Bali vs Thailand: My Honest Take After Multiple Trips to Both

Trying to decide between Bali or Thailand? Honestly, I don’t envy you. They’re two of my favourite places in the world, and after visiting both three times each, I still couldn’t tell you which I love more.

The truth is, they offer completely different trips.

If I’m craving lush rice fields, jungle waterfalls and cosy cafés, I’m booking a flight to Bali. But if I want turquoise water, island hopping and some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen, Thailand wins every time.

They do have a lot in common. Amazing food, friendly locals, beautiful scenery and plenty to see and do. But once you’re actually there, they feel completely different.

So if you’re torn between the two, this guide will help you figure out which one is the better fit for the kind of trip you’re planning.

Do Bali and Thailand Have Much In Common?

In some ways, yes. In others, not at all. Both have beautiful beaches, incredible scenery and genuinely friendly locals (when I pulled a nerve in my neck in Bali, the family at our homestay kept checking in on me to make sure I was okay, they were so sweet).

They’re both great choices whether it’s your first big trip, you’re travelling solo, working remotely, or just fancy a change of scenery.

But once you start exploring, they feel completely different. Thailand is huge, with fun, chaotic cities like Bangkok, mountains in the north and some of the best islands I’ve ever visited in the south.

Bali is much smaller. It’s just one island in Indonesia, but somehow it still manages to fit in rice terraces, waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches and some really lovely mountain towns.

Culturally, they’re completely different too. Bali is predominantly Hindu, while Thailand is mostly Buddhist, and that’s reflected in everything from the temples to the festivals and everyday life.

Are Bali and Thailand Near Each Other?

Bali and Thailand are both in Southeast Asia, so they’re actually pretty close. The flight’s around 4.5 hours, so if you’re on a longer backpacking trip, visiting both is totally doable.

After my third trip to Thailand, I decided to hop over to Bali, and flying from Bangkok was a breeze! Thailand has loads of airports you can fly from, while Bali’s main one is Denpasar.

So if you’re visiting Thailand or Bali, adding the other to your itinerary is an easy way to keep the adventure going.

Best Time to Visit Bali vs Best Time to Visit Thailand

Both Bali and Thailand have wet and dry seasons, but the timing’s slightly different.

Bali’s best between April–May or September–October (quieter, but still lovely), or in the high season of June–August if you don’t mind more tourists. Just know high season = higher prices and busier spots, unless you’re up at sunrise!

The rainy season in Bali runs from November to March. It’s still warm, and the rain usually comes in bursts rather than all day.

Thailand’s sweet spot is November to April: dry, hot, and perfect whether you’re island-hopping or exploring cities.

May to October is the rainy season. I’ve actually been during this time, and while it was definitely wet at times, a lot of the days were still warm and dry (maybe I got lucky!).

The good news for childfree travellers is that you’ve got a little more freedom with when you visit. Not being tied to school holiday dates means you can take advantage of the shoulder season, when beaches are quieter, accommodation is often cheaper, and the crowds are much smaller.

Are the Beaches Better in Bali or Thailand?

Both Bali and Thailand have beautiful beaches, but they’re actually pretty different. If I had to choose, Thailand wins this one.

With over 1,400 islands (which still blows my mind), Thailand has no shortage of soft white sand, turquoise water and palm-fringed beaches.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to completely switch off, a lively beach town or somewhere in between, you’ll find it. Railay Beach, Freedom Beach, and the islands are some of my favourites.

Bali’s beaches are a different story. They’re much more geared towards surfing, especially around Canggu and Uluwatu. The coastline is stunning, but it’s not always the best if you’re looking for calm, crystal-clear water.

Bali is also home to some beautiful black sand beaches, particularly around Amed, which feel completely different to anything you’ll find in Thailand.

One thing that’s worth knowing about both destinations is that rubbish can wash up on some beaches, particularly during the wet season. It’s definitely not everywhere, but it’s something to be aware of before you go.

Which Has More Beautiful Scenery?

This is such a tricky one because, honestly, both Bali and Thailand are stunning in their own ways. They’ve got a few things in common, but each has its own vibe when it comes to natural beauty.

One of my favourite things about Bali is how often you’ll spot the island’s mighty volcanoes on the skyline. There are three of them, and I always love catching sight of one in the distance while I’m out exploring.

And while I do think Thailand is better when it comes to its beaches, Bali’s coastline is still gorgeous, especially down in Uluwatu, where the beaches are framed by steep, mossy cliffs.

When you move further inland, you’ll find the lush jungles near Ubud as well as stunning waterfalls and Bali’s iconic rice terraces.

There is also a more rural part of Bali too, which is close to the volcanoes and is filled with more jungle and rice fields. Places like Sidemen are where you’ll find Bali’s iconic bamboo homes too!

If you head further north, you’ll find the beautiful town of Munduk tucked away in the mountains, where you can explore coffee plantations and more hidden waterfalls.

Thailand will leave you absolutely spoiled for choice with its beaches, which are just a bit more picture perfect in my opinion.

The islands in the south are f*cking beautiful, with their towering limestone cliffs covered in thick jungle. Bali does have the Nusa Islands, but honestly, I think Thailand’s islands are just more striking.

Beyond the beaches, Thailand has some really impressive national parks. Khao Sok is a must-see, with the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world and really pretty lake views.

If you head north, Thailand’s mountains are another beautiful area packed with waterfalls and even hot springs. My favourite spot in the north is Pai, a quaint little hippie town surrounded by nature.

Best Things To Do In Bali vs Best Things To Do In Thailand

This list could go on for days to be honest! Both Bali and Thailand have enough things to do that you could be there for months and still not do it all (I definitely haven’t managed it all yet!).

With that in mind, here are some of my favourite things to do in each place.

Best Things to Do in Bali

• Hike a volcano, like Mount Batur for a stunning sunrise.
• Visit the rice terraces, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most popular, but there are rice paddies all across the island.
• Island hop to the Nusa Islands, where you’ll find Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach.
• Take a trip to the Gili Islands.
• Learn how to surf in one of Bali’s many surf spots.
• Stay in a bamboo house in the jungle (one of my favourite things to do!)
•  Visit Bali’s many temples, like Tanah Lot, Pura Tirta, and Lempuyang Temple.
• Enjoy the amazing food scene in Canggu and Ubud.
• Spend a few days in the mountains of Munduk.
• Snorkel at beautiful spots like Amed or the Nusa Islands.
• Swim with manta rays in Nusa Penida.
• Join a yoga class.

Best Things To Do In Thailand

• Go to a Full Moon or Half Moon Party on Koh Phangan (if that’s your thing!)
• Island hop to Thailand’s many beautiful islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta.
• Visit famous temples like Wat Rong Khun, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun.
• Celebrate the Songkran Festival on April 13th, a massive water fight for the Thai New Year. I celebrated it in Chiang Mai, and it felt like the biggest street party I’ve ever been to, locals and tourists all having the best time (we went and bought water guns especially). It’s one of my favourite things I’ve ever done in Thailand.
• Chill out in the mountain town of Pai.
• Shop at the iconic floating markets.
• Go snorkelling in Thailand’s crystal-clear waters.
• Visit a national park, like Khao Sok or Erawan National Park.
• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary (please make sure it’s a real sanctuary, too many places pretend to be one, and they aren’t at all). Conserve Natural Forests is a great one to visit.
• Explore the bustling streets of Bangkok.
• Shop at Maeklong Railway Market placed right on a functioning train line.
• Visit Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city.

Balinese Food vs Thai Food

If you’re into Asian food (like me!), you’re in for a treat in both Bali and Thailand. I honestly felt spoiled in both! The food’s incredible, but they each have their own thing going on.

In Bali, you’ve got super tasty Indonesian dishes at little family run warungs (gado-gado is a personal fave).

But Bali’s also got this huge cafe scene, especially in places like Canggu, loads of international food, great coffee, and tons of vegan options. I never struggled to find a good plant-based meal there.

Thailand though? The local food wins for me. The flavours are just that bit more punchy and fragrant, pad Thai, green curry, mango sticky rice… it’s so good. As a vegan, I did have to be a bit careful because fish sauce sneaks into a lot of dishes, but it’s definitely doable.

Both places have great food markets, but I’d say Thailand’s street food is next level. The variety and flavours are hard to beat!

Is It Safer to Travel to Bali or Thailand?

Having travelled to both Bali and Thailand (solo on some occasions), I can honestly say that I felt safe in both places.

Like anywhere else in the world, you just need to keep your wits about you while exploring, especially when it’s somewhere new.

In both Bali and Thailand, you should watch out for scams though. Things like fake tours, card skimming, and pickpockets do happen quite regularly. I hate to say I’ve been caught out not once but twice in Bali.

But honestly, I don’t think one is any safer than the other. As long as you stay alert, both places can be really fun and safe destinations to explore.

Hotels in Bali vs Hotels In Thailand

I’m going to go straight off the bat and say that, for me, Bali takes the win here, but that’s just based on my own personal preference. I absolutely love staying in bamboo houses, and Bali has nailed this one.

Accommodation in Bali also has a lot of variety, with its bohemian-style villas and eco-friendly resorts, which I think makes staying there really special.

But Thailand also has lots of incredible places to stay, especially on the islands, which are perfect for a beach getaway.

If you prefer the vibe of being in the city, Bangkok has some amazing accommodation choices. Some of my favourite hostels from my backpacking days were in Thailand. 

Both destinations have a great mix of accommodation suitable for all types of budgets too! Hostels can start from as low as £4 in Thailand and £6 in Bali.

You’ll also find places tucked away in nature, whether it’s on a beach or deep in the jungle.

Bali or Thailand for a Honeymoon?

You honestly can’t go wrong with either. Both make amazing honeymoon destinations, with plenty of adults-only resorts and beautiful villas to choose from, whether that’s a private pool villa in Bali or a beachfront stay on one of Thailand’s islands.

If you’ve got a couple of weeks and want to visit a few different places, I’d probably lean towards Thailand. Island hopping is really easy, and each island feels a little different from the last.

Bali is a better fit if you’re short on time but still want a mix of beaches, waterfalls, rice terraces and amazing food.

It’s also home to those classic honeymoon experiences, like floating breakfasts and flower petal baths. They look fucking amazing in photos, but there are tiny bugs hiding in the petals that occasionally nip you. Nobody warned me, so now I’m warning you 😂

Is It Easier to Get Around Bali or Thailand?

The sizes of Bali and Thailand are worlds apart, and getting around each place can be pretty different. Both locations have transport options that are relatively cheap and cater to all types of budgets.

Bali is a fairly small island, and the main ways to get around are by scooter, taxi, ride-sharing apps, and private drivers. Boats are also a popular choice if you’re heading to nearby islands like the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, or Lombok.

One thing to keep in mind is that traffic in Bali has become a bit of an issue, especially in bigger towns like Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. If you’re travelling by car, it’s definitely worth starting your day early to avoid the worst of it.

Thailand, on the other hand, is massive in comparison, which means there are a lot more ways to get around.

While you can still use scooters, taxis, and ride-sharing apps like in Bali, Thailand also has buses, trains, and even planes to take you from one point to the next. Sleeper coaches are another great option for longer journeys!

Thailand also borders other countries such as Malaysia and Laos, making overland crossings a cheaper option than flying.

Is Bali or Thailand Cheaper?

Bali and Thailand are both places where you can splurge or keep things cheap, it all depends on what budget you’re working with. Both have tons of cheap hostels, street food, and affordable transport, so they’re perfect if you need to keep costs down.

But out of the two, I’d say Thailand is a bit cheaper overall, especially for backpackers or solo travellers. On a budget, you’re looking at around £25 to £30 a day, and you can still find hostels as cheap as £3 to £4 a night.

Thailand has more transport options too, like shared minivans, which are a dirt-cheap way to get around.

Street food is also everywhere, making it easy to eat out without spending too much.

Don’t get me wrong, Bali can be budget-friendly too, but depending on where you are, things like transport and food can sometimes be a bit pricier compared to Thailand.

Visa Requirements

(Visa info last checked: July 2026, always double-check before you travel as these change regularly.)

At the time of writing, here’s what you can expect for visa requirements on arrival at each destination:

Bali Visa

When visiting Bali, there is a tourist tax of 150,000 IDR per person (around £7), which can be paid online (just watch out for scam sites). You can also pay this on arrival, but you could end up in a long queue.

You’ll also need to fill in a health pass form, which can be completed online.

You’ll also need to purchase a visa on arrival, which costs 500,000 IDR (around £22). You can buy this before arriving to avoid the queue, but make sure to allow about 5 days for it to be processed. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days.

Thailand Visa

Thailand is much more straightforward compared to Bali when it comes to entering the country (not that Bali is difficult).

Tourists from many countries (including the UK) can currently stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. It was 60 days until May 2026, when Thailand rolled it back, so double-check before you book if you’re planning a longer stay.

Just make sure to double-check the visa requirements before you travel, as they can change.

Bali or Thailand FAQs

If you still have questions about Bali or Thailand, here are some of the most common questions people have about these two amazing destinations. 

So, Bali or Thailand?

Honestly, this is a tough one because both Bali and Thailand are places I’d happily return to again and again. The “right” choice really comes down to the type of trip you’re looking for.

If you’re dreaming of island hopping, turquoise water, incredible beaches and a bit more nightlife, Thailand might be the one for you. But if you’re craving jungle landscapes, volcano adventures, amazing cafés and some seriously unique places to stay, Bali could be a better fit.

The good news? You really can’t go too wrong. Both have incredible food, fascinating cultures, beautiful scenery and plenty of unforgettable experiences. And if you have enough time, combining both is honestly the dream because you get the best of both worlds.

If you do decide on Bali, my 10-day Bali itinerary is a great place to start, especially if it’s your first trip and you want to see a mix of beaches, temples, waterfalls and jungle.

Whichever one you choose, you’re going to have an amazing adventure.