What to choose, Bali or Thailand? Thailand VS Bali: what to choose and where to go on vacation Pros and bonuses

It is quite difficult to answer the question of which is better, Bali or Thailand. Both of them, the island and the kingdom, deserve to be visited. But, unfortunately, we cannot go to two places at the same time, and therefore we have to decide which is preferable for us. Each person has his own criteria by which the attractiveness of a country is determined. It can be:

• Weather and climate
• Travel time
• Beaches, seas and oceans
• Attractions
• Nutrition
• And many many others

It is impossible to cover all the variety of parameters that characterize a particular vacation spot. But there are some, the most important, criteria that will be covered in this article.

Road and travel time

Any journey begins with the road. Let's see how you can get to:

• Bali. The best way to get to this island is by plane. There are both direct flights and flights with transfers. In the first option you sacrifice money, in the second you sacrifice time. The approximate flight time from Moscow is from 12 hours (direct flight) to 19 hours or more. A flight from Yekaterinburg will take slightly less time: about eleven hours on a direct flight. Even less from Khabarovsk: about 8 hours by direct flight.
• Thailand. Purchasing tickets for a direct flight to Thailand is somewhat easier. Travel time depends on the point of departure: maximum time 10 hours (from St. Petersburg), minimum - 6.5 hours (Vladivostok, Khabarovsk).

Thus, if time comes first, then traveling to Thailand will be preferable.

Climate and weather

The climate in these two resorts is similar in many ways. It can be characterized as an equatorial monsoon. However, there are some significant differences.

There are only two seasons in Bali: dry and wet. Rainy periods are quite easy to predict, usually in January-February. Most often, precipitation falls at night, so even if you decide to go to the island under New Year, this will not spoil your holiday. In resort areas it is warm around the clock, the ocean temperature is approximately 26-28°C.

Thailand has more capricious and unpredictable weather. It can rain very often, and it can be quite difficult to predict it. Otherwise, the weather is not much different from the weather in Bali. The hottest months are April and May. During this period, thermometer marks can reach 40°C.

If you are afraid of rain, then it is best to go on vacation to Bali, and for additional insurance against unwanted weather events, plan your trip during the dry season (June-October).

Hotels and accommodation

In this matter, both countries are at the same level. The choice of hotel will depend on your preferences and travel agency, which you contact. All major classes of service are present.

You can also rent housing on your own. It will cost approximately from 12 to 40 dollars (per day) at both resorts.

Nature

The nature of each of these places deserves a vivid and lengthy description. It is perhaps impossible to say which one is better. Judge for yourself:

However, we should not forget that in the tropics you can also find various dangerous animals and insects. Please review the safety precautions you need to take before traveling.

Beaches

It is hardly possible to reach a consensus on this issue. Basic moments:

Special mention should be made about water. For those who like to “ride” the wave, it would be more preferable to go to Bali. The waves here can be very big. Thailand has calmer waters. And, for example, for vacationers with children, perhaps a more acceptable option would be to go here.

Nutrition

Traveling to another country is also an opportunity to learn about some new culinary delights. Most famous dishes and frequently found products:

You can eat at the hotel, on your own (if you rent accommodation), in cafes and restaurants with local cuisine, as well as in fast food cafes. For those who prefer more familiar dishes, you can find restaurants serving European cuisine.

Prices

Housing prices are the same in both resorts: in this regard, the amount spent will depend on your specific wishes. The average price for lunch or dinner in Bali is $8, one dish in Thailand is up to 50 baht (about 50 rubles). If you prepare food yourself, then it is cheaper to buy it in the markets, and the further you are from the resort areas, the cheaper the prices. Thai markets offer not only groceries, but also prepared meals.

More detailed information It's hard to give prices. This will depend on the specific location you are visiting, the places you will be visiting, and many other factors. In general, both resorts are quite “budget”: your main expenses will be on flights, and not on accommodation.

Entertainment and parties

You will not experience a shortage of entertainment either in Bali or in Thailand. The choice of a specific resort will depend on your preferences:

Which is more preferable for you? Crazy fun or silence? The choice is yours!

Culture and attractions

Each culture is interesting and unique. What would you like to get to know more about?

Summary

Even after analyzing these criteria, it is difficult to say unequivocally which place is better. Each of them is unique and attractive in its own way. We conducted a comparative analysis, but the final choice is yours.

To calculate how long to fly from Bali to Thailand, we need information about the distance between the flight points: international Airport"Ngurah Rai (Denpasar)" - Bali ("Ngurah Rai (Denpasar)" International airport - Bali) and "Suvarnabhumi" International airport - Bangkok - the capital of Thailand ( unofficial name Thailand).

The calculation takes into account that takeoff and landing take about 30 minutes, and the passenger flies without a transfer (direct flight).

Departure information from Bali (Ngurah Rai airport (Denpasar))

The closest air hub to the city, where most tourists fly from, is Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International airport - Bali. Local time in summer: +8.0 GMT (5 hours more than in Moscow). Airport information, travel tips and FAQ can be found on this page.

The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, its closest Soekarno-hatta International airport.

Information about airports in other cities in Indonesia: not available.

Arrival information in Thailand

The place of arrival in Thailand will be considered the capital's international airport "Suvarnabhumi" International airport - Bangkok. Local time in summer: +7.0 GMT (4 hours more than in Moscow). In the city of arrival - Bangkok - the time is 1 hour less than in the city of departure - Bali. Information about the air hub, FAQ for arriving passengers and terminal maps.

Additional air hubs for arrival in Thailand: Pattaya, Phuket, Samui.

Airport in Bali

Located 13 km from Denpasar (in the south), Bali's only international airport serves about 9 million passengers annually. The only terminal is equipped with telescopic gangways, there is a VIP area, Duty Free and other stores.

Where the best place for a holiday in the Dominican Republic, Bali or Thailand?

Thanks to the fact that there are such countries as the Dominican Republic, Bali and Thailand, you can relax at any time of the year. But numerous exotic countries each are so different and interesting in their own way that it can be very difficult to choose just one. Each of them has its own characteristics, having studied which you can choose the most perfect place for relax.

Why is the Dominican Republic better than Thailand?

Holidays in the Dominican Republic will be remembered for a long time. These are the gentle waters of the ocean and huge, clean beaches. Due to the fact that tourism has been developed in this country almost always, it is incredibly comfortable to relax here. Almost any tour is all-inclusive. This means that the tourist immediately buys a plane ticket, a vacation in 5-star hotels with full complex services, excursions and much more. Of course, you can order more modest tours, but then your holiday in this country will be incomplete, you will not get all the emotions that this amazing country offers its guests.

The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Haiti. When you go there, you will definitely find yourself in the arms of Atlantic Ocean And Caribbean Sea. You can always choose the conditions that are most suitable for your holiday. This country amazes with its nature; tall palm trees and soft sand are not all that the Dominican Republic can boast of. This is also an impenetrable jungle, underground caves And amazing waterfalls. If you find yourself on this island, you shouldn’t limit yourself only to resort area, you should definitely go on an excursion to the capital of Santo Domingo, see the amazing architecture of the country, and visit the City of Artists.

Family holidays are better in Bali

You can safely go to Bali with the whole family, because everyone can find something interesting and memorable here. It's not just the numerous beaches. The island is washed by two oceans at once, the south is washed by Indian Ocean, and in the north is the famous Bali Sea, which belongs to Pacific Ocean. Thanks to this, it is quite easy to choose more suitable conditions for relaxation. Some beaches are best for sunbathing and swimming, while others are suitable for diving. Sometimes the sea is shallow, it is ideal for those who go on vacation with children. Here, even at shallow depths, you can see the amazing undersea world: bright little fish swim literally under your feet. Experienced divers prefer to relax along the rocky shores. They dive to considerable depths to more fully enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.

A variety of excursions are offered to Bali tourists. Many are attracted by the mountains and volcanoes of this country. On the mountain slopes and in the interior of the country you can get into palm thickets where a variety of monkeys live. The island has very fertile land, which contributes to the high yield of various fruit trees. Tourists are shown the harvest in banana and fig groves, and are shown plantations with exotic flowers. Hibiscus, lotus and orchids are very popular.

Why is it better to go to Thailand?

Thailand offers tourists a huge range of different holidays. Families with children, elderly tourists and young extreme sports enthusiasts feel great here. Among the main tourist destinations, Thailand offers resorts on the coast and on the islands, cultural attractions, and tours for adults.

The nature in Thailand is very beautiful; most of the country is occupied by jungles, a visit to which can also be included in the vacation program. If you prefer to travel not along a pre-planned route, but choose your own direction and objects, you should definitely spend several days in the jungle. This area is so developed that among the dense thickets there are not only cafes and restaurants, but also quite comfortable hotels.

The country's resorts are full of tourists at any time of the year, for whom there are numerous hotels. The level of service in them can be very different. There are a lot of inexpensive 3-star hotels here, as well as upscale comfortable cottages. Marine flora and fauna contribute to the development of diving and snorkeling. To do this, it is better to go to the islands, for example, Phi Phi or Koh Samui.

The capital should be visited by those who want to get acquainted with the culture of Thailand. In the city center and in its surroundings there are a variety of temples and palaces representing historical value. This most interesting buildings and stunning buildings. Only here you can find the Golden and Emerald Buddha and see other amazing statues dedicated to this deity.

Thailand is a fairly liberated country and many tourists come for this kind of experience. Many famous sites are not included in the mandatory tourist program, but tourists never leave them aside. This is the show of transvestites “Tiffany” and “Alcazar”. A lot of entertainment can be found on Walking Street - the boulevard of red lights.

Bali, Dominican Republic or Thailand, which is better?

It is difficult to choose something specific if we are talking only about holidays sandy beach. In this matter, Dominica, Bali and Thailand are not much different from each other.

Everywhere the most Better conditions for tourists and a full range of various services. Beautiful weather almost all year round, warm clear water and soft White sand await tourists on any beach. But if you want to get other holiday experiences, you should pay special attention to Thailand. Getting to this country is easier and cheaper than getting to Bali or the Dominican Republic. Entertainment is more extensive. Holidays in Thailand are very popular among Russian tourists, therefore, every month and every day the tourism sector is more and more focused on our compatriot. Where to go on vacation is a purely individual choice, and everyone will be able to choose the necessary range of services and provide themselves with vivid impressions.

Hello everyone) we are going on a honeymoon in August 2018) Please advise where)) my head is spinning) tours or on our own, it doesn’t matter) the approximate cost of flights and accommodation is about 180 thousand rubles. not counting the waste on the spot. I want beautiful ones clean beaches, and so that there is plenty of them) beautiful nature, and the presence of interesting places is a must) I don’t want to lie on the beach like a seal) Well, and at least some kind of infrastructure, cafes, etc. So that there is somewhere to hang out in the evening)

1 year ago 11 subscribers 54 replies

Best answer

For honeymoon Türkiye is a bit trivial. At this time, you want something special, unusual. You can go to Turkey later... But what if this is Varadero? And visit Villa Dupont in a wedding veil. August is no problem. There is no particular heat near the sea, but the water is 27...28 degrees, white sand and azure ocean. August, so what? Well, yes, there are showers, but they are fleeting... a cloud will come from the ocean, a downpour will pour out and the sun will come again. Part holiday in Havana, part in Varadero... take a yacht ride to the beach in... More...

My family is going to Zanzibar. Tell me who was there, which hotel to choose, when is the best time to go and which region or coast to choose. In general, what can Tanzania be compared with (Zanzibar as beach holiday). The budget is sufficient. Thank you!

3 years ago 12 subscribers 11 replies

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I closed this country to myself after a friend died of yellow fever in terrible agony. TO didn’t even hint about vaccinations. Recently, Europeans can enter without a certificate, unfortunately. The most dramatic thing is that the couple paid extra and changed the tour after the tragedy in Egypt... and that’s where the evil fate was found (((Be sure to get vaccinated Next...

4 years ago 12 subscribers 26 replies

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I was in both the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka. I really liked both there and there. It depends on what you expect from your vacation. If you want a carefree break, fun, Latin American music, dancing, Pina Collada and other alcoholic delights and all inclusive, then you are in the Dominican Republic. If you want a more relaxed, but incredibly interesting ethnic holiday, visiting ancient Buddhist temples and shrines, tea plantations and emerald and ruby ​​copies, national parks, where in wildlife you will meet wild animals (elephants, tigers... More...

Who has been to Thailand and Indonesia? Comparison in whose favor? Prices, comfort and generally what you recommend.

9 years ago 3 subscribers 3 replies

Best answer

Now is a great time to travel to Bali. I was there in March, the Balinese themselves say that summer is super for Bali. I really like the oceans. Jim Ram and Nusa Dua are the places to go. Less humidity than in winter and not so hot. Kuta resort is a paradise for surfers. A flight to Bali costs (domestic or via Singapore or Jakarta) about 1000 USD. Hotels are more expensive than in Thailand. There are all-inclusive hotels. Thailand. In summer it’s good to relax on Koh Samui and the nearby islands (Ko Tao, etc.). Flight Turkm... More...

It’s very interesting what’s going on with the climate at this time? Who has experienced this? Where is the best place to go in Thailand? In general, any advice would be useful. Thank you in advance. Julia

11 years ago 1 subscriber 9 replies

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Duck for tourists - rainy season, this is not Malaysia. It rains here for half an hour. There are many tourists, but only foreigners - our travel agencies have intimidated us. Everything is 50% cheaper. The islands, remember, are a vacation for the tortured, boredom there is mortal. And in Potaya, if you don’t climb the cheap Walking Street, it’s quite decent, most importantly it’s varied. Been there 3 times, each time again. I love Tai

As promised, I will try to present my version of the comparison between Thailand and Bali for long-term stays.
The comparison is very subjective.
We spent the last 3 winters in Thailand and know it very well.
We were in Bali for only a month, living for a week in Ubud, Amed, Jimbaran and traveling around the island.
By Thailand I will mean mainly Pattaya, and by Bali - Ubud.

Why I love Thailand so much, and specifically Pattaya is known:
- convenient infrastructure
- tasty food
- correct prices
- convenient location in the center of the country and close to Bangkok
- Russian get-together and the possibility of local acquaintances and work
- bodily pleasures in the form of various meals, baths, massages, etc.

Below are the pros and cons of Bali we discovered.

Pros and bonuses

beautiful
Bali is beautiful. Really beautiful. And this applies to both nature (according to my feelings, even the foliage on the trees and the grass are a very rich, bright green color) and everyday life. There are very nice cozy houses here. Cozy, soulful restaurants. Even in villages far from tourist routes the villages are quite pleasant and neat.
The rice terraces defy description at all. Everything here is somehow small and toy-like.

Housing
With housing prices comparable to Thailand, housing here is of a higher quality. More precisely, we liked the local houses more. They are cozier, nicer, more thoughtful. Aesthetically they look better and more colorful. They have that same Balinese style.

People
We liked the Balinese. Although in Java, for example, the people are more soulful, the majority of the Balinese are quite smart, speak good English and are generally easy to like.
Those who have lived for a long time claim that their excessive attention, constant questions and shouts of “hello” tire us, but they have not had time to tire us. Perhaps over time this point will migrate to the minuses, but for now that’s it))

Cheap transport
Transport is cheaper here. Our friends rented a bike for a month for 500 thousand ($55). We rented a day for 30-35 thousand. This is a little cheaper than in Thailand. But in Indonesia, gasoline is also cheap - 4500 ($0.5) liter. This makes using the bike for active travel noticeably cheaper.

Visa issue
For long-term stays, Indonesia is a little more convenient. We did not encounter this problem and received a stamp upon arrival. For a long-term stay, it is better to get a two-month visa, which can then be extended. There are also all sorts of social visas, etc.

Language
Bahasa is a very simple language. Much simpler than Thai))
We learned it in a month about the same as Thai in 3 winters.

Culture
Bali is very interesting and colorful national culture.
For example. We don't like Thai dancing. I don't like it at all. Quite a sad sight. In Ubud we went to the Balinese folk dance Kichak. Awesome performance. Fascinating.

Wide variety of activities
Despite the fact that the island is relatively small, there are quite a lot of activities here, and they are located a maximum of 2-3 hours away by bike. Diving, freediving, surfing, windsurfing, trekking through the jungle and volcanoes, etc.
Even if you live in the center of the island in Ubud, of course, you won’t be able to dive every day, but on weekends it’s easy to go to Amed to freedive.

Cons and disappointments

Food
This is the main problem of Bali, although rather even of Indonesia. Local food is not tasty. We have not tried a single local dish about which we can say, “I really liked this.” A lot of fried things, and fatty ones at that. Even if it's just plain fried rice or pasta, it's very greasy.
In the end, we were saved by the makashniks with ready-made food - Makan Padang. Almost everything there is fried, too, but you can choose something more edible and eat regular, non-fried rice. The downside is that it’s already there and it’s been there for who knows how long.
Even simple rice here is much less tasty than in Thailand, although its production is much more difficult. It’s somewhat similar to our Krasnodar one.

Fruits are a total disaster. Bananas are expensive, thick-skinned and tasteless. Watermelons and melons are unleavened. They saved themselves by papaya, but it was often green and rotten. They say that there are delicious mangoes, but we were out of season and didn’t try mangoes.

The cost of food is comparable to Thailand or a little more expensive.

Infrastructure
With developed infrastructure everything is much worse.
The first and most important thing is the Internet. If in the south or in Ubud there is stable 3G and ADSL, then, for example, in Amed there is no Internet. From mobile, at best - EDGE. ADSL is only available in one diving cafe on Dzhemelyuk, but its speed is not much better. Even talking on Skype can be difficult.
Globalization like in Thailand has not yet arrived in every village here.
There won't be the usual big ones here. shopping centers like Tesco Lotus or Big C.
Bali's roads are narrow, winding, with not always good surfaces and frequent traffic jams, especially in the south.
As for large hospitals and quality medical care. I'm not sure about the service either. But, fortunately, I didn’t have to test it myself.
In a word - a big village. This is clearly felt here and is both a plus and a minus. For us it's more of a minus.

The need for bargaining
When I come to the market and understand that I have to choose something and bargain, this is normal. I like to bargain when it's a really interesting game, and not whining in the style of "madam, plizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz". For me, the standard of the right market and the most exciting bargaining is the Istanbul market.
But when you have to bargain anywhere and everywhere, it gets tiring. And although if you know the right price you will always buy for the right price, constantly haggling everywhere several times a day still gets boring.
Among the most striking examples. On Gili, if you ask the price, they sell a bottle of water for 7,000. If you come up and silently, without asking the price, give 5,000, then most likely they will also silently sell it. If you ask and start haggling, they will most likely break down, complain, but sell. And every time you spend time on this “they break down, they whine” you get tired.

Island location
Bali is an island. And this imposes its own restrictions on movement. With a long stay and active movement around the island, the number of interesting things is still reduced)) And simple and cheap ways to move around neighboring regions No. Like, for example, in Thailand - an overnight bus ride and you’re in Laos, a few hours in Cambodia.
Although it should be noted that you can fly from Denpasar with AirAges or sail to neighboring islands on ferries and explore them.
After all, one of the most remarkable features of Indonesia is that each island is like a separate country.

Payment for many places for tourists
Many places have fees for tourists. And this can be understood when you go to a show or a museum. But when you stop on your bike on the side of the road to take pictures of the rice terraces, and guys with tickets come running up to you, it’s already too much.
Almost all temples for foreigners are paid.
There are paid beaches.
In Thailand, by the way, I don’t know of any paid beaches.

Summary
Thailand- a country for hedonists. Everything here is created to satisfy and comfort the body: delicious and varied food, convenient, well-thought-out infrastructure, massage, sauna, for some, sex tourism and other joys of life.

Bali- choice of aesthetes. Despite many inconveniences in terms of infrastructure and food, it is beautiful, colorful and culturally and aesthetically diverse.

Next year we plan to visit Indonesia and Bali in particular for another month or two.