• By: RIYANKA
• Oct 31, 2025
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Thailand vs Vietnam for Couples: Experience With Double Up Holidays

There’s something deeply special about travelling with your partner. It’s in the way laughter spills out over missed turns, the quiet comfort of shared silences, and the joy of discovering places hand in hand. Over the years, Sourav and I have come to realise that our journeys together aren’t about chasing itineraries, but about slowing down, soaking in the rhythms of a place, and letting it shape us in unexpected ways.

Well, I must say that when you travel as a couple, the destination often reflects your bond,  sometimes full of energy and laughter, sometimes calm and grounding. Among all the places we’ve explored together, Thailand and Vietnam have stood out the most. 

For us, Thailand is all about sunshine and good energy. It’s vibrant, indulgent, and full of life, with its beaches, parties, and watersports calling you to let loose, unwind, and simply have fun together. Vietnam, on the other hand, feels like poetry. It’s gentle, soulful, and steeped in stories, drawing couples in with its culture, coffee, and countryside charm.

Well, now, planning a romantic escape to these beautiful destinations is even simpler with Alike’s Double Up Holidays. It’s a travel offer designed especially for couples — you pay for one, and your partner travels free. Yes, you read that right! Whether it’s soaking up the sun in Thailand or exploring the charming streets of Vietnam, Alike makes it easier for you both to experience the world together, without stretching your budget.

When it comes to Thailand vs Vietnam for couples, the real magic lies in the kind of journey you want to share: sun-kissed and spontaneous, or slow and mindful.

Sun, Sand and Sea: Thailand for Couples

Thailand has a rhythm that’s hard to define but easy to feel. It’s vibrant yet calming, energetic yet deeply soothing. It’s the kind of place that lets you unwind while keeping that spark of adventure alive.

Our journey began in Bangkok, a city that constantly balances chaos and creativity. We spent three days exploring its many sides, from the busy streets filled with food carts to quiet neighbourhoods that still hold onto their old-world charm.

One of my favourite discoveries was Song Wat, a quaint area tucked away from the city’s glitzy skyline. It felt like stepping into a slower world. Local artisans were still at work in tiny shops, shophouses stood as reminders of the past, and little cafes served up warm hospitality with each cup of coffee.

We also took a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital that once formed the heart of the Kingdom of Thailand. The place carries whispers of history in every corner. Crumbling stupas and headless Buddha statues stand tall against the sky, their moss-covered surfaces telling stories of centuries gone by. Walking through those ruins, with no rush to get anywhere, felt incredibly special, like time had paused for us.

Back in Bangkok, Sourav was in his element at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). With his love for art and music, he could have spent the whole day there. The space buzzed with creative energy, filled with installations, photography, and live performances that reflected the city’s youthful soul. As evening arrived, we found ourselves in Chinatown, Bangkok, where the aroma of sizzling satay and freshly grilled seafood filled the air. 

And, the night didn’t end there. We wandered to Khao San Road, where music spilt out from bars and laughter echoed through the streets. It was wild, loud, and full of life — a side of Bangkok that never seems to sleep. Later, we hopped on a tuk-tuk and took a midnight ride around the city. The streets were quieter by then, and as the breeze hit our faces, the city lights glimmered, as if keeping us company. That ride is still one of our favourite memories from Thailand.

After the lively buzz of Bangkok, Phuket was the calm we didn’t know we needed. We spent four unhurried days there, mostly by the beach, soaking up the sun and watching the sea change colours through the day. We treated ourselves to a spa session one afternoon, something Sourav had never tried before, and seeing him genuinely enjoy that experience was a joy in itself. Later, we explored Phuket Old Town, with its pastel buildings, quaint cafes, and vibrant street art. 

Thailand, for me, is the perfect destination for couples who want to unwind yet still feel alive. Whether you’re snorkelling in turquoise waters, walking barefoot along Patong Beach, or sharing a quiet candlelit dinner by the sea, the best places for couples in Thailand offer endless ways to reconnect with each other and with the world around you.

Culture, Coffee and Countryside: Vietnam for Couples

If Thailand was all about the sea and sunshine, Vietnam felt like a tender love letter, layered with history, rich with flavours, and wrapped in the calm of the countryside. There’s a quiet beauty to this country that makes you slow down and truly see the world around you.

We spent two weeks travelling through Vietnam, and every single day felt meaningful in its own way. Hoi An was where we stayed the longest, and it stole our hearts instantly. With its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, and unhurried pace of life, Hoi An felt like a dream you didn’t want to wake up from. It’s one of the best places for couples in Vietnam, especially for those who enjoy slow travel and the simple pleasures of being together.

Most mornings began with coffee, because in Vietnam, coffee isn’t just a drink, but rather, an experience to be cherished. We attended a coffee-making workshop where we learnt to brew salt coffee, egg coffee, and coconut coffee. Each cup had a story, a distinct flavour, and a little piece of Vietnam in it. There was something intimate about learning this together — sharing sips, comparing notes, and realising how even a simple ritual like coffee could connect you to a place so deeply.

Evenings were our favourite time of day. We’d head to An Bang Beach to watch the sun sink into the sea. That sunset is etched in my memory — the sky painted in gold and pink, the waves humming softly, and the two of us sitting in silence, knowing that some moments don’t need words.

From Hoi An, we travelled north to Hanoi, a city that feels like a beautiful mix of chaos and charm. Between exploring ancient temples, visiting museums, and wandering through the Old Quarter, we found a rhythm that suited us, a little bit of exploration and a lot of soaking in the atmosphere. Hanoi has this wonderful way of balancing energy with intimacy. Amid the honking and the bustle, you’ll always find quiet corners where time seems to pause, letting you just sit and be.

We ended our Vietnam journey in Sa Pa, surrounded by misty mountains and terraced rice fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. The hike through the region was both challenging and rewarding. There were moments when we had to slow down, catch our breath, and encourage each other — a reminder that travel, much like love, isn’t always effortless, but it’s always worth it.

Vietnam, for us, was all about connections among us, with the people around us, and with the quiet magic of everyday life.

Thailand vs Vietnam for Couples – Which is Better?

That’s a tough one for me, honestly.

If your idea of a romantic escape involves beach sunsets, spa days, and a touch of nightlife, Thailand wins hands down. It’s easy to plan a Thailand couple travel itinerary that mixes adventure and leisure — from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket. The best experiences in Thailand often lie in contrasts: one moment you’re dancing by the sea, the next you’re watching a temple sunrise.

On the other hand, if you and your partner are drawn to stories, heritage, and slow travel, Vietnam will steal your heart. It’s a place that encourages you to pause, listen, and savour. Whether it’s cycling through rice paddies, taking a cooking class, or sharing a quiet cup of coffee by the river, the best experiences in Vietnam are those that help you connect, not just with each other, but with the place itself.

When it comes to Thailand vs Vietnam beaches, Thailand takes the crown with its crystal waters and island-hopping adventures. But Vietnam’s coastal towns like Hoi An and Da Nang offer a quieter, more soulful vibe, perfect for couples seeking peace over parties.

Double Up Holidays with Alike

For us, both Thailand and Vietnam hold a special place. Thailand taught us to let loose and live in the moment, while Vietnam reminded us to slow down and breathe it all in.

Travelling as a couple isn’t about choosing the “better” destination; it’s about discovering what kind of experiences make you both come alive. Whether it’s walking through the historic ruins of Ayutthaya or watching the sunset at An Bang Beach, both countries offer endless memories waiting to be made.

And now, planning a romantic escape to these destinations has become even easier with Alike’s Double Up Holidays. It’s a thoughtful travel offering that lets your partner travel free, making your dream getaway not just more affordable but also more meaningful. 

So, whether you’re craving sun, sand, and sea or culture, coffee, and countryside, you can’t go wrong with either. The only thing that truly matters is the company and the stories you’ll create together.

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