Thailand vs Bali – which is better?

Bali and Thailand are two of the top destinations in South-East Asia, and with good reason: both are rich in culture, history and natural beauty, and both have unique cuisines and coastal attractions. But these two destinations are quite different. If you’re a first-time traveller to Bali or Thailand and are stuck deciding which to visit, our handy comparison summarises the highlights of each, with tips from our destination experts.

Wat Phra Yai, Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand vs Bali: At a glance

Thailand is a land of temples and tuk tuks, buzzing markets and fantastic food. It’s a large country with lots to see, and in a single trip you can mix elephant encounters and hill tribe experiences with tours of Bangkok’s glittering palaces and colourful markets, and finish up relaxing on one of the 1,400 idyllic islands that surround its coasts. But while Thailand’s attractions are varied, distances between them can be long.

Bali, on the other hand, is a relatively small island that packs in plenty of activities and sights between its sandy beaches and smouldering volcanoes. An incredibly fertile island, its rice terraces, dense jungles and waterfalls offer plenty of natural beauty while its coasts are beloved by surfers. While you’re unlikely to spend time in Bali’s capital (Denpasar is more functional than touristy), the island has many vibrant hubs. You’ll find a sense of serenity in places like Ubud and lively beach clubs in areas like Seminyak. Add to that a delightful local culture and charming people and Bali’s appeal is clear.

Rice terraces near Tegallalang village, Ubud, Bali

When is the best time to visit Thailand and Bali?

Lying almost on the equator, Bali enjoys warm weather year round, with seasons divided into wet and dry. The dry season coincides with British summer and is the busiest time to visit.

“I recommend visiting between May and September to make the most of Bali’s beautiful weather but if you'd prefer a quieter experience, avoid the peak months of July and August – Easter and Christmas are usually busy too,” says Julie Pymm, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway.

Thailand is at its best between November and April when the weather is cooler and drier. While the west coast receives more rainfall between June and October, the islands of the Gulf of Thailand remain fairly dry and pleasant during this period and receive most rainfall between October and December.

“I visited Bangkok and Phuket in August. While we experienced some downpours, there was plenty of sunshine, and with so much to explore, the weather wasn’t a major factor.” advises Heather Flanagan, Marketing Team.

Visiting either Bali or Thailand during the rainy season is by no means out of the question, and because it is a slower time for tourism, there are some excellent offers to be found. 

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Which has better beaches: Bali or Thailand?

This depends on your idea of a great beach. The perfect waves that meet the dark, golden sands on Bali’s west coast are a mecca for surfers. For those who like cool vibes, icy drinks and panoramic ocean views, the beach clubs at Kuta, Uluwatu and Seminyak promise sophistication on the sand.

"Watching the sunset with funky Ibiza beats playing at cool beach clubs like Potato Head Bali in Seminyak is just unbeatable.” Linda Taylor, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Metrocentre.

In the north of the island, Lovina, a low-key coastal village with dramatic black sand beaches, is popular for early morning dolphin-watching trips while Blue Lagoon on the southeast coast offers fantastic snorkelling close to Candi Beach Resort & Spa.

If you’re more of a desert island dreamer, the powdery white sands, coconut palms and turquoise lagoons of Thailand’s multitude of islands may be more appealing. With over 1400 islands, there’s something to suit every type of traveller, from resort beaches where you can try your hand at countless water sports to remote coves where lush rainforest meets the shore, and sleepy little islands where yours are the only footprints in the sand.

“Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas is nestled on one of Koh Phangan’s most stunning beaches. Each villa has its own sun loungers on the beach with fresh towels ready for you every morning. And you’ve got to try the teppanyaki restaurant – it’s the first and only one on the island and is amazing!” Ariana Feroz, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Aberdeen

Temple ritual dance, Bali

Cultural Riches: Exploring the traditions of Thailand and Bali

Bali, a predominantly Hindu island within the largest Muslim country in the world, has a unique culture and rich traditions which are widely practised. Religion is central to Balinese life and you’ll see ladies in traditional dress laying out offerings each morning, sculptures dressed in colourful fabrics, and lavish temple ceremonies taking place almost every week.

“A magical experience for me was watching a traditional Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple. The rhythmic chanting, the dramatic sunset backdrop and the sense of spirituality were unforgettable,” says Linda Taylor, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Metrocentre.

Balinese people are also renowned for their craftsmanship, from wood and stone carving to meticulously detailed paintings, and observing them at work is a highlight of any stay.

Stay: The Sudamala Resort Sanur a coastal resort owned by an art collector, champions Balinese art and culture and features its own gallery. At Ubud Village Resort & Spa you'll be immersed in Bali’s lush interior while having the opportunity to take Balinese dance lessons and try your hand at making offerings to the goods.

Thailand, on the other hand, is a Buddhist nation, so here you’ll see monks in saffron robes and vast statues of the Buddha, some of which are made from solid gold or jade. No trip to Thailand would be complete without visiting at least one of its 40,000 wats, or temples, some of which are jaw-droppingly beautiful. From floating markets to fiery curries, Muay Thai to massages, and magnificent architecture to glittering festivals, Thailand is as fascinating as it is fun.

Elephant Hills Jungle & Lake Camp Safari, Thailand

Where to go for wild adventures: Thailand or Bali?

If you head into Bali’s green, mountainous interior you’ll find all manner of outdoor adventures, from walking through Ubud Monkey Forest to cycling through rice paddies, white water rafting and hiking up Mount Batur for spectacular sunrise views, all of which are easily accessible from the south and centre of the island.

“The rice terraces of Tegallalang, sculpted out of the steep hillside are amazing. You can soak up scenes of rural life, try out the Bali swing and even zip wire across the stunning landscape – it's a must-do when you're in Ubud.” Julie Pymm, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway

Stay: The Sankara Suites and Villas, 10 minutes from Ubud, are an ideal base for exploring – and after a day of adventures a dip in the treetop infinity pool will be most welcome.

If your preference is for marine adventures, in Nusa Lembongan you can snorkel with manta rays, while the Gili Islands, just a short boat ride from Bali, offer world-class diving.

Thailand too offers waterfalls and terraced rice fields, but what is unique to this country is elephants, and the sanctuaries at Chiang Mai and Phuket are wonderful places for encounters with these gentle giants.

Stay: For a night to remember, stay at Elephant Hills, where you sleep in a floating tent on a lake. Or, for a rare treat, choose the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, where you can spend the night in a Jungle Bubble and go for an elephant picnic the following day.

For those who prefer water-based adventures, the options include kayaking through ancient rainforests in Khao Sok, exploring the towering limestone karsts around Phuket, and diving in the crystal-clear seas that surround the many islands. We particularly love the emerald-hued Ao Pileh lagoon, which is teeming with neon-coloured tropical fish.

Indonesian-Western fusion breakfast, Ubud, Bali

Thai Food vs Balinese flavours

Thai food is, without doubt, the better-known of the two cuisines, and its balance of hot chilli, cool citrus, sweet and sour, has earned it devotees around the world. There’s so much more to Thai cuisine than green curry and pad thai though, and any visit to Thailand should include trying some street food – the vendors often make only one dish, and they make it to perfection.

Balinese cooking is less fiery but features warming spices like turmeric and ginger, creamy coconut and lots of tofu and tempeh. Must-try dishes include Babi Guling, an Indonesian-spiced roast suckling pig, Nasi Campur, a rice dish with chicken, vegetables and spicy sambal, and pork or chicken satay, but it’s worth noting that vegetarians and vegans are extremely well-catered for.

Love cooking? Classes are widely available in both Bali and Thailand and are a wonderful way to not only learn some traditional recipes but also to interact with locals and learn more about their culture.

Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand

Romantic Retreats: Thailand or Bali for your honeymoon?

If you’re looking for post-nuptial bliss, both Bali and Thailand offer romance aplenty, and no shortage of resorts where you can hide away for a week or two in perfect privacy. But where you go will depend on the style you prefer.

Bali’s version of romance tends to be luxury lodgings immersed in the jungle, where you can soak up the sights and sounds of nature, indulge in pampering spa treatments and  flower baths, and dine on delectable international cuisine.

Stay: Viceroy Bali ticks all the boxes for nature lovers. Perched over a lush valley with a gravity-defying infinity pool, you’ll be close to plenty of outdoor adventures, while 'home' for your stay includes a multi-level spa and award-winning dining.

Thailand might be the better choice for those seeking a tropical island idyll, where you can spend your days beach combing, swimming and sipping fresh coconut water in the shade of a palm tree.

Stay:  The Sarojin on Khao Lak for a tranquil beach hideaway, Rayavadee in Krabi for private pavilions tucked into gorgeous landscaping, or The Shore at Katathani, where couples can book a villa and pool all to themselves.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Family Fun: Which is best for a family holiday?

Due to the range of destinations and activities to choose from, the shorter flying time to reach it, and the family-oriented culture, Thailand is often considered a better choice for families. Kids are bound to love whizzing around in tuk tuks, meeting elephants and snorkelling over coral reefs and our Thailand family itinerary brings the perfect balance of wildlife adventures, beach relaxation and city fun.

However, the shorter travel times within Bali will tip the balance in favour of an island holiday for some. As well as jungle tours, surf lessons and Bali swings, resorts such as the Melia Bali are designed with families in mind, and feature lagoon-style pools, two-story family suites and fun activities like movie nights and crab hunting.

“Bali is quite a journey for a family holiday, so I recommend breaking it up with a few days in Singapore before continuing to Bali where you can explore all over from your hotel.” Julie Pymm, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway

Traditional dress, Bali 

Final thoughts

If you’re set on seeing elephants and monks in orange robes, dream of a Thai massage on the beach followed by an authentic green curry, or your idea of perfection is a tiny tropical island with limpid seas and sugar-white sands, Thailand may be your best bet. But if experiencing Bali’s spiritual devotion, wandering through lush jungles, chasing waterfalls and surfing gentle waves within view of ancient temples is more appealing, then Bali will not disappoint.

As well as considering which sights and activities appeal most, do factor in the weather at different times of year. Our experts are always available to provide advice and help you decide.

This feature was created on 11th September 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge.