In case you are contemplating your subsequent journey vacation spot and you might be eager to go to one of many pleasant, tropical, and delightful international locations in Southeast Asia, you may end up selecting between Thailand and the Philippines. However which is the best vacation spot to your subsequent journey journey?
I’ve spent lots of time in each international locations, and it’s truthfully exhausting to decide on.
Thailand is among the most lovely international locations on the earth, with beautiful seashores, extremely inexperienced jungles, fascinating structure, and pleasant individuals. There’s heaps to see and do, and it’s nonetheless very inexpensive. I completely adore every little thing about Thailand and at all times have an incredible time once I go to, however it could actually additionally typically really feel a bit too touristy.
The Philippines would not have a solution to Bangkok, Manila simply would not examine. However on the subject of beautiful seashores, out of doors adventures, a pleasant and welcoming tradition with alright meals, and much to see and do, the Philippines is superb. There’s additionally the added attraction that there simply aren’t as many different vacationers round, so it could actually really feel extra like new territory. In fact, that is relying the place you go!
So, which one you must go to will depend on what you might be in search of. On this article, I will examine a very powerful elements of the Thailand and Philippines journey expertise that will help you higher perceive what to anticipate from every, and subsequently which you usually tend to take pleasure in in your subsequent journey (since certainly, you may need to get to each sooner or later).
1. Thailand vs Philippines: The cities
Thailand and the Philippines are each comparatively small international locations with comparatively huge populations.
Thailand is residence to round 72 million individuals, whereas the Philippines has a inhabitants of round 114 million. Which means that in each international locations you’ll be able to look forward to finding huge, dynamic, and crowded cities.
Finest cities in Thailand
In Thailand, the capital Bangkok is legendary as a decedent vacation spot for younger backpackers seeking to social gathering, however the metropolis is a lot greater than that with all of Thailand’s totally different elements represented within the metropolis of 15 million inhabitants.
Count on towering skyscrapers with posh purchasing malls and fashionable rooftop bars and nightclubs, but in addition bustling markets, unbiased avenue meals distributors, and hole-in-the-wall native bars. Town is huge, and though public transport is sweet, it could actually take hours to cross it resulting from its visitors.
Bangkok contrasts with its second largest metropolis Chiang Mai, which is taken into account the capital of Northern Thailand. It solely has round 130,000 inhabitants and feels extra conventional. Throughout your time in Chiang Mai, you’ll expertise avenue markets, golden temples, and eating places in a extremely walkable Outdated City.
However there are additionally fashionable amenities to assist a thriving neighborhood of expats and digital nomads. You do not have to enterprise removed from Chiang Mai metropolis middle to seek out extremely lovely nationwide parks and cafes among the many rice paddies.
Certainly one of Thailand’s different main cities is Phuket, which is a seaside paradise devoted to the tourism business that acts as a gateway to most of the nation’s finest islands together with Phi Phi and James Bond Island. Right here it could actually virtually really feel like you might be residing on the strip with seaside bars and nightclubs open till daybreak, however additionally, you will quieter areas of Phuket that supply luxurious resorts, yoga studios, snorkeling adventures, and way more.
Learn my information to the place to remain in Thailand, which incorporates actually every little thing there may be to know.
Finest cities within the Philippines
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is crowded and bustling and has over 24 million individuals in its metro space. Like Bangkok, it’s a mixture of previous and new with Spanish colonial structure and fashionable skyscrapers facet by facet.
You could find nice purchasing and glorious eating places if you happen to take the time to look, however most vacationers do not spend lengthy in Manila. It’s handled as a stopping-off level to find the remainder of the nation. I’ve additionally written an intensive information on the place to remain in Manila with all of the most secure areas to contemplate.
The following common huge metropolis might be Cebu, which might really feel like a mini Manila, with solely round 100,000 inhabitants, however with a extra tropical seaside vibe. Unfold over 168 islands, you’ll be able to go to a high-end shopping center within the morning and on a sundown scuba diving journey within the afternoon. It’s the ultimate place for island hopping.
One of the vital visited cities is probably Davao Metropolis, which is a seaside vacation spot but in addition has the nation’s highest peak. It has beautiful pure surroundings, a extra conventional tradition, and is way more laid again and fewer overwhelming than Manila. It’s a common hotspot with digital nomads.
General, on the subject of metropolis breaks, I feel Thailand beats the Philippines on the subject of fascinating cities.
2. Thailand vs Philippines: Seashores and landscapes
Thailand and the Philippines are each tropical international locations which might be heat many of the 12 months and with sweltering summers. Fairly than cold and warm seasons, they’ve moist and dry.
Whereas rain will not damage your vacation, the moist season additionally comes with an elevated threat of monsoons and typhoons. Thailand’s moist season is between July and October, and within the Philippines, it’s from June to November.
Each the Philippines and Thailand are common seaside locations with world-class white sandy seashores with crystal blue waters and glorious diving. In Thailand, along with Phuket, you’ll be able to go to island locations like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui. A lot of the seashores have glorious vacationer infrastructure, however this will additionally imply crowded seashores and extreme litter.
Unfold over greater than 7,000 islands, the Philippines can be extremely wealthy on the subject of seashores. A number of the hottest are Boracay, Palawan (El Nido and Coron), and staying in Siargao. Whereas these seashores additionally appeal to lots of guests, they will really feel much less touristy than Thai seashores.
Thailand additionally has a stunningly lovely inexperienced inside, particularly the plush mountains round Chiang Mai. These are perfect for jungle trekking, discovering waterfalls, and visiting nature parks, although be cautious of elephant sanctuaries as they’re typically not good for the animals. You too can discover native villages nonetheless residing in line with tribal traditions and beautiful temples overlooking the land.
The Philippines additionally has a good looking inexperienced inside characterised by rice terraces within the Cordilleras (Banaue Rice Terraces), and volcanic landscapes round Mount Mayon. Once more, for anybody who enjoys trekking and being near nature, you will not run out of lovely locations to discover.
Among the many Flipino highlights are the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, that are over 1,000 symmetrical mound-shaped hills which might be beautiful in all seasons, however flip brown throughout dry seasons, creating a novel panorama, and the underground river at Palawan which is a UNESCO World Heritage web site.
For me, it is a draw. Whereas Thailand’s pure sights are in all probability higher recognized, the Philippines has some wonders to find and I personally have by no means seen such lovely white seashores such as you discover them all around the Philippines.
3. Thailand vs Philippines: Issues to do and see
Whether or not you might be visiting Thailand or the Philippines, if you happen to begin researching issues to do and see, you’ll rapidly find yourself with an inventory too lengthy to finish in a single journey. Leaving seaside adventures and mountain trekking apart, since we have already talked about these a bit, what else is there to see and do in every nation?
Finest issues to do in Thailand
In Thailand, due to the significance of each the royal household and Buddhism, there are numerous cultural websites to discover. Simply within the capital, you’ll be able to spend a day exploring the Grand Palace and temples resembling Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun.
Wherever you go in Thailand you’ll find comparable unimaginable constructions, whether or not they be a small native temple or the unbelievably grand White Temple at Chiang Rai. There are 300 temples simply in Chiang Mai’s Outdated City.
Thailand additionally has some extremely historic ruins that supply a glimpse on the grandeur of a few of Thailand’s misplaced civilizations. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are among the many hottest and you will really feel like Indiana Jones exploring these open-air museums.
When you find yourself achieved and have to calm down, there’s nothing higher than a Thai therapeutic massage.
Finest issues to do within the Philippines
Within the Philippines, most historic landmarks replicate Spanish colonialism. They’re beautiful and atmospheric, however maybe really feel extra acquainted. The Intramuros walled metropolis in Manila is particular, as is the previous city of Vigan.
The rice terraces at Banuae are additionally a must-visit web site! Though it is a bit of a trek from Manila to get to, I completely liked spending a while wandering by the rice paddies, so lush! Along with their magnificence, they showcase the ingenuity of historic Filipino engineering. They’re typically known as the Eighth Surprise of the World.
Buying
In Thailand, purchasing can be a preferred pastime. In Bangkok, you could find among the world’s most fashionable and complex purchasing malls with all the preferred worldwide manufacturers.
That is contrasted with market purchasing the place you could find low-cost garments, native crafts, and unimaginable avenue meals. You possibly can additionally be taught to make Thai treasures, maybe with a Thai silk weaving course and make a novel piece for your self.
Buying within the Philippines can be excellent. There are some glorious fashionable malls, particularly in Manila, and engaging markets all around the nation.
You too can discover streets devoted to boutique purchasing the place you’ll be able to search for distinctive treasures.
Festivals and occasions
Each international locations even have some superb festivals, which you’ll be able to take part in if you happen to time your journey proper.
In Thailand, probably the most well-known is Songkran, the Thai New 12 months competition in April recognized for its nationwide water fights. There’s additionally Loy Krathong/Yi Peng in November, celebrated by floating krathongs on water and releasing lanterns into the sky.
Within the Philippines, you could possibly take part within the Sinulog Competition in Cebu in January, which feels a bit like Carnival with avenue parades, colourful costumes, and rhythmic drum beats.
The Ati-Atihan Competition is held in Kalibo and is understood for indigenous dances, tribal music, and vibrant costumes. The Kadayawan Competition is widely known in Davao Metropolis, it is a thanksgiving competition with colourful parades.
In the case of issues to do, Thailand may need the sting. However if you wish to do issues that one million vacationers earlier than you have not already achieved and posted to their social media, you’ll find these experiences within the Philippines.
4. Thailand vs Philippines: Language and tradition
It ought to come as no shock that in Thailand the individuals communicate Thai, and within the Philippines, they communicate Filipino. In Thailand, you’ll find heaps of people that communicate enough English to speak effectively with you, particularly in areas frequented by vacationers.
Within the Philippines, English is much more broadly spoken because of American influences. Additionally, you will discover that American tradition may be very common, particularly American sports activities, resembling basketball and baseball, however at all times with a particular Filipino edge.
Thai tradition is tremendously influenced by Buddhism. That is evident within the panorama by the various temples and pagodas, but in addition within the tradition by the constructive and beneficiant outlook on life that almost all Thai individuals show.
In addition to Buddhism, Thai individuals have nice respect for his or her monarchy. You will note photos of the monarch in all places you go. It isn’t simply socially inelegant to criticize the royal household, it’s also against the law in Thailand.
The Filipino tradition is extra eclectic, with a mixture of native Southeast Asian influences, in addition to Spanish and American influences by colonization. One space the place the Western affect is apparent is faith, with the nation being predominantly Roman Catholic.
However the taste of Catholicism within the Philippines is extra enjoyable and joyful than in lots of different components of the world, as manifested by occasions such because the Sinulog and Ati-Atihan festivals. It feels considerably extra South American than European.
General, it’s exhausting to decide on between Thailand and the Philippines on the subject of fascinating, welcoming, and vibrant cultures. Whereas they’re fairly totally different, this one is a draw.
5. Thailand vs Philippines: Infrastructure and getting round
Each Thailand and the Philippines have main worldwide airports with flights arriving from all over the world. Thailand actually has the busier of the 2, and you should have no points discovering inexpensive flight choices to both.
Each Thailand and the Philippines are international locations the place guests need to transfer about to see portion of the nation. Each even have a wide variety of home flights between the preferred locations.
In Thailand, in case you are on a price range there are numerous highway and rail choices to journey between cities, and long-distance buses are inexpensive and secure.
The Philippines depends extra on ferries as a result of it’s unfold over so many islands. Whereas which means that getting round might be extra time-consuming, it actually is gorgeous. However climate can actually be a problem. Many occasions, if taking flights between locations, you’ll have to backtrack through the hub that Manila is.
Generally, the infrastructure in Thailand is extra developed for vacationers and way more accessible, particularly round vacationer hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya.
The main cities all have good public transportation choices, regardless that public transport in Manila is much less organized.
The practice, MRT and bus companies are good in Bangkok, however it’s a huge metropolis so it could actually take some time to get round. Hailing a Tuk Tuk or bike is normally one of the best ways to cowl a shorter distance.
General, attending to and getting round Thailand is a bit bit simpler than within the Philippines. If that is your first time touring Southeast Asia, I might decide Thailand because it has a greater infrastructure and you should have much less of a tradition shock.
6. Thailand vs Philippines: Native delicacies
Thai meals is fairly well-known and I completely love Thai meals, a lot so I might eat it virtually every single day!
Pad Thai, crimson and inexperienced curries, mango sticky rice, the listing of well-known dishes goes on and on. It’s all scrumptious and accessible on a budget from avenue meals distributors and in eating places.
In the course of the day, count on to sip Thai iced tea, lemongrass juice or coconut water. At night time, it’s Singha or Chang Beer with Mekhong whiskey, SangSom rum, or Sato rice wine.
Filipino delicacies is already a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese language, and American influences. Consider flavors resembling vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and onion. Widespread dishes embody Abodo, which is hen or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices, and Sinigang, a meat soup made with tamarind and greens, Lechon, which is mainly an entire roast pig, and Pancit, Chinese language-style noodle dishes.
In the course of the day count on to sip Halo Halo Filipino-style iced tea, Buko juice, aka coconut water, and calamansi juice constructed from a scrumptious citrus plant. Within the night it’s San Miguel beer, Tanduay rum cocktails, and robust Lambanong coconut liquor.
Each international locations have a giant avenue meals and hole-in-the-wall restaurant tradition and it’s typically cheaper to eat out than put together meals for your self. Filipino meals tends to really feel a bit heartier and sometimes greasier, whereas Thai is lighter and spicier.
However vegetarians have a better time in Thailand, whereas Filipino dishes all are typically meat-heavy.
7. Thailand vs Philippines: The nightlife
Thailand is understood for having an excellent nightlife and social gathering scene. This is among the primary causes that Bangkok attracts younger vacationers, and you could find no matter scene you might be into. Head to Khao San Highway in Bangkok for rowdy (however more and more fashionable) backpackers and Sukhumvit for upscale golf equipment and lounges.
Phuket and Koh Phangan are recognized for his or her seaside social gathering scenes, and the month-to-month Full Moon Occasion is a well-liked rave. In case you are in search of one thing extra low-key, wherever you might be head to the night avenue markets for drinks, snacks, and a pleasant ambiance.
Manila within the Philippines additionally has a dynamic nightlife, Makati, Bonifacio World Metropolis, and Malate supply a variety of bars, golf equipment, and karaoke spots. It is not a delusion, karaoke may be very common within the Philippines.
The island of Boracay matches the likes of Phuket for a seaside social gathering scene for vacationers in search of time.
However identical to the Thailand, whereas you could find superclubs, all-night events, and heavier nightlife scenes, there are additionally loads of locations to get a drink, chat with mates, and people-watch.
8. Thailand vs Philippines: Worth for cash
Each Thailand and the Philippines are inexpensive journey locations. The meals is sweet and consuming out is reasonable, getting round is comparatively inexpensive, and it solely prices a couple of {dollars} to enter most vacationer spots.
There’s a vary of lodging choices from US$10 a day for backpackers to luxurious resorts that can set you again a couple of hundred {dollars} for a 5-star place.
In case you are in search of a non-public villa or resort, will probably be cheaper in Thailand or the Philippines than most different locations on the earth.
Typically talking, Thailand tends to be thought-about a bit dearer than the Philippines. That is partially right down to their extra developed and aggressive tourism business. However Thailand has so many choices, that you may normally discover one thing inside your price range. I additionally assume the worth for cash right here is outstanding and higher than what you get within the Philippines for a similar cash.
For expats, the distinction in price of residing is extra noticeable, with the Philippines estimated to be about 25% cheaper than Thailand. However, in case you are in search of an inexpensive vacation spot, each international locations will probably match the invoice.
9. Thailand vs Philippines: Security
Each Thailand and the Philippines are secure for vacationers and I’ve by no means had a problem in both. Positively do use your widespread sense although. At the same time as a lady touring alone, I feel each international locations are nice, nevertheless, I personally really feel extra ‘at residence’ and extra snug in Thailand.
The locals are very welcoming and useful, and it feels secure for most individuals to journey in each international locations. In fact, pickpockets and vacationer scams occur, however unprovoked violent crime is uncommon.
There are at all times areas which might be a bit bit extra harmful than others. In Thailand, it’s typically really helpful to keep away from the deep south close to the border with Malaysia, as there may be typically unrest there.
Within the Philippines, components of Mindanao have a steady battle, and vacationers are typically really helpful to remain away. Be aware that this will change and it is at all times good to test any points and journey recommendation throughout the nation on the federal government web site proper earlier than your departure.
In each international locations, the largest well being concern comes from consuming unfamiliar or contaminated meals. You will need to be sure that meats are cooked totally and solely drink bottled water.
Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses are additionally a problem, so pack repellent. And at all times at all times get journey insurance coverage! I exploit HeyMondo Insurance coverage, you’ll be able to test them out right here.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions – Thailand vs Philippines
⭐ What are the primary vacationer sights in Thailand and the Philippines?
Thailand is understood for sights like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, whereas the Philippines boasts common locations resembling Boracay, Palawan/El Nido, and the mega-city of Manila.
☀️ Is it hotter in Thailand or the Philippines?
Each Thailand and the Philippines are tropical international locations in Southeast Asia, so you’ll be able to count on it to be scorching year-round. Thailand experiences a rise in temperature, with summer time highs reaching roughly 37.8 levels Celsius (100 levels Fahrenheit). Within the Philippines, you’ll be able to anticipate peak temperatures hovering round 32.2 levels Celsius (90 levels Fahrenheit). Nevertheless, Thailand is extra unfold out north-south and has areas of upper altitudes, so it’s also possible to discover cooler areas in Thailand than within the Philippines, the place that is much less regional variation.
❓ Is Thailand near the Philippines?
Whereas Thailand and the Philippines are shut collectively on a worldwide scale, they’re greater than 2,000 kilometers aside. A continuous flight from Bangkok to Manila takes about three and a half hours.
🏝️ Does Thailand or the Philippines have higher seashores?
Each international locations are famend for lovely seashores, however opinions range. Some want the pristine seashores of the Philippines, whereas others favor the colourful seaside scenes in Thailand.
✔️ Is English broadly spoken in Thailand and the Philippines?
Sure, English is broadly spoken in each Thailand and the Philippines, particularly in vacationer areas, making it comparatively simple for English-speaking vacationers to navigate. And do you know that English is among the official languages of the Philippines, together with Filipino (Tagalog)? Which means that English is used extensively in authorities, schooling, and companies.
Thailand vs Philippines – Last phrases
So, Thailand vs the Philippines, which one needs to be your subsequent journey vacation spot? Effectively that every one relies upon.
Thailand is among the world’s hottest vacationer locations for good purpose. It’s inexpensive and delightful with an fascinating tradition and much to see and do.
If you wish to spend a while sightseeing, purchasing, and partying, adopted by a go to to conventional communities and inexperienced areas, after which end with some beachside leisure, go to Thailand. Discover my final three-week Thailand itinerary right here.
However you are able to do all of it within the Philippines as effectively! Nevertheless, because the Philippines is unfold throughout so many islands and in addition has a much less well-established vacationer business, it’s a little bit more durable, but in addition rather less ‘overdone’.
So, what is the verdict? Whether or not you go to Thailand or the Philippines, I’m positive you may have an incredible time.
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