Bali vs Thailand: A Brutally Honest Comparison
Let’s get one thing straight: BOTH Bali and Thailand are incredible destinations. If you can, travel to both at some point.
But you’re probably here because you have to make a more immediate choice between Thailand and Bali. The first piece of good news is that there is no wrong answer. The second piece of good news is that I’m here to help!
In this post, I’ll go over the pros and cons of Thailand compared to Bali, and help you figure out which spot is best in your situation.
Why should you trust me?
Well, because I know my stuff! I’m an American travel blogger who has been traveling non-stop for more than 9 years. I’ve been to both destinations multiple times, and even lived in Thailand for a year.
I can say there are some significant differences between Bali and Thailand to consider.
The main difference is that Bali is one island in the much larger country of Indonesia, while Thailand is an entire country.
Another key difference is seasonality. Bali is best visited from May to September, when the weather is dry.
Thailand is best visited from October to January, during the dry season but before the smokey season sets in.
If your trip falls during one of the above months, honestly that’s probably how I’d suggest you make your decision.
But there are other differences to consider.
So use the guide to help you pick, but be confident in whatever destination you choose because I think you’ll have an incredible vacation at either spot:
Bali vs Thailand: A Quick Guide to Choosing
Here’s what I’m going to do in this guide:
First, I’ll quickly make the case for picking each of Thailand and Bali (hey, I used to be a lawyer, so I love playing devil’s advocate for any position!).
Second, I’ll cover 6 key differences between the two.
Lastly, I’ll give you 3 questions you need to ask yourself in order to decide if Bali or Thailand is best for your situation!
The Case for Picking Thailand over Bali
Thailand is beautiful and relatively safe (though be careful driving motorbikes on the crazy roads!).
Thailand is almost 100x bigger than Bali.
This means Thailand offers a much wider variety of destinations than Bali.
Check out our guide to all the awesome places to visit in Thailand and you’ll see what I mean – there’s just so much variety of destinations.
Want to bounce between tiny sun-soaked islands until you find your perfect slice of paradise?
Great. Thailand has HUNDREDS of islands to choose from (my favorites include Koh Chang, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta).
Or maybe you’d rather enjoy some time in the mountains, visiting with elephants and exploring temples by day, while relaxing enjoying the culture by night?
Thailand has that too. Just head on up to Chiang Mai, Pai, or Chiang Rai and you’ll feel like you’ve left the islands for an entirely different country.
Or maybe you’re a city slicker who needs public transport, pulsating nightlife, and modern shopping centers?
Well, Bangkok is a world class city (something you definitely won’t find in Bali). And, with so many things to do there, it’s just waiting to be explored.
Sometimes bigger really is better right?
Pros of Picking Thailand:
- 📍 More variety of destinations to choose from
- 🛫 Lots of international flight connections to BKK airport
- 🍽️ More variety of cultures and cuisines (did you know Thai food is entirely different in the north vs the south?)
Cons of Picking Thailand:
- 💨 Smokey season is a bit of a bummer. From February to April, the north fills with smoke from agricultural fires. Do not visit during this time if you can avoid it.
The Case for Picking Bali over Thailand
Let’s be clear: Bali isn’t a country. It’s one island within Indonesia. So of course it is much smaller than Thailand. As a travel destination, however, it packs in so much that you’ll hardly notice it. It’s one of the most famous tropical islands in the world for a reason, after all.
You can wake up for a sunrise hike of Mount Batur (an active volcano), spend the afternoon staring over rice terraces and exploring the Monkey Forrest, and still be back at Seminyak beach in time to sip a drink while watching the sunset!
If you’re looking for a place to relax, Bali has everything you need. From long stretches of beaches, tons of boutique hotels and resorts, and a world-famous culture known for welcoming visitors, it’s no wonder so many people fall in love with Bali.
But Bali is also a great place for adventure seekers. There’s quality surfing here, not to mention rafting, hiking, ATVs, and more. So while Bali may be the underdog in terms of size, there is still more than enough to spend a week in Bali or even more.
And while not quite as cheap as Thailand, costs in Bali are still pretty affordable. Which means Bali is a great place to enjoy some luxury on a budget.
Pros of Picking Bali:
- 🏍️ More compact makes it easier to pick one base and do day trips from there (versus Thailand, where you really need at least 2-3 different bases to truly experience the country)
- 🛌🏻 More options for renting private villas (though you can find those staying in Thailand’s Phuket too)
Cons of Picking Bali:
- 🛬 If coming from the US, probably a longer journey, as DPS airport has far fewer connections
- 🚗 Traffic congestion is a growing problem
6 Key Differences Between Bali and Thailand
There are a lot of similarities between Bali and Thailand. Both are amazing destinations with incredible beaches, great food, welcoming cultures, tons of history, gorgeous temples, stunning landscapes, and lots of quality accommodation.
With that said, there are a few differences that matter:
#1. Thailand is MUCH bigger than Bali
There is one HUGE difference you need to be aware of when comparing Thailand vs Bali: size.
Thailand is an enormous country consisting of islands, cities, mountains, islands, and much more.
Bali is a single island within the much larger country of Indonesia.
Thailand’s area totals 513,120 square kilometers, making it almost 100 times larger than Bali’s 5,780 square kilometers.
So you need to be aware upfront that comparing the two is a little like comparing apples and oranges, at least without knowing where specifically in Thailand you want to go.
#2. Bali is More Compact, So One Hotel Might Just Be Enough
Bali, meanwhile, is just one island (albeit a large one) within the country of Indonesia. Bali packs a ton into such a small space, so I wouldn’t discount it based on size in this match up.
And the flip-side of Bali’s smaller size is that it’s much easier to plan. Perhaps you’ll only need one hotel for your Bali vacation! Since it’s only a few hours between destinations, many tourists even opt to just set up a single base and use it for day trips around the island (that said, if visiting for a week or longer, I’d still suggest moving hotels to see the island from a different angle).
Most tourists will choose to base themselves in one of the main beach areas in the south, especially Kuta, Canggu, or Seminyak.
Personally, I’d still suggest spending a few nights in Ubud, a central mountainous region famous for its monkey forest and terraced rice fields. But it’s totally possible to visit Ubud as part of a day trip, so that’s not essential if you prefer the convenience of a single hotel.
#3. They Have Different Rainy Seasons
Since their rainy seasons are direct opposites, the easiest way to decide between the two may be to just look at the calendar! If your travel dates are fixed already, you may just want to travel to whichever one is not in its rainy season.:
- Bali’s Rainy Season: October – April
- Thailand’s Rainy Season: June – September
Now with that said, I’ve visited both during the rainy season and, honestly, the rain isn’t THAT bad. Usually there are just flash storms that blow over quickly. It does mean subpar beach weather and rough seas for the ferries, but you also get cheaper prices and lighter crowds. For this reason, most tourists choose to visit outside the rainy seasons.
#4. Thailand Has Better Beaches
In my opinion, the beaches on the Thai islands frankly just blow Bali’s beaches out of the water. The sand is just so much nicer, and the water clearer.
I wouldn’t say that the beaches in Bali are “bad,” necessarily. They do look pretty, which might be enough if photos are what you care about. But the water is undeniably much murkier for swimming or snorkeling (if you want clear water, go to the nearby Gili Islands).
Thailand’s beaches, meanwhile, are just sublime. I suggest checking out the small islands around Phuket, Railay Beach near Krabi, and the beaches on Koh Tao.
#5. Bali, Being More Compact, Has More Activities Per Square Kilometer
The really nice thing about Bali is that you can do so many different things in such a compact area. You can go rafting, surfing, climb volcanos, visit monkeys, or tour the amazing rice terraces — often all in the same day!
Thailand has a lot to do, don’t get me wrong. It’s just more spread out than in Bali.
#6. Cost is About the Same, But Thailand is Generally Cheaper for Backpackers
Both Bali and Thailand are pretty budget-friendly destinations. And if you’re a mid-range or luxury traveler, you’ll find tons of cool accommodation options (like hidden jungle retreats) at a reasonable price in both destinations.
With that said, the story is a bit different for backpackers.
Thailand’s cities clock in a hair cheaper than Bali. It’s really not a huge difference (a strong case can be made for Bali as a backpacker destination), but for backpackers on a tight budget, I would probably say Thailand is a better bet.
Prices are very different depending on whether it is high season or not, though, so bear that in mind as well!
Bottom Line: 3 Questions to Help You Decide
First, remember what I said at the start of this post:
You can’t go wrong choosing Thailand OR Bali. Both are incredible and you will have a great trip either way!
But if you still can’t narrow it down, here are a few questions that I’d ask to decide:
#1. When is Your Southeast Asia Trip?
Since Bali and Thailand have different rainy seasons and high seasons, this is an easy way to choose between the two.
For example, if you are traveling in July, Bali is going to be more pleasant weather-wise (though see here for a good list of what to pack for Bali), although you’ll have to contend with high season prices.
#2. Which Flights are Easier and Cheaper?
This is a simple one but don’t overlook it! If you’re coming from Australia, for example, Bali is going to be a bit closer and perhaps a bit cheaper. But Thailand’s Bangkok airport is one of the largest in the world and often you can find great deals there as well.
#3. Do You Want to Explore A Lot or Minimize Transit?
As I mentioned above, size is one of the chief differences between Thailand and Bali.
So if you have the time and the desire to explore a lot of different destinations, you’ll find more variety in enormous Thailand. But if you’re on a limited schedule, or just don’t want to move around that much, Bali may be better in your circumstances.
***
That’s it for this quick guide on picking Thailand vs Bali! I hope it’s been helpful and I would love to hear your thoughts. Just scroll to the bottom and leave me a comment.
And, if you’re looking for something fun to read, check out my tips for how to travel alone in Thailand!
Hi Nate, I am planning a trip in July to Bali with my husband, 3 teens 15, 15, 17yrs. We are looking to stay on a nice beach in Bali (white sand, clear water) where we can snorkel etc. with good options for dining etc. Where would you recommend?
I would suggest Nusa Dua probably. But, even then, I would also note that in my experience the water in Bali is often not that clear compared to what you may be hoping for. Better to go to the nearby Gili Islands if clear water is your priority.
Hi Nate, We are thinking of traveling to either Thailand or Bali next year for our 20th wedding anniversary. We are not committed to traveling on the exact date of our anniversary, so we can go any month we choose. We’ve traveled extensively, but never in Asia. We would go for 2.5-3 weeks and base ourselves in no more than 3 or 4 towns during the visit. Since it’s a special anniversary, we want it to be a luxurious trip (think 5-star villa with private pool, dinner on the beach, great food, driver, private tours, etc.). We’d prefer the visit to be a good combination of down time by the pool or sea, as well as activities like a cooking class, bathing elephants, visiting temples, interesting tours, kayaking, etc. Given this, would you point us towards Thailand or Bali? Thanks so much!
Hi Melissa,
Both destinations could work, but for me personally I would pick Thailand. With that much time, you can cover more ground in Thailand.
There are lots of private villa experiences in Samui and Phuket. In particular, I would suggest checking out Paresa Resort Phuket, which I have stayed in and really loved.
For a really special experience, you could splurge and hire a private speed boat from 4 Star Marine. I took the Travel Lemming backend team on a tour for our company retreat last year, and it was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had.
In Bangkok consider checking out the Banyan Tree Bangkok for a really special hotel.
Anyway, you could also do all those things you want in Bali, but I personally think Thailand would be a better fit based on what you described. Just be sure to avoid the smokey season (roughly February-April).
Thank you,
Nate
Hi Nate ,
We are going end of April either Bali or Thailand 7 days what’s you suggestion ?!
Thanks
Naveeta
Hi Naveeta – So it depends. April will be very hot in both places. The end of April is still the edge of smokey season in northern Thailand, and also the end of rainy season in Bali. Last year’s smokey season was really bad in Thailand, so personally I’m avoiding it going forward until May onwards from here on out. But if you just want islands, the south of Thailand mostly isn’t affected by the smoke, and by late April it usually is mostly cleared. Personally, I’d pick Bali and just deal with the occasional rain shower, but it’s up to you.
Hi, my sister and I are interested in taking a trip to Thailand this upcoming May , looking to do about 7 to 10 days. Looking to possibly do a tour rather than do this on our own. Is that something that you would recommend or do you think we would be OK doing it on our own? we are looking to keep our budget around $3500. Do you think that is doable?
Hi Maria –
Thailand is definitely a travel-friendly country, and many people travel independently. But tours can also be a great way to see the country with a group of people. Ultimately it’s a question of what you prefer.
Now, in terms of budget – yes $3,500 should be more than enough of a budget for a 7-10 trip to Thailand for two people. Of course, it depends upon your preferred travel style and whether or not that is separate from your flights. But, in general, Thailand is very affordable. A 3 star hotel room will run between $30-75 per night, depending where you are staying. A 4 star hotel room is often available for around $100 per night, and you can even find 5 star hotels for around $150 per night.
Food, transport, etc, is all very affordable by Western standards. I think you should have more than enough budget to create an epic Thailand trip for two.
Hope that helps! Enjoy Thailand!
-Nate
Nate, I would like to appreciate your detailed answers. we didn’t know which one is a right choice for our family, Bali or Thailand
I reviewed all questions and your answers and found our right choice.
Aloha, I am coming from Hawaii. I have some physical limitations but no mobility devices required, and also sensory disabilities intolerance to perfumes, bright lights, etc. and don’t love crowds. I also have very specific and multiple food restrictions ie gluten, nuts etc. Is there a place you recommend over the other? Chronically ill and disabled people should not be restricted from going out and enjoying the world, and I hope to be an example proving its possible to adapt, receive accommodations and enjoy, and have equitable accessibility. I probably won’t want to travel a ton but a few shorter trips would be fine. I don’t drive and was somewhat concerned about getting taxi’s with guy drivers. I’d be happy to go to a retreat center as well if its reasonable. Thank you for your time.
You’ll find a high standard of service in both Bali and Thailand, and I think overall you should be able to enjoy both with enough planning. What are your ideal travel goals? Without knowing the specifics of what you’re looking to do, it’s a bit hard to give anything more than generalized advice. Both Bali and Thailand have growing vegan cafe scenes. I would recommend downloading the Happy Cow app to find gluten free places to eat. In terms of activities, the easiest way would be to book private drivers for day tours, which should be possible via most hotels in either Bali or Thailand. This should make it relatively accessible to visit sites like temples.
I would note that both Thailand and Bali are pretty crowded at times, as is typical of most Asian destinations. You can find isolated beach or jungle retreats in both though. Again, really depends what you are looking to do.
Hi Nate,
I am travelling from Canada to Southeast Asia and I am planning a 18 day (2.5 weeks) break with my family. It’ll be my wife, 5 year old daughter, 9 month old daughter and me. Primary intent is to relax and spend some quality time as a family. This entire year our hearts have been set on visiting Bali because of the number of activities to do within a small island so we can have a good balance between activities and relaxation, nice private villas, nice beaches, surfing lessons for us and the 5 year old etc. However, somehow, we never checked the weather and now realized Jan is the rainiest month in Bali, with a lot of mixed reviews online on whether to visit or avoid and the frequency and persistence of rain in Bali in the month. Really don’t want to be stuck indoors after travelling all that distance.
We are now debating whether we should pivot to Thailand, but honestly, the thought of taking multiple internal flights again and being on the go trying to get to different places (BKK, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi) with 2 young ones is giving us pause.
All to say, any recommendations? Should we stick to Bali and rain is not that big a concern, or pivot to Thailand considering the weather is better, beaches are nicer etc. Thoughts?
It sounds like you are thinking of the tradeoffs fairly. Keep in mind that it is perfectly possible to get around Thailand with minimal flights, particularly if you just want to explore the south. For example, you can fly to Phuket, then drive a short drive to Ao Nang. There is a lot to do in Thailand and, while it is much bigger than Bali, you wouldn’t have time to see it all anyway. Thailand is really amazing and I think you’d love it.
As for Bali, it is true it will be rainy season. But I have been there in January and it was ok. The rain is typically a few hours of super heavy rain in the afternoon, but it doesn’t run all day. In some ways, it can be relaxing.
Also note that surfing isn’t much of a thing in Thailand, owing to how tranquil and beautiful the waters are. I think Samui has one surfable beach, but other than that I wouldn’t plan on taking surfing lessons in Thailand. I hope that helps!
I’m currently in Bali and I’m looking to go to Thailand. I’m a solo traveler and I just realized accommodation is the way more expensive in Thailand when you’re renting your own room. At least double than what I’m paying in Bali.
It depends where in Thailand you are looking. The islands will be more expensive for sure. Chiang Mai is very affordable, perhaps even more so than Bali. Also check out Koh Lanta.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the great info.
I’m travelling for Australia with my hubby and 4 kids which are 10, 12, 18, 23 and would like to do 2 locations.
We will be travelling during January but don’t mind if it’s a bit rainy. We are trying to decide between Bali and Thailand for the first and then maybe Malaysia or Singapore for the second.
We don’t want to be around a lot of tourist/crowds and not kid appropriate areas but still want to be able to do a few activities and touring for the younger boys and then want go somewhere with good shopping for the older girls. We’d like to stay in a private villa for our first destination. We’ve never traveled before and would love your advice or any other recommendations you have, we are very flexible and haven’t locked in any locations.
Hi Fay –
All of those destinations are lovely. January offers much better weather in Thailand, where it is dry season. In Bali, it will be the wettest month of the year. Of course, the flipside of that is that it will be high season prices in Thailand, while you might find some low season discounts in Bali (though, these days with all the nomads there, Bali is not as cheap as it once was).
You can find private villas quite easily in both Thailand and Bali. There are many in Phuket, which is a common first stop destination for travelers to Thailand, although Phuket is popular because it has a well connected international airport.
If you’re open to more of a resort villa experience, I stayed in Paresa Resort Phuket last January, and really loved their villa-style rooms. The infinity pools and views are just amazing, and the service is top notch. It’s also super private.
You also could look into Ao Nang, which is a nice and more affordable beach area near Krabi. Or, for lesser-visited islands, consider Koh Lanta, Koh Chang, or Koh Yao Yai. There won’t be much shopping in those places, but there will be good beaches, marine activities, and fewer crowds.
Both Malaysia and Singapore are also great destinations to consider. Bear in mind Singapore especially is extremely expensive.
I think Penang in Malaysia might be a very good choice for you considering what you’re describing. Penang has got a good mix of city, nature, and beach. There’s amazing food, lots of shopping, and also history to explore. And it does not have the alcohol or non-age appropriate activities you may stumble upon in Thailand. Plus Penang’s airport has decent connections to Thailand, so it’s easy to do in combination. You could go to Kuala Lumpur after, and fly home from there. Check out my guides to things to do in Penang and where to stay in Penang for more.
Hope that helps!
-Nate
Thanks Nate,
appreciate you taking the time to reply in detail.
Hi Nate,
My husband and I are first time travelers to Asia and we feel Thailand is where we want to go. We are extremely overwhelmed with all the things to do and where to go. Any and all help/suggestions are welcome.
We plan to travel from SF California, our dates to and from are
Fe. 26 – March 15, 2024. We love to eat, we are very active and love all adventures, and beaches. This is out first solo trip in 15 years!! We have 2 kids and this is a huge getaway for us, one that most likely wont be repeated. SO PLEASE GIVE US A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP ITINERARY.
Thanks so much,
Kara
Hi Kara. While we haven’t written a Thailand itinerary (yet), I would suggest looking into something like: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Krabi / Ao Nang – Phuket. Just note that March is smokey season in Chiang Mai so, if you’re sensitive to air quality issues, you might skip it. Have fun in Thailand!
Hi Nate – I am wanting to go to Thailand in early-mid November 2023 for 2 weeks.
I want to go to Chaing Rai and to a beautiful beach that is not too touristy or crowded. Any suggestions?
Try Koh Chang.
Hi Nate!
Planing my first trip to Asia next year, and Thailand is my choice (for what my time off is).
I have more than a month to spend there, and my plans are to find a Yoga retreat and get a Yoga certificate (will take around 22 to 28 days to get it), after that would like to get my open water certification. Then, after my certifications or in between them would like to be able to explore, I am solo female traveler (will read your Solo traveler Thailand guide). What places could you recommend to be?
Looking to find the easiest route from the airport to my destinations in Thailand and the other way around. Things I want to do in my spare time is to explore temples, sunbathing, relax and being safe. Thank you!!
(I will be flighting from Amsterdam or Brussels, if that helps some how)
Would suggest considering Chiang Mai, Pai, Krabi/Ao Nang, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Chang. Also Koh Yao Noi or Khao Lak if you want something more chill. If you buy tickets in advance, air tickets are pretty cheap in Thailand.
Hey Nate, I’m planning on a trip at the end of Nov to early Dec this year. I’m going with a family member, but I’ll be traveling and doing a lot of things alone as a solo female. I’ve heard it’s fine, but I guess I’m still nervous as it’s my first trip going mainly solo. I have about 2 weeks and am wanting to do a week in Thailand and then flying into Bali for the remainder of my trip. Do you find anything difficult or anything I should know traveling through customs or going to Bali for a portion of my trip? I’ve realized it’s easier for me to fly into Bangkok, fly to Bali, then back to Bangkok to go home. Less travel time and same amount of money.
Both Bali and Thailand are popular with solo travelers, so you will find many others doing the same as you. For solo female travelers, Canggu and Ubud are definitely the hotspots in Bali. In Thailand, check out Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. I suggest reading my guide to solo travel in Thailand, and Sky’s guide to solo female travel.
Hi Nate, I hope you are still commenting on this site. I am considering a family trip next year, end of March-early April for three weeks. There would be overlapping of family with twin 10 year olds vs. a 6 and 3 year old. We are Marriott timeshare owners, so have a choice of NusaDua in Bali or Mai Khao in Phuket.
Thoughts?
Hi Pam – both Nusa Dua and Mai Khao are similar resort-heavy tropical island paradises. I would say Nusa Dua definitely has the better beaches of the two, but I think they are overall pretty similar. Both are convenient to international airports, and you’ll certainly find families in both locations. I can’t say I’ve stayed at those specific Marriott properties, so I’d probably decide based off the property and also based off the month I was visiting. Phuket and Bali have pretty opposite dry seasons, so I’d just go with whichever is in dry season during the month of my planned trip. For late March, early April, that’s going to be Phuket.
Hi Nate, what are your thoughts on Singapore? Is it worth visiting for a few days before heading to Thailand?
I love Singapore. It is very different than either Bali or Thailand. Singapore is a city-state, and a very advanced one at that. It’s a wonderfully modern city with lots to see and do, and makes for a perfect stopover for a couple days. Just be aware that prices in Singapore are several times higher than in Thailand!
Is Thailand good country for retirement?
Very humid there? mosquito bugs everywhere?
Where to find affordable ocean view property?
Many foreigners retire in Thailand, because of the low cost of living, pleasant weather, kind people, and easy visas. If you’re over 50 years old, look into the Thai retirement visa scheme. There are multiple options that make it pretty easy to stay long term.
Yes, much of Thailand is tropical and thus can be humid at times, especially along the coast. I personally don’t think it is too bad, but that is anecdotal. The north of Thailand is more temperate, but lacks beaches. Also problem with the north of Thailand is the smokey season, when the air quality gets really poor in March and April.
In terms of where to find ocean view properties, I’d suggest watching the Retired Working for You Youtube channel. He covers a lot of property tours.
You mentioned you can get a personal driver for about $45 a day in Bali. How do you go about finding them?
Ask your hotel, host, or just approach a driver upon arrival. If you ask around, it should be fairly easy to find a driver in Bali.
Our trip is in May by the way!
Hi Nate! We are planning on going to Japan (Tokyo and Kioto) – Thailand and Bali. Or maybe skip Bali. What are the top cities you recommend in Thailand ?
Depending on how much time you have, that’s certainly a lot to cover! In Thailand, there aren’t many cities besides Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but you can also check out smaller places like Chiang Rai and Pai in the north, or tropical destinations in the south like Ao Nang/Krabi. There are many islands to choose from, but my personal favorites are Koh Chang, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lipe, and Koh Tao.
Hi
I have a question for you about flying to Bali from Bangkok, not sure you can answer it. To minimize luggage costs on flights, do you know any tips for that? I guess that would also include domestic flights within Thailand
In general, most budget airlines in Asia will give you a relatively small hand carry allowance (e.g., 7 kg) and will charge for any checked or carry on bags beyond that. If you book with the flagship carriers, such as Thai Airways, the baggage allowances are often more generous (especially for international flights). So when pricing a flight, the main tip is to just be sure to calculate that in when deciding if the budget flight is worth it or not.
Hello Nate,
So I’m trying to plan my 40th birthday day March 2023. I plan on having large group travel however in this group we have party goers, beach lovers, nature lovers, activities junkies! My questions:
Should I book extended stay in one place or break up the stay to visit different places?
Is there an ideal area that can accommodate what everyone is interested in?
What are some places that we just have to see or visit?
Some good places to eat that can accommodate the picky eaters and those who wanna try new things?
Most importantly how can I enjoy my 40th birthday with a bang?!
Is it easier to hire a host for large group?Thanks for your guidance
Both Bali and Thailand could work well for group trips. There is something for every type of traveler you mention in both Bali and Thailand. Certainly, moving around with groups is always a challenge, which is one of the benefits of Bali – that you can pick a single place to stay and just do day trips from there around the island.
In terms of places to eat, see, etc – can you narrow down a bit more where you want to go? Within Bali, I’d suggest Seminyak, or within Thailand maybe Ao Nang would work well for a group.
So I definitely wanted to do Thailand for sure! I just want to create the perfect experience for everyone while enjoying my 40th bday. I’m stuck on figuring out how many days is good enough and what part of Thailand would be best for everyone to enjoy themselves. I was thinking Bangkok but I wasn’t seeing the air bnb that I like. Phuket was a suggestion mention by someone who visited but said it’s very secluded in rainforest where they stayed. So I guess I need to know your opinion on best place to celebrate my bday?! Places I must visit.
Any thoughts about Lombok in May? I thought about hiking the volcano?
I haven’t climbed the volcano but it looks beautiful. May is a good month to visit Bali.
Hey man, I’m going to Thailand this coming January. I’m hitting Phuket, Phi Phi, and Krabi after I’m done with Bangkok. Do you recommend hitting them in any specific order? Thanks
All great places, and I actually have a similar trip coming up myself. You can either fly into Phuket, take a boat to Phi Phi, take another to Krabi and fly out of there. Or do the reverse route. I would pick based on which flights are better for you.
My husband and I are traveling to Bali September of 2023 and we are trying to plan where to stay. We would love to be on the beach, although I am not sure if this is really possible from the research I’ve done so far. My husband loves to hear the waves crashing and would like to try and find a place that he could have that. We also are thinking of an airbnb/vrbo instead of a hotel. What are you recommendations? Thanks
You can easily find hundreds of beachfront places on Booking’s Bali page. Just scroll on the left sidebar until you see “Beach Access” then tick the box for “Beachfront.”
Go to Amed it’s very resonable,easy to get beach front
Thankyou so much Nate.
I would also want to know The Dolphin show and the Tiger kingdom in Phuket is open all over the year or only in specific months or dates?
so can plan accordingly.
Don’t support these places. Visit the elephant sanctuary instead.
Hi Nate,
We are planning to visit to either Thailand or Bali, but confused since both are equally beautiful. We, me & my husband loves less crowdy & calm places. Which of these will be more suitable then? Also I want to know which of these place has places where kids will enjoy? like zoo or aquarium etc.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Preshita – you can find family friendly places in both. I would choose based on the time of year you plan to visit, so you get the best weather. May to September is better for Bali. October to April better for Thailand.
Hey Nate!
Its our first anniversary in December 2022, the next month. We are planning to go to either Thailand or Bali. Really confused between the two but overexcited too. Though your guidance really helped to get a clearer view of the two. But still I want your suggestion on the below 3 things and let me know which is the best for us.
1) I am an explorer and want to explore way too much wherever I go from either two, so which will you suggest?
2) Which is better in terms of weather in December?
3) Want to do water sports activity, scuba diving for sure so which would be better for overall water sports?
Kindly suggest on these basis
Thank you in advance!
Sounds like a fun trip! I would suggest Thailand given what you’ve described. December is rainy in Bali, and most days you will have rain (though it can still be pleasant during this time!). Thailand is bigger than Bali, being that it’s a country versus a single island, but both have plenty to explore. For water sports, I think Thailand is better. Check out Koh Tao for diving.
Hi Nate … I’m going back to Thailand in February of 2023. First stop is to Phuket to scuba dive. I’ve never been to Phuket before so any advice is welcome. Then I’m going to Chiang Mai which I’ve been to before but this time I want to go to Chiang Rai, Pai and wherever I find interesting. Do you have any suggestions as to places to visit around there? I’m going solo so I have a lot of flexibility.
Thanks so much,
Carol from Florida USA
The first thing I would say is to research visiting the north (especially Chiang Mai and Pai) in the later part of February. That is “burning season”, when the air becomes covered in smoke from fires that are systemically set to clear farmland. The exact start of burning season varies each year, but usually starts sometime in February and continues through April. In general, I would not advise traveling to the north during burning season, so I’d consider either skipping it or trying to visit in the early part of the month.
Phuket is beautiful and, in fact, a place that is on my personal itinerary for this coming January. It is much more developed than the smaller Thai islands. From there, you can check out several nearby islands include the famous Koh Phi Phi and lesser known places like Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. You could also continue across the sea to Krabi, which is one of my favorite beach towns.
If you like scuba, I’d say look into Koh Tao. Although February is a little rainy there and it’s a little hard to get to, Koh Tao is generally considered to have some of the best diving in Thailand.
For more, you can see our article on where to go in Thailand. Hope you have a fun trip!
Hey, Nate,
I just got back from Thailand earlier this year. My favorite part was island hopping (Railay was my favorite. I’m looking to travel again for a few weeks in December. I have been considering Bali and read there are small islands around it. Do you know if it’s similar to Thailand in that way? Stuck deciding going back to a place I loved or trying something new.
Thanks
Bali and all of Indonesia is great too! Yes, there are smaller islands around Bali – you can easily go to nearby Lombok (a large island like Bali, with a different vibe) and the Gili islands (smaller islands more similar in vibe to Koh Tao or Koh Phi Phi). Indonesia is an island chain nation, so there are many more islands to explore even beyond that!
Great article!
Best thing is it’s methodical …useful information.
Hey Nate, I currently am planning 10 days in Thailand in mid March before heading to Bali for two weeks. In your opinion, is Chiang Mai still worth visiting at that time of year? Id love to see it, but I keep reading about the smoke. If not, any recommended alternatives (already planning on bankok for 2 days and krabi-phuket for 4 days)? Thanks!
Good question!
So I have lots of experience to answer this – I was just in Chiang Mai earlier this week, and I also spent most of last smoky season there.
There are two sides to this to consider. On the one hand, it is true that mid-March is historically the peak of the smoke season in northern Thailand. It is also true that the smoke can at times be very bad, to the point that it makes being outdoors no fun at all. It also almost always makes the mountains hard or even impossible to see, which kind of dampens the usual charm on Chiang Mai if you ask me. It even affects the elephants (I visited Elephant Nature Park last year during a bad smoke day, and the elephants were extremely irritable).
But on the other hand, there is a huge amount of variance at play. On any given day, it could be anywhere from “almost normal” to “extremely bad.” It literally depends on which way the wind is blowing, whether it’s rained lately, and a variety of other unpredictable factors. It is not terribly predictable more than a couple days in advance, is my point. Last year was a historically bad year, but the worst of the smoke actually came in April (not March, as I had planned for). You can get a better sense of this variance by scrolling down to the “historical data” charts on this helpful site.
Note also that much of the discussion around the health effects is really about either 1) prolonged exposure over time, or 2) pre-existing sensitivities. If you are just planning to visit Chiang Mai for 2-3 days, and you aren’t someone who is known to be sensitive to air quality issues, it is probably the case that the smoke would be little more than an annoyance. Even if you get unlucky and the air quality is really bad on the days you are there, a properly fitted N-95 mask can help significantly (I realize masking has become a political issue in the West, but the culture is different in Asia – masking is commonplace and you will never be the only person wearing a mask in Thailand). I’d also advise asking your hotel if they have in-room air purifiers (many do). And I would personally pack a few decongestants just in case you do end up feeling the effects.
Overall, I think Chiang Mai is a lovely place and, while I personally will stay away from it in March going forward, if that is your only chance to visit and it’s only a few days, it would be a shame to miss such a lovely destination.
Ultimately it’s a personal decision and a bit of a gamble. I hope what I’ve offered has been helpful.
In terms of other alternative Thailand destinations, in general the south is where you want to be if you’re looking to avoid smoke. Since you already have some beaches on your itinerary, I’d suggest looking into Khao Sok National Park.
Let me know if you have any more questions and I hope you love Thailand as much as I do! It’s a lovely place, even considering the smoke.
Nate
Dear Nate:
I am coming to Bali in mid January 2023 from the U.S. my round trip flights are in and out of Singapore. For example my return flight from Singapore to New York is 10:30pm. I am booking my flight from and back to Singapore after visiting Bali. I want to know how early a flight I need to catch to be 100% sure not to my flight from Singapore to NYC. I am fully aware of the 3-2-1 rule. I simply don’t know if there are often delays from Bali to Singapore. There is a flight, for example, flies from Singapore at around 5pm, arrives in Singapore around 7:30pm, perfect for connection. But since the ticket is not part of the longer flight, I am afraid of any reasons that may caused delays. Jan. 20 is part of the rainy season. Do rainy seasons see flights not able to fly? Am I worrying too much about it? What is your suggesting of the flight time that I should observe to book the ticket. Thanks.
Have you thought about spending a night in Singapore? It’s a great place to see, especially all lit up in the evening. And a great train to and from the airport. Alternatively, you could risk the connection, but there’s always a risk when it’s not part of the same booking.
If your heading north in Thailand check our Chiang Dao for a couple of days or day trip from Chaing Mai
Stunning mountainous scenery, not over touristy
So if I’m traveling last week of October, which is better in terms of weather? Thailand or Bali?
Thanks!
October is shoulder season in Bali, and also in large parts of Thailand. It’s still going to be fairly wet in either destination. Still, I’ve traveled to both during the monsoons and it can actually be refreshing (it doesn’t rain all day – more like really intense and short downpours once or twice a day). Chiang Mai and the north of Thailand are probably the driest places to go during October.
No surf in Thailand, Bali has some of the best waves on the planet and has a round in the WSL world championship.
Yes it does…Nai Harn beach in the very south of Phuket, it’s only a small break but can be a whole lot of fun when the conditions are right.
What’s your favorite beach in Thailand
So many beautiful ones! Personally, though it’s touristy, I feel like Railay Beach is really special.
Thank for you information Nate!
Thanks. Which has the best medical facilities if you are unlucky enough to get sick? BALI or Phuket? Thanks for your advice.
I am not sure I am qualified to comment on the medical system’s quality in Bali vs Thailand.
Hy
My Huby had an bacterial infection and within 1 our we had a doc and a nurse in our hotel. We were in Bali, 3 weeks ago. I needed antibiotics, had an infection too, i even got the same antibiotics i get here, at home in Switzerland.
Definitely Phuket – health tourism is so popular in Thailand. Many hospitals are like 5 stars hotels.
Thanks for the info Nate! I’m cashing in a travel credit for a 9 day trip in early March and trying to choose somewhere warm, lush and foreign with enough variety to explore somewhere new every day or two. I’ve been to Thailand before (~3wks in the jungle, 4 days in Pattaya Beach) and loved it. Think I might just go back!
Thailand is beautiful! I’m actually currently in Ao Nang. A bit touristy but Railay beach if world class. Do let me know if I can help enjoy your trip!
I’ve been to Thailand a couple times and am currently in Bali and I would say the biggest difference for me is that it is nearly impossible to walk around in the urban-ish areas in Bali — sure you can walk in rice paddies or on the beach but good luck walking from place to place in Ubud. If I go again, I will take scooter lessons beforehand but since I’ve never driven a scooter before, I’m not going to hop on one right now. I’m curious as to why no one mentions this in blogs etc.
Hi Melanie –
You’re certainly correct that most of Bali isn’t very walkable, though in my experience that is true in much of Southeast Asia.
Hope you’re enjoying Bali nonetheless!
-Nate