Thailand vs. Vietnam: Where Should Remote Professionals Base with $100,000 a Year?

Both offer affordable living, rich cultures, and dynamic cities, yet they differ in visas, lifestyle, costs, and overall quality of life. This article compares Thailand vs. Vietnam for digital nomads and high-earning remote workers who want to choose the right base.

Visa Options for Remote Workers

Thailand Visa Options Thailand has made a strong effort to attract digital nomads. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows multiple entries for five years, with each entry valid for up to 180 days. It suits remote professionals who want semi-long-term stays without heavy bureaucracy. Another option is the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), created specifically for work-from-Thailand professionals earning over $80,000 a year. The LTR lasts 10 years and provides benefits such as fast-track immigration and simplified reporting. Vietnam Visa Options Vietnam remains simpler but more limited. Its e-visa system grants up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and can be applied for online at low cost. However, Vietnam does not yet offer a digital nomad visa. Longer stays usually require business sponsorship, investment, or frequent visa runs. Verdict: Thailand offers more structured long-term pathways, while Vietnam is still best for shorter or medium-term stays.

Taxes and Residency Rules

Thailand Taxation Since January 2024, Thailand taxes foreign income if it is remitted into the country by residents. Anyone staying more than 180 days in a year may be considered a tax resident, which makes planning essential. High earners should consult professional advisors to optimize remittances and treaty benefits. Vietnam Taxation Vietnam applies tax residency after 183 days in a year. Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 35 percent. Non-residents are taxed 20 percent only on Vietnam-sourced income. Many remote workers manage this by staying fewer than 183 days per year to avoid tax residency.

Cost of Living: Rent and Daily Expenses

Thailand Costs In Bangkok, a modern one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $650 per month, while outside the center prices drop to around $320. Daily expenses such as transport, dining, and co-working remain affordable compared to Western cities, though Thailand is generally pricier than Vietnam. Vietnam Costs In Ho Chi Minh City, a central one-bedroom averages $525 per month, and in Hanoi closer to $345. Groceries, restaurants, and transport are also cheaper than in Bangkok. For high earners, this difference means more flexibility for luxury living or saving. Conclusion: Both countries are affordable for a $100,000 salary, but Vietnam provides better value overall.

Lifestyle and Infrastructure

Thailand Lifestyle Thailand is polished and convenient. Bangkok offers international restaurants, modern shopping malls, excellent public transport, and some of the best hospitals in Asia. Chiang Mai attracts digital nomads with its relaxed pace and café culture, while Phuket and Koh Samui offer upscale beach lifestyles. Vietnam Lifestyle Vietnam is more raw and energetic. Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with entrepreneurship and nightlife, Hanoi blends culture with a café society, and Da Nang mixes city and beach living. Internet speeds are fast, co-working spaces are expanding, and the coffee culture is world-class. Healthcare, while improving, still lags behind Thailand’s.

Food, Culture, and People

Thai cuisine is globally renowned for its balance of flavors, with both street food and Michelin-starred dining available. English is widely spoken in major hubs, making it easy for foreigners. Vietnamese cuisine is deeply tied to street life, from pho to banh mi, with an unmatched café scene. Locals are warm and direct, though English is less common outside tourist and expat districts.

Pollution and Environment

Both countries face challenges with air quality. Bangkok struggles with seasonal smog, and Chiang Mai suffers heavily during the burning season. Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City consistently rank among the most polluted cities in Asia, with PM2.5 levels often reaching unhealthy levels. For remote professionals planning long stays, air purifiers and masks are common solutions.

Safety and Mobility

Thailand is very safe and has excellent infrastructure for getting around, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT in Bangkok. Vietnam is also safe, but traffic is chaotic, with scooters dominating the streets. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are essential for both countries.

Final Verdict: Thailand or Vietnam?

For a remote professional earning $100,000 per year, both Thailand and Vietnam are excellent bases. The choice depends on priorities. Thailand offers smoother visa options, world-class healthcare, and polished infrastructure. It is ideal for those who want convenience, long-term stability, and a softer landing. Vietnam offers lower costs, a thrilling entrepreneurial vibe, and one of the best food and coffee cultures in the world, though visas are less flexible. If you want structure, healthcare, and comfort, choose Thailand. If you want energy, affordability, and a sense of being in the middle of rapid growth, choose Vietnam. Either way, both countries allow high-earning digital nomads to live very comfortably, with a lifestyle that would cost several times more in the West.