Bali or Thailand: Which one is best for a holiday?

If you’re planning to travel halfway across the world to Southeast Asia, choosing which destination you’re happy to sit 10+ hours in a plane for is a big decision. And there are so many places to choose from! You might be stuck choosing between Bali and Thailand- which one should you visit first?

We’re here to help at Trip.com! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering both Bali and Thailand, highlighting the key similarities and differences that might affect which destination you choose. We’ll compare average travel budgets, available activities, popular tourist destinations, and more.

✈️ Bali or Thailand: Key Travel Differences

When choosing between Bali and Thailand, start by reviewing the key travel differences. Things like ‘how easy is it to get to?’, ‘how expensive will it be’, and ‘can I get around easily by public transportation’? Find answers to common questions below.

Bali or Thailand: Which destination is cheaper?

It’s a big one when planning a trip to somewhere new; can you do it within budget? If you’re choosing between Bali and Thailand, it may be helpful to know that Thailand is a smidge cheaper than Bali. There’s not a huge amount in it, but for some it might be the deciding factor.

🎯 Bali or Thailand: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Bali or Thailand for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Trying new flavours and cuisines is an exciting part of travel for many. Part of the anticipation of going somewhere new is researching what to try. If you’re a foodie, or are looking to explore new-to-you dishes, here are some of the best regional food to try across Bali and Thailand.

Best food to try in Bali

• Babi guling: This traditional Balinese dish is a spit-roasted suckling pig marinated in aromatic spices and known for its delicious crispy skin. It’s often served with rice.
• Ayam betutu: A slow-cooked chicken dish steeped in a rich spice blend, resulting in a tender, aromatic dish.
• Sate lilit: Smokey and savoury, this grilled dish is made from either minced meat or fish, mixed with coconut, herbs and spices, then wrapped around lemongrass sticks
• Nasi campur Bali: Savoury, spicy, and aromatic, this traditional rice dish mixes spiced meats, veggies, sambal, and satisfyingly crunchy toppings.

Best food to try in Thailand

• Pad thai: A classic, OG stir-fry. It's made with noodles, tamarind sauce, egg, peanuts, and lime. Think a perfect balance of nutty, salty, sweet, and crunchy.
• Tom yum: Bold, spicy, and tangy, this soup-based dish uses lemongrass, lime, chilli, galangal, and fish sauce, topped with prawns or mushrooms. Super comforting.
• Moo ping: A street-food dish made from pork marinated in garlic, coriander, soy sauce and sugar, then grilled over charcoal. Smoky, sweet and deliciously savoury.
• Massaman curry: This rich Thai curry is made with coconut milk, tender meat, potatoes, peanuts and fragrant spices. Delectably creamy, with mild spice and hints of sweetness and warmth. A great option for folks with a lower spice tolerance.

🏙️ Bali or Thailand for city breaks: Which is the most exciting?

If city visits are a deciding factor between Thailand and Bali, Thailand wins hands-down. Bangkok, in particular, is known for its lively atmosphere, nightlife, and attractions. And admittedly, Bali doesn’t have sprawling cities; the vibe here is much more laid-back overall. But if you’re after a little hustle and bustle in either location, here are a few itinerary options.

Best towns and resorts to visit in Bali

• Ubud: This cultural town in central Bali is known for its lush rice terraces, traditional temples, art markets, yoga retreats and peaceful jungle surroundings.
• Seminyak: A stylish coastal area known for sandy beaches, trendy cafés, boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and beach clubs.
• Canguu: Another trendy coastal area, popular for its surf beaches, laid-back cafés, vibrant nightlife, beach clubs, and yoga and wellness spots.

Best cities to visit in Thailand

• Bangkok: Thailand’s bustling capital, famous for its temples, street-food markets, modern shopping malls, lively nightlife and riverside neighbourhoods.
• Chiang Mai: This Northern Thai city is known for its ancient temples, night markets, traditional cuisine and scenic mountain surroundings.
• Pattaya: A lively coastal city that attracts visitors with its sandy beaches, water sports, night markets, nightlife and easy access to nearby islands.

🌳 Bali or Thailand for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

If escaping into nature is a key draw for you, both Thailand and Bali offer fantastic scenery. Thailand offers a greater variety of landscapes, from towering limestone cliffs to tropical rainforests. Although smaller, Bali has an incredible density of volcanic landscapes and lush, verdant jungle. Both destinations will delight nature lovers. Here are some of Thailand and Bali’s top nature spots to inspire you.

Best nature spots in Bali

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Near Ubud, this popular Bali attraction features lush green, tiered rice fields and scenic valley views. Go early to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: In Ubud, this lush tropical forest is filled with ancient temples, towering trees, and hundreds of long-tailed macaques roaming freely along the pathways. A must for animal lovers!
• Mount Batur: This active volcano is famous for its sunrise hikes, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Bring your camera!

Best nature spots in Thailand

• Khao Sok National Park: Found in southern Thailand, this national park is home to ancient rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, diverse wildlife and the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake.
• Similan Islands: This group of tropical islands offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and colourful coral reefs. Perfect for snorkelling and diving!
• Doi Inthanon National Park: Located in northern Thailand, you’ll find the country’s highest peak, along with misty mountain views, lush forests, waterfalls and hiking trails.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Bali or Thailand: Which is best for families?

With plenty of beaches to play on, rainforests to explore, and wildlife to encounter, both Bali and Thailand make fantastic backdrops for adventurous family holidays. Thailand, however, offers just a few more family-friendly resorts and a wider range of activities. It’s a close call, though! Here are our picks of the best family-friendly attractions in both destinations.

Best family attractions in Bali

• Waterbom Bali: This popular waterpark in Kuta features thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, tropical gardens and family-friendly pools. A great day out for visitors of all ages!
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park: An outdoor adventure attraction located in Bedugul Botanical Gardens, ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. Here, you’ll find treetop rope courses, zip lines, suspended bridges and climbing challenges.
• Bali Safari and Marine Park: One for the animal lovers! This wildlife attraction is home to zebras, lions, and elephants, plus safari-style tours and educational animal shows.

Best family attractions in Thailand

• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World: This huge aquarium beneath a central Bangkok shopping centre features sharks, penguins, and colourful marine life. Perfect for a rainy-day activity and/or taking a break from the heat.
• Andamanda Phuket: A Thai-themed waterpark with thrilling waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and family-friendly splash zones.
• Khao Kheow Open Zoo: See animals up close in this large wildlife park. See elephants, giraffes, and hippos in spacious habitats, and learn more through interactive experiences.

🕐 What to see in Bali or Thailand, depending on the length of your trip

So, you now have an idea of what to do (and eat!) during a trip to either Bali or Thailand. But how much can you reasonably get in during a week, a fortnight, or longer? We’ve put together example itineraries below to help out.

🌤️ Best time to visit Bali and Thailand

Sometimes, deciding where to go on holiday all depends on the weather. As Bali and Thailand are both located in Southeast Asia, humidity, rain, and sunshine are common. However, their distance from the equator means their climates vary. Keep reading to learn about the best times of year to visit both destinations.

🇮🇩 When to visit Bali

Because Bali sits just south of the equator (where it is surrounded by other Indonesian islands), it tends to be warm and humid year-round. Most people agree the best time to visit is April to October. This is when it's driest, making outdoor exploration much easier!

🇹🇭 When to visit Thailand

Thailand, by contrast, lies north of the equator. Its climate is much rainier, though it does have drier seasons. Most travellers agree that the best time to visit Thailand is November to February, when rainfall is lowest, and the weather is a little cooler.

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