Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Thailand to Vietnam
Thailand has progressive income tax rates from 0% to 35% with territorial system (foreign income only taxable if remitted same year), while Vietnam charges 5-35% on worldwide income for tax residents. Vietnam is 30% cheaper than Thailand (Hanoi $700/month vs Bangkok $1,000), but Thailand offers Digital Nomad Visa (DTV, 5 years) making long-term stays legal (Vietnam requires visa runs). Thailand has better infrastructure (Bangkok metro vs Hanoi chaotic traffic), more established nomad communities, and world-famous food. Vietnam offers authentic culture, fewer tourists than Thailand, and emerging nomad scene (Danang, Ho Chi Minh). Popular SE Asia nomad debate.
Territorial (180-Day)
Thai + remitted foreign income
Progressive
Worldwide income for residents
At $50,000 income:
That is $25/month back in your pocket!
| Income | TH Tax | VN Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $2,625 | $2,875 | -$250 | -$2,500 |
| $50,000 | $8,125 | $10,875 | -$2,750 | -$27,500 |
| $100,000 | $23,125 | $28,375 | -$5,250 | -$52,500 |
| $200,000 | $58,125 | $63,375 | -$5,250 | -$52,500 |
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Get Paid as Contractor โThailand wins overall: Digital Nomad Visa (DTV, 5 years vs Vietnam visa runs every 90 days), better infrastructure (Bangkok metro vs Hanoi motorbike chaos), established communities (Chiang Mai 100+ nomad coworking spaces), better visa legality. Vietnam wins for: 30% cheaper (Hanoi $700 vs Bangkok $1,000), more authentic (less touristy), amazing coffee culture, emerging scene (Danang). Tax comparison on $50K remote income: Thailand $8,125 (16.25%), Vietnam $10,875 (21.75%). Thailand saves $2,750/year. Choose Thailand for DTV + infrastructure + community. Choose Vietnam for budget + authenticity.
Thailand MUCH easier: Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) = 5 years, multiple entry, เธฟ10,000 ($280). Requirements: $15K bank balance, remote employment/freelance, stay max 180 days per entry. Vietnam harder: E-visa max 90 days, $25 per visa. Must exit country every 90 days (visa run to Thailand/Cambodia common). Business visa option: Up to 12 months but requires sponsorship ($400-600). Temporary residence card: 1-2 years but requires work permit (hard to get). Reality: Most Vietnam nomads do 3-month stints with visa runs (cheap but annoying). Thailand DTV = game changer for long-term SE Asia stays.
Vietnam is 30% cheaper overall. Budget comparison (monthly): Vietnam: Hanoi $700 ($700 rent + food + transport), Ho Chi Minh $800, Danang $500 (beach city, best value). Thailand: Bangkok $1,000, Chiang Mai $600, Islands $800. Key differences: VN rent 30-40% cheaper, VN food $1-2/meal (vs TH $2-3), VN coffee $1 (vs TH $2-3). However, Thailand offers better VALUE: Higher quality hotels/restaurants, better infrastructure, fewer hidden costs, DTV visa reduces visa run expenses. Absolute cheapest: Danang, Vietnam ($500/month). Best value: Chiang Mai, Thailand ($600/month + DTV + community).
Chiang Mai wins for nomads: Lowest cost ($600/month), strongest community (100+ coworking spaces), mountains, temples, 5-year DTV visa, perfect nomad infrastructure. Bangkok wins for: City amenities, nightlife, airports, variety, job opportunities. Hanoi wins for: Authentic culture, coffee scene, French influence, super cheap ($700). Danang wins for: Beach city, ultra-cheap ($500), emerging scene, less chaos than Hanoi/HCMC. Best overall: Chiang Mai (community + DTV). Cheapest: Danang (Vietnam). Best city: Bangkok. Most authentic: Hanoi. Best lifestyle: Toss-up Chiang Mai (mountains) vs Danang (beach).