Vietnam TravelPhilippines vs. Vietnam: Which Country is the Better Choice for You?

When deciding on a travel destination, many people are left scratching their heads when comparing the Philippines and Vietnam. Both countries offer unique attractions and experiences that make them worth visiting. But if you’re looking to decide between the two, certain features should be taken into account when choosing where to go. In this blog post, we will compare 10 features that you should take into account to help you decide which country is best for you.

1. Cost of living
2. Weather and climate
3. Leisure
4. Traffic and Transportation
5. Food
6. Healthcare
7. Education system
8. Job market
9. Infrastructure
10. Safety and security

Cost of living

photo: RODNAE Productions

When deciding where to live, it’s important to consider the cost of living in Vietnam and the Philippines. In general, the Philippines is more expensive than Vietnam, with the average monthly cost of living in Manila estimated to be $1,200 USD. This is largely due to the higher cost of rent and utilities in the Philippines. However, food and transportation costs are similar in both countries. If you’re on a budget, you may find that Vietnam is a more affordable option. With an average monthly cost of living of $700-800 USD, you can expect to pay less for essentials like housing and food. Of course, your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. But in general, Vietnam is a more affordable country than the Philippines.

Weather and climate

Vietnam and the Philippines are two Southeast Asian countries with tropical climates. The climate in Vietnam is hot all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 21 to 33 degrees Celsius. The Philippines also has a tropical climate, but there is more variation in temperature depending on the season and region. For example, in the northern Philippines, the weather is generally cooler than in the south. The rainy season in the Philippines typically lasts from June to October, while in Vietnam it runs from May to October. Despite these differences, both countries experience high levels of rainfall and humidity. As a result, it is important to be prepared for wet weather if you are traveling to either country.

Leisure

photo: Michael Buillerey

Both the Philippines and Vietnam offer a variety of leisure activities for travelers to enjoy. In the Philippines, sightseeing options include visiting Intramuros, taking a Philippine heritage tour, or exploring one of the many museums. For those who enjoy shopping, there are many malls and local markets selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. And finally, for those looking for a night out on the town, there are several bars and clubs located in Manila. In Vietnam, travelers can enjoy similar activities such as exploring temples and pagodas, going on a cruise along Halong Bay, or visiting the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. There is also an abundance of shopping options, ranging from luxury brands to local handicrafts, and a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars and clubs. As such, both countries offer a wealth of possibilities for those seeking an enjoyable leisure vacation.

Traffic and Transportation

Vietnam and the Philippines both have well-developed transportation networks that include an extensive network of roads and an advanced railway system. In Vietnam, the transportation system is efficient and helpful for getting around the country. In Hanoi, there is a metro system that is convenient and reliable. In Saigon, there is a planned metro system that is under construction and scheduled to open soon. In addition, there are plenty of buses and taxis available for traveling around the city or between cities. The Philippines also has a well-developed transportation network that includes an efficient metro system. The metro system in the Philippines is especially helpful for getting around the city and avoiding traffic. Thanks to these well-developed transportation systems, both Vietnam and the Philippines are easy to get around and explore.

Food

photo: Natalia Mok

When it comes to food, both Vietnam and the Philippines have a lot to offer. The cuisine in both countries is delicious and diverse, but Vietnam has more culinary options compared to the Philippines. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its intricate flavors, while Filipino cuisine is more focused on simple, home-style cooking. If you’re looking for a wide variety of dishes to choose from, Vietnam is the place to be. But if you’re looking for heartwarming comfort food, the Philippines is worth considering. Whichever country you choose, you’re sure to enjoy some amazing food!

Healthcare

Both countries have a mix of public and private hospitals, but Vietnam has a larger number of public hospitals. This means that in Vietnam, accessing healthcare is typically cheaper than in the Philippines. However, the quality of healthcare in the Philippines is generally considered to be higher than in Vietnam. This is due to a variety of factors, including higher levels of investment in private hospitals and a greater focus on preventive care.

Education system

photo: Avel Chuklanov

Vietnam and the Philippines both have compulsory education up to grade 9, but the similarity largely ends there. Vietnam’s education system is centralized and focused on preparing students for university, while the Philippines’ system is decentralized and offers different tracks depending on a student’s future plans. In Vietnam, all students take the same courses until grade 9, at which point they can choose to either continue their studies at a general high school or specialize in a particular field at a vocational high school. Students who wish to go to a university must then pass a national entrance exam. In contrast, the Philippines’ education system allows students to choose between an academic track, which focuses on preparing for university, or a technical-vocational track, which leads to employment after grade 10. As a result of these differences, Vietnam has one of the highest university enrolment rates in Southeast Asia, while the Philippines lags behind.

Job market

Vietnam’s job market has gradually been opening up to foreigners in recent years, presenting new opportunities for those looking to work abroad. The most common jobs for foreigners in Vietnam are English teaching positions, which typically offer salaries of around $1,000-$1,500 per month. Other popular jobs include bar/restaurant work, hospitality positions, and marketing roles. Wages in Vietnam are generally lower than in neighboring countries such as the Philippines, but the cost of living is also cheaper, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. The working visa process can be complicated and time-consuming, but once obtained, it is relatively easy to find work in Vietnam. Overall, the job market in Vietnam is growing rapidly and offers good opportunities for foreigners looking to start a new chapter in their careers.

Infrastructure

photo: Peter Nguyen

Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with an extensive network of roads, bridges and railways. The country also has a modern airport system, with international airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In terms of telecommunications, Vietnam has a reliable and affordable internet service. The country also has a modern electricity grid, with almost all households connected to the national grid. Finally, Vietnam has an adequate supply of safe drinking water. Although there are occasional shortages, the government is working to improve water infrastructure and increase access to clean water. Overall, Vietnam’s infrastructure is more developed than that of the Philippines, which can be attributed to the country’s higher economic growth rate.

Learn how each region of Vietnam offers unique experiences in our Vietnam travel regional overview.

Safety and Security

photo: John Lorenz Tajonera

Safety and security are important factors to consider when traveling to any country. Both Vietnam and the Philippines have relatively good safety records, but there are still some areas that should be avoided. In Vietnam, tourists should exercise caution when traveling to rural areas or border regions. The Philippines also has some dangerous areas, particularly in the south, where there is a risk of kidnappings and terrorism. However, overall, both countries are quite safe for travelers. As long as you take sensible precautions, you should have no problems enjoying your trip.

Overall, both the Philippines and Vietnam are excellent travel destinations with plenty of attractions and experiences to offer. To decide which country is the better choice for you, it’s important to consider all of the factors mentioned above.  Do your research and make an informed decision about whether to visit the Philippines or Vietnam. Whichever country you choose, you’re sure to have a great time!