What's Better Bali or Thailand? Which One Is Your Place

Both Bali and Thailand are amazing paradises for beach bums. Bali is an Indonesian island with amazing beaches and coral reefs, as well as lively bars. Thailand has both bustling beach resorts and serene offshore islands.

Except for sands and sea, both of them are dotted with marvelous temples. The Creator endows both the two sites beautiful nature. In Bali, you can explore its forested volcanic mountains, while Thailand offers quite many opportunities to see the sea of clouds.

Which one should you pick as your next travel destination? The comparison below should be able to help you figure out whether Bali or Thailand is your place.

Bali vs Thailand - Beaches

Bali has the world’s finest waves

Although the main beaches of Bali have no very white and soft sands to offer, you can find some of the world’s finest surfing opportunities here. Excellent surfing sites include Uluwatu, Suluban, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, etc.

Bali's beaches are perfect for surfing.

For visitors who are not good at surfing, you can still expect calm waters in Bali. Beaches on the islets of Lembongan and Penida off Bali’s southeast coast are ideal for swimming.

Thailand offers perfect white sands

Thailand boasts its quality beaches, some of which are among the world’s best. That’s exactly why Thailand is so popular. You have clear and warm waters to swim, white sands to enjoy.

Surfing is possible in Thailand as well. Phuket has the most surfing available. Waves are not huge, great for beginners. The best surfing spots in Phuket contain Nai Harn Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Kalim Beach, Kamala Beach, etc.

Bali vs Thailand - Sights and Activities

Bali has volcanic mountains to explore

The highest volcano, Mount Agung seats southeast of Mount Batur, another active volcano in Bali. The climb of Mount Batur is an easy morning walk, while the hike of Mount Agung is not that easy. But both will reward you with beautiful views.

Bali rice terrace is a stunning treasure created by nature and the local people. Never leave Bali without seeing this magical green landscape.

Elephant tour is popular in Thailand

In recent years, there are increasing numbers of nature parks that aim at the rescue of some abused, disabled, or retired elephants in Thailand. Visitors can spend a day learning how to feed the elephants and bathe them in rivers.

Elephant tour is popular in Thailand.

Nature lovers prefer to escape to the northern part of Thailand, for example, Pai and Mae Hong Son, for the laid-back surroundings, lush mountains, and the magic sea of clouds.

Marvelous temples decorate the corners of Thailand. The White Temple, Black House, and Blue Temple are the craziest three temples in Chiang Rai. Lying at the seaside of Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth is an impressive temple. Fine carvings cover every inch of its wood structure.

Bali vs Thailand - Nightlife

Bali has a sophisticated range of nightclubs

Nightlife in Bali is centered around tourist hotspots like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu. You can find loads of bars, DJ nights, and beachfront parties. There are also many famous DJs and international artists coming for concerts at high-end beach clubs and rooftop bars.

Thailand’s nightlife is best for those on a budget

Thailand sees bars everywhere. Especially in Bangkok, the main nightlife hubs include Soi 11, Soi Cowboy, and Khao San Road, where you can expect nightclubs, ping-pong shows, beer towers, etc.

The paradise for party animals, Full Moon Party is held in Koh Phangan, an island located in the Gulf of Thailand. Happening every full moon, it has been one of the trendiest beach parties in the world.

Thailand Full Moon Party is a paradise for party animals.

Bali vs Thailand - Culture

Bali is a predominantly Hindu island

Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia. Most Balinese are Hindus, while the country of Indonesia is about 90% Muslim. Hindu influences can be seen in Bali’s dance, drama, sculpture, temple, etc.

The Balinese combine seriousness together with fun into their traditional dance, making it dramatic and unforgettable. Same as in Thailand, outright anger is to be avoided in Indonesia. If for any reason you feel you’ve been mistreated, try your best to resolve it in a friendly way.

Bali traditional drama is very impressive.

Thailand is a Buddhist country

Thai people are almost Buddhist. In Thailand, you can see numerous monks dressed in orange robes in Buddhist temple worship the golden and white marble Buddha statues. Gold stands for knowledge and enlightenment, and the white color symbolizes purification in Buddhism

It’s disrespectful to enter a temple without removing shoes. Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered at the same time. And smile always during your Thailand tour.

Bali vs Thailand - Food

Balinese food tends to be sweeter

Traditional Balinese food includes rice, noodles, vegetables and grilled meats, which has less variety than Thai cuisine. The Balinese like to use coconut milk and peanuts to cook their meals. Vegetarians and vegans have a lot of choices in Bali. Western food is easy to come by as well.

Thai cuisine offers more variety

Typical Thai cuisine covers noodles, rice, curries, vegetables, grilled meats, and the most delicious spices. Mouthwatering street food can be found on almost every corner. If you want to travel on a budget, Thai food is the better of the two options. Vegetarian diet and western food are also easy to get in Thailand.

Thailand cuisine is delicious and deserves a taste.

Bali vs Thailand - Travel Cost

Live frugally helps to travel on a budget in Bali

There are plenty of budget options in Bali, while numerous luxury stays can be found as well. If you live and eat like a local, you can save much money in Bali. Taking taxis or renting a motorbike is affordable. And the local dishes are not expensive.

For backpackers, Thailand is a better bet

If you stay in the central and northern parts, the cost of touring Thailand is super cheap. Price on Thai islands such as Phuket or party time on Koh Phangan in the full moon evening is higher. Shopping in Thailand proves to be incredibly cheap. Pratunam Market, Platinum Fashion Mall and Pantip Plaza are nice spots to shop.

Bali vs Thailand - How to Get Around

Most people ride a scooter everywhere in Bali

Getting around Bali is far easier than touring the whole country of Thailand. A scooter will get you almost everywhere in Bali. If you are not good at scooters, taking taxis or hiring a driver is a good alternative. We are always here ready to offer you private cars, together with local guides who speak English.

Most people ride a scooter everywhere in Bali.

Getting around Thailand takes more efforts

The entire country of Thailand is almost 88 times larger than the island of Bali. You need to take planes, buses, or even ferries to travel around Thailand. Budget airlines like AirAsia run many domestic flights. Night buses are cheap. Scooters are available as well. Tuk-tuk is a fun alternative for visitors who don’t ride a scooter.

Bali vs Thailand - Best Time to Visit

Bali is most comfortable from June to August

The most comfortable weather to tour Bali is when it is at the peak of the dry season from June to August. You can expect warm temperatures without too much rainfall and humidity. April, May, September, and October are good alternatives with not bad weather. Bali in the rainy season from November to March sees a tremendous amount of rain.

November to February is the best time for Thailand

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. It’s the cool season of Thailand, featuring pleasant temperatures and perfect sunny days. The hot season from March to May is very hot. The rainy season is to be between June and October and it is possible to be caught in heavy rainfall.

Summary

Now you should know whether Bali or Thailand is your place for the next travel adventure. In short, if you prefer surfing, Bali is your bet. If you expect white and soft sands, Thailand is better. Bali is an island that is easy to get around, while Thailand is a larger country that takes more time and cost to completely explore. Or you can tour Bali and Thailand together.