Detailed comparison
| Side-by-side comparison of taxation, cost of living and scores between the two countries. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Taxation | ||
| Dividend tax | 0%, Edge to this country | 5% |
| Capital gains tax | 0%, Edge to this country | 10.0% |
| Corporate tax | 20%, Tie | 20%, Tie |
| Wealth tax | No | None |
| Direct inheritance | 5%, Edge to this country | 10%Scale0-10% |
| Cost and real estate | ||
| Monthly FIRE budget | €1,400 | €1,100, Edge to this country |
| Cost-of-living score | 89.3 | 100.0, Edge to this country |
| Reference city | Bangkok | Da Nang |
| City-center 2-bed rent | €650 | €450, Edge to this country |
| Safety and FIRE score | ||
| Insecurity | 2.0 | 1.7, Edge to this country |
| FIRE Ultimate V3 score | 96.2 | 113.2, Edge to this country |
Verdict
- Thailand wins on taxation with the LTR Visa (foreign income exempt year+1), private healthcare depth (Bumrungrad/Bangkok Hospital) and international air connectivity (Suvarnabhumi).
- Vietnam keeps the edge on absolute cost (≈ 30% cheaper), sustained economic growth (GDP +6.5% 2025, IMF) and rising urban security.
- Verdict: Thailand for expats with > €1,200/month passive income or retirees; Vietnam for Ultra-Lean FIRE < €1,000/month or creators selling to local markets.
Frequently asked questions about this duel
Is the Thai LTR Visa still active in 2026?
Yes — the LTR (Long-Term Resident) Visa launched in 2022 is still active in 2026. Four categories: Wealthy Global Citizen (USD 1M assets + USD 80k income), Wealthy Pensioner (USD 80k/year pension), Work-from-Thailand Professional (foreign employer, USD 80k income), Highly-Skilled Professional. 10-year duration, unlimited in/out, exemption on foreign income remitted the following year.
How much does private healthcare cost in Bangkok vs Saigon?
Bangkok: international insurance Cigna/April for a 35-45 couple ≈ €2,800-3,800/year, Bumrungrad consultation €50-80 without insurance. Ho Chi Minh City: international insurance ≈ €2,200-3,000/year, FV Hospital or Vinmec consultation €30-60. Thailand remains the world standard for post-cardiac medical tourism; Vietnam is sufficient for routine care but limited in specialized surgery.
Can I be a tax resident without paying tax?
Thailand: yes, with the LTR Visa (foreign income exempt if kept abroad in the year earned; repatriation year+1 = 0% tax). Vietnam: no — residents (> 183 days) are taxed on worldwide income with no notable allowance. The digital nomad status without formal tax residency at ≤ 90 days/year is feasible but legally grey.
Which city for a family with children?
Thailand: Bangkok (Lycée Français International, many international schools, fees €10-25k/year) or Chiang Mai (Prem Tinsulanonda, Lanna International, more affordable). Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras, BIS, ISHCMC, fees €15-30k/year) or Hanoi (Lycée Alexandre Yersin). Thailand remains the expat family standard in Southeast Asia; Vietnam is catching up but the international offer is younger.
Which country for an Ultra-Lean budget (< €1,000/month)?
Vietnam, hands down. In Da Nang or Hué: 1-bed rent €250-350/month, local meal €1.5-3, groceries €200/month, scooter transport €30/month. Realistic total €800-900/month for a single. Thailand in Chiang Mai is close (≈ €950/month) but Bangkok or Phuket are structurally pricier.