Definitely Thailand. It’s just way more tourist friendly.

Northern Vietnam is cold and gray in the winter! Not a good time to go.

I’ve only been to VN, so I can’t really compare, but from what I’ve heard I think that if beaches are important - then go with Thailand. While VN has some beautiful beaches, pollution and over-development are big problems, esp. on Phu Quoc.

I wouldn’t try to do both in the time you have. We spent 3 weeks in VN and didn’t feel like we had enough time. Our itinerary was Hanoi - Ha Long Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Da Lat - Saigon.
I wanted to fit in Con Dau and/or Pu Luong as well but we just didn’t have the time.

Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An were great for history/culture/museums (there is also a cute beach at Hoi An). Da Lat is a chill mountain town with great coffee culture and hiking. Saigon is a fun, hectic city. And the boat trip on Bai Tu Long Bay was amazing.

Anonymous wrote:If it were me and my teen, I would do:
3 days at a Thailand beach to relax after travel, 5 days in Bangkok (so much to see there you can stay at one place for a while), and 4 days in Hanoi (to include leaving bags at hotel and doing an overnight on a junk ship at Ha Long Bay, which is a UNESCO world heritage site).

I did a trip to both in November, and this itinierary sounds pretty darn good. Ha Long Bay is not to be missed.
I don't know about 5 days in Bangkok, though. Maybe 3 there, then to Ho Chi Minh City for a couple days before Hanoi/Ha Long.

Neither.

I’ve been to both and liked both. I’d say Thailand. My kids love Thailand.

If it were me and my teen, I would do:
3 days at a Thailand beach to relax after travel, 5 days in Bangkok (so much to see there you can stay at one place for a while), and 4 days in Hanoi (to include leaving bags at hotel and doing an overnight on a junk ship at Ha Long Bay, which is a UNESCO world heritage site).

I have been to both. Thailand developed over time a little bit more organically- VN is completely insane. Maybe you want that but even if I loooove VN Thailand feels more authentic.

what would be a 12 day itinerary for Vietnam? I can definitely see one for Thailand. or just do both.

The beach over Xmas would be better in Thailand, no? I think you should be able to integrate at least a couple of days in Hanoi and a boat trip to the Bay in Vietnam. The rest can be for Thailand. Have fun!!!

Have either of you been to one already?

Thailand 10000%

You can't do both with that many days?

OP here, we could, but I feel like each country will have enough to see, plus I'm including travel days in the 14 days so really 12 days on the ground. I assume it will take us ab it of time to adjust as well.

I've never been to Vietnam, so I can't compare, but Thailand was amazing with teens and will absolutely meet everything you'd like to do.

You can't do both with that many days?

Which would you choose for a c. 12-14 day trip over xmas with teens? Interested in a bit of everything, culture, cities, historical sites/temples,l hiking/jungle/beach. Moderate/mid range accommodations and budget. I'm leaning toward Thailand, and DH toward Vietnam. Thank you!