Thailand vs Vietnam with Kids: Visas, Costs and What We've Learnt (2026)

Vietnam Now, Thailand Next

We’re writing this from Ninh Binh, a few months into our Vietnam chapter with Louie (9) and Leo (2). We spent a month in Da Nang, and we’re taking Ninh Binh slowly. Next come Hanoi, Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay.

This Christmas we cross to Thailand: Chiang Mai first, then Bangkok. And next year we’re coming back to live in Hoi An, which we’re very excited about. 🇻🇳🇹🇭

Neither country is completely new to us. Twelve years ago, Marty and I started and finished our round-the-world trip in Thailand, with Ho Chi Minh City along the way. But comparing them as a family, with a toddler and a school-age kid, is a different question entirely.

So this guide mixes both: what we’ve lived in Vietnam this year, and what we’ve researched for Thailand. We’ll update the Thailand side after Christmas.

The short answer:

• Choose Thailand for long-stay visa options, the most established nomad family community and the best private healthcare.
• Choose Vietnam for slower, deeper cultural days and lower everyday costs, in a country where kids are welcomed everywhere.
• Or do both. We are.

Cost of Living

Thailand isn’t as cheap as it once was, especially in popular nomad areas and on the busier islands. As a rough estimate, a family of four might spend around €1,700 to €2,200 a month in Chiang Mai, covering an apartment, food, transport and activities. Bangkok and the islands usually cost more, roughly €2,200 to €2,800 a month.

Vietnam can be very affordable, but your accommodation choice makes a big difference. Estimates for Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City often sit around €1,200 to €1,800 a month for a family. Our month in Da Nang cost about €2,265 for our family of four, staying in a comfortable hotel with breakfast and a pool. Renting an apartment for a month or more would bring that down noticeably. The full breakdown is in our Da Nang family guide.

Eating out and fresh produce are cheap in both countries. For more family budgets, see our cost of living comparison for 50+ destinations.

The verdict: if budget is your main driver, Vietnam usually has the edge on everyday costs. Thailand costs a little more but offers more predictable nomad infrastructure.

Hidden costs to watch for

A few costs catch families off guard in both countries. Long-term rentals usually need one to two months’ deposit upfront. International schools often charge one-off registration fees on top of tuition.

ATM fees add up quickly, so setting up a Wise or Revolut account before you arrive saves real money. Day trips and activities for a family of four also cost more than budget blogs suggest, so build a weekly activities budget into your plans.

👉 See our full guide: Budgeting and financial planning for nomad families

Visas: Thailand Wins for Long Stays, Vietnam Is Simpler for Short Ones

Thailand (checked 24-09-2026)

• Visa-free: 30 days for tourism for Australian, EU, UK and US passports, plus one 30-day extension at immigration (1,900 baht).
• Tourist Visa: 60 days, plus one possible 30-day extension.
• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): up to 180 days per entry over 5 years, for remote workers, with spouses and children under 20 included. You’ll need 500,000 baht in savings and a police check. Since 31 August 2026, you apply through the embassy covering your citizenship or residence.

Vietnam

• No digital nomad visa. The new UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas are employer-sponsored routes for tech workers, not an option for nomad families.
• Visa-free: up to 45 days for tourism for many European passports, including Dutch, German, French and British. It can’t be extended in Vietnam.
• E-visa: everyone else, including Australians, needs an e-visa. It’s valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, at US$25 or US$50, through the official e-visa portal. It can’t be extended from inside Vietnam, so plan your exit date.

Our experience: all four of us got Vietnam e-visas, and the whole process was smooth. Marty could have entered visa-free on his Dutch passport, but the 90-day e-visa matched our longer stay.

Working remotely: in both countries, tourist entries don’t formally cover remote work. Thailand’s DTV is the only option built for it. Full details are in our Thailand visa guide.

Children and documents: every child needs their own passport, valid for at least six months. Birth certificates are rarely checked at entry, but they’re worth carrying to prove family relationships.

The verdict: for stays of three months or more, Thailand has the clearer pathway. For short stays on some European passports, Vietnam is actually simpler.

👉 See our full guide: Visas for nomad families

Internet and Remote Work

Internet speeds

Thailand’s internet is fast in the cities. Fibre is standard in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and the coworking scene is one of the biggest in Asia. Connectivity on the islands has improved a lot, but check each property.

Vietnam’s internet is solid in the cities and improving. Fibre is widely available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Rural and coastal areas can be patchier, so always check before booking.

Coworking spaces

Chiang Mai has long-running coworking spaces like Punspace and Alt_ChiangMai. Check current prices on their websites. Bangkok has plenty of professional options, and on Koh Lanta, KoHub is the island’s best-known space.

In Vietnam, coworking is growing in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. In Da Nang, Marty worked regularly from HI4 Coffee & Workspace, and we even did some of Louie’s schoolwork there. Cafés with good Wi-Fi are everywhere in both countries.

Mobile data as backup

Mobile data is cheap and reliable in both countries, and local SIMs are easy to buy at the airport. Keep data as a backup for important video calls.

The verdict: Thailand has the edge for families who rely on fast, consistent internet. Vietnam works well for most remote work setups.

Best internet options for nomad families →

Accommodation

Both countries have good family accommodation, but quality varies, and “family-friendly” means different things to different hosts.

Thailand

Thailand’s long-stay rental market is well established. Serviced apartments and monthly rentals in Chiang Mai and Bangkok usually include Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a washing machine and air conditioning. Local Facebook groups are useful for finding options reviewed by other families, and monthly rates are usually much lower than nightly ones.

Vietnam

Quality varies more in Vietnam. The best apartments in Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are good value and well equipped. In smaller towns, kitchens can be basic and Wi-Fi unreliable. Look for reviews from families or long-stay guests rather than weekend visitors.

Check before you book

• Wi-Fi speed: ask for a speed test screenshot, ideally above 50 Mbps for video calls
• Pool fencing or gates if you’re travelling with toddlers
• Air conditioning in the bedrooms, not just the living area
• A proper desk and chair for work
• A washing machine or laundry service nearby
• A stove, not just a microwave
• Distance to a supermarket and a park or green space

👉 See our full guide: Accommodation for nomad families

Getting Around with Kids

Getting around with children takes some thought in both countries, especially with little ones.

Thailand

Grab works well in the cities and on many islands. Chiang Mai’s old city and Nimman are fairly walkable. Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT make car-free life possible, although not every station is pram-friendly. On the islands, scooters are common, but they’re not a safe choice with young children.

Vietnam

The traffic takes real adjustment, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where motorbikes flow constantly. Crossing the road feels terrifying at first, then oddly normal. Grab is the easiest way to get around the big cities. In Da Nang, footpaths were often blocked by parked scooters, which made the pram hard work.

Practical notes for both

Car seats are rare in hired vehicles in both countries. In Da Nang, we never found one in a Grab car. If a car seat matters to you, bring a travel-friendly one from home.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in either country. A filtered water bottle saves money and plastic on a longer stay.

The verdict: Thailand is easier day to day with young children. Vietnam’s traffic is manageable but needs more patience.

Climate

Understanding the seasons before you commit to dates makes a big difference with kids.

Thailand’s seasons

The cool season, roughly November to February, is the most popular time for families, with lower humidity and temperatures around 25 to 30°C. The hot season, March to May, can reach 38 to 40°C in Chiang Mai. The wet season, June to October, brings heavy afternoon rain and high humidity.

Chiang Mai also has burning season, roughly February to April, when smoke from agricultural fires can make air quality hazardous. It matters most for young children and anyone with breathing problems.

Vietnam’s seasons

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, so the climate changes a lot by region. Hanoi has a genuinely cool winter from about December to February, when temperatures can drop to 15°C or lower. Ho Chi Minh City is warm all year, with a wet season from about May to November. Da Nang and central Vietnam have their wet season from roughly September to December, and typhoons are possible.

For most families, November to April works well in both countries, as long as you avoid Chiang Mai’s burning season.

The verdict: Thailand’s seasons are simpler to plan around. Vietnam needs a little more research by region.

Education and Schools

International schools in Thailand

Thailand has one of Southeast Asia’s largest international school markets, with options across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui. Fees vary widely, roughly €6,000 to €28,000+ a year. Always ask for the full fee schedule, including one-off registration fees.

International schools in Vietnam

Vietnam’s international school scene is growing, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Fees are roughly €4,000 to €18,000 a year depending on the school and city. The choice is narrower than in Thailand, particularly outside the big cities.

Worldschooling and alternative education

The worldschooling community is especially strong in Chiang Mai, with learning co-ops and nature programmes like Beaver Club and Prem’s Forest School. Vietnam’s community is smaller but growing, particularly in Da Nang and Hoi An.

For families who learn through experiences, Vietnam is full of them. We’ve found that staying longer in one place, like Ninh Binh, turns everyday outings into real lessons. There’s more on how we do it in Homeschooling on the Move.

The verdict: Thailand has more established education options. Vietnam suits families in the big cities or those who put cultural immersion ahead of formal schooling.

👉 See our full guide: Education and childcare for nomad families

Childcare

Childcare is affordable in both countries compared with Australia or Europe, but quality varies by area.

Thailand

Local daycare centres and nannies are common in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Rates vary by city and experience, so ask other families for current prices. Many expat families in Chiang Mai find childcare through local Facebook groups and word of mouth.

Vietnam

Childcare is usually even cheaper in Vietnam. Finding someone you trust can take a little longer, because expat networks are smaller. Posting in local Facebook groups before you arrive is the most reliable approach.

Lifestyle and Family Culture

Life in Thailand

Thailand has a well-worn nomad trail. In Chiang Mai, families usually meet other travelling families quickly, and healthcare, familiar food and English are easy to find. It’s an easier place to land and feel settled.

Life in Vietnam

Vietnam feels rawer and less polished for tourists, and for families who lean into it, that’s part of the reward. English is less common outside tourist areas, which can be tricky at first but builds confidence in older kids.

The warmth towards children is real. People genuinely light up when they see Louie and Leo, and Leo gets treated like a small celebrity wherever we go.

Once or twice, someone wanted to pick him up, and he didn’t like that from strangers. It’s fine to gently step in if your child isn’t comfortable. But mostly, it’s been one of the loveliest parts of life here.

The verdict: Thailand is easier to land in. Vietnam rewards families who are comfortable with a bit of uncertainty.

Safety and Healthcare

Safety

Both countries are generally safe for families. Petty theft happens in tourist areas, and road safety is the biggest everyday risk in both, especially in Vietnam’s busy cities.

Healthcare

This is where Thailand pulls ahead. Private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket have English-speaking staff and are affordable by Western standards. Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok is well known for treating international patients. Vietnam’s big cities have good private hospitals, but facilities outside them can be basic.

Good international health insurance is essential in both, with medical evacuation cover especially important in Vietnam.

The verdict: both are generally safe. Thailand has clearly better healthcare, which matters with young children.

Food for Families

Food in Thailand

Thai food works well for families. Mild versions of most dishes are easy to request, rice comes with everything, and fresh fruit is cheap. Western options are easy to find in nomad areas, and vegetarian and vegan food is widely available, particularly in Chiang Mai. GrabFood delivery works in the big cities.

Food in Vietnam

Vietnamese food is lighter and full of fresh herbs, which some kids love straight away and others take time to warm to. Pho, rice dishes and fresh spring rolls are usually the gateway. As vegetarians, we were spoilt in Da Nang by the vegan and vegetarian cafés around My An and An Thuong.

Western options exist in tourist areas but are less common than in Thailand. Supermarkets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well stocked.

The verdict: Thailand is easier for fussy eaters or specific dietary needs. Vietnam rewards adventurous eaters.

Things to Do with Kids

Thailand

Chiang Mai’s weekend walking street markets, on Saturday along Wualai Road and on Sunday through the old city, are full of food, crafts and music. Ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city are a highlight, and Doi Inthanon National Park makes a great day trip for waterfalls and cooler air. Cooking classes work well for older kids.

In Bangkok, older kids love the scale and energy. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a full sensory experience, and the Grand Palace and a day trip to Ayutthaya’s ancient temples add history. On the islands, Koh Samui and Koh Lanta are calmer, with snorkelling, kayaking and beach days.

Vietnam

Vietnam is very kid-friendly once you get past the traffic. In Ninh Binh, a hands-on day at I Am a Farmer in Tam Coc had Louie fishing for frogs, holding ducklings, catching fish the traditional way and planting rice. He asked to go back the next day. There’s more about our Ninh Binh days in Homeschooling on the Move.

Most visitors see Ninh Binh on a day trip from Hanoi. Staying longer means we can explore slowly, and Cuc Phuong National Park, with its primate rescue centre, is high on our list.

In Da Nang, Louie had his first surf lesson at My Khe Beach, and the Cham Sculpture Museum and the Son Tra Peninsula were easy learning days. Hoi An’s old town is atmospheric at night when the lanterns are lit, and bike rides through the rice paddies and cooking classes fill the days.

Next for us are Hanoi, Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. In Hanoi, the Old Quarter and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are good with kids. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City‘s War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels suit older children, and the Mekong Delta makes a good day trip.

Beaches

Beaches are often the deciding factor for families choosing between these two countries, and both deliver in different ways.

Thailand’s family beaches

Thailand’s beach scene is extensive and well developed. Kata Beach on Phuket’s west coast is popular with families, and Kamala Beach is quieter than nearby Patong. Railay Beach in Krabi is car-free, with soft sand, and you reach it by longtail boat from Ao Nang.

On the Gulf coast, Koh Samui offers a family beach base with good facilities, and Koh Lanta on the Andaman side is a quieter alternative for longer stays.

A note on beach seasons

The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta) is best from roughly November to April. Outside those months, waves can be rough and some beaches aren’t safe for swimming. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui and Koh Tao) has its wettest months later in the year, roughly October to December, so it can work when the Andaman side doesn’t. Always check local conditions and flags with kids.

Vietnam’s family beaches

Vietnam’s coastline stretches more than 3,000 kilometres. It’s less developed than Thailand’s beach scene, with more space and calm.

My Khe Beach in Da Nang became part of our everyday life. Leo had his daily paddle before the heat built up, and Louie had his first surf lesson there. It’s wide and flat, with hospitals, shopping centres and family-friendly restaurants close by.

An Bang Beach near Hoi An is relaxed and less crowded, with beachfront cafés. Phu Quoc Island in the south has a more resort-style feel, with calm water and snorkelling.

Timing your Vietnam beach visit

The central coast’s wet season runs roughly September to December, so plan around it. Phu Quoc is usually driest from about November to April.

The verdict: Thailand has the more polished beach experience, with more infrastructure. Vietnam’s beaches offer more space, lower costs and a quieter feel for longer stays.

Wildlife

Wildlife encounters can be the highlight of a trip for kids, but the ethics of wildlife tourism deserve honest attention.

Thailand: elephants

Elephants are Thailand’s most iconic wildlife experience. Riding camps still exist and are best avoided, because riding harms elephants. Ethical sanctuaries focus on watching and caring for the animals instead, and they’re often more rewarding for kids.

Elephant Nature Park, north of Chiang Mai, is one of the best-known ethical sanctuaries, where rescued elephants roam in open space and visitors watch them feed and bathe. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is set in a forested valley, where families watch the elephants forage. Both are popular, so book ahead.

Marine life

Snorkelling around Koh Tao, Koh Lanta and the Similan Islands can bring sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and plenty of tropical fish. Whale sharks are sometimes seen seasonally around Koh Tao. For younger kids, the shallow reef areas around Koh Samui and Koh Lipe are easier.

A word on monkey tourism

Monkey shows and venues where primates are handled for photos are common in tourist areas and cause real harm. It’s worth a short conversation with older kids about why you’re skipping them.

Vietnam: jungle, caves and marine parks

Vietnam’s wildlife scene is less developed for tourism but rewarding for families who go further. Cuc Phuong National Park, close to Ninh Binh, is Vietnam’s oldest national park and home to a primate rescue centre where kids can learn about endangered langurs and gibbons. It’s next on our list.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam has ancient jungle and huge cave systems. Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are both accessible with kids.

Ha Long Bay offers kayaking and boat trips among the limestone karsts, so choose a responsible, family-friendly cruise operator. Phu Quoc’s marine park has coral reefs in calm, clear water.

The verdict: Thailand has more accessible, established wildlife experiences. Vietnam rewards families who go further, especially with older kids.

Time Zones and Power

Time zones

Thailand and Vietnam are both on UTC+7. That’s 5 hours ahead of Central European Time in the European summer and 6 hours in winter, so European mornings fall in your afternoon.

Australia’s east coast is 3 to 4 hours ahead, depending on daylight saving, which is very comfortable. The US East Coast is 11 to 12 hours behind, so async work arrangements help if US calls are a regular part of your work.

Power and electricity

Power cuts are rare in Thailand’s cities. In Vietnam, they can be more common in some areas, particularly in the hot season. A power bank and mobile data backup are worth having for important calls.

Both countries use 220V electricity. A universal adapter is useful, especially in Vietnam, where sockets vary.

Finding Community

Will your kids find their people? Very likely, if you know where to look.

The fear of arriving somewhere and feeling isolated is common for nomad families. Both countries have real communities, but they work differently.

Community in Thailand

Chiang Mai’s family nomad community is so well established that most families meet others quickly. Beaver Club in Hang Dong runs family events, and local expat and worldschooling Facebook groups are active. Regular meetups and kids’ activities help children make friends.

Community in Vietnam

The community is smaller but growing. Da Nang has an active expat family scene, Hoi An has a relaxed one, and Ho Chi Minh City has the largest, with international family groups and playgroups.

In both countries, posting in local Facebook groups before you arrive usually brings welcome messages and recommendations.

Which Country Is Right for Your Family?

Choose Thailand if:

• You want a long-stay visa for remote workers, with dependants included
• You need fast, reliable internet for demanding remote work
• Your children will attend an international school
• You want an established worldschooling community to join
• You prefer a smoother, more familiar landing
• Healthcare access is a priority

Choose Vietnam if:

• Everyday costs are your main consideration
• You want deeper cultural immersion
• You’re comfortable with a slower settling-in process
• You follow an unschooling or project-based approach
• You plan to stay up to three months at a time
• You want a country where kids are welcomed everywhere

The honest answer: many families do both. That’s exactly what we’re doing: Vietnam this year, Chiang Mai and Bangkok at Christmas, then back to Hoi An.

Recommended Bases

Thailand

Chiang Mai for community, alternative education and a slower pace. It’s where we’re starting our Thailand stay this Christmas. Our Chiang Mai vs Bali comparison shows how it stacks up.

Bangkok for urban infrastructure, international schools and connectivity. It often suits families with older children.

Koh Samui for island life with good facilities and healthcare.

Vietnam

Da Nang for beach life in a real city, with Hoi An close by. We spent a month there with the boys.

Hanoi for culture, history and the north’s biggest expat community. It suits families who enjoy city life.

Hoi An for a slower, atmospheric base. It’s where we’re coming back to live next year, so we’ll have plenty more to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thailand or Vietnam better for families?

It depends on how long you’ll stay and what you need. Thailand has more infrastructure and long-stay visas. Vietnam offers deeper cultural days and is incredibly welcoming to kids.

Which is cheaper?

Everyday costs are usually lower in Vietnam, but hotels and imported goods narrow the gap. Your accommodation choice matters more than the country.

How long can we stay?

In Thailand: 30 days visa-free, about 90 days on a Tourist Visa, or up to 180 days per entry on the DTV. In Vietnam: up to 45 days visa-free on some European passports, or up to 90 days on an e-visa.

Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Australians need an e-visa, which is quick to get online through the official portal.

Is Vietnam good with a toddler?

People are very warm towards little ones. The challenges are the heat, footpaths blocked by scooters and no car seats in Grab cars.

Which has better healthcare?

Thailand, especially the private hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Can we combine both in one trip?

Yes. There are flights between Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, which makes a Southeast Asia chapter easy to plan.

When is the best time to go?

Broadly November to April. Avoid Chiang Mai’s burning season (roughly February to April) and central Vietnam’s wet season (roughly September to December).

Our Takeaways

A few months into Vietnam, the thing we’ll remember isn’t the costs or the visa paperwork. It’s Leo being greeted like a celebrity, and Louie knee-deep in a rice paddy asking to come back tomorrow.

Thailand is next, and we expect it to be easier in many ways: more families, more infrastructure, better hospitals. Whether it’ll feel as warm, we’ll find out at Christmas. Then it’s back to Hoi An to live.

If you’re choosing between them, remember you don’t have to choose forever. 🌏

Last updated 24-09-2026. Visa rules and costs change, so always check current details before you book.

Read more:

• Living in Thailand with kids
• Vietnam for nomad families
• 18 affordable countries for nomad families