China vs Japan vs Vietnam: Which Asian Country Should You Visit First?

Planning • 9 min read

Three Countries, Three Completely Different Experiences

Asia's three most popular destinations for Australian travellers each offer something utterly distinct. China delivers historical scale that no other country can match. Japan offers precision, politeness, and a uniquely refined culture. Vietnam provides raw energy, extraordinary food, and exceptional value.

This guide compares all three honestly to help you decide which deserves your first visit — because all three deserve at least one.

Cost Comparison

China: Mid-range. Guided tours from $999pp including flights (ExploreChina Holidays). Once on tour, daily spending is very low — local food and transport are cheap. Best value when booked as a package rather than independently.

Japan: Premium. Expect $3,000-5,000pp for a comparable 10-day trip including flights. Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto are expensive. Food ranges from affordable (convenience stores, ramen) to very expensive. The Japan Rail Pass helps with transport costs but has increased in price significantly.

Vietnam: Budget-friendly. A 10-day independent trip can cost $1,500-2,500pp including flights. Street food is exceptionally cheap. Hotels offer strong value. However, guided tours add cost and are recommended for first-timers navigating Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City traffic.

Verdict: Vietnam is cheapest independently. China offers the best guided tour value. Japan is the most expensive across the board.

Cultural Depth

China: 5,000 years of continuous civilisation. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors are among humanity's greatest achievements. The regional cultural diversity — from Tibetan Buddhism to Silk Road Islamic heritage to Confucian east coast — is unmatched.

Japan: A culture of extraordinary refinement. Temples, shrines, tea ceremonies, gardens, and martial arts traditions create a deeply aesthetic experience. The blend of ancient tradition and futuristic technology is uniquely Japanese.

Vietnam: A resilient, dynamic culture shaped by Chinese influence, French colonialism, and wartime history. War Remnants Museum, Hoi An's ancient town, and the Mekong Delta offer emotional depth.

Verdict: China for sheer historical scale. Japan for cultural refinement. Vietnam for emotional resonance and recent history.

Language Barrier

China: Significant. Very few people speak English outside international hotels. A guided tour with a dedicated English-speaking guide is strongly recommended. This is the biggest reason to choose a tour over independent travel.

Japan: Moderate. English signage is excellent. Staff at tourist sites, hotels, and train stations often speak basic English. Independent travel is quite manageable.

Vietnam: Moderate. Tourist-area staff speak functional English. Outside tourist zones, communication can be challenging. Translation apps help significantly.

Verdict: Japan is easiest for English speakers. Vietnam is manageable. China is the most challenging without a guide.

Food Experience

China: Extraordinary regional diversity. Peking Duck in Beijing, Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu, soup dumplings in Shanghai, hand-pulled noodles in Xi'an. Chinese food in China is nothing like Chinese food in Australia — it's vastly better and more varied.

Japan: Refined precision. Sushi, ramen, tempura, and kaiseki cuisine are exceptional. Presentation is an art form. Quality is consistently high, from convenience store onigiri to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Vietnam: Fresh, vibrant, and addictive. Pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls. Vietnamese food is widely considered one of the world's healthiest and most flavourful cuisines. Street food culture is outstanding.

Verdict: All three are world-class food destinations. China for variety. Japan for precision. Vietnam for freshness and value.

Which Country Should You Visit First?

Choose China if: You want historical scale that nowhere else can match, you're comfortable with a guided tour format, you value extraordinary value for money, or you want to see the world's fastest-developing economy firsthand.

Choose Japan if: You prefer independent travel with excellent English infrastructure, you love precision, order, and aesthetic beauty, budget is less of a concern, or you're passionate about food presentation and quality.

Choose Vietnam if: You're on a tight budget, you love street food culture and vibrant chaos, you're interested in 20th-century war history, or you want a Southeast Asian beach and culture combination.

Our Recommendation

For Australian travellers who haven't been to any of these three countries, China offers the most impactful first experience — the scale of the Great Wall, the weight of the Forbidden City, and the diversity across regions create a trip that genuinely changes your perspective. And at $999pp including flights, the value argument is overwhelming.

Japan is best as a second or third Asian trip — you'll appreciate its subtlety more with Asian travel experience. Vietnam is ideal for budget-conscious travellers or those wanting a more independent, spontaneous experience.

Start with China → Amazing China — 10 Days from $999pp