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Holding 5 million VND, Should I Choose Thailand or Malaysia for My Next Vacation?

9 May, 2025

Exploring Thailand and Malaysia on a Tight Budget

Traveling abroad on a tight budget is always a challenge, especially when you only have 5 million VND to spare. If you’re looking to venture outside of Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are two popular and accessible destinations, each with their unique attractions. However, with limited funds, it’s essential to carefully consider the costs of flights, living expenses, transportation, and experiences to make the most informed choice.

1. Flight Costs

Return flights from Vietnam to Thailand typically range from 2.5 to 3 million VND, depending on the timing of your booking and the airline. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Bangkok are more frequent, offering more opportunities to snag cheaper tickets.

On the other hand, flights to Malaysia tend to be slightly more expensive, costing around 3 to 3.5 million VND for a return trip.

While Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination, there are fewer direct flights compared to Bangkok, making it more challenging to find affordable options.

2. Living Expenses

Thailand is renowned for its affordable travel options, with daily expenses averaging 500,000 to 800,000 VND.

You can find budget-friendly accommodations such as guesthouses and hostels for as low as 200,000 to 300,000 VND per night, and street food is readily available for approximately 50,000 to 100,000 VND per meal.

In contrast, Malaysia is slightly more expensive. On average, you’ll need about 700,000 to 1 million VND per day to cover meals, accommodation, and other expenses.

Guesthouses and hostels in Kuala Lumpur typically range from 300,000 to 500,000 VND per night, and food costs are generally higher due to the influence of Indian and Chinese cuisines.

3. Cuisine

Thai cuisine is incredibly diverse and famous for its street food options, including pad Thai, tom yum soup, mango sticky rice, and Thai milk tea.

Street food prices usually range from 30,000 to 80,000 VND per dish, allowing you to indulge in delicious meals without breaking the bank.

In Malaysia, the food is generally more expensive and heavily influenced by Chinese, Indian, and local Malay flavors. Dishes like nasi lemak, satay, and laksa are popular, but prices tend to be 10-20% higher than in Thailand.

4. Local Transportation

In Thailand, getting around is convenient and affordable. You can use the BTS Skytrain, tuk-tuks, taxis, or Grab, with fares starting as low as 15,000 to 40,000 VND per trip for the train and 50,000 to 100,000 VND for Grab within Bangkok.

Malaysia also boasts a well-developed public transportation system, including MRT, buses, and Grab. However, transportation costs are generally higher than in Thailand, especially for Grab, due to the greater distances between attractions.

5. Attractions and Experiences

In Thailand, you can visit iconic sites such as the Golden Mount Temple, the Grand Palace, Khao San Road, or take a trip to Pattaya and explore the beautiful island of Koh Larn.

The vibrant night markets offer a delightful blend of culinary delights and shopping opportunities.

Malaysia boasts modern landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and the historic city of Malacca.

Its culture is a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, offering a diverse range of architectural and cultural experiences.

Thailand is ideal for those who crave a lively atmosphere, while Malaysia appeals to those seeking a mix of modern attractions and cultural exploration.

6. Making it Work with 5 Million VND

In conclusion, with a budget of 5 million VND, you can absolutely explore Thailand for 3-4 days if you’re mindful of your spending, opt for budget-friendly accommodations, and take advantage of cheap flights. For Malaysia, the trip is still feasible but requires a tighter financial plan. Considering that flights take up a significant portion of the budget and daily expenses are higher, you may need to shorten your stay, opt for public transportation, and seek out free experiences to stay within your financial limits.

Both destinations offer unique advantages, and your spending choices will shape your experience. If optimizing your budget and indulging in diverse cuisine and vibrant nightlife are priorities, Thailand is the more economical choice. On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a little more to immerse yourself in a multicultural environment and explore modern attractions, Malaysia presents a captivating option. Remember, proper planning is key to ensuring a memorable trip that fits within your financial means!