Vietnam vs Indonesia: A Clash of Cultures and Aspirations

Out of all the countries in Southeast Asia, there are two primary favorites: Vietnam vs Indonesia. These two countries possess rich and distinct cultures, beautiful sceneries, and good tasty meals. But if you're planning your a Vietnam tour package, you might find yourself asking: Comparing two beautiful countries: Vietnam and Indonesia. Comparing the two amazing countries, several factors will enable you to decide on where to have your next holiday. This time round we present to you a Comparison Between Indonesia vs Vietnam in terms of sights and experiences, foods and shopping and the overall cost of everything. The end you would be able to understand which destination is more suitable to your traveling profile!

Social Overview Of Vietnam Vs Indonesia:

Vietnam is a country with great history, great views and remarkable culture embedded in the country. Vietnam is a stimulating travel destination that combines both the busy city of Hanoi and the beautiful seas surrounding Halong bay. You would be able to see active and lively urban areas, lovely countryside areas, and historical centers in one country.

Indonesia is an extensive grouping of islands with over 17,000 islands. Indonesia, of course, is more than Bali's famous island but it starts with the island. While Indonesia boasts beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes and diverse fauna and flora of Vietnam give visitors a closer glimpse of nature.

Here in this article I will highlight the comparison between Vietnam vs Indonesia: natural attraction, culture, food, and the costs. Every country has its own attraction, but knowing about the differences will assist in determining whether that country should be the next country to be visited.

Suggested Read: Best time to visit Vietnam

Natural Attractions: Nature Beauty Adventure

If we look at Vietnam vs Indonesia, both are two beautiful countries, and when it comes to natural sites, both countries don’t seem to lack any.

1. Vietnam

Halong Bay: Caught in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, Halong Bay is renowned for its beautiful green water and spectacular islands made up of limestone. It is one of the country’s biggest draws and visitors can take a slow boat ride or rent a kayak and paddle around.
Sapa: Sapa has fame for its stunning views of terraced rice paddies and lush valleys for treks. The area is also inhabited by different ethnic minorities allowing you to get a taste of the old Vietnamese way of life.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: It has some of the biggest caves on the planet; therefore it’s anoxic to all adventure freaks, especially Son Doong giant cave.

2. Indonesia

Bali: Bali really is a tropical island with beautiful sandy beaches, beautifully green rice fields and a very strong culture. Thus, it is perfect for beach bums, surfers, and searchers of the higher reality.
Komodo National Park: This national park is home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo but it also presents an opportunity to enjoy underwater creatures for divers and snorkelers.
Mount Bromo: Popular among javanese people and tourists, Mount Bromo from its striking vulcanic views captured from any point at dawn.

On the basis of the natural differences of Vietnam vs Indonesia, Indonesia has a broader ground to cover for different terrains but Vietnam does not lag behind as few natural attractions that it has are famous across the world.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Vietnam

Cultural Experiences: History and Tradition

It is at the cultural level that the Vietnam vs Indonesia debate becomes tantalizing Since both countries come from Southeast Asia, there are amicable cultural similarities between the two nations.

1. Vietnam

Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Vietnamese capital of Hanoi is considered to be historically diverse. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is easily distinguishable by its high concentration of colonial houses, food markets and street stalls.
Hoi An: Being an ancient town, Hoi An occupies a managing position in the list of World Heritage sites, the city offers beautiful night lights with lanterns, attractive temples and picturesque riverside.
Cu Chi Tunnels: For those who seek to learn more about the War in Vietnam the Cu Chi Tunnels give an unusually detailed and informative insight into the Vietnam War.

2. Indonesia

Borobudur Temple: This complex of Buddhist monasteries and temples is a world heritage site and a beaut to visit for culture lovers. It is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument and gives an idea about the country’s religious past.
Ubud, Bali: Called cultural center of Bali, Ubud presents such attractions as traditional dance, galleries and rice fields.
Yogyakarta: Often referred to as ‘the cultural city of Java,’ Yogyakarta is a great place to learn about temples, batik and Javanese tradition.

As for culture, both socialist Vietnam vs Indonesia are considered to be one of the most interesting countries providing historical and religious touristic routes. Vietnam’s history is not as ancient and has a focus more on war than Indonesia with its temples, gods and goddesses.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Vietnam

Food: A Flavorful Journey

One of the primary factors is food, which always determines whether or not to go to Vietnam or Indonesia.

1. Vietnam

Pho: It is one of the most famous dishes of Vietnam, and it definitely worth your try. This is tasty noodle soup and served with fresh herbs and meats are famous both among the present day dwellers and tourists.
Banh Mi: A specialty of Vietnam, the Banh Mi sandwich combines French bread with Vietnamese ingredients such as pork, pate and pickled vegetables.
Fresh Spring Rolls: Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are different from the fried one, including shrimp, pork, and other green vegetables served with rice paper wraps.

2. Indonesia

Nasi Goreng: The specialty fried rice item of the Indonesians that is quite satiating and packed with taste is Nasi Goreng usually accompanied by a fried egg and on the side satay.
Rendang: Rendang is a slow-moving beef dish which is flavourful, spicy and aromatic all at the same time. That is one of its main specialties of Indonesian cuisine.
Satay: Adopted from Indonesian food stalls these are skewered meat that is grilled and served with a peanut sauce which is a must take.

When we compare food in Vietnam vs Indonesia, food in both countries is brightly featured but Vietnam has more light food than Indonesia and has more fresh and hot food than Indonesia.

Cost: Vietnam vs Indonesia

Travel costs can therefore be quite decisive depending on your budgets, here is a comparison of Indonesia vs Vietnam.

Vietnam: Vietnam is way cheaper when it comes to the cost of a hotel or hostel, local food and local transportation. Still, it is a perfect place for the lovers of inexpensive travel experiences.
Indonesia: Indonesia is a bit costlier perhaps due to the fact that this is followed at certain places as is Bali. But it is important to note that the prices can be a little more inflated if you stick with the most touristy names.

Conclusion

Depending on your criteria and the type of show you’re wanting to watch, the Vietnam vs Indonesia decision is all up to you. Vietnamese is great if you like history, culture or cheap things. Its geographical features and cultural heritage make it a region with a strictly South-Eastern experience. On the other hand Indonesia’s natural wonders covered a multitude of attractions for any tourist interested in nature or adventure spirituality.

No matter what place you decide to go to, planning your trip with Capture a Trip can help to improve your travel even more. Capture a Trip focuses on the development and design of exclusive journeys and removing all the measures consumers believe to be annoying while planning a Vietnam trip. Therefore, whether you are heading for Vietnam or Indonesia let them sort out the details as you enjoy the trip.

FAQs:

1. Is Vietnam cheaper to travel to than Indonesia?

Yes, it is cheaper in Vietnam than Indonesia, even though the cost of both accommodation and food is sizable.

2. Which country owns better beaches but then again this is relative?

Indonesia has many splendid beaches, especially Bali and Vietnam has deep sea coast lines like Nha Trang and Neglect.

3. What time of the year is suitable for travel?

Vietnam is best to be toured during November to April while Indonesia tourism is best to be enjoyed from April to October.

4. Are these two countries close enough that I can visit on a single trip?

Indeed, the two countries are geographically quite distant, but it is possible to both fly to them within one trip though one has to cross to another international flight.