Recently I returned to Thailand on a brief business trip. It was a very interesting experience being back in the country where I lived for four years before coming to Vietnam.
Sometimes it requires a bit of distance to put things into perspective. I must make things clear; I really love both countries and would never even consider living outside of Southeast Asia at this point in my life. However there are frustrations, as anyone who has ever lived here will tell you. This is not a very scientific study, merely a few observations. Which is best, Vietnam or Thailand? The first most noticeable difference is the taxis.
I find in Vietnam, as long as you stick with Vinasun and Mai Linh, the drivers are cool. They never refuse to take you, automatically put the clock on, are clean and smartly dressed and whilst struggling to understand us sometimes are incredibly honest and polite. Thai taxi drivers are, for the most part, arseholes, there really is no other word for it.
In Bangkok, they will refuse to even carry you anywhere if they are not in the mood for work, and Thai taxi drivers are not often in the mood for work. Pattaya is worse, it is almost impossible to get one to go anywhere without paying THB, and you can forget the meter. Motorbike taxis are more readily available and certainly more recognisable in Thailand. In Bangkok these guys used to be ok, I used the same team near my apartment everyday and once they get to know you they are pretty cool.
In Pattaya, it can again be rip off city. When you get off the bus you are likely to be quoted THB for a trip that should be Again, they would prefer to sit all day doing nothing rather than charge a reasonable amount and actually earn some money.
