Is Philippines or Vietnam cheaper?

Vietnam is the cheaper of the two: roughly $35–130/day in Philippines versus under $35–130/day in Vietnam.

When is the best time to visit Philippines vs Vietnam?

Philippines is at its best in November–April; Vietnam peaks in February–April, October, November.

Is Philippines or Vietnam better in September?

Vietnam is the better of the two in September. Philippines has the edge in January, December, Vietnam in September, October, and both are at their best in February, March, April, November.

How long do you need in Philippines vs Vietnam?

Plan 2–5 weeks for Philippines and 2–6 for Vietnam.

Should I choose Philippines or Vietnam?

Pick Philippines if you want somewhere stronger for beach, nature. Pick Vietnam if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, culture, more urban / city-focused.

Philippines vs Vietnam

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Southeast Asia

Philippines

Over 7,000 islands and the best beaches in Asia.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: peak
May: fine
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: avoid
October: fine
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

Southeast Asia

Vietnam

The best food in Southeast Asia, remarkable scenery, a long coastline.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: peak
March: peak
April: peak
May: fine
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: peak
November: peak
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Philippines and Vietnam.

Our take

These deliver almost opposite trips. Vietnam is a long, cheap, culture-heavy overland journey — you travel top to bottom through cities, food, history, and landscapes like Halong Bay and Hoi An, all easily strung together. The Philippines is a fly-between-islands beach country, light on history and cities but heavy on tropical coastline and diving.

Choose Vietnam for food, history, and a coast-to-coast adventure at rock-bottom prices — it's one of the most rewarding overland trips in Asia. Choose the Philippines when the beaches and the water are the whole point: El Nido, Coron, Siargao, and some of the best diving on earth, reached by short flights and boats. Vietnam is a journey through a country; the Philippines is an island holiday.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Philippines	Vietnam
Best time	November–April	February–April, October, November
Climate	warm	warm
Budget	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day
Trip length	2–5 wks	2–6 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (30 days). Verify before travel.	E-visa available for most nationalities (90 days). Verify before travel.
Currency	PHP (Peso). Roughly 56 PHP ≈ 1 USD.	VND (Dong). Roughly 25,000 VND ≈ 1 USD.
Language	Filipino and English (English is official and widely spoken).	Vietnamese. Limited English outside major cities and tourist spots.
Tap water	Tap water not safe.	Tap water not safe.
Safety	Generally safe in tourist areas. Avoid Mindanao without research.	Safe. Traffic and pickpocketing are the main concerns.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Philippines or Vietnam, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Philippines if:

You want somewhere stronger for beach, nature.

Choose Vietnam if:

You want somewhere cheaper across the board.
You want somewhere stronger for food, culture.
You want somewhere more urban / city-focused.

Common questions

Is Philippines or Vietnam cheaper?: Vietnam is the cheaper of the two: roughly $35–130/day in Philippines versus under $35–130/day in Vietnam.
When is the best time to visit Philippines vs Vietnam?: Philippines is at its best in November–April; Vietnam peaks in February–April, October, November.
Is Philippines or Vietnam better in September?: Vietnam is the better of the two in September. Philippines has the edge in January, December, Vietnam in September, October, and both are at their best in February, March, April, November.
How long do you need in Philippines vs Vietnam?: Plan 2–5 weeks for Philippines and 2–6 for Vietnam.
Should I choose Philippines or Vietnam?: Pick Philippines if you want somewhere stronger for beach, nature. Pick Vietnam if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, culture, more urban / city-focused.