Thailand and Vietnam are two popular bases for remote workers in Southeast Asia, and both run on the same clock. This guide compares internet speed, monthly cost, visas, tax residency, safety, coworking, and weather, with two or three base cities in each country. Figures come from sources dated between March and October 2026, and several rules changed recently.
Thailand vs Vietnam, criterion by criterion
Internet speed
According to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index for August 2026, both countries average close to 300 Mbps on fixed broadband.
- Thailand: Fixed broadband averaged 298.92 Mbps in August 2026, according to Ookla figures reported by VOV. The latest national mobile figure found was 137.98 Mbps for March 2026. Q2 2026 mobile medians from Ookla, reported by Seasia.co on 16 September 2026, were 167.27 Mbps in Bangkok and 167.62 Mbps in Phuket.
- Vietnam: Fixed broadband averaged 301.48 Mbps in August 2026, ranking 8th worldwide, and mobile averaged 219.93 Mbps, ranking 9th, according to VOV. Ho Chi Minh City fixed broadband reached 298.38 Mbps. The Q2 2026 mobile median in Da Nang was 215.56 Mbps, the highest among the 13 nomad destinations in the Seasia.co list.
Both countries sit well above the speed that video calls need. Ookla data comes from tests that users run themselves, so the numbers describe national averages. Speed in a single apartment can differ.
Sources also vary for the same city. Reports for Hanoi mobile range from a 142.55 Mbps median in Q2 2026 to 493.37 Mbps in the August index. The Da Nang median fell 17.7% from a year earlier.
Testing a local SIM on arrival is worth the small effort. The guides on eSIM vs local SIM vs hotspot and checking wifi speed before booking explain how.
Monthly cost of living
Sources disagree on how much cheaper Vietnam is, with estimates between about 11% and 22%.
- Thailand: WhereNext estimates monthly costs at about $895. A one-bedroom apartment in central Bangkok averages $550, per WhereNext. Numbeo data for Q4 2025, reported by TravelArbitrage, gives THB 12,000 to 22,000 ($330 to $610) in Bangkok. The same source lists THB 8,000 to 14,000 ($220 to $390) in Chiang Mai.
- Vietnam: WhereNext estimates monthly costs at about $695. Central one-bedroom rents run $500 in Ho Chi Minh City and $350 in Da Nang. WhereNext lists comfortable monthly budgets of $1,100 to $1,500 in Ho Chi Minh City and $1,050 to $1,450 in Hanoi. The range for Da Nang is $1,000 to $1,400.
- Size of the difference: GlobalCostData puts Vietnam about 11% cheaper, Numbeo data for March 2026 (via Vietnamspot) about 13%, and WhereNext about 22%.
Vietnam tends to cost less overall, and the difference looks smaller when comparing Chiang Mai with Da Nang. One source puts a comfortable budget at about $1,100 per month in Chiang Mai and $1,150 in Da Nang. Numbeo data for May 2026, reported by ShareUHack, shows Chiang Mai 11.7% more expensive than Ho Chi Minh City before rent. Bangkok rents are slightly higher than Ho Chi Minh City in the WhereNext data.
Visas and entry rules
Thai entry rules changed in September 2026, so older guides may list the wrong number of days.
- Thailand, visa-free entry: According to Fragomen and Siam Legal, a Royal Gazette notice on 31 August 2026 cancelled the 60-day exemption. From 15 September 2026, citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, receive 30 days for tourism. One 30-day extension costs THB 1,900 at an immigration office. Land-border entries under the exemption are capped at two per calendar year. A US State Department page from August 2026 still listed 60 days, so the Thai embassy site is the safer source. Visitors also complete an online pre-arrival registration called TDAC.
- Thailand, Destination Thailand Visa: The DTV lasts five years, allows multiple entries, and covers up to 180 days per entry. The fee is THB 10,000, and the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. charges US$400. Applicants show at least THB 500,000 in savings with about three months of statements, or a sponsor letter. The minimum age is 20, according to Thaiger. Remote work is allowed for a foreign employer or client.
- Thailand, new DTV documents: According to Lex Bangkok, citing a Royal Thai Embassy notice dated 2 September 2026, applications from 31 August 2026 need proof of permanent residence. They also need a criminal record certificate. Missions differ on what they accept, so each embassy page is worth reading.
- Thailand, DTV extension: Two guides list one 180-day extension per entry at THB 1,900. Immigration can confirm the current rule.
- Vietnam, e-visa: Vietnam has no dedicated nomad visa. The 90-day e-visa is open to all nationalities. The fee is US$25 for one entry or US$50 for multiple entries, under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC in force since 1 April 2026. Processing takes three to five working days. The US State Department said in July 2026 that an e-visa cannot be extended inside Vietnam, so many long-stay visitors use visa runs. A pre-arrival declaration is also required.
- Vietnam, visa-free entry: Citizens of 12 countries get 45 days under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, valid from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028. They are the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Twelve more European countries receive 45 days from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028 under Decree 221/2025. The US, Canada, and Australia are not on these lists.
- Working on a tourist stay: Embassy notices say Thailand’s visa exemption is not permission to work. Freaking Nomads describes remote work on a Vietnamese tourist e-visa as a gray area.
Thailand offers the clearer long-stay route through the DTV, while Vietnam offers an easy first 90 days for any passport. The guides to the Thailand DTV and the Thailand LTR visa cover the steps. A police clearance certificate may be needed for the DTV. The post on income requirements by country shows how the savings rule compares elsewhere.
Readers weighing a tourist stay against a long-stay permit can read about the digital nomad visa vs tourist visa difference. The guide to visa runs near Southeast Asia covers the Vietnam route. Passport holders from outside the West can start with the guide to non-Western passport options.
Tax residency basics
- Thailand: Spending 180 days or more in a calendar year makes a person a Thai tax resident, according to Thaiger on 26 August 2026. The source cites Section 41 of the Revenue Code. Since 1 January 2024, foreign income that a resident brings into Thailand is taxable. The year it was earned does not matter, under Revenue Department orders Por. 161/2566 and 162/2566. The DTV carries no tax exemption. Rates start at 0% on the first THB 150,000 of taxable income.
- Vietnam: According to ASEAN Briefing, a person becomes a tax resident after 183 days in a calendar year. The same applies after 12 consecutive months from the first arrival. Residents pay 5% to 35% progressive rates on worldwide income, and non-residents pay a flat 20% on Vietnam-source income. A personal income tax reform took effect around 1 July 2026, so the current brackets are worth confirming.
Day counts matter in both countries, and Vietnam also tests 12 consecutive months from the first arrival day. Home-country rules still apply, and FlyBibe has tax guides for US citizens, UK residents, Canadians, and Australians. The information in this section is general only. A qualified tax adviser can confirm what applies to a specific situation.
Timezone and meeting hours
Thailand and Vietnam both use UTC+7, called Indochina Time, with no daylight saving time. Overlap below assumes a 9am to 5pm day in Asia and a 9am to 5pm day at the client.
- US Eastern: Asia is 11 hours ahead in US daylight time and 12 hours ahead in standard time. A 9am meeting in New York lands at 8pm or 9pm in Asia, so there is no office-hour overlap.
- US Pacific: Asia is 14 or 15 hours ahead. A 9am meeting in Los Angeles lands at 11pm or midnight, so there is no office-hour overlap.
- UK: Asia is 6 hours ahead in British summer time and 7 hours ahead in winter. A 9am meeting in London lands at 3pm or 4pm, which gives one to two hours of overlap.
- Central Europe: Asia is 5 or 6 hours ahead. A 9am meeting in Berlin lands at 2pm or 3pm, which gives two to three hours of overlap in the Asian afternoon.
The timezone does not separate the two countries. Clock changes in the US and Europe fall on different dates. Overlap can shift by an hour for a few weeks each spring and autumn. The guide on managing client meetings across time zones covers scheduling habits for a large offset.
Safety
- Thailand: The US State Department rated Thailand Level 1 on 7 July 2026. The advisory lists Level 2 areas near the Cambodia border because of armed conflict risk, and in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces. Australia’s DFAT rated Thailand Level 2 in December 2025 and advised against travel within 50 km of the Cambodia border. Common problems include pickpocketing, bag snatching, bar tab scams, gem and tour scams, and motorbike rental scams where the shop keeps a passport. The WHO reports high road traffic fatality rates.
- Vietnam: The US State Department rated Vietnam Level 1 on 24 June 2026. Petty crime such as bag grabs occurs in crowded places. Riding a moped without a Vietnamese licence is illegal and may void insurance. Air pollution is significant in major cities, especially Hanoi, and the government places strict limits on political speech.
Advisories for both countries point mostly to traffic risks and petty theft. Advisory levels change over time, so the official pages are worth reading before booking. The post on balancing cost, safety, and internet shows how to weigh these factors for a destination.
Coworking and community
- Thailand, Chiang Mai: Punspace runs branches at Tha Phae Gate, Nimman, and Wiang Kaew. Day passes cost THB 250 to 350. Yellow in Nimman charges THB 429 for a day, Heartwork about THB 200, and Alt_ChiangMai THB 320. CAMP is free to use. Prices come from Thai Holiday Guide, updated 19 June 2026.
- Thailand, Bangkok: True Digital Park lists monthly desks at THB 4,000 to 5,500 with 1 Gbps internet. JustCo charges THB 6,500 to 9,000 per month, and the AIS Design Centre is free.
- Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City: Day passes cost VND 110,000 to 250,000 (about $4.20 to $9.60). Monthly plans run VND 1,500,000 to 9,000,000. Spaces include South Ground, The Hive in Thao Dien, and Regus. According to Vietnamspot in September 2026, many spaces close around 6pm and on weekends.
- Vietnam, Da Nang: cirCO sits on the 30th floor of the Crowne Plaza and offers 24/7 access for dedicated desks. HIVE is another option. A survey from August 2026 found that five of 11 spaces close between 6pm and 8pm.
Chiang Mai has one of the longest lists of low-cost day passes. Early closing hours in Vietnam matter for people who work late shifts with US clients. A home setup may be needed in the evening. Prices and hours change, so a quick check before a visit is wise. The coworking memberships for frequent travelers guide covers options that work across many cities.
Best time to go
- Thailand: According to the US State Department, the rainy season runs from May to October. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are most comfortable from November to February. Chiang Mai has a burning season from about February to April that peaks in March. IQAir recorded an air quality index of 235 there in April 2026. Bangkok sees dust and pollution from December to February. Koh Samui is drier from June to October.
- Vietnam: Hanoi is best in March and April and from September to November, and winter temperatures fall to 14 to 20°C. Da Nang is best from February to August, with typhoons and heavy rain from September to December. The US State Department says the worst storms hit the central and northern coasts between September and November. The south, including Ho Chi Minh City, has a wet season from May to October, and heat waves occur from March to May.
The seasons can fit together. Chiang Mai works well from November to January, before the smoke, and Da Nang works well from February onward. Flight prices also change with the season. The post on the cheapest months to fly to Southeast Asia shows when fares tend to drop.
Base cities in each country
- Thailand, Bangkok: The Bangkok guide covers neighborhoods for people who want a large city with many coworking choices. Rents run THB 12,000 to 22,000.
- Thailand, Chiang Mai: The Chiang Mai guide suits people who want lower rents and many coworking spaces. The smoke season is one drawback.
- Thailand, Phuket: The Phuket guide covers coastal living, and Q2 2026 data showed 83.8% 5G availability there.
- Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City: The Ho Chi Minh City guide covers a large city with fixed broadband near 298 Mbps. WhereNext lists a comfortable budget of $1,100 to $1,500.
- Vietnam, Da Nang: The Da Nang guide suits people who want a beach city with fast mobile internet. Hoi An sits nearby for a quieter base.
- Vietnam, Hanoi: Hanoi offers rents of $250 to $500 and cool winters. The US State Department calls air pollution significant there.
The list of best digital nomad cities in Southeast Asia shows how these cities compare with other options in the region.
Which country fits which remote worker
- On US client hours: Neither country offers office-hour overlap, so evening or night shifts are likely in both. A reliable home connection matters more than a coworking desk, because many Vietnamese spaces close around 6pm.
- On a tight budget: Vietnam tends to cost less, especially in Da Nang and Hanoi. Chiang Mai can come close on monthly cost for people who avoid the smoke season.
- On a stay of six months or more: Thailand’s DTV allows up to 180 days per entry. Vietnam’s e-visa covers 90 days with no extension inside the country. The DTV needs savings of THB 500,000 and extra documents, so planning ahead helps.
Book your flight to Bangkok, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City
Thailand suits remote workers who want a long-stay visa and a wide choice of bases. Vietnam suits those who want lower monthly costs and quick mobile internet in cities such as Da Nang. Both share one timezone, so the choice often comes down to visa length, budget, and season. Once a country and a city feel right, search flights to Bangkok, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City on FlyBibe. Routes can be compared using wifi, visa, and cost filters.