Thailand vs Vietnam: Best Culinary Destination for Food Lovers

Thailand vs. Vietnam are both fantastic but which country provides the best culinary destination? Ultimately, the answer will rely on a number of things. So, this article will explore the deep-seated culinary traditions and many dining options of both countries in the hopes that tourists can decide their pick.

The Culinary Philosophy

Thailand’s Culinary Identity

Thai culinary philosophy is heavily impacted by cultural traditions and Buddhist teachings. In a holistic approach that sees cooking as an art of feeding both body and spirit, religious precepts, especially Buddhist mindfulness, govern food preparation and consumption. The communal aspect of Thai meals highlights the philosophical foundations of the cuisine, which center around shared experiences and social connection.

The intricate balancing act of the four basic flavors—spicy, salty, sweet, and sour—is what makes Thai cuisine so special. To link the food with Thailand’s agricultural landscape, ingredients are chosen with care, usually based on what’s in season and acquired locally.

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Vietnam’s Culinary Philosophy

The agricultural landscape of Vietnam is strongly ingrained in Vietnamese culinary philosophy, especially rice production. The food reflects a living concept of fusion and adaptation, drawing on features such as French colonial culinary traditions, Indian and Thai spice trades, and Chinese stir-frying skills.

This culinary style is distinguished by its use of fresh, vibrant herbs and vegetables alongside traditional fish sauce—a symbol of the nation’s maritime history—while maintaining a focus on harmony and balance.

Vietnamese cuisine embodies balance through the traditional yin-yang principle, particularly in its hot-cold food paradigm. Ingredients like ginger and beef, along with cooking methods like frying, are considered “heating”, while sour or bitter foods and steamed dishes provide “cooling” properties. This balance extends to meal composition – richer, greasier dishes are typically offset with fresh vegetables to maintain dietary harmony.

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Street Food Scene

Thailand Iconic Food

• Pad Thai: A masterful stir-fried rice noodle dish that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors 
• Tom Yum Goong: A vibrant hot and sour shrimp soup featuring aromatic herbs and spices, delivering an intense, fragrant experience
• Mango Sticky Rice: A beloved dessert combining sweet glutinous rice with creamy coconut milk and fresh ripe mango

Popular Food Spots

• Bangkok’s Yaowarat (Chinatown): A dynamic melting pot where various culinary influences converge to create unique flavors
• Chatuchak Weekend Market: An expansive marketplace featuring countless vendors offering diverse Thai dishes
• Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street: A prime destination for experiencing authentic Northern Thai specialties

Unique Experience

• Exceptional accessibility and affordability across various venues, from night markets to roadside stalls
• Entertainment value in watching skilled vendors demonstrate their cooking expertise with impressive speed and precision

Vietnam Iconic Food

• Pho: A fragrant beef noodle soup slowly simmered with aromatic spices, which can be enjoyed throughout the day
• Banh Mi: A crispy baguette filled with pâté, pickled vegetables, and grilled meats, exemplifying Vietnamese-French fusion
• Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls containing vermicelli noodles, herbs, and proteins, offering a light and refreshing option

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Popular Food Spots

• Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A maze of narrow streets filled with traditional street food vendors and local specialties
• Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market: A bustling marketplace and surrounding areas showcasing southern Vietnamese cuisine
• Hoi An’s Central Market: A charming location offering a more relaxed atmosphere while maintaining authentic flavors

Unique Experience

• Essential use of fresh herbs and varied dipping sauces that add depth and complexity to dishes
• Authentic communal dining experience where people gather on small plastic stools to enjoy their meals

Regional Food Diversity 

Thailand

Northern Thailand

• Khao Soi: A delectable noodle soup featuring a velvety coconut curry base, typically accompanied by tender chicken or beef and crowned with crispy fried noodle strands
• Sai Oua: An aromatic grilled pork delicacy meticulously seasoned with a vibrant blend of local herbs and spices, including zesty lemongrass, pungent galangal, and fiery chili
• Gaeng Hang Lei: A meticulously slow-cooked pork curry that harmoniously combines ginger, turmeric, and tangy tamarind, resulting in a rich and complex flavor 

Central Thailand

• Tom Yum Goong: An invigorating hot and sour soup brimming with succulent shrimp, aromatic lemongrass, pungent galangal, fragrant kaffir lime leaves, and fiery chili peppers
• Gaeng Keow Wan: A creamy coconut milk-based curry distinguished by verdant green chilies, an array of fresh vegetables, and a protein selection

Southern Thailand

• Massaman Curry: A luxurious and mild curry showcasing Persian culinary influences, featuring tender potatoes, crunchy peanuts, and a choice of meat, all enveloped in a rich coconut milk sauce 
• Gaeng Tai Pla: An intense and pungent curry crafted from fermented fish innards, complemented by vegetables and chilies
• Roti: Versatile flatbreads that serve multiple gastronomic purposes, whether accompanying curries or transformed into a decadent sweet treat with condensed milk or bananas

Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

• Pho: A fragrant rice noodle soup featuring either beef or chicken, simmered in a deeply aromatic broth infused with warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves
• Bun Cha: A delightful midday specialty from Hanoi, featuring meticulously grilled pork patties elegantly served alongside delicate vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a complementary dipping sauce
• Banh Cuon: Delicate steamed rice flour rolls generously filled with seasoned ground pork and earthy wood ear mushrooms, garnished with crispy fried shallots and accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce

Central Vietnam

• Cao Lau: A distinctive Hoi An noodle specialty featuring robust rice noodles paired with succulent char siu pork slices, crispy croutons, fresh greens, and a uniquely flavored broth enhanced by local herbs
• Mi Quang: A celebrated noodle dish presenting wide rice noodles complemented by a robust broth, an assortment of proteins, crunchy peanuts, and crispy rice crackers
• Banh Beo: Delicate steamed rice cakes adorned with dried shrimp, crispy fried shallots, and a savory dipping sauce

Southern Vietnam

• Banh Xeo: A crisp and savory pancake generously filled with succulent shrimp, tender pork, crunchy bean sprouts, and aromatic onions, served alongside fresh herbs and a complementary dipping sauce
• Com Tam: A hearty meal featuring fractured rice grains accompanied by a grilled pork chop, delicate shredded pork skin, tangy pickled vegetables, and a perfectly fried egg
• Hu Tieu: A versatile rice noodle soup offering a diverse array of toppings including various proteins and vegetables, with numerous regional interpretations

Dining Experiences

Thailand Fine Dining

Le Du

• Location: 399/3 Silom 7 Alley, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (Monday – Saturday), additional 12:00 – 14:00 (Thursday – Saturday)

“Le Du” means “season” in Thai, and this award-winning excellent modern Thai restaurant is known for its organic food and well selected wine selection, which highlight the exceptional local ingredients. 

Aksorn

• Location: The Original Store, 1266 Charoen Krung, Bang Rak, Bangkok
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (daily)

The Aksorn restaurant, run by head chef David Thompson, takes its cues from cookbooks published in the middle of the twentieth century that detailed Thailand’s transition from ancient Siam. As a result, this culinary destination jokingly invites diners to relive such this era. 

Praya Dining

• Location: Praya Palazzo, 757/1 Somdej Prapinklao Soi 2, Bang Yi Khan, Bangkok 
• Opening time: 11:00 – 22:00 (daily)

As breathtaking as the Praya Palazzo is among Bangkok’s riverfront mansions, the hotel’s specialty restaurant—Praya Dining, is just as impressive, with a menu that highlights the intricate flavors of Thai royal cuisine. 

Nusara

• Location: 336 Thanon Maha Rat, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (daily)

With its deft fusion of Thai heritage and modernity, NUSARA—named after Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn’s grandmother—defies categorization as a genre-defining restaurant. 

Gaggan Anand

• Location: 68 Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 
• Opening time: 17:30 – 00:00 (Thursday – Sunday)

Reopening his famed Bangkok restaurant in 2019, boundary-pushing chef Gaggan Anand reimagined Indian food with a dash of molecular culinary and a heaping amount of high-velocity inventiveness. 

Tambu Phuket

• Location: Avista Hideaawy Phuket Patong, Tri Trang Beach, 39/9 Muen-Ngern Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu, Phuket 
• Opening time: 18:30 – 23:00 (daily), additional 12:00 – 14:30 (weekends)

Tambu Phuket, set in an open-air tent in the middle of the island’s forested mountains, serves modern Indian food inspired by the Mughal dynasty. The menu has dishes prepared using both ancient tandoors and modern charcoal ovens, which causes to this culinary destination an abundance of smoke and char. 

Laad Phuket

• Location: Wana Park, 177/34 Srisoonthorn, Si Sunthon, Thalang, Phuket 
• Opening time: 17:00 – 22:00 (daily), additional 11:00 – 15:00 (weekends)

The limited menu at Laad Phuket’s restaurants showcases the spicy stir-fries and incredibly fresh salads from Southern Thailand, complemented with an island-class drink list. 

PRU

• Location: 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Choeng Thale, Thalang, Phuket
• Opening time: 18:00 – 22:30 (Tuesday – Saturday), additional 12:00 – 15:00 (Friday and Saturday)

This small, community-to-fork restaurant is the sole one in Phuket to get a Michelin star, and it provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience by putting rare Thai foods front and center. 

Cielo

• Location: Trirasa, 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Choeng Thale, Thalang, Phuket
• Opening time: 12:00 – 22:30 (daily)

Dining al fresco on Cielo’s sun-drenched patio is a wonderful way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine by the seaside. This culinary destination’s dedication to using products from the surrounding area ensures that the food is vibrant, flavorful and fresh. 

The Service at 1921 House

• Location: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, 123 Charoen Prathet, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 
• Opening time: 12:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 22:00 (daily)

While diners savor dishes like roasted bone marrow, steak tartare, and Australian ribeye on the menu at 1921 House—a culinary destination unlike any other in Chiang Mai—they are enchanted with the river vistas and the carved teak balconies. 

Saffron

• Location: Banyan Tree Koh Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani City
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (daily)

Saffron specializes in modern takes on traditional Thai cuisine, such as spicy red duck curries, crab salad with soft shell crab, and tuna tartare larb served over fresh vermicelli.  

Jahn

• Location: Conrad Koh Samui, 49/8 9 Hillcrest Road Tambon Taling Ngam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 
• Opening time: 17:00 – 23:00 (daily)

Jahn restaurant with a modern steakhouse is such an ideal culinary destination for a romantic evening for two, thanks to its candlelight ambiance and breathtaking views as it boasts a prime location over Phang Ka Bay.

The Grotto

• Location: Rayavadee, Ao Nang Beach, Mueang Krabi, Krabi Province
• Opening time: 12:00 – 22:30 (daily)

At The Grotto, diners may enjoy a sumptuous set meal in an unparalleled location, beneath an old limestone cliff, while being enchanted by the dazzling blue Andaman Sea.

Vietnam Fine Dining

Grill 63

• Location: Lotte Hotel Hanoi, 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 
• Opening time: 11:30 -14:30 and 17:30 – 22:00 (daily)

The Grill 63 serves primarily American and European cuisine. This exquisite dining establishment has an unparalleled, breathtaking panorama of the city from its 63rd floor location in the hotel. Many guests think that Grill 63’s contemporary design makes it the perfect culinary destination for formal dining. 

The Rhythms Restaurant

• Location: 33-35 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening time: 6:30 – 22:00 (daily)

Dishes like spring rolls and sirloin are highlights of the “fusion” cuisine at Rhythm Restaurant, which skillfully combines Vietnamese and Western ingredients. Rhythm Restaurant’s vegan options are particularly noteworthy, along with a wide range of tasty and filling options.

French Grill

• Location: JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, 8 Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi 
• Opening time: 18:00 – 22:30 (daily), additional 12:00 – 15:00 (Sunday only)

Among the city’s finest French restaurants, French Grill has earned rave reviews. Its dedication to serving only the highest quality meals has won it a loyal following among those who love French cuisine.

Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill

• Location: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi 
• Opening time: 18:00 – 22:00 (daily)

Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill is primarily a seafood and steakhouse, but its international feel comes from its dishes that draw from both Western and Eastern flavors. The lobster meals that are prepared with lobsters caught in Central Vietnam are the most impressive because of the distinctive flavor and aroma they provide. 

Kabin

• Location: Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 15 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 11:30 – 14:30 and 18:00 – 22:00 (daily)

Kabin is situated right next to the Saigon River, so it is an ideal culinary destination for a meal prepared by skilled Hong Kong chefs. Various diners rave about the BBQ charsiu pork, roasted duck, steamed fresh grouper, and beef noodles, in addition to the various kinds of delicious dumplings.

Moo Beef Steak – Prime

• Location: 35 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 10:30 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 22:00 (daily)

Moo Beef Steak appears to be a classy, homey joint serving premium steaks. Even while it gets rather busy at night (particularly on weekends), there is a quiet nook you may reserve in advance or put in an order for if you want a less noisy dining experience. 

AnAn Saigon

• Location: 89 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 17:00 – 23:00 (Tuesday – Sunday)

AnAn Saigon is a one-star Michelin restaurant with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With painstaking attention to detail, every item on the menu reflects the finest of Vietnamese cuisine. Also, your eating experience will be nothing short of spectacular thanks to the enthusiastic and helpful personnel.

Esta Saigon Restaurant

• Location: 27 Tran Quy Khoach, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (Monday – Saturday)

The restaurant is proud of the tiny and homey vibe it manages to achieve with its 35 seats. The Angus beef tartare, Angus veal carpaccio, and Sichuan lamb saddle are among of the restaurant’s most memorable dishes. The restaurant’s dedication to utilizing only the finest ingredients and expertly blending tastes is on full display in these meals.

Les Jardins De La Carambole

• Location: 32 Dang Tran Con, Thuan Hoa, Hue, Thua Thien Hue
• Opening time: 7:00 – 23:00 (daily)

Unique atmosphere of Les Jardins De La Carambole is created by blending the peacefulness of Hue capital with a “backpacker” street style. In addition, Les Jardins De La Carambole serves an extensive menu that features a variety of Asian and European foods, providing such a diverse and enjoyable dining experience. 

Temple Restaurant & Lounge

• Location: La Siesta Resort & Spa, 132 Hung Vuong, Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Opening time: 11:00 – 22:00 (daily)

The cuisine served at the Temple Restaurant is mostly European, while its décor draws inspiration from the Indo-Chinese style. This culinary destination also provides traditional French and Italian fare as well as fusion cuisine, including shellfish and tropical fruit. 

Vista Restaurant

• Location: The Cliff Resort & Residences, 5 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan
• Opening time: 7:00 – 22:00 (daily)

With two large dining rooms, one indoors and one outside, the restaurant can comfortably seat 200 to 300 people. Among Vista’s menu items are seafood, vegan, European, and Vietnamese options. But Asian cuisine, particularly the local modern-style dishes, has long been the restaurant’s claim to fame. 

> See Tour: Taste of Vietnam

Where To Experience Local Food

Thailand Markets

Chatuchak Weekend Market

• Location: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2, Chatuchak, Bangkok 
• Opening time: Weekends

Chatuchak Market, one of the most well-known marketplaces in Thailand, has grown popular with sightseers over the years, and many of them are willing to spend part of their holiday time here. It has close to a thousand booths filled to capacity with many sorts of goods, including furniture, pets and more that spread across more than 35 acres. Here, shoppers have the opportunity to haggle for fantastic bargains. 

Rod Fai Market

• Location: 51 Soi Srinagarindra, Prawet, Bangkok
• Opening time: 05:00 – 01:00 (Thursday – Sunday)

It may not seem flashy at first, but the selection it offers may certainly challenge Chatuchak Market. The 3-distinct-area market is unique among others in Thailand since it is home to some of the most unusual and exotic goods in the world. Rare treasures from the 1950s Cadillac, vintage leather coats, Japanese action figures from the 1960s, and French chandeliers are among its many offerings. Plus, there are plenty of unique restaurants and food stands to satisfy your cravings at this culinary destination.

Ratchada Train Market

• Location: Ratchadaphisek Street, Din Daeng, Bangkok
• Opening time: 17:00 – 00:00 (daily)

Unlike other markets, this one only offers foods that have been naturally grown or farmed. In addition, the place also serves as a gathering place for a variety of antique items that exude an air of bohemian chic. If you’re the kind that enjoys experimenting with fashion, this is one of the greatest wholesale marketplaces in Thailand to discover unique and unusual goods at a fantastic price. 

Saturday Walking Street

• Location: 100 Wua Lai Road, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 
• Opening time: 17:00 – 00:00 (daily)

As famous as the area is for its day tours, the Thailand night market on the main street is what really brings in the crowds. The market may be little, but it’s really quirky, so there’s plenty of room to wander about. 

Here, there are a lot of handcrafted goods chosen by the locals who work as vendors. Apart from that, there are a lot of food stands selling a wide variety of genuine munchies. Typically, the facility also has a variety of artworks created by residents that you may take home with you as mementos.

Warorot Market

• Location: Wichayanon Street, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 
• Opening time: 8:00 – 17:00 (daily)

No true foodie would ever do well to skip a trip to Thailand’s Warorot Market. Visiting the Warorot Market is truly essential if you wish to witness some culinary ingenuity, although there are certainly enough restaurants to choose from in Thailand. 

Among the many inexpensive Thai markets that open bright and early every morning, this one in the town center offers a wide variety of genuine Thai foods and goods. On top of that, this culinary destination has a retro Chinese Thai vibe and a row of colorful buildings that are perfect for setting the perfect Instagram shot.

Cicada Market

• Location: 83/159 21 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
• Opening time: 16:00 – 23:00 (Saturday – Sunday)

As far as outdoor markets go, the Cicada Market is the planet’s most ideal for creative types. Those with an eye for beauty and a penchant for folk art will find things interesting here. Craftspeople there sell a wide variety of items created by individual artisans. Plenty of other forms of art would also be great for your eyes. With all the vibrant artwork and decorative stuff, it definitely is a photographer’s paradise.

Hua Hin Night Market

• Location: 115 Moo 7, Tambol Bangkao Phetchaburi, Cha-am, Phetchaburi Province
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (daily)

There is no way to really experience Thailand without taking a posh tour of the Hua Hin Night Market. Many vendors offer travelers a variety of snacks and goods to buy in the market. The market is entertaining even if you don’t have a passion for shopping, because several arts and crafts are on show at the night market in addition to the various street food selections. 

Vietnam Markets

Hoi An Central Market

• Location: Tran Quy Cap, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Opening time: 6:00 – 18:00 (daily)

Hoi An is renowned for its vibrant markets, with the central market being the largest and most lively. Historically, Hoi An was a thriving trading center, and although its commercial importance has declined over time, the market continues to reflect the city’s rich commercial heritage. Visitors to Hoi An are strongly encouraged to explore the central market, where they can find a number of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional cooked dishes, such as the signature Cao Lau and Mi Quang.

Hanoi Weekend Night Market

• Location: Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening time: 18:00 – 23:00 (Friday – Sunday)

When the Hanoi Weekend Night Market takes place from Friday through Sunday, the neighborhood becomes a vibrant and soothing ambiance. Tourists may peruse the wares of local vendors selling anything like Pho or Banh Mi and other delectable Vietnamese dishes, as well as trinkets and t-shirts commemorating the Vietnamese culture. Not only that, but the market is a great place to see art demonstrations and live music, giving visitors and residents alike a taste of the local culture.

Dong Xuan Market

• Location: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening time: 8:00 – 18:00 (daily)

Historic Dong Xuan Market has been serving as Hanoi’s main marketplace since the days of French colonization. Many different kinds of goods are available at this culinary destination, including fresh and dry foods, clothing, and woodwork crafts, however its main function is as a wholesale marketplace. Furthermore, the region is a thriving retail and eating attraction thanks to the surrounding busy alleyways, where visitors can purchase everyday items and try tasty local food.

Binh Tay Market

• Location: 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 7:00 – 18:00 (daily)

Binh Tay Market is one of the most famous markets in the city, though its history is not widely known. Rumor has it that the market was built or invested in by a Chinese businessman named Guoyan, also known as Quach Dam, to support his trading business and the regional shopping scene. In the middle of the market, there is a stone altar honoring Guoyan. And overall, the market’s architecture blends Vietnamese and Chinese styles, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

Ben Thanh Market

• Location: Le Loi, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 6:00 – 00:00 (daily)

Initially established by a group of vendors in the 17th century and officially created by the French in 1859, Ben Thanh market has a long and storied history. Today, the “New Ben Thanh Market” is a bustling hub offering a wide variety of goods, as well as numerous food stalls serving up delicious local cuisine prepared fresh for visitors.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

• Location: Alley 52 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: All day long

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a vibrant hub that serves as the primary wholesale provider of flowers for the city. Visitors are often awestruck by thousands of colorful flowers that draws in both tourists and locals alike, even those not intending to make a purchase. The market sources its flowers from various regions of Vietnam, including the renowned “City of Thousands Flowers” in Da Lat, as well as international suppliers, catering to the widespread demand for fresh floral decorations.

Nha Trang Night Market

• Location: 78 Tue Tinh, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa 
• Opening time: 18:00 – 00:00 (daily)

The lively night market in Nha Trang stands out for its varied assortment of items and distinctive regional delicacies. As well as a wide selection of clothing, home goods, and trinkets, this culinary destination serves up mouthwatering delicacies like Bun Cha Sua (rice vermicelli in jellyfish soup) and Banh Can (Vietnamese tiny pancakes with shrimp). Tourists and locals alike will find the Nha Trang Night Market to be an intriguing and vibrant place.

Dinh Cau Night Market

• Location: Vo Thi Sau, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc Island
• Opening time: 16:30 – 03:00 (daily)

Phu Quoc Night Market offers visitors a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, as the market area is closed off to motorized traffic in the evenings. Here, tourists can browse a wide selection of souvenirs and enjoy fresh, locally-sourced seafood. Each type of sea creature displayed lives in individual glass tanks for customers to select their preferred dish, and is then prepared and served immediately. 

While the food prices at this popular tourist destination may be slightly higher than other parts of the island, the vibrant market atmosphere and opportunity to experience ultra-fresh seafood make it a worthwhile experience.

Where To Prepare The Food By Your Own

Thailand Cooking Classes

Pink Chili Thai Cooking Class

• Location: On Nut 2 Alley, Khwaeng Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
• Opening time: 8:45 – 18:00 (daily)

In this small-group cooking lesson, you’ll learn to make a variety of Thai meals, including green curry and pad Thai, with ingredients sourced from a local market (which is also included in the session). Everyone is invited to attend, even if you’re not a culinary expert, so relax and enjoy yourself! 

Sompong Cooking Class

• Location: 2, 6-2/7 Waiti, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 
• Opening time: 9:30 – 20:30 (daily)

Taking place in Silom, a trendy neighborhood in Bangkok near several well-known hotels, this exciting cooking class will allow participants to make their own Thai curry paste and even go shopping for fresh ingredients. Instructors from the Sompong team can also speak English, so anyone who isn’t a native Thai speaker can join this session.

House of Taste Thai Cooking Class

• Location: 147/4 Sukhumvit 4, Samahan Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
• Opening time: 8:30 – 21:00 (daily)

This Thai cooking class will teach you the ins and outs of using rice, herbs, spices, and veggies in traditional Thai cuisine. With a maximum class size of 10, teachers can give each student the attention they need. At Khlong Toei market, you can also learn how to carve mangoes, make curry paste from scratch, and whip up some fresh coconut milk.

Bamboo Thai Cooking Class

• Location: 1337/29 Phetchkasem Street, Cha-am, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 
• Opening time: 9:30 – 18:00 (daily)

This culinary lesson is just one more thing to experience during your visit to Hua Hin. After your company gathers at the Hua Hin clock tower, they may head to the class location to learn how to make some of Thailand’s most beloved foods, such as Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), Gai Hor Bai Toey (chicken in pandan leaves), and of course, curry.

Vietnam Cooking Classes

Rose Kitchen Cooking Class

• Location: 173 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
• Opening time: 9:00 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 19:30 (daily)

In a large home with a garden, Rose Kitchen Cooking Class provides a culinary and cultural journey. The adventure starts with a pickup from your accommodation and a guided tour of local markets where you may choose your own fresh ingredients. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is the main emphasis of the program, however teachers are willing to accommodate special requests for other cuisines. After the program, participants will have a group lunch and then you can easily go back to your hotel.

Provincial Table Cooking Class

• Location: 131/3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening time: 9:00 – 21:00 daily

The chefs at the Provincial Table Cooking Class will take you step-by-step through a four-course feast that you can help prepare. Every visitor has their own personal kitchen station and all the tools they need to recreate a selection of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. While learning about the history and culture of Vietnamese cuisine, you may expand your culinary skillset with new dishes and methods.

Red Bridge Cooking School

• Location: Hamlet 4, Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Opening time: 8:00 – 17:00 (daily)

The Red Bridge Cooking School teaches a wide range of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. You will learn the ins and outs of making Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), spring rolls, and Pho from experienced chefs. No matter how much or how little experience you have in the kitchen, you’re sure to have a great time in this class.

Coconut Fragrance Cooking Class

• Location: Van Lang, Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam 
• Opening time: 8:00 – 19:00 (daily)

Coconut Fragrance Cooking Center’s local personnel will happily share their knowledge of Vietnamese cooking methods with you. They’ll show you where to obtain all sorts of fresh organic materials, such as seafood, meats, and veggies, that you might have trouble finding in a store. In addition, the charming local fisherman will show you amazing fishing abilities while you take in the breathtaking scenery and hear a brief historical account of the Hoi An region on the basket boats.

Affordability and Accessibility

Final Thought

Comparing the cuisines of Thailand vs Vietnam reveals two interesting and exciting countries. Thai food embraces bold, complex flavors across its regional dishes, while Vietnamese cuisine favors delicate, harmonious combinations with fresh ingredients. Ultimately, both countries deliver incredible value for money with street food starting at just $1, alongside high-end dining options and vibrant market scenes.

Contact Asia Trip Deals today to plan your dream trip to Thailand or Vietnam. And let our expert travel advisors help you curate a personalized itinerary to discover the rich culinary landscapes of the best culinary destination.