Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Better to Visit? How to Choose?

Bali and Thailand are both famous tropical paradises with vibrant cultures and rich histories. Saying which place is better is a toss-up. Both destinations have world-class travel facilities, with great hotels and restaurants.

Making the best choice for Bali and Thailand tours comes down to the details and what experience you’re looking for. Let’s look at them side-by-side and compare.

Bali VS Thailand: Where Are They Located?

Bali is a large island in the Indian Ocean and part of the vast Indonesian archipelago. It’s a unique province in Indonesia, with a majority Hindu population and a largely tourism-based economy. Located just south of the equator, it has an even climate all year round.

Thailand is a medium-sized country on the mainland of Southeast Asia with coastlines along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. It shares land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The country stretches from the mountainous northern region to the central plains, and the southern region is dotted with islands on both coasts, like Phuket and Koh Samui.

Location map of Thailand and Bali.

Basic Information about Bali and Thailand in Tourism

Tourism in Bali is often focused on relaxation and spirituality. The island boasts world-class resorts, wellness retreats, and a strong yoga culture. The coasts are lined with stunning beaches, and the interior has mountains, terraced rice fields, and dense jungles. There are centers of exciting nightlife, but it’s just as easy to find a peaceful escape in the lush natural settings.

Thailand has a wider range of experience to offer across the country. Bangkok is a major city with impressive cultural and historical sites, as well as vibrant nightlife and shopping. The islands and beach destinations like Pattaya and Phuket attract people looking to relax or party, and the northern region is home to expansive nature reserves and elephant parks.

Tourists in Bali.

Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Easier to Visit? How to Get the Visa?

Both destinations are easy to visit with a visa on arrival or visa exemption available for most travelers. Indonesia offers a visa on arrival for citizens of 89 countries, including all EU and ASEAN member states and North America. Travelers can choose between obtaining a visa at the airport or applying for an electronic visa on arrival in advance. The cost is 500,000 IDR (32.5 USD) for a 30-day visa.

Travelers from many countries can enter Thailand without a Thailand visa for a stay of 60 days. The visa exemption list includes North America, EU Countries, and ASEAN member states.

5 Days Bali Tour from Bangkok Thailand

Bali

Bali VS Thailand: What Is the Best Time to Visit?

Bali’s dry season is the best time to visit. The sunny weather with low humidity lasts from May until October. Temperatures are mostly stable year-round, but the clear skies make the dry season best for enjoying the outdoors.

Thailand’s weather conditions vary somewhat by region. The dry season in Bangkok and Chiang Mai lasts from November until June. Cooler temperatures from November until January attract a lot of travelers visiting before it heats up to the high 30s between March and May.

The west coast area, including Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi, also has its best time from November until March. Cooling winds keep the temperatures between 26°C and 32°C, and humidity stays low. The east coast island of Koh Samui gets heavy rain in October and November and is best visited between December and February. March is still fairly comfortable, but temperatures peak in April and May.

7 Days Thailand and Bali Sightseeing Tour

Bangkok - Bali

Bali VS Thailand: Which Beaches Are Better?

Nowhere beats Thailand for picture-perfect, powdery, white-sand beaches. Along the coast and on the over 1,400 islands, you’ll find the perfect sands for relaxing by the sea. The list of famous beaches in Thailand is long, including Railay in Krabi, Patong Beach in Phuket, Sunrise Beach on Koh Lip, and Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui. All boast clear water with great activities like snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.

Bali’s beaches are less pristine by comparison but have their own unique appeal. The beaches around Seminyak and Kuta are great for adventure sports like surfing and diving. Areas like Nusa Dua and Padang Beach in Uluwate are more secluded spots with a tranquil atmosphere.

Chill out on the beaches in Thailand.

Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Better for Honeymoon?

Bali has some of the best hotels in the world, with many specializing in romantic getaways for couples. Places like Udaya Resorts and Spa and COMO Shambhala Estate offer secluded pool villas in the heart of the jungles of Ubud. Couples can enjoy a romantic experience all to themselves, while still being close to all the action on the island. With services including candlelight dinners, floating breakfasts, and a full range of spa and wellness treatments, it is the height of luxury.

There’s no shortage of great resorts in Thailand as well, but secluded getaways are harder to find. Top options like the Six Senses Yao Noi and Rayavadee in Railay have private beaches and beachfront villas. Service is top-notch, and the best hotels will spare no effort in making sure you have an unforgettable honeymoon tour in Thailand.

Stay in Bali’s fine hotel for honeymoon.

Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Better for Family with Kids?

Both destinations welcome and celebrate children. You can find family-friendly hotels in Bali and Thailand with services and activities to make sure kids are entertained and taken care of. Overall, Thailand has more choices for child-friendly activities.

Around the country, there are guided tours of museums and cultural sites, interactive zoos and wildlife rescues, island-hopping boat trips, and theme parks. Bali also has water parks and cultural shows, but can’t match the range of activities available across Thailand.

Family tour in Thailand.

Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Safer to Visit?

Thailand and Bali are low-crime areas. Violent crimes against tourists are almost unheard of, and with basic precautions, you can protect yourself against petty theft. The rowdier nightlife districts in some parts of Thailand can attract more scammers, but it’s an easy risk to avoid.

Traffic safety is the biggest concern in both places. Bali’s roads are notoriously bad, and you have to be aware of scooters coming from any direction.

However, Thailand’s traffic is a significant hazard. Road accidents are common, and pedestrians have to exercise strict caution when crossing the road. The best practice is to always follow all traffic regulations, use crosswalks, and shadow local people.

6 Days Bali Beach Tour from Bangkok Thailand

Bali

Bali VS Thailand: Which Owns the Vibe Nightlife?

Bali’s nightlife is centered in a few districts, making it easy to find. Every night, bars and clubs in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu Beach will be full of people out to relax and have a good time. The nightlife has an inclusive atmosphere great for groups of friends traveling together, and it’s also easy to meet local and fellow travelers.

Beach parties in Thailand have become attractions of their own. The famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan attracts travelers from around the world to party until sunrise on the stunning beach. Bangkok has bustling clubs and rooftop bars, and Phuket and Pattaya boast a wide range of places for late-night entertainment. Costs are similar to Bali, and there’s no doubt you will have a great time in either place.

Bali’s nightlife.

Bali VS Thailand: How Are Like of Balinese Culture and Thai Culture?

Thailand is a place of some contrast. As a predominantly Buddhist country, local people are kind and welcoming to visitors. Daily interactions are laid back, and the country is known as a land of smiles. At the same time, Thailand is a place of vibrant energy, embracing modern lifestyles alongside traditions. Night markets, street food, and beach parties keep the activity running all hours of the day, and there’s always a lot going on.

The people in Bali are no less friendly and welcoming, but the island has a more relaxed atmosphere. It attracts people for its spiritual and artistic ambiance. There are famous yoga retreats and meditation centers where people unwind from their busy lives. Ubud is home to many vegan and health-focused restaurants and cafes, and the island has a lively arts scene.

7 Days Thailand and Bali Sightseeing Tour

Bangkok - Bali

Bali VS Thailand: Which Food Is More Delicious?

Everyone has their own taste, so it’s hard to say which is better. Food in Bali has strong Javanese, Chinese, and Indian influences. The most popular foods are nasi goreng, seasoned fried rice with egg and usually meat or shrimp, and satay, barbecued meat skewers. Local cuisine is delicious, and there are lots of healthy and vegan options, but it is somewhat less refined as a cuisine than Thailand.

Indonesians love their local food but have a lot of respect for Thai cuisine. The bold flavors of pad thai and tom yum soup are world-famous. Curries from mild to blindingly spicy are a popular dish, and fresh fruit adds sweetness and nutrition to a lot of dishes. Street food in Thailand is among the best in the world and stands side by side with fine dining in the country. Overall, for the range of dishes, Thailand has the edge.

Thai food collection.

Bali VS Thailand: Which Is Cheaper to Visit?

Costs vary across Thailand. Northern Thailand is generally as affordable as Bali as a holiday destination. Bangkok and the large resort cities like Pattaya and Phuket are somewhat more expensive, and prices are higher overall on Thailand’s islands.

Both places have a wide range when it comes to accommodations. Budget travelers and backpackers will find more choices in Thailand, and if you’re sticking mostly to street food, the price and range of options are much better than in Bali.

10 Days Best of Thailand and Bali Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Bali

Bali VS Thailand: How Many Days Are Needed for Each of Destinations

Plan on at least 5-7 days for visiting Bali. That will give you time to experience most of the island’s highlights. You can visit the monkey forest in Ubud, see the picturesque rice fields, spend time unwinding in Nusa Dua, and wander the lively scenes in Seminyak and Ubud. With enough days, a day or overnight cruise to Gili Meno Island, where you can see the famous underwater statues and visit a sea turtle sanctuary.

A week to 10 days is ideal to travel in Thailand. See the Grand Palace and Wat Arun in Bangkok, visit an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, and relax on any of the many beautiful beaches on Thailand’s islands. There’s no limit to how much time you can spend relaxing, so if you have more days, visit more paradise hot spots like Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Lip, and the Phi Phi Islands.

Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Bali VS Thailand: More Insider Tips

- Time your visit to Bali to see one of the island’s cultural festivals. Nyepi, the day of silence, and Galungan offer fascinating insights into local traditions.
- Bali rewards visitors who explore off the beaten path. The north and east of the island are less traveled and are full of beautiful beaches and waterfalls.
- Areas like Kuta and Seminyak in Bali can get crowded. Hit the beaches or visit temples early in the day to beat the rush.
- Be mindful of local customs in both places. Dress modestly when visiting temples, and don’t step on offerings left on the ground in Bali.
- Thailand’s lesser known islands have the same beautiful beaches with fewer tourists if you’re looking for a quiet experience. Koh Yao Noi and Koh Kood are beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
- Visit Chiang Mai during the Loy Krathong Festivals. The festival of lights usually takes place in November, and floating lanterns and decorated baskets create a dreamlike atmosphere.
- Eat where the locals eat for the most authentic food. It’s true in both destinations, but for Thailand in particular, the markets and night bazaars are where to get some of the best and most authentic food.

10 Days Thailand and Bali Highlight Tour

Chiang Mai - Bangkok - Bali

Conclusion

You won’t regret choosing either destination. Bali stands out as a romantic destination or a place to enjoy a tranquil retreat. Thailand is the best choice for a postcard-perfect beach holiday.

In both places, you’ll find friendly local people, delicious food, and beautiful natural surroundings. Contact us for more information, and rest assured there’s no wrong choice.