Bali vs Vietnam

Feeling unsure whether to visit Bali or Vietnam for your next big trip? Here’s our comparison to help you decide.

Vibe & pace: Bali vs Vietnam 

Bali is the embodiment of ‘zen’. It’s a spiritual place with temples draped in flowers and a laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find hidden jungle retreats, artsy cafes and a burgeoning wellness scene with yoga galore. Recharge your aura amidst Ubud’s rice-terraced calm, and then ramp up a gear to join the crowds for beach club buzz and sunset cocktails in Seminyak.

Vietnam offers an ever-changing experience as you travel through various towns and villages. Hanoi is a charming, historic city with illuminating museums, quirky theatre, delicious street food, and its stunning bay filled with karsts. Vietnam’s cities buzz with hundreds of mopeds and scooters – crossing the road is an adventure in itself! The tranquil, lantern-lit Hoi An sits modestly beside a gently flowing river, with beautiful powder-white beaches nearby. Travel through Vietnam is a journey through mountains, vineyards, relaxed beach resorts and jungle – an experience of diverse scenery. 

Top things to do 

Accept the challenge of hiking to the peak of Bali’s Mount Batur for sunrise – it’s magical. Take time to meander from temple to temple in Ubud and discover the stories each has to share. Rest up after all that walking and soak in a fragranced flower bath at a peace-inducing jungle spa. If snorkelling is your thing, take a boat to the Gili Islands to cool off in crystal clear seas, teeming with life. For entertainment like you’ve never seen before, watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu temple. Then over to Seminyak’s beach clubs, which provide the perfect spot for a chilled sundowner cocktail.

Each region of Vietnam will gift you with a uniquely different experience. Hire a guide for a trek in the extraordinary terrain at Sapa. Satisfy your appetite at Hanoi’s street food stalls, amidst the history-filled walls of the old quarter, or explore Halong Bay on an overnight cruise between the mysterious karst peaks. As you travel south, stop in Hoi An and explore its delightful wooden UNESCO-recognised ancient timber buildings. The architecture is a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European influences, all softly illuminated by hundreds of ornate lanterns. Then hire a bike and pedal through rice paddies to the spacious beaches. Keep heading south and then flow down the Mekong River on a boat, finishing up your journey at Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the Vietnam War at the evocative Vietnam War Museum and squeeze into the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Beach break potential 

When it comes to Bali vs Vietnam for beaches, you might think immediately of Bali, but Vietnam has some surprising contenders. 

Bali is made for a beach-based holiday. Black sand beaches in the north, east coast coves, and busier southern sands around Seminyak and Canggu. Add on Ubud for rice fields and retreats, or ferry to the Gili Islands. 

Vietnam’s beaches are underrated, and they make a fantastic stop-off after a day touring. Danang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc serve up everything a dream beach should: crystalline turquoise water, sugar-white sands and a backdrop of trees. There’s also superb diving. For a relaxed route, start in Ho Chi Minh City, then wind down with beach time in Mui Ne or Phu Quoc, a simple twin-centre that combines energy with escapism. 

Food & drink 

Bali’s local food, such as nasi goreng and satay, is delectable, but if you’re missing international flavours, you don’t have to look far for smoothie bowls and Aussie-inspired café culture. Seminyak and Ubud also boast high-end dining with tropical flair. 

Vietnam is a street food star. Pho, banh mi, zingy salads, spring rolls and some of Asia’s best coffee await. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City excel for foodies – don’t miss a cooking class in Hoi An.

Which is cheaper, Bali or Vietnam?

Day-to-day, Vietnam wins for value. Street food is wallet-friendly at under £1, and affordable tours keep the pennies in your purse. Bali can be inexpensive if you eat at local warungs, but expect higher prices in beach hotspots for dining, drinks and day trips. Luxury villas, stylish beach clubs and sunset cocktails in Seminyak and Uluwatu come with a price tag. 

How easy is travel & transport? 

Bali is an island, but traffic can slow you down in the south. Explore the island in chunks – beach days in Seminyak, Jimbaran or Canggu, then inland to Ubud for temple scenery. The Grab app works well for getting a ride, and private drivers are reliable and easy to arrange. 

In Vietnam, you’ll cover more ground. Planes, trains, boats and drivers are part of the mix. We’ll fly you over longer distances, arrange junk boat cruises and seamless transfers so you don’t have to worry about the logistics. 

Best time to visit Bali or Vietnam 

Bali’s dry season is from April to September, with warm but wetter months from October to March.  

Vietnam varies. The sweet spot overall is January to April for low rainfall. North Vietnam is best visited from March to May or September to November; the south is driest from November to April; central beaches (Hoi An, Da Nang) peak from February to May.  

Bali vs Vietnam for honeymooners 

Dreamy Bali has long been a favourite for honeymoons, with its romantic hotels, jungle retreats, flower-filled baths and sunset dinners on the sand. Pair Ubud and Seminyak for the perfect twin-centre – imagine boutique blossom baths amid the rice fields and moonlit moments by the beach.

Vietnam knows how to dial up the romance. Stand by Hoi An’s moonlit river as floating candles drift beneath rickety bridges, carrying wishes into the night – it’s pure magic. Cruising deep into Halong Bay and spending the night at anchor under the stars, with the shadowed karst peaks standing stoically nearby, gives a feeling of utter escape and serenity – a perfect magical recipe for newlyweds. Luxury resorts in Danang and Phu Quoc provide next-level service, so honeymooners feel like royalty.

Can you visit Bali and Vietnam in one trip? 

Yes, flying via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. But we recommend focusing on one destination at a time, as there’s so much to see. Only combine the two if you have sufficient time to thoroughly explore both. 

Top itineraries to inspire you 

Vietnam:

·       Southeast Asia odyssey – the ‘Curious’ itinerary transports you through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

·       Vietnam Family Adventure is diverse enough to please the whole family

·       World on a Plate – the absolute best tour for foodies

See all our Vietnam itineraries and short add-on tours.

Bali:

Classic Seminyak & Ubud twin-centre.

Our Indonesia island-hopping multi-centre

Family beach escape at Merusaka Nusa Dua with lagoon pools, can be paired with Singapore for city vibes. 

See all our Bali itineraries here. 

This feature was created on 3rd September 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.