I’m visiting Vietnam for the first time later this month. Starting my trip in HCMC for 5 nights. I’d like a peaceful beach experience for a week and am considering either ferry to Vung Tau or flight to Phu Quoc (then fly directly back to Thailand).
I’d appreciate any comments or views as to the difference in the beaches of the two places mentioned.
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@16, l did not find Vietnam that much cheaper than Thailand, but depends where you go in Thailand.
Beer is cheaper but food same or slightly more. Hotels similar.
#8 their culture. Best to see away from beaches and tourist areas, although you will see some.
It is a lot different from Thailand.
Being a Brit or European (using the Euro) you will get great value in Vietnam right now Vs a comparable beach or island destination in Thailand. I too like Vung Tau and comparing Back Beach say with Thailand’s equivalent mainland beach Hua Hin IMO Vietnams version has a better beach. The rubbish on both Vung Tau’s beaches was very much evident to me when I was there October/November last year and the rainy season went well into the 2nd half of November. Having had a dry spell now for over a month I am confident the garbage will have been cleared on Vung Tau’s beaches. With Vung Tau I would also include nearby towns Long Hai’s beaches which are very good and well worth a visit. Some of the Homestay apartments especially along Phan Chu Trinh offer great value for money with all facilities provided for 4.5 million VND per month. In some cases I have known a few apartments will apportion the monthly rate to allow for one weeks stay
“staying in Jomtien”
Then you should go to Vung Tau and check it out.
Going to Phu Quoc would be like going to a typical Thai resort island (sort of).
You only have five days anyway.
A few days in HCMC, a few days in VT. game over.
Easy.
II am in Thailand for 6 months and staying in Jomtien. I just fancy a side trip to Vietnam for a change and see if I prefer it to Thailand. I don’t particularly enjoy moving around too much so 2 locations in 2 weeks is what Is want to do. HCMC and a beach break.
Hello,
It might be useful to give us your basic Thailand itinerary.
Folks seeking advice here have a tendency to move too much, wasting valuable holiday time on transfers and transit.
If your primarily aim is sea and sand, go for it, but how many beaches do you need to see?
The resort destinations, Phu Quoc, Phuket, etc. are just that. They aren’t typical Thailand or Vietnam. They aren’t representative of Thai or Vietnamese culture.
Perhaps do some more online research, vast amounts of intel available on the usual tourism hot spots.
Take care.
A few posts added since I started to write my last post
Not sure about unique, but for example a few days touring N Wales could give a fair insight into local life much like a tour in the Delta. A few days in Manchester would be a very different vibe. Flying to Majorca for sun and sangria would complete the comparison.
You choose, it’s your break.
Edited: 8:56 am, January 08, 2026
Of course it depends on what you want to do and like to do.
Maybe a few clues would help. Or if it is just the beach, then fair enough.
Personally I like Vung Tau. Been about half a dozen times usually on the way cycling down the coast and the ferry is an easy way unto the heart of Saigon (literally, D1 aka Saigon). Vung Tau is a surpringly varied town with 2 very different beaches; a modern bit; an expat bit; and a rarely seen old town area. Also some great views across the Saigon River estuary.
I never get this stay in city (HCMC, Bangkok, etc) stuff. I’m here for a few days but already itching for the road.
If you’re into exploring, then the Delta makes a great and easy choices. Might even see you there.
Good luck and enjoy.
Edited: 8:45 am, January 08, 2026
“What do people mean by more unique Vietnam stuff?”
Don’t go there just for ‘beaches’.
Scott
15 nights total. I thought a 2 destination stay would give me a reasonable experience.