won't leave Thailand because of my partner, and I have roots here. However, I will live quietly, pay my living expenses, and probably curb my previous penchant for changing cars every three years, etc. I will probably have a spending binge when I go to Vietnam or Cambodia, where I feel I get better value for money.

 

Thailand’s still got a lot going for it, no doubt. But it’s definitely at a tipping point.

 

If they don’t sort out the immigration headaches, stop gouging tourists and policy flip-flopping, and bring back some of the old warmth, more and more people will quietly (or loudly) move on.

 

A very well thought out, and presented, post.

 

I can't argue with anything in the post because that is also my experience of extensive travel in the countries mentioned - and I mean 40+ visits to Cambodia and 10+ to Vietnam. I am hoping that I get bored with Phu Quoc before they screw that up.

 

I think Vietnam has  a more diverse range of locations than Thailand and whilst the 'welcome' is as described, I don't think it is any more friendly than Thailand was say, 20 years ago. Another place where there are too many Russians for my liking.

 

Whilst I doubt that I shall ever leave Thailand, Vietnam was pencilled in for a 3 month p.a. home if the restatement of Thai tax policies had gone pear-shaped.

[hotandsticky]

10 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

I wonder why Bendiorm Brits, draft dodging Russians, racist Aussies, and cheap Indians all behave in Vietnam ? 

 

You dare not mess with the police there. 

 

 

You didn't mention the Yanks.......why limit your racism to but a few.

 

Surely, fear of the police has no borders.

[DonniePeverley]

7 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

You didn't mention the Yanks.......why limit your racism to but a few.

 

Surely, fear of the police has no borders.

 

 

When you have hardcore policing and no messing around - like you see in Dubai (try steal something there and the consequences are horrid), Singapore, Vietnam, China ... you will find even the most hardcore of idiot tourist will behave. 

 

You have soft policing in Thailand (we cannot upset tourist) which invariably leads to more crime. 

 

The safety aspect of Vietnam is why many (Chinese at least) are heading there. Along with the effects it's a new destination, improving infustruscture, and it has a history that is steeped in modern culture. 

[JimHuaHin]

It all depends on what you are looking for on a holiday or in retirement.

 

For some, Thailand is ideal, for others Viet Nam wins hands down.

 

Horses for courses, as they say.

 

If I was a decade or so younger, and healthier, I would be in Viet Nam now.

 

But, 15 years ago, Thailand was the easiest and best option for me - but since then, Viet Nam has moved ahead on many fronts.

[factual monk]

60% of Thai tourism is evolved around 🐈...