Bali vs Thailand beaches. It is a tough decision to make when planning a trip to Asia. Both destinations are much loved by my fellow Australians and a wide variety of world travellers.
Bali and Thailand are famous for their sun-drenched beaches, laidback lifestyle, and friendly locals. Each have a unique set of attractions, and we explore these advantages to help you choose your perfect holiday destination.
This Bali vs Thailand beaches article is based on our own travel experiences and highlights the affordability, cultural and culinary differences of both regions.
Bali vs Thailand Beaches Summary Table
| Bali | Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Flights from Australia | Regular flights and excellent value for money especially from Western Australia | Direct flights with budget airlines to Phuket. Daily flights to Bangkok with full service airlines |
| Best beaches | Plenty to choose from with Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Beach amongst the most popular | Southern island of Phuket Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui |
| Food | Rich, spicy flavours with use of fresh, local ingredients Must try: Nasi Goreng: (fried rice dish with mix of vegetables and meat) | Hot spicy cuisines consisting of fresh local ingredients Must try: Tom Yum Goong: (hot & sour shrimp soup) |
| Accommodation | Whether staying in the popular tourist locations or quiet beach locations you will find excellent value accommodation | Large range available to suit all budgets from cheap hostels to 5 star hotels and world class resorts catering to western standards |
| Safety | Low risk for most visitors but opportunistic petty thief does happen in busy locations | Popular beach destinations are considered safe with low levels of crime toward tourists |
| Value for money | Best value for money for a cheap getaway from Australia for accommodation, tours, transport, and food | Good value for money and highest variety of accommodation, tours, and transport |
Bali vs Thailand travel from Australia
For Australians, finding cheap holiday destinations from Australia is a welcome relief from the rising cost of travel within our home country. Both Bali and Thailand have reputations for a cheap lifestyle, giving value for money with affordable accommodation, food, and beverages.
The largest portion of your budget will go towards your flight. In some cases, you will find that flight costs from Australia to Bali or Thailand are not much more than flights within Australia. This is especially true if you are travelling from Western Australia as flights to Bali and Thailand cost less than travel to Australia’s east coast.
Bali flights
If you are looking for cheap flights from Australia, Bali often fits the bill as one of Australia’s cheapest and closest international destinations. Direct flights leave multiple times a week from most Australian capital cities.
Bali requires a visa for entry. When entering Bali, you must show proof that you have a pre purchased flight ticket exiting the country. Your passport also needs to be valid for at least 6 months prior to its expiration date.
Click here to purchase your Bali visa
Thailand flights
Flying to Thailand from Australia isn’t as easy as flying to Bali. Direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket are limited and often involve catching connecting flights from within Australia or via an international hub such as Singapore. Depending on where you live in Australia, flying to Thailand can require two to three separate flights.
One plus for travelling to Thailand is their new 60-day visa waver for Australians and citizens from 92 other countries. This is perfect for anyone wanting to spend more time visiting this incredible country. There is no need to purchase a visa prior to travel as you will be granted a stay of 60 days at Immigration on entry.
When you enter Thailand, you will need to have a pre booked flight ticket exiting the country and a passport which is valid for at least 6 months prior to its expiration date.
TIP:
Be prepared and get your Internet data sorted before you visit Bali or Thailand. We always travel with an international eSim. They are super easy to set up and avoid the hassle of finding Sims when you arrive.
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Best beaches Bali vs Thailand
If you enjoy lazing on long sandy stretches of beach you will be in for a treat in both Bali and Thailand, and both have some of the most stunning beaches you will find anywhere.
Bali beaches
The beaches of Bali are the main drawcard for those who are looking for an affordable and relaxing getaway. Days spent surfing, paragliding, boat trips to reefs or nearby islands or just lounging on the beach with a cocktail are hard to beat. it’s no wonder Bali attracts so many tourists, many of whom revisit annually.
Although there are plenty of beaches to choose from, the top Bali beaches are:
Kuta Beach – Well known for its lively atmosphere with plenty of beach bars and bustling nightlife, surf-friendly waves, Kuta Beach has many accommodation options and is popular for those looking for relaxation and entertainment.
Seminyak Beach – With an upscale vibe Seminyak Beach is known for its stylish resorts, high-end shopping, and trendy beach clubs, drawing many Australians seeking a more sophisticated beach experience.
Nusa Dua Beach – With its serene and well-maintained environment, Nusa Dua Beach is favoured by families and couples looking for luxury resorts and safe kid friendly swimming conditions.
Jimbaran Beach – Perfect for sunset dinners on the sand, and known for its famous seafood restaurants.
Which Bali beach holiday you choose often depends on budget, with some offering great deals during promotions. All beaches have something to offer, and overall excellent value. If you are visiting as a solo traveller looking for lively nightlife, couple wanting a romantic getaway or those visiting Bali with kids you will find endless choices.
Thailand beaches
Phuket, located on Thailand’s southern coast, is the most visited beach destination in Thailand and attracts millions of tourists each year. Visitors to this island can enjoy leisurely days relaxing on its stunning family friendly beaches or take day trips to nearby islands.
Phuket also offers a range of water sports including paragliding, jet skiing, snorkelling, and diving among the reefs. For those seeking relaxation, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or lounging under a sun umbrella provides a perfect escape. Phuket remains a favoured destination, with many tourists returning annually to experience its tropical climate and laid back affordable lifestyle.
As a main Thailand tourist hub, Phuket has a well-established tourism infrastructure, with a wide selection of day tours to the nearby Islands, it’s hard to imagine how beautiful these islands are until you visit. They have stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and outstanding rock formations. They are well worth including during your stay.
Click here for details on the available island tours and booking options
To accommodate its large influx of annual visitors, Phuket has a wide selection of world-class resorts and hotels catering to all budgets, making it an affordable destination for travellers, especially those from Australia. Additionally, Phuket is served by an international airport with frequent flights from within Thailand and around the world.
Other popular beach destinations in Thailand include Pattaya, about an hour’s drive from Bangkok; Krabi in the south; and the island paradise of Koh Samui, renowned for its health retreats. While each location has its unique offerings, they all share the common feature of Thailand’s breathtaking beaches.
So, where are the best beaches? Bali or Thailand? It is difficult to pick a hands down winner as both have spectacular beaches and natural beauty, but Thailand would be slightly ahead of Bali due to the volume of locations and tourism infrastructure.
Bali vs Thailand food
Balinese food is known for its rich, spicy flavours and use of fresh, local ingredients. Many dishes are prepared with a blend of traditional spices, creating a unique culinary experience.
Bali has a wide selection of dishes to try, and visitors should have no problem finding something they like. Famous dishes such as Nasi Goreng and Mai Goreng are favourites of ours.
Nasi Goreng is a fried rice dish typically made with a mix of vegetables, meat (chicken, prawn/shrimp, or pork), and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and chili. It’s often topped with a fried egg and accompanied by crackers and sambal
Mie Goreng: Like Nasi Goreng, is fried noodles prepared with a combination of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood. It’s seasoned with soy sauce and spices, and often served with a side of fresh vegetables or pickles.
Both dishes are delicious. Of course there are many other traditional Balinese dishes from roast pork and duck to an array of fresh seafood and we recommend trying the local cuisine.
Bali restaurants in the main tourist areas also have plenty of western style dishes including burgers, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and even meat pies for the Aussie’s.
The multitude of restaurant / bars that line the beaches offer plenty of food options at affordable prices and often have drink promotions. Relaxing by the beach with a cold drink and snack is an enjoyable way to unwind in this tropical paradise.
Thai food is known to be spicy. So, if you’re a fan of hot spicy cuisine, then you are in the right place. Authentic Thai food ranges from hot to extremely hot. Flavours are further enhanced from additional spices and herbs. Rice is a staple with many dishes and traditional food from small street venders cost around 1 to 2 dollars per dish.
Visitors to Thailand from western countries such as Australia, UK or USA are often surprised by the flavours and heat of the true authentic Thai food as it is often vastly different from what they would be used to in typical Thai restaurants in their home country.
Normally Thai food prepared outside of Thailand is much milder to suit western tastes and the specific herbs and spices used in Thailand are sometimes hard to find in other countries. It’s not until you visit Thailand and sample the food that you learn how delicious true Thai food is.
As with many countries you will find many variations of Thai cuisine depending on the region of Thailand you visit. In the popular beach locations frequented by tourists a wide selection of food is available, and pork, chicken, and seafood are the main ingredients.
If you visit Wet Markets, you will find an overwhelming selection of local produce such as fruit, vegetables, chicken, pork, seafood, spices, and sweet desserts. The locals eat out for most meals and as a result you will find street venders selling everything imaginable on what seems every street corner.
If during your stay you find yourself craving western food, you will have plenty of choices at the popular beach towns and cities. Most major fast food chains have a presence in Thailand. However prices are more expensive than Thai food and many are priced like what you would pay in your home country.
The food of Bali and Thailand is full of flavours, and we recommend trying as many local dishes as possible.
Bali vs Thailand beaches accommodation
Bali vs Thailand accommodation prices will depend on what style accommodation you choose. If you have an unlimited budget, both Bali and Thailand have a fabulous range of luxury resorts and hotels.
If you are travelling on a budget, you will be well catered for with a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels to choose from.
Bali accommodation
When researching Bali vs Thailand beach accommodation, I was surprised to find that when comparing Bali resorts and hotel prices with their Thai counterparts, Bali gave more value for money.
Using the same travel dates and a variety of well-known hotel brands, Bali came back consistently cheaper. Whether staying in the lively hotspot of Kuta or the quiet shores of Nusa Dua you are sure to find excellent value accommodation.
Click here to book Bali Hotels & Resorts
Thailand accommodation
Thailand’s beach destinations have more annual visitors than Bali and this is reflected in the number of resorts and hotels available. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a major destination for international travellers and many visitors arriving into Bangkok also spend part of their time visiting the beach destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui. All of which are well positioned to cater to a large annual volume of international visitors.
Beach accommodation rates offer terrific value compared to many western destinations. However, overall they are higher than you would pay for comparable properties in other parts of Thailand.
Click here for Thailand Beach Hotels & Resorts
On the plus side for those visiting from Australia, accommodation is much cheaper than the equivalent that we would have to pay in our home country of Australia. Which is one of the main reasons Bali and Thailand beach holidays are so attractive, as your dollar stretches much further.
For Bali vs Thailand beaches accommodation, Thailand has a greater range of accommodation than Bali, so is the clear winner. Bali by contrast offers better value for money but with less overall options.
Which is safer, Bali or Thailand?
As with all unfamiliar destinations it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Fortunately both Bali and Thailand are considered safe and don’t have the levels of crime that can be found in many countries. Violent crime is low, and we have never felt uneasy in either destination.
In the tourist hotspots you can sometimes encounter opportunistic crime such as pick pockets and petty theft and naturally you should always be aware of your surroundings. However, on the whole Balinese and Thai people are kind and hospitable.
The local population by world standards do not have as many of the financial opportunities found in western countries and wages especially in Bali are extremely low. Therefore, you will encounter vendors at times that will try to overcharge for services or take advantage of cashed up tourists. Money exchanges in Bali are a classic example and would be considered a crime when unsuspecting tourists are short changed.
Our advice for anyone looking to exchange currency in Bali is to ask at your hotel for a list of trustworthy money exchanges or use an ATM for withdrawals of local currency. Currency exchanges in Thailand are normally reputable but it always pays to check you have the agreed amount before exiting the shop.
Bartering in Bali and Thailand is normal in markets and is a way of life. Try to barter for a better price but remember the items are in most cases quite cheap and if you feel the price is fair it doesn’t matter if you pay slightly more than a local would and it means much more to the vender than it would for a tourist.
For Bali vs Thailand safety both are considered safe holiday destinations.
Best value for money Bali or Thailand
Bali and Thailand both offer excellent value for money with the currency of Bali being the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and the currency used in Thailand being the Thai Baht (BHT). Budgets for stays in either country will be depending on your level of comfort.
Given the geographical location of Bali, flights from Australia are overall cheaper than flights to Thailand and taking that into consideration Bali would offer better value if leaving from Australia. Without factoring the flight costs, both destinations offer excellent value for money with Thailand offering greater and more diverse range for accommodation, food, and sights.
Both Bali and Thailand offer budget friendly accommodation compared to other destinations, as well as high end 5 star hotels and resorts and tourists are often surprised just how budget-friendly accommodation, food and transport are in either country.
Tourism plays a major role of the economy of both Bali and Thailand which generates considerable annual income, thereby contributing to Bali and Thailand’s growth as major tourism destinations for southeast Asia.
Before travelling to either destination we recommend getting a free WISE card.
WISE is our go to travel card and has excellent exchange rates close to the official market price.
We use the WISE debit card for all our overseas travel, and it’s never let us down. It is accepted worldwide at ATM’s and is perfect for rideshare and food delivery apps such as Grab / Uber etc.
Click here to learn more about WISE and sign up today for the free card.
So, is Bali or Thailand cheaper? Overall Bali provides slightly better value for money for accommodation, tours, transport, and food, but Thailand offers more value for money due to the range of options available.
Final words on Bali vs Thailand beaches
We hope our insight into Bali vs Thailand beaches has helped you decide which destination is right for you. Both are fascinating places with rich cultural heritages that offer so much for anyone planning to visit.
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