Thailand vs Vietnam Fitness Retreats: Which is Better?

When it comes to fitness retreats in Asia, Thailand and Vietnam offer some pretty compelling options. So, whether you're chasing a structured fitness training plan, a complete wellness reset, or something in between, these two destinations both deliver.

In Thailand, there are barely any gyms where you won’t hear at least the echo of Muay Thai pads. It’s high-energy, unapologetic, and a little mad in the best way.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is a more tranquil place that offers a steady, rhythmic beat. But don’t get me wrong, the training is intense, but it’s going to be balanced with a lot of introspection.

In this article we’ll try to figure out which one is best for you with a focus on cost, variety, vibe, and culture.

The Cost: Your Wallet’s Battle Cry

Here’s a bitter pill to swallow: Thailand isn’t dirt cheap anymore. Sure, it’s still a bargain compared to, say, California (unless you’re trying to train Muay Thai inside a gold-plated palace), but Vietnam? 

Vietnam fitness holidays will laugh at your attempt to spend big.

Need numbers? Living in an all-inclusive fitness retreat such as Nova Fitness Retreat in Vietnam can go for $635–$885. In Thailand, on the other hand, $1,200–$1,800 is typical for similar packages.

Bold truth: Vietnam fitness holidays win the cost battle, hands down. You can even splurge a little and still have coin left for a beachside coconut.

Variety: All the Flavors, or Pick Your Adventure?

Thailand is the clear winner here. Want luxury wellness resorts? They’ve got it. Yearning for a stripped down experience? They’ve got that too.

Luxury and Grit in Thailand

For instance, the Four Seasons at Koh Samui is home to the fictional billionaire’s playground of a resort featured in Netflix's The White Lotus. Each villa has a deck equipped with plunge pools with a view of the breathtaking Gulf of Thailand.

But this place isn’t just about the views. It’s an experience that rewires you. 

As the sun yells hello, you’re up for breathwork with Allen Lottman himself—part maestro, part mystical sherpa, he’ll tune your lungs while the world still yawns, turning the act of breathing into a high-wire performance on a cloud.

Later, when you’re ready to feel both rebellious and relaxed, step into cannabis-infused therapy. They also have a full-service gym and a full-on combat ring if that’s what you’re into.

But Thailand is also home to grittier retreats. In its many Muay Thai camps, you’ll be met by rattling fans, torn posters of legends of the sport, and the unmistakable tang of liniment oil that could only mean serious business for a fighter.

From hardened athletes to spiritual escape seekers, there’s something for everyone in Thailand.

Authentic Experiences in Vietnam

Vietnam’s scene, on the other hand, is younger, hungrier, and oozes adventure. Not as much luxury, but grit and heart? Buckets of it.

The cycling fitness holidays in Vietnam are some of the world’s best. You can find one that connects the Vietnamese cultural centers that are Hanoi and Hoi An. 

But the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. These bike tours go through the famous Hai Van Pass that slithering between Da Nang and Hue that locals call “Ocean Cloud Pass” for good reason.

But if you’re looking for a more fitness-focused workout holiday, Phu Quoc has got to be the best place to do it. It’s just recently established as Vietnam’s first island city and is home to some of the country’s best man-made attractions.

The island isn’t content to be just another pretty backdrop. The National park, for instance, has some of the best trails in the region and is home to the Suoi Tranh Waterfall. 

It’s a living, panting, fitness playground, and Nova Fitness Retreat is your gritty guide. In our programs, we let you experience bootcamp fitness in the shadow of ancient trees and guide you through a hike or a trail run along Da Ban stream.

So, if you want choice, Thailand’s your buffet. Crave character and challenge? Vietnam is the hands-in-the-dirt backyard garden.

Vibe and Culture

Thailand’s fitness retreats have a more international vibe. It’s social, easy, humming with friendly faces from every continent.

Plus, Thai wellness culture is polished and spiritual, coated in Buddhist calm and legendary kindness. They’ve been perfecting the hospitality industry since the 50s, after all.

Vietnam is a different animal: raw, local, and just a shade more mysterious. It ditches the international resort feel for back-alley charm and windswept mountainsides.

The retreat scene here is young, authentic, passionate, with the soundtrack of scooters and laughter as the backdrop to your fitness journey.

The Real Deal: Choose Your Own Adventure

I won’t lie to you. Thailand is the safer bet if you’re not sure what flavor you want for your fitness holiday yet. It’s glowing, gorgeous, buzzing with life. If you want variety, pampering, and a sure thing, pick Thailand.

But if you’re ready to scramble off the path, live a little shaggily, pay less, and gain a few outlandish stories, Vietnam will rise to meet you.

So, what’s it gonna be? The familiar, golden gloss of Thailand, or Vietnam’s unpredictable rush?

And in case you’re leaning towards the thrill of Vietnam, Nova Fitness Retreat brings it with bootcamps that’ll remind you your body was built for more than just doomscrolling. Contact us now for more information.