Vietnam or Thailand?
 

Working on planning our trip to Asia in March. Would like help with a decision on where to go--Vietnam or Thailand. Travelling with my 10 year old daughter. I am investigating family trips with Travelindochina, Intrepid and Kumuka. Any help would be appreciated.

Easy question: Thailand. Thailand has a much more mature tourist infrastructure, interesting arts and architecture, world famous cuisine, friendly people who treat you as guests.

Vietnam also has a good touristic infrastructure now, old temples and good beaches, wellknown cuisine and friendly people.
And there are no such touristic overrun places like Pattaya, Patong beach on Phuket or Chaweng beach on Koh Samui.
Its just a matter of your personal taste.
I would check some good travel guide books (Fodors? Lonely Planet?) before deciding.

Are you going to with a group? If so, I'd do Vietnam. If you plan to travel independently, I think Thailand is a lot easier. Wolf mentions a few places that are very touristy, but much of Thailand is not.

Both countries are safe and very interesting. Read one of KimJapan's reports here on traveling with her pre-teen daughter.

Thanks for the info.I am thinking Thailand offers more kid-oriented activities. Perhaps I will save Vietnam/Cambodia for our next big trip. Any ideas if it is best to do on our own or should we use a tour company. I have travelled a lot, however if there are other kids on the trip I think my daughter will have a better time. Any comments?

Although i liked Vietnam, i liked Thailand alot better!! But it looks like u made up your mind already.

One thing though about Vietnam (i was there a year ago), it was alot more developed than i was expecting...But it is a lovely country..I just liked Thailand better.

thailand with a kid

I love Thailand. I've been there 4 times and am going there again next month. I can't wait! I think Thailand would be a better choice for you and your daughter as there are many things to do/see. How many days are you planning to go? You can spend 3-4 days in Bangkok and take a side trip to the South of Thailand - very beautiful beaches.

Vietnam's tourism infrastructure isn't as advanced as Thailands. And it's beaches don't compare. While it still has many unspoiled places, Thailand will provide you a more hassle free travel. And you're daughter will probably enjoy Bangkok more than HCMC or Hanoi.

Food wise, Thailand wins hands down, IMO.

We have recently returned from Vietnam, Cambodia and Nthn Thailand, with our 3 kids aged 8,11,12.
I can't tell you which is best because we loved them for different reasons, and because we didn't travel widely in thailand. However I have to say that Vietnam had a huge range of things to do that kept us all happy and interested. We did a Family Tour in Vietnam with Intrepid, and they catered well for children,and my kids really enjoyed the other young tour members. (max. of 12 on tour) Hanoi traffic was slightly outside our comfort zone but otherwise an easy trip. Maybe the weather in March in either country could help you decide?

Thanks everyone for the info. "BER" how did you find the hotels that Intrepid booked for you? Was there any "shopping" excursions--the kind that the company/driver get paid to take you to? Did the hotels have pools. thanks.

Definitely thailand if you have a 10 year old