thailand bali trip

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Indonesia and Thailand trip - 2 countries - 18 Days

Thailand - indonesia.

Combine Thailand & Bali as a Multi Country Trip! Discover the best parts of the land of smiles on our 8 Day Thailand Experience, along with our epic 10 Day Bali Experience. Snorkel through crystal waters, splash around in waterfalls, sip down cocktails on white sandy beaches & wander across rice terraces. The perfect combination of two of South East Asia’s most popular & stunning destinations.

Bundle Trips Explained

A combination of our individual tours packaged for a discounted rate. Does not include transfers between destinations.

Fancy a few days inbetween, some time to explore or just want to space out your trips a little more? Then we still got you covered! Whether you're looking to spread out your adventure or have some plans already, we're right there with you, ready to turn your travel dreams into reality. Get ready to plug into the ultimate travel hack: our Travel Bundles – the holy grail of travelling.

Plan your travel in between from one country to another and we’ll cover the rest! That’s all activities, accommodation, some meals and transportation, making your adventure that little bit easier for you to plan. We've cracked the code on making adventure planning a walk in the park. And here's the real bonus: you’ll get a slick 5% discount when you lock in two trips or more. Bundle your tours together and do just that and if your preferred trips are not in these packages, don’t panic! Pop us an email at:

[email protected]

*Please note that Multi Country Bundles do not include flights in between destinations.*

Thailand Experience - 8 days

Bangkok - koh phangan, trip summary.

You’ve landed in Bangkok and into the hands of the TruCrew. Mate, you’ve landed on your feet here. Over the next 8 days, we’re going to take you around the wonders of Thailand, introduce you to our best-kept secret spots and have a seriously good time whilst we’re at it so sit back, relax, grab a Chang and leave the rest to us. This is the perfect tour for those who want a taste of Thailand, we'll take you for a traditional massage, kayaking and you even have a go at muay thai! It's going to be an epic 8 days and you'll fall in love with Thailand - just Joe and Mark did 10 years ago! This isn’t just an average tour, but a TruThailand Experience. The pleasure is all ours! After these 8 days you'll have memories, photos, friendships and an addiction to mango sticky rice that will last a lifetime!

• Chao Phraya River Cruise
• Floating Bungalows
• Bottle Beach
• Muay Thai Lesson
• Wat Arun Temple visit
• Wat Pho temple visit
• Thai Massage
• Overnight train
• Kayaking & tubing
• Koh Phangan Boat Trip

Bucket List

Bali Experience - 10 days

Canggu - gili trawangan.

Is this trip going to blow your socks off? You better Bali-eve it. We’d start by asking you whether you’re ready for a mindblowing 10-day tour where we'll explore three awesome destinations across Bali and the Gili Islands, but that’d be a stupid question. Of course, you are. This is the perfect intro to a gap year, or if you are looking to find your feet in Indonesia this is the tour for you! Imagine landing in Canggu for 10 incredible days of stunning temples, flowing waterfalls, and insane beaches too! Your guide will show you the highlights of Canggu, Ubud and Gili T and of course being locals they'll introduce you to the hidden gems too!

• Tegenungan Waterfall
• Ubud Monkey forest
• Balinese Cooking class
• Rice terraces
• Tanah Lot & Taman Ayun
• Surf lesson in Kuta
• Volcano View Point
• Local Markets
• Gili Trawangan
• Island hopping the Gili’s
• Snorkelling
• Bike tour of Gili Trawangan

If you would like to arrange a pre-night please email [email protected]

Multi Country trips are tours that run with multiple trips combined with your internal transfer included. For example check out day on trip 1 could be check in day on trip 2. TruTravels will organise all transport inbetween these trips for you and the trip will run simultaneously. Bundles are where you purchase multiple trips together with a 5% discount however these may have travel gaps inbetween and you would need to make your own way to each destination inbetween trips.

All transport is included whilst on tour however your transport inbetween each tour is only included on our multicountry prebuilt tours. If you book a bundle, you would be required to get from the end of each tour to the start of the next.

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.

We believe that accommodation is one of the best parts of an experience! That’s why we stay in a huge range of different types. From local home stays to quirky hostels, our accommodation varies from tour to tour but one thing is for sure, it’ll be an amazing experience.

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Home / destinations / Bali / Thailand & Bali Trip: The Ultimate 7-Day Bali And Thailand Itinerary

Thailand & Bali Trip: The Ultimate 7-Day Bali And Thailand Itinerary

• SHERI-KAE MCLEOD
• January 27, 2023
• Bali , GUIDES AND ITINERARIES , Thailand

Making a 7-day itinerary for Thailand and Bail is certainly a daunting task. Between the two countries are world-famous tourist cities, thousands of attractions, top sights, restaurants, quirky neighborhoods, and more. Both countries are rich in culture and have so much to offer to every kind of traveller. So how do you choose so you can get the best of both countries? Much of your trip will be spent traveling from city to city so ideally, you will need to dedicate two days to each major city, visiting any three of your choice (Bangkok, Pattaya OR Phuket and Bali). That being said, we’ve compiled a detailed 7-day itinerary to see both of Thailand and Bali — two of the most stunning destinations in southeast Asia.

Bangkok (2 Days)

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in southeast Asia for good reasons. With its many restaurants, tourists attractions, temples, and fun activities, the city serves as the cultural and tourist hub of Thailand. This is a great place to start your trip to Thailand and Bali.

Morning:  Begin your morning adventures in Bangkok by exploring the city on the Chao Phraya River. The scenic river runs through the city and is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to see some of Bangkok’s most noteworthy attractions. The tours begin at 7 a.m. in the morning. So be sure to go early enough so you can purchase your tourist boat pass at the Sathon Bridge Pier and get a seat on the boat. Start your day early and head to BTS Skytrain stop Saphan Taksin on the Silom line. The boat passes cost ฿150 (about USD $4). Once on the boat, you’ll get to experience Bangkok’s beauty from the river. You also have the option to hop on and off the boat as you please at any one of the eight stops.

Afternoon:  One place in Bangkok where you’ll find a lot of tourists, especially on the weekend, is at the many markets in the city. Bangkok markets are known for being a one-stop-shop hub where you can get delicious food, souvenirs, clothing, handmade crafts, and much more. The most popular weekend market is the Chatuchak Weekend Market in eastern Bangkok, equipped with lots of stalls, full of everything from antiques to clothing. If you’re visiting Bangkok during the week, Pratunam Market is a great alternative.

Evening:  In the evening, catch the free shuttle to Asiatique, a large open-air mall located on the banks on Chao Phraya River. Aside from the shops and tons of Thai and international restaurants, the huge mall has plenty of other attractions like the Thai puppet show by Joe Louis Theatre and Calypso Cabaret. For some family fun, take a ride on the Asiatique sky, Bangkok’s largest Ferris wheel.

Morning:  There are plenty of parks in Bangkok to relax or simply go for a walk. The huge green spaces, with skyscrapers and luxury hotels as their backdrops, are some of the most serene areas you’ll find in a big city like Bangkok. The well-known Lumpini Park, full of those prehistoric-looking creatures, and the Benjakiti Park are the perfect places to start the day in Bangkok.

Afternoon:  The culture of Thailand is known for being rooted in spirituality and the best place to see and experience true Thai culture is at the many temples in the country. Most of the popular temples in Bangkok are located close to one another, so visitors can hop from one to the next. The must-see temples that are all found along the river are the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn.

Evening:  After a packed day of sightseeing and exploring, experience the buzzing Bangkok nightlife at Khao San Road, Bangkok’s infamous backpacker’s hub. There are plenty of bars and restaurants as well as stalls selling clothes and souvenirs here. If you want a slightly calmer experience, visit the nearby Rambuttri Village instead.

Phuket (2 Days)

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the quintessential island destination. Filled with rainforests, beaches, and fun tourist attraction, this city has so much to offer its visitors. Spend the day hopping from one attraction to the next or relaxing on the beach and soaking up some sun.

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Morning:  In the morning, head to Phuket Town and spend a few hours exploring all the attractions and being mesmerized by the town’s charm. The town itself should be a tourist attraction, with its colorful streets, authentic restaurants, quirky shops, and old Sino-Portuguese buildings. In Phuket Town, you can visit the Phuket Tricky-eye Museum and Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) for family-friendly adventures that will keep you entertained for hours.

Afternoon:  After a morning of adventure and delicious lunch, relax with your loved ones at the Saphan Hin, a small, green space found in Phuket Town. This park is perfect for eating, exercising, or just relaxing for a few hours before taking on the busy nightlife in Phuket.

Night:  When the sun goes down, the fun on Bangla Road is just getting started. It is here you will find a plethora of go-go-bars, head throbbing nightclubs, and all the ‘sexpats’ and liquor that you can imagine. There are plenty of outdoor bars just waiting for you to pull up a stool and lose a game of Jenga to one of its bar girls. If you love going out and having an evening you will not remember, this is the stretch of road to visit.

The Free Trip Planning App for Bali!

It is a fun way to discover Bali and plan your entire trip by talking to someone who’s already been there and done that!

Morning:  The main reason why Phuket is so popular is its stunning beaches. While Patong Beach is certainly the most popular amongst foreigners, there are plenty of other sandy paradises found throughout the island. Some of the best beaches to check out on the island of Phuket include Laylan Beach, Bang Tao, Karon Beach, Surin Beach, Paradise Beach, and Kata Beach, just to name a few.

Afternoon:  After you’ve enjoyed a beautiful morning on the beach, head to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and explore the diversity of birds, animals, and plants. If you feel like walking, guides are available at the park to assist you through the eight-kilometer trek right through the park that leads to a stunning waterfall. There’s also a museum and an information center at the bottom of the waterfall.

Evening:  The Phuket Weekend Market is only open on weekends and well worth the visit. Here you’ll find a variety of different Thai dishes and snacks as well as an abundance of souvenirs. If you happen to be in Phuket during the week, take a stop at the Chillva Market or Phuket Indy Market for a range of cool items and food.

Pattaya (2 Days)

Multi-cultural Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city in Thailand known for its beaches, luxury resorts, and shopping malls. Along with the natural beauty of the city, the buzzing nightlife also attracts thousands of tourists who visit to experience the cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.

Morning:  If there was ever an attraction in Pattaya to be completely fascinated by, Mini Siam is it. Mini Siam is a famous miniature park which features a small-scale replica exhibition of some of the most famous structures in the world. One can experience the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Wat Phra Kaeo, and so much more in one area. The entrance fee is ฿300 (about USD $9) for foreigners and the property opens at 7 a.m. in the morning. Be sure to book your tour from early on because the attraction is quite popular and tours are limited.

Noon:  The young and old alike can enjoy themselves at Pattaya Park Tower. The interesting thing about this attraction is that it is an amusement park and tower view rolled into one. The 240-meter tall observation tower hosts three international restaurants, all with 360-degree views of Pattaya. There’s also a gigantic water park, a jumping platform and a fun park with a rollercoaster, monorail, musical carousel, and much more for children.

Evening:   After a day of excitement, relax with loved ones on Jomtien Beach. This six-kilometer stretch of sand is pretty peaceful in the evenings since it is not as crowded as Pattaya beach. A number of activities and watersports are available but if you’re exhausted from all the day’s activities, you can grab dinner at one of the many seafood or Thai restaurants on the beach.

Morning:  The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Cultural Village is a cool way to spend your morning in Pattaya. The entire area is designed like a theme park with various displays like the Stonehenge garden, the 17th-century French garden, and more. A number of orchid nurseries and tropical areas are also on display, making the park a good place to relax.

Noon:  The Four Regions Floating Market is a one-of-a-kind market in Pattaya. Traders, farmers, and fishermen in boats float along the water offering a variety of fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Take a tour on a boat through the market, or stop and bargain for something, whether its food or unique crafts made by the locals.

Afternoon:   What better way to be up close and personal with the marine life in Pattaya than to visit Underwater World. This modern aquarium is home to an extensive display of tropical fish and other sea creatures. Visitors can go swimming with the sharks and stingrays here, feed the fish from bottles and watch their shows. Most activities are scheduled in advance, so check with the office before visiting.

Evening:  Walking Street is one of the most captivating features of Pattaya, known for its nightlife attractions. The street comes alive at 6 p.m. daily with a myriad of lively bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and the so-called “very friendly” girls. For cool souvenirs made by locals, check out the market or malls nearby.

Bali (2 Days)

Beautiful beaches and impetuous waves, enchanting rainforests and waterfalls, emerald rice terraces, and fascinating cultural and spiritual attractions. These and much more attract tourists from all over the world to the magical island of Bali. Two days is enough to get a taste of what makes Bali so special.

Morning:  Wake up in the morning and breathe in the clean Bali air on the world-famous Kuta beach, just minutes from the airport. While it’s a crowded and energetic place at night, Kuta is more laid-back in the morning, with only a few people jogging or relaxing on the white sand. There is also no problem finding delicious breakfast place on the beach, with shops and restaurants providing authentic Balinese and western meals.

Noon:  Within walking distance from Kuta are the upscale neighborhoods of Seminyak and Petitenget, lined with lavish boutiques and a variety of local and international restaurants. Indulge in a little shopping for the latest designer products, and enjoy some of the best Balinese or international food in the area.

Afternoon : No one wants to leave Bali without going to one of the many temples on the island. For a true Bali cultural experience, head to the Uluwatu Temple. The temple area is home to many playful monkeys that can get a bit grabby, so hold on to your personal belongings. The temple has tour guides that explain the origins of the temple, cultural practices, and religious rituals. The Uluwatu Temple often hosts traditional dance performances during sunset.

Evening:  For great food in the evenings at an oceanfront restaurant, slide over to the nearby Jimbaran Bay. Many of the restaurants serve seafood as well as Thai cuisine and offer outdoor seating on the sand so tourists can soak their feet in the sand while enjoying their meals. A bonus is that there are traditional dances and live music performances in the area.

Morning:  Travel to Ubud early the next day to experience the enchanting rice terraces. You can enjoy a walk or cycle in nature through villages and the world-famous rice terraces that embellish Ubud’s landscape.

Noon:  Afternoons are reserved for the animals at the Ubud Monkey Forest. Serving both as a natural reserve and sacred temple, this attraction offers the best of culture and nature in Bali. Many tourists visit to interact with the hundreds of monkeys that stay there, while others are more in awe of the Hindu temple. Regardless of your preference, this place is a must-visit.

Evening:  You absolutely cannot leave Ubud without seeing one traditional Balinese dance or music performance. The Ubud Royal Palace is arguably Ubud’s most important landmark and the best place to watch the cultural performances in the evenings. Tourists tend to crowd the palace during this time so visit early and reserve your seat.

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Bali vs. Thailand: Where in Southeast Asia Should You Travel?

We don’t envy you having to decide between  Bali or a Thailand trip , that is one tough decision. However, we’ve done some of the legwork by putting together a top-notch guide that looks at these beautiful southeast Asian countries, which will make deciding where to take your next trip a little easier.

The first things we think of in southeast Asia are the beautiful palm-fringed beaches where you can sip coconuts and laze in a hammock before cooling off in the blue sea. The good news is that both Thailand and Bali have got kilometres of beautiful sandy shores! But how do they compare?

Travel to: Southeast Asia

Beaches in Bali

The island of Bali is surrounded by beaches. There are powdery white sands in the south where you can watch the sunset in the Indian Ocean, at others you can lounge at beach clubs, or go swimming and surfing. In the eastern and northern parts of Bali, you’ll find pristine volcanic black-sand beaches, ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Read more about Bali with our most popular articles here: 

• Where to Stay in Bali: From Bungalows to Villas and More
• Bali Vs Hawaii: Which Island Escape is For You?
• 4 Incredible Indonesian Islands That Aren’t Bali
• Bali in 9 Spectacular Images  

Beaches in Thailand

There’s something magical about Thailand, something that can only be experienced first hand. The inviting, friendly atmosphere will have you mesmerized within moments. For the best beaches in Thailand head down south where all of the idyllic tropical islands are found, from secluded beaches to party islands where the famous Full Moon party is held every month. The beaches in Thailand are picture-perfect, and the sea is mostly calm, making it haven for diving and snorkelling.

Read more about Thailand with our most popular articles here: 

• Ultimate Thailand Packing List for a Solo Traveller
• Should I Visit Thailand?
• 2 Weeks in Thailand for Every Budget
• We Rank 11 of Thailand’s Islands
• Best Thailand Vacation Deals

What to see and do in Bali

Kuta, legian & seminyak.

When you reach Bali for your tour or travels, you will arrive in Kuta, a buzzing town that is both loved and hated by travellers around the world.

Upon arrival at the international airport of Bali to either start your tour or solo travels, you will be in Kuta – a busy town that is both loved and hated by travellers around the world. The beautiful stretch of ‘sunset beach’ begins at the airport stretches all the way to the end of Seminyak, where watching the sun disappear from the sky is magnificent!

Kuta, Legian and trendy Seminyak are located side by side, and it is one buzzing area that never sleeps, home to plenty of shops, restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife.

Ubud is the cultural heart of the island, fringed by rainforest, river valleys and rice paddies. It is also considered the go-to place for yoga, health food, visiting wilderness reserves and spiritual healers making Ubud is enchanting. Around the town there are lots of things to do such as rafting, visiting local craftsman villages, cycling through the rice paddies and seeing natural rainforests.

The southern tip of Bali (Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Bukit Peninsula)

In this part of Bali, you will find the most beautiful beaches somewhere between the dramatic limestone cliffs and hills. Sunsets are amazing as well, and the sea is a paradise for surfers and for those wanting to swim.

Amed is tranquil, unspoiled by tourism and just so easy to fall in love with! This sleepy village borders a calm sea with beautiful coral gardens and colourful sea creatures. Amed is surrounded by nature with the sacred Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano, as the backdrop. Enchanting!

The tourist town of Lovina is famous for dolphins. Every morning hundreds of these impressive marine animals can be spotted out at sea, not too far from the coastline. Furthermore, Lovina is a great base from where to explore the waterfalls, hot springs and temples of northern Bali.

When heading to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, be careful about the monkeys. Many of them are specially trained by the bystanders to snatch people’s accessories – including cellphones and glasses. The tourist will then be forced to ask one of the bystanders to retrieve the items back and thus be compelled to “tip” him for it. Most people who visit Bali don’t end up anywhere north of Denpasar which is a shame. A trip to Bali is certainly not complete without heading out to experience the tranquil and creative nature of Ubud as well as its many charming cafes and restaurants. Bebek Bengil, in particular, is recommended for its crispy duck. One reason why Bali is such an appealing destination is because it offers so much to every type of traveler. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a family with kids or a solo traveler looking for a place to unwind, there is always a part of Bali that has you covered. The only obvious type that comes to mind is someone looking for a cold or winter destination. Bali is warm all year round. – Bino, I Wander

What to see and do in Thailand

The infamous and vibrant city of Bangkok is where you will most likely start your trip in Thailand. Bangkok is alive and will intoxicate your senses sights and sounds. Most people love it or hate it, but a trip to this county is not complete without visiting Khao San Road, the backpacker’s haven of Thailand. If you’re searching for the hub of activity in Bangkok, this market strip is where you need to go.

The atmosphere is infectious. The street is filled with the scent of freshly made Thai food, the local vendors can be found selling the finest goods, and it is home to some of the most inexpensive guest houses and bars, perfect travellers on a budget!

Chiang Mai & Pai

To escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, head north to  Chiang Mai  for an immediate change of pace where you will be surrounded by dozens of decadent temples. The cooler climate and nature are an alternative backpacker’s scene. Explore the many food markets and allow your taste buds to experience the unique flavours of northern Thai cuisine, organize a local hill-tribe trek or sit back and take in the beauty of the area.

If you’re travelling to northern parts of Thailand, you won’t want to miss the laidback town of  Pai with its backdrop of picture-perfect mountains. In Pai, you can set your sights on the many kayaking and rafting adventures that can be found, or take it easy with a gentle trek to the Lahu, Lisu, and Karen villages.

Ko Phangan & Ko Tao

These two islands are much-loved travel destinations for snorkelling, diving and full moon parties. The islands have beautiful beaches, tons of like-minded travellers and diving addicts, massage salons and parties. Ko Tao is quieter than Ko Phangan.

Glossy brochures showcasing Thailand more often than not feature the beautiful bay of Ko Phi Phi, with its idyllic shore, traditional long-tail boats and white sandy beaches with swaying palm trees. Ko Phi Phi is a lively tourist town that attracts lots of travellers and it was one of the filming locations for The Beach , starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Spend your days here hopping off to the nearby Maya Bay, go rock-climbing across the jagged cliffs that tower over the island or snorkel through the blue-hued waters.

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. A big island in the Andaman Sea, surrounded by idyllic beaches and home to countless nightclubs, markets and tourist attractions. Phuket has something for everyone. If you are not into the party scene and nighttime shows in Patong, head to the other side of the island to get away from the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty instead.

Bali vs. Thailand: Culture

Both Thailand and Bali have rich cultures where temples, markets, and religion play a big role in daily local life. Thailand is mostly Buddhist, while Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia, different from the Hindu culture of India, making it truly unique. In Thailand, you will see tons of impressive Buddhist temples with golden and white marble Buddha statues, visited by the Thai monks in ritual orange clothing.

In Bali, you will see little handmade offerings for the many Hindu gods on every corner of every street and in front of almost every house. You will see ceremonies on the streets and hear mystical music echoing from the temples, even from a distance.

Both countries have adapted to tourism, and therefore it’s relatively easy to get around only speaking English. When entering temples in Bali and Thailand, be sure to take off your sandals and cover your knees with a sarong. In Thailand, you will also need to cover your shoulders. Bargaining is also part of the culture in both Thailand and Bali. Don’t get annoyed, try to see the fun of it, stay friendly and play the game. Do note that once you have settled on a price, it is rude not to take it.

Balinese food

Most of Indonesia is Muslim and therefore not pork-friendly, but the Balinese absolutely love it! There are lots of local eating places selling ‘babi guling’ or suckling pig, as we know it. Apart from that, Bali is similar to the rest of Indonesia, with fried rice (nasi goreng), fried noodles (mie goreng) and chicken saté.

Want to taste the best of Indonesian cuisine? At the local warungs, you can get a plate of nasi campur. Just point at the dishes on display that you want with your rice. This style of dining is a great way to get to know the local flavours and be sure to try the crispy tempeh and the rendang.

When you are in Thailand, you have to get a plate of pad thai – a noodle dish sold by street vendors and at local markets. The Thai green and red curries are also delicious! Do let them know if you are not into spicy food, or you will be on fire! The Thai people love meat, fish and seafood, all cooked with fresh herbs and local spices. Make sure to try the sticky rice with mango for dessert.

Bali vs. Thailand: Getting around

Thailand is perfect for travelling around using public transport. There are buses, trains and planes leaving from A to B all the time and it’s cheap. Bali is less tourist-friendly for backpackers on a budget wanting to travel around the island. There are shuttle buses and private chauffeurs, but they are on the expensive side in comparison with Thailand’s public transport. However, since Bali is small, it is great to circle the island at least once on a motorbike, something you could never do in Thailand because it’s too simply too big.

If you’re looking to travel Bali, make sure you do your research on visas and the visa extension process. The government is quite strict on visas in Indonesia, and you can end up paying a lot of money if you overstay your welcome! We loved Ubud in central Bali. Take a tour of the rice terraces, hike up Mount Batur for sunset, and make sure to stop by The Yoga Barn for a yoga class. There are also a ton of great restaurants in Ubud, and many that cater to healthy eating, which we love! A few of our favorite restaurants in Ubud are Kafe, Sayuri, Kismet, Atman, Bali Buddha and Taco Casa! As well, Uluwatu in the south is an amazing place to spend at least a day. The landscape is dramatically different from central Bali and the beaches are very unique. We also loved Canggu, and a visit to Canggu isn’t complete without a stop at Crate for an amazing brunch! Bali has something for everyone. Canggu and Uluwatu cater to the surfing and yoga crowd. Seminyak and Kuta have beach clubs and night clubs that you can party until all hours at. Ubud has a slow vibe and a vibrant health and wellness community through the plentiful yoga studios and food options. Nusa Dua has resort upon resort upon resort. And that is just a few of the many places that you can visit in Bali. Do your research beforehand to choose the best place for you and what you like to do when you travel! – Amanda & Ryan, The World Wonderers

See Also: Where to Travel: A Guide for Every Month of the Year

Bali vs. Thailand: Budget

Thailand has got the Thai Baht and Bali the Indonesian Rupiah as the local currency, and both destinations are cheap. Prices for food and accommodation are similar in the main tourist destinations of Thailand and Bali. When going off-the-beaten-track somewhat, Thailand might be a little cheaper than Bali.

If you’re unsure about your travel plans, don’t forget to explore the option of joining a group tour for a hassle-free planning experience if you’re unsure of where to go next. Plus, you can meet other like-minded travellers! 

Are you ready to go to Bali or Thailand? Find your next tour to  Bali  or  Thailand.

Stephanie P

Stephanie went out to see the world and never came back. From the lowlands of Europe, she traveled eastwards and she is still on the way to seeing the rest of the world. She loves being out in nature, meeting people of different cultures, making music and writing blogs about her travel experiences.

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Planning the Perfect Trip to Bali and Thailand

Vacationing in Bali and Thailand is the perfect way to experience two distinct cultures and landscapes in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous exploration, these two countries have something to offer everyone. Planning a trip to this part of the world can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can make the most of your time in paradise.

First, begin by researching the best time of year to travel to Bali and Thailand. Both countries have distinct wet and dry seasons, with different attractions and activities depending on the time of year. Consider the kind of activities you want to take part in and plan your trip accordingly. As a general rule, the dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to March.

Once you’ve decided on the dates of your trip, the next step is to decide how long you plan to stay in each country. Bali and Thailand offer a variety of attractions, from beaches and temples to markets and nightlife, so it’s important to plan for enough time to take part in all the activities that interest you. Consider your budget and how much you can realistically afford to spend, as both countries have a wide variety of accommodation and activities to suit all budgets.

When it comes to getting around, there are a variety of options in both countries. In Bali, you can choose to rent a car, hire a private driver, or take public transportation. In Thailand, you can travel by train, bus, or plane. Consider your budget and the convenience of each option when making your choice.

Finally, make sure you apply for your visa in advance. Both countries require a visa for entry, and the process can take up to several weeks. It’s important to research the requirements and apply in plenty of time before your trip.

Planning a trip to Bali and Thailand can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation and research, you can ensure that you make the most of your time in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural exploration, or just some time to relax and unwind, Bali and Thailand have something to suit everyone.

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Bangkok To Bali: Thailand & Indonesia

This Thailand and Bali 21-day itinerary will take you on the holiday of a lifetime incorporating a river cruise and a sea cruise, as well as temple tours, a floating market experience, a spiritual purification ritual and the opportunity to meet indigenous hilltribes, sea gypsies and boatbuilders. You’ll go snorkeling with gentle whale sharks, sea turtles and giant manta rays, and you will encounter Indonesia’s legendary Komodo dragons.

Your Thailand tour

Visit a century-old floating market, before stepping aboard a luxurious river barge to feast on gourmet cuisine while discovering Bangkok’s rich past through temples and palaces, as well as the ancient ruins of the grand complex of Ayutthaya. Delve into the temples of Chiang Mai on the next leg of your vacation to Thailand and Indonesia, and immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the traditional hill tribe villages.

Your Bali tour

After flying from Bangkok to Bali, the next part of your journey begins with a tour of some of Bali’s most iconic temples and spectacular rice terraces. Experience the magic of a spiritual journey with a cleansing ritual and a guided meditation session conducted by a Hindu priest. Relish a very special lunch in a blissful setting in the rice fields, enjoy a tour of East Bali and relax beachside.

Your Indonesian cruise adventure

Embark on an unforgettable sea cruise, which will take you through gorgeous scenery and a panorama of islands, exploring quiet coastal villages, waterfall-fed river pools, volcanic islands, a mysterious crater lake, a boatbuilding community, and the Komodo National Park. Gently trek through river valleys or ascend savannah-wrapped hills offering dazzling views of jungle-clad mountain ranges and towering volcanoes. Witness the astonishing sight of hundreds of thousands of flying foxes emerging in a steady throng from the forest at dusk, and encounter Indonesia’s living dinosaurs, the awe-inspiring, giant lizards known as Komodo dragons. Unlimited use of stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks adds yet another dimension to your nature explorations.

At the end of your cruise, an uninhabited island will beckon you ashore for a quintessential, toes-in-the-sand, celebration under the stars, complete with a bonfire, barbeque, and dancing to songs and music performed by the ship’s crew. Please note, the Ombak Putih is only available during certain seasons, and at other times a different vessel may be proposed.

Your Java tour

Transfer to the island of Java to watch the sunrise over the spectacular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and its smoke-spewing volcanoes. Cross the desert-like sea of sand of the ancient caldera and up a steep staircase to the crater rim of Mt Bromo, and peer into the smoking darkness below – the veritable gates of hell. Marvel at the seventh century Buddhist temple of Borobudur, one of Indonesia’s most important archaeological sites, and explore the historic and cultural city of Jogjakarta, which is known for its wonderful arts and is still headed by a sultan. Wander through the Sultan’s ‘kraton’ (walled city palace), which remains the hub of traditional life, as well as the Taman Sari water palace and the city market.

This Bangkok, Bali and Beyond tour makes for the most perfect honeymoon. Please note this is just a sample itinerary that can be tailored in accordance with your personal wishes.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Welcome to Bangkok!

Welcome to Bangkok – the city that truly never sleeps.

Your guide will meet you at the arrivals, for our private car ride to the hotel in the city center.

Take the rest of the day to relax and rest. Time permitting – try some of the spa treatments – Thai traditional massage after the long flight will be a great way to start your holiday!

Famous Floating Market and Evening Street Food

Depart early morning for the 2hr drive to the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market located 100km (62mi) from Bangkok. This vibrant, most famous of the local markets features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats.

Always crowded with hundreds of sellers, buyers, and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market up close is to board a boat and float through the small canals, shopping away.

This floating market is one of the most photographed places in Thailand and a Bangkok icon.

Meals: (B, D)

Start Cruise to Ayutthaya

You will be picked up from your resort right after breakfast.

Explore Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple that derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna. Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand’s landmarks.

Lunch served on board.

Take a 10 minutes tuk-tuk ride to the Sunandha Palace – the museum in a beautiful former Royal palace. Explore Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawihan “Wat Chaloem Phra Kita Worawihan” – a “Glorified Grand Temple”, an ancient temple of more than 160 years old.

Dinner on board.

Meals: (B, L, D)

Mysterious Ayutthaya and Bang Pa In

After early breakfast, take a private boat trip around the historical island of Ayutthaya provides a relaxing way to see some of the most famous temples in the area.

You’ll also have the chance to observe local life and people that live around the river and more recent, active Buddhist temples. Grab some great photo opportunities.

After lunch on board, take a short walk to the Bang Pa In Summer Palace. The original palace was built by King Prasat Thong on the island but after the capital moved to Bangkok, Bang Pa In was abandoned for 80 years.

Drive to Ayutthaya – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While driving around we explore Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch with its three large bell-shaped stupas.

Visit Wat Rat Burana, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive Kmer style temples, and look out for the head of Buddha trapped amidst the roots of a banyan tree at the famous Wat Mahathat.

Back onboard, sunset cocktails followed by wine pairing dinner.

Back to Bangkok and Onwards to the Mountains

Wake up on the final morning and bid farewell to Ayutthaya. Spend the entire day at leisure on deck with a lavish buffet brunch, brimming with gourmet Thai delicacies. Raise a glass of bubbly and toast an exceptional journey as you travel back to Bangkok.

Meet your driver after you disembark and transfer to the airport. Take a short domestic flight to the north of Thailand – to the small city of Chiang Rai.

Here you will be met by a local guide, who will escort you via private car to the resort for the night.

Meals: (B, L)

Hill Tribes Encounters

North Thailand is famous for its colorful hill tribes. Drive out of Chiang Rai to Mae Chan district and continue uphill along narrow mountain roads to visit the simple Akha and Yao hill tribe villages.

The Akha, who originated in Tibet, are amongst the poorest of Thailand’s ethnic minorities and can also be found in the northern part of Laos. They are mainly farmers and known for their artistry.

The Yao, whose origins are in China, is heavily influenced by Chinese traditions, still using Chinese characters in the writing of their language. The two minorities live peacefully close to each other.

Back to the hotel in the afternoon, evening at leisure. Don’t miss out on the Thai Spa treatments!

Temples of Chiang Rai

Meet your guide in the morning for the half-day tour of the famous temples.

Founded in 1262 AD, Thailand’s most northern city boasts a fascinating architectural history in a mix of Thai and Burmese styles.

Begin your tour by visiting the ancient temple of Wat Phra Kae, the original home of the Emerald Buddha which is now housed in Bangkok. A replica was made and placed in the same spot where it was found. Continue with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong with its large gold stupa.

Visit Wat Rong Khun, which is different from any other temple in Thailand. In contrast to the ancient temples, this temple was built in 1997 and was designed using white glass. While traveling through the city, observe the influence of the city’s Chinese ethnic minorities.

Return to the hotel for another relaxed afternoon.

Transfer to The Island of Gods

We’ll drive to the airport for your connection to Bali – the Island of Gods.

After landing in Denpasar Airport, meet your driver for a transfer to a hotel in the “artsiest” region of Bali – Ubud.

Take in the landscapes and marvel at the smiles around you. In the evening, make sure to find local restaurants and cafes, to start your Indonesian adventure by befriending the hospitable locals.

UNESCO Rice Terraces and Temples

Spend your morning enjoying the beauty of Ubud. Take in the atmosphere and freshest air.

After early lunch, meet your guide for a bit of cultural insights.

Journey to Bali’s most photographed temple, Tanah Lot, a 16th-century temple precariously perched upon a craggy, wave-lashed rock.

Continue onward to Tabanan to visit Taman Ayun, a Royal Family temple located in Mengwi. Built in 1634, it is part of the Subak (complex rice-field irrigation system), recognized by UNESCO in 2012. The huge complex is surrounded by a wide moat to symbolize its status as the mythological home of the gods.

Finish the tour with a visit to Alas Kedaton, a megalithic sacred temple in a forest inhabited by mischievous monkeys and hundreds of big bats.

Spiritual Journey Through Time

Today we journey to Pakerisan Valley, an 8th Century World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Hindu Darma religion, to uncover the historical religious roots of modern-day Bali.

The day starts with a short visit to the very first Hindu temple in Bali, encircled by a small village that grew around this sacred structure. Here we meet our guide for the day, an experienced researcher of Balinese spiritualism who will lead us to a temple nestled in the jungle. He will describe how people connect with God through the temple and demonstrate how to open your mind to the spiritual world.

Next, Tirtha Mengening, a very small temple located next to Holy Spring-fed pools. Tirtha Mengening roughly translates into “child waters” and offers a cleansing purification ritual conducted by a Balinese priest.

After the ceremony, take a plunge into the cool spring waters of a gentle river, shaded by a large tree. Soak in the serene atmosphere, for this temple is seldom visited by tourists despite being one of the most sacred in the region.

Lunch at a special place, surrounded by lush rice fields still grown from the original species of rice brought by the first Hindu priests in the 8th Century. After lunch, there is an opportunity to visit the priest’s house where he will guide us in quiet meditation.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure!

Beach Day Under Volcano

Early pick-up and a drive to the Ombak Putih meeting point. From there join the tour of East Bali.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your beachside resort in East Bali and have a chance to unwind, swim, or have a snorkeling lesson with your tour guide. In the evening join all your fellow guests for a welcome dinner and drinks in the hotel’s beachside restaurant.

Sleep in the shadow of Bali’s Mt Agung, the mother mountain of all Balinese people, and the most imposing figure on the whole landscape of Bali

Embark Ombak Putih

Wake up to watch the sunrise and your beautiful ship on the horizon.

Embark Ombak Putih after breakfast and sail towards Gili Islands, crossing the Wallace Line.

Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the magnificent coral gardens.

Sea Gypsies

Wake up off the coast of Kanawa Island under the gaze of Lombok’s towering Mt Rinjani – the largest volcanic peak in Indonesia.

Enjoy breakfast on the deck and spend the morning swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.

Later visit a village of the famous Bajao ‘Sea Gypsies’ of Southeast Asia and discover the secrets of their happy lifestyle.

Whale Sharks

Start your day by swimming with whale sharks in Saleh Bay.

Later, swim, snorkel, and kayak on Satonda Island, where 2 centuries ago a massive tsunami filled up a caldera with water.

At sunset, sip your cocktail watching thousands of giant fruit bats emerge from their forest lair and fly out directly over the boat.

Boat Building, Beach and Corals

Step ashore on an active, smoking volcanic island, where local villagers are in the process of building a fifty-plus meter, traditional wooden pinisi boat.

Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a memento

Snorkel on a colorful and vibrant coral reef above small geothermal fissures where air bubbles are released from the volcanic chambers below the seabed.

After a few hours under sail, spend the afternoon time on a deserted white sand beach on another volcanic island, this time an extinct one.

Explore the magnificent coral gardens, hike to the crest of the surrounding hills for a view of the surrounding islands, swim, paddle, kayak and laze away the day before enjoying sunset cocktails on the sand.

Wake up in the most northerly part of the Komodo National Park and enjoy a morning of sea-based activities including a fantastic drift snorkel over the reef, kayaking, and SUP at Gili Lawa Darat island.

Swim with schools of manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Hover above these giant and noble beasts for as long as you like.

Spend the late afternoon on a local sandbar, where we will enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the sand.

Komodo Dragons and beach BBQ

Visit Rinca Island and go on a trek in search of the ancient Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. See monkeys, dear, pigs, buffalo, and myriad birds as we walk through the forests and savannah of this large island.

Snorkel at Siaba Island, a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle creatures as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

Enjoy Indonesian hospitality as your crew hosts a beach barbecue in your honor on a deserted island. On offer are plenty of good food, music, cocktails dancing, and frivolity as we dance and sing the night away next to a bonfire under a clear tropical night sky.

Local Village and transfer to The Volcano

Enjoy your breakfast while the ship enters the Labuan Bajo harbor.

After breakfast take a short drive to a traditional local village. Here enjoy the hospitality with coffee, betel nut, and a highly potent local ‘arak’ (not for the faint-hearted), before a show of traditional dances.

Back on board for lunch and disembarkation.

We’ll drive you to the airport for your flight to Surabaya, where you’ll be picked up for a drive to the hotel at the foot of the volcano.

Visit to a Volcano

With its huge crater and almost mystical-like scenery in all directions, Mount Bromo and its surroundings are stunning beyond question.

Sunrise is the most magical time to view the entire Bromo landscape but this does involve a very early morning start of 3 am as you travel by private 4WD-jeep from Plataran Bromo to the rim of Mount Penanjakan in time for dawn.

From here at 2,770 meters above sea level you will enjoy unobstructed ethereal views over the active Bromo crater and the Tengger massif with the towering Mount Semeru as a backdrop, at 3,676 meters Java’s highest mountain and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia with small eruptions happening approximately every 20 minutes.

After (hopefully) witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will return to your jeep and descend the steep slopes back down to the bottom of the Tengger Caldera until you reach a verdant savannah – a truly idyllic setting for an al fresco breakfast. A picnic blanket laid out on the grass awaits you to enjoy a delicious breakfast while you take in nature’s epic beauty and the magical landscape of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Next drive back to Mt. Bromo. A short walk and a 250 steps climb (or a horseback ride at extra cost) will bring you to the rim of the crater. It is definitely worth the effort and will reward you with yet more incredible vistas of the active crater.

Return to your hotel for a full breakfast buffet and relax.

In the afternoon drive back to the airport for the short flight to the lovely town of Yogyakarta.

Borobudur and Yogya Old Town

Depart in the morning to visit Borobudur, 42km west of Jogjakarta. With your guide on hand, explore this massive Buddhist Temple (the largest in the world) and discover the incredible history behind its construction.

Comprised of thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks, the temple was assembled entirely by human labor and took more than 75 years to complete. The UNESCO Heritage site is still visible in its full glory, with magnificent carvings and its unusual bulky structure.

Take a short trip from Borobudur to visit the nearby Mendut temple. Older than Borobudur, this pyramid-shaped temple houses three impressively carved stone statues. You’ll also visit Pawon temple, a simple yet beautiful monument known for its precise symmetry.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Jogjakarta and explore the old town, visiting the Sultan’s palace, Taman Sari castle, and the bird market. Venture on to the ancient Hindu temples at Prambanan, located 17km outside Jogjakarta.

Built in the 9th century, this collection of sharp, jagged temples features three main inner shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1991, let your guide expertly lead you through the history and ancient symbolism of these wondrous ruins.

Your Indonesian adventure commences today. You will transfer with your driver to the Yogya airport for your flight to Jakarta.

Accommodations

Cruises & lodges.

Loy River Song

Ombak Putih

Hotel options, the legend chiang rai.

The Phoenix Hotel - MGallery Collection - Yogya

The Purist Villas & Spa Ubud

Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

All itineraries are completely customizable. Contact our travel specialists to build your perfect vacation

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Taste of Indochina

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Bali and Highlights of Thailand (Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket - Phi Phi Islands - Krabi)

❮ bali and highlights of thailand (bangkok - chiang mai - phuket - phi phi islands - krabi).

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This 13 night sample itinerary includes:.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Bali (Denpasar)
• Flight from Bali (Denpasar) to Bangkok
• Hotel for 3 nights in Bangkok
• Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Hotel for 2 nights in Chiang Mai
• Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
• Hotel for 2 nights in Phuket
• Transfer followed by a Boat Ride from Hotel in Phuket to Hotel in Phi Phi Islands
• Hotel for 2 nights in Phi Phi Islands
• Boat Ride followed by a Transfer from Hotel in Phi Phi Islands to Hotel in Krabi
• Hotel for 1 night in Krabi

Combine Indonesia and Thailand !. Visit Bali (known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity), Bangkok (Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life), Chiang Mai (most famous for its beautiful ancient temples and the striking mountainous landscape around the city provides a lot of wonderful natural attractions) and Phuket (a rain forested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mainly situated along the clear waters of the western shore). After that, visit: Phi Phi Islands (truly a secret gem of Thailand) and Krabi (an island paradise of sandy beaches and swaying palms, surrounded by splashing sea waves, astounding coral reefs and lush green islands). These destinations are connected by intercity flights and private transfers. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Please contact us for any special arrangements such as more than three rooms and partial stays.

Change cabin, booking without flight, returning to a different city/airport, Reorder city, or design your own Itinerary

Flexible Itinerary

• Phi Phi Islands

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Asia because of its rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its history, lively arts, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and one of the best cuisines in the world, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination for international visitors. The Northeast area hosts some lovely forested mountains and national parks. The major highlight is probably the famous Khao Yai national park, but other interesting places in this area are Nong Khai and Surin. In the south, the traveler can relax at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, for example, Koh Tao, Krabi, Koh Samui or Phuket, or Trang.

The spectacular country of Indonesia is famous for and made up of 5 large islands and over 17,000 others offshore including Raja Ampat Islands and the Derawan Archipelago, making island hopping being a big hit. Bali is the best island of them all, a simply idyllic location boasting pristine beaches and divine turquoise waters where snorkeling and diving are excellent. Divers flock to the islands for its world-class diving spots like Pulau Weh Hover where cute clownfish and giant whale sharks can be seen. The Komodo National Park is a big attraction where groups of sharks, dolphins, and manta rays swim.

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Trip Summary

Bali is a sensational island that sits on land filled with lush forests, cliff-lined coasts, volcanoes, rice terraces and alluring beaches with an impressive temple on every corner. The island and its people have a deep sense of tradition and celebrate their rich culture through Balinese dance, artwork, handicrafts, meditation, ceremonies, and festivals. Visitors flock to Bali for the beaches at Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur, where surfing is a local pastime. In the mountainous volcanic regions, you`ll find terraced rice patties that creep up the mountain slopes. The island boasts thousands of temples tucked away in the jungle. Spa treatments, shopping, and spectacular local cuisine are another draw to this tropical paradise. The islands close proximity to the equator provides a warm, tropical climate all year round. Visit the Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, Goa Gojah, Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, Waterbom Bali, Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Rice Terraces and so much more.

Bangkok the vibrant capital of Thailand is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world and hosts millions of visitors each year. A cosmopolitan, modern city that is full of contrast and also recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the world for the hospitality, grace and nature of the Thai people. Featuring some of the country`s most visited historical venues with awe inspiring architecture, gleaming temples and spectacular palaces. With its high rise skyline, luxury malls, extravagant hotels, street food stalls, massive markets, rooftop bars and restaurants, floating markets and risqué nightlife the city is filled with a variety of attractions for everyone. Discover the stunning Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), The Grand Palace, Floating Market, Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), Jim Thompson House, The Golden Mount (Wat Saket), Khao San Road, Chao Phraya River and so much more.

Chiang Mai Is the Rose of the North a unique and exotic city with a fascinating indigenous cultural history, the Old city is surrounded by the ruins of the old walls and a moat, nestled amongst the jungles and stupendous mountains which are home to the hill tribes. The region is filled with magnificent wildlife, spectacular scenery and exotic flora that can be observed in its National Parks. Visit and discover Wat Chedi Luang, Doi Suthep, Wat Phrathat, Wiang Kum Kam (Underground Ancient City), Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Doi Inthananon National Pak, Karen Long Neck Tribes and so much more.

Phuket is "the pearl of the Andaman Sea", a breathtaking mountainous island in southern Thailand, with rain forests and numerous white sandy beaches featuring turquoise blue warm waters, limestone cliffs and caves. The islands spectacular scenery, simply stunning tropical sunsets combined with unbeatable outdoor activities, a rich and colorful history and a vibrant nightlife scene make this fun island a great place to extend your horizons. Visit and explore Phang Nga Bay, Old Phuket Town, Phi Phi Island, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket FantaSea Show, Simon Cabaret Show and so much more!.

The Phi Phi Islands are a magnificent set of islands rising from the Andaman Sea decorated by limestone cliffs with tropical jungle backdrops and deserted white sand beaches. Phi Phi is the ultimate destination for a relaxing tropical getaway boasting tropical beaches, gleaming emerald waters filled with colorful marine life and vibrant coral reefs providing some of the best snorkeling, diving and swimming in the world. Discover the Tonsai Village, Tonsai Tower, Monkey Beach, Viking Bay, Mosquito Island, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Loh Sama Bay, Phi Phi Viewpoint and so much more.

Krabi is a coastal province and a popular beach destination set on Thailand's southern coastline engulfed by the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea. This charming port city provides a gateway into lush tropical rainforest interiors where natural hot springs, emerald pools, temples, and waterfalls can be uncovered. The city's spectacular coastline is decorated with hundreds of tropical islands and signature limestone karsts where plenty of water-related activities can be enjoyed in the blue azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Whether you're a looking for a relaxing day on a secluded beach, snorkeling or diving over the vibrant coral reefs, rock climbing in Railay, temple hopping or shopping the famous Krabi Walking Street Markets for that perfect souvenir, Krabi has it all. Discover Krabi Hot Springs, Emerald Pools, Huay Toh Waterfall, Walking Street Market, Wat Tham Sua, Wat Kaew Temple, Fossil Shell Beach and so much more!

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Bali or Thailand: Which Southeast Asian paradise should you visit?

Sun-dappled beaches, ancient temples, welcoming locals, relaxation and adventure in spades—you’ll find it all as you travel from Bali to Thailand! While each destination has its own magic (one is an Indonesian island and one’s a country all its own, after all) it can still be tough to pick which to visit on a tour of Southeast Asia . Wondering how Thailand beaches stack up against Bali beaches? Curious about food in Bali versus food in Thailand? Read on to find out which spot you should visit. Whether you choose Bali or Thailand, you’re sure to have a remember-this-forever adventure.

Would you rather: have a beach day in Nusa Dua on Bali or the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand?

Thinking about beach days may help you answer the Bali versus Thailand question. If you’re headed to Indonesia, you’ll find that quintessential sun-and-sand moment in Nusa Dua, a resort area that’s sitting pretty as Bali’s most luxurious retreat. There are hotels, restaurants, and all the amenities you could want—and the seaside scenery invites hours of lounging on white sand. Talk about bliss. “Nusa Dua is a highlight simply for relaxation,” said staffer Tom while sharing 7 destinations in Asia to have on your travel radar . “If you’re going to Bali, you want that beachside experience.”

Tour that takes you there: Dip your toes into this seaside oasis by adding the Nusa Lembongan Catamaran Cruise & Lunch excursion on our Bali & Java: Culture & Landscapes of Indonesia tour . You’ll climb aboard a catamaran at Nusa Dua’s Benoa Harbor and be whisked to a beach club for leisure time on the Bali beaches (or adventure on the water).

If dreaming of Thailand brings limestone cliffs rising up from turquoise water to mind, you have the Phi Phi Islands to thank. The six islands in this chain are just about as pretty as you can imagine, and are some of the best islands in Thailand to visit . “Phi Phi (pronounced pee-pee), is literally paradise,” said staffer Kevin. “There are little to no cars on any of the islands and everywhere you look offers an incredible view of the Andaman Sea. It feels like you are in a movie—which makes sense, as it was the place where The Beach was filmed.”

Tour that takes you there: Paradise awaits (literally) on our Phi Phi Islands Cruise, Snorkeling & Lunch excursion. Add it during a free day on Phuket Island on our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket , and get ready to cruise on a speedboat, don a snorkeling mask, and tuck into a leisurely lunch as you admire the Thailand beaches.

Would you rather: taste sate lilit on Bali or pad thai in Thailand?

From rice and spices to fruit and fish, there are a lot of simple, fresh ingredients that make food in Bali so delicious. While you won’t find a lot of beef served by the mostly Hindu population, you won’t miss it—especially when you taste sate lilit, a quintessential Balinese dish. It’s a regional version of satay, and is made from minced fish or meat like pork, grated coconut, coconut milk, lime leaves, and spices, which is then wrapped around a stick of lemongrass and grilled.

How to taste it on tour: You’ll find foodie moments galore on our Bali & Java: Culture & Landscapes of Indonesia tour . Pop by a street cart or a warung (a small, traditional eatery) to try sate lilit and other specialties. Or, visit one of the island’s captivating night markets, where culture springs to life.

Food may help you pick between Bali versus Thailand. All we can say is there’s a lot to love about Thailand’s spicy-salty-sweet cuisine, and pad thai is one of the many can’t-miss dishes in Thailand . Everything from egg, shrimp, chicken, and tofu can be tossed in this stir-fried rice noodle dish, which is topped with bean sprouts and crushed peanuts. Grab your chopsticks and dig in—it’s one of the best street foods to eat in Southeast Asia .

Thai food tip: Round out a big bowl of pad thai with some Thai tea. Condensed milk, tea, and sugar make this the perfect chilled sip on a humid Thai day.

How to taste it on tour: If Thailand’s culinary scene makes your traveling heart sing, then opt for our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket . This trip will introduce you to the country’s many regional dishes as you travel from north to south, and includes market visits, a Thai cooking class, and a Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner excursion option.

Would you rather: explore a monkey forest on Bali or an elephant sanctuary in Thailand?

Moss-covered statues, quiet temples, hundreds of long-tailed macaques—there’s wonder everywhere you turn in the Ubud Monkey Forest. Visiting this lush forest and temple complex is one of the top 7 things to do in Bali for a never-ending adventure, especially if monkey spotting is on your Bali bucket list.

Responsible travel tip: Enjoy watching the monkeys, but don’t feed them, and be sure to give them their space (unless a curious macaque chooses to hop on your shoulder, of course!).

Tour that takes you there: The Ubud Monkey Forest is a highlight on our Bali & Java: Culture & Landscapes of Indonesia tour .

Like Bali, Thailand is teeming with diverse species, which make themselves at home in lush forests and coastal areas. While you’re sure to spot everything from birds to monkeys, no trip to Thailand is complete without seeing Asiatic Elephants. This is the country’s national animal, and you’ll get your moment to witness them in their happy habitat while visiting the ChangChill elephant sanctuary (one of the many must-visit hidden gems in Thailand ). Another elephant experience? Taking an exploration walk in the Koh Lanta Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary in Southern Thailand. Talk about unforgettable.

Tour that takes you there: You can set off on our Highlights of Southern Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi tour to visit the Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary. Or, choose our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket to visit the ChangChill elephant sanctuary. Either way, you’ll see these gentle giants in a safe environment, where rehabilitation and protection are always top of mind. “Stopping to see the elephants was an experience in itself,” said traveler Sarah. “We were able to feed them, watch them bathe, and walk around the grounds with them.”

Would you rather: explore a rice farm on Bali or an organic farm in Thailand?

If thinking of Bali brings sprawling green rice terraces to mind, you’re right on the money—Bali scenery like this is as iconic as it gets. Indonesia is the third-largest exporter of rice in the world, after all, and this sacred grain is one of Bali’s staple foods. In fact, Balinese people view it as a gift from God and a symbol of life.

Travel tip: Put Bali on your April travel list. Indonesia is one of the best places to travel in April for fewer crowds and more sunshine—and to see Bali’s rice fields at their lushest and greenest!

Tour that takes you there: You’ll visit a rice farm in Ubud on our Bali & Java: Culture & Landscapes of Indonesia tour . Learn about rice production, sip coconut water, pick up rice-cooking tips, and sit down for a scenic lunch in the rice field.

Picture it: You hop aboard a boat to an organic Thai farm, where you sample fresh fruit, sip a homemade coconut drink, and do some hands-on planting with the local farmers. If you think this sounds like a travel dream, we’re right there with you! Farms like this are true must-visit hidden gems in Thailand , and seeing how produce is grown will give you a unique perspective on Thailand’s economy, culture, and cuisine.

Tour that takes you there: You’ll get to learn about eco-friendly practices as you visit an organic farm and take in the beautiful Thailand scenery on our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket . “This is a truly unique experience that many travelers to Thailand won’t get,” said staffer Kevin. “Thai cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, and many dishes are relatively simple. Visiting this farm and doing a hands-on activity gives our travelers a tactile appreciation for that.”

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Bali vs Thailand: The Honest Comparison You Need!

S o, what’s it going to be — the ‘Island of the Gods’ or the ‘Land of Smiles’? These two Far Eastern destinations have long been attracting visitors to their shores with promises of pristine beaches, blue waters, and endless sunshine.

Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, sits a few degrees below the equator, and Thailand, the Land of Smiles, lies just to the north of the equator. With welcoming tropical climates, both Bali and Thailand have been wowing visitors for many a year, but which one will you choose for your dream vacation?

More chilled-out Bali is a solitary island in the middle of the vast Indonesian archipelago, famed for its stunning beaches, great surfing, welcoming people, captivating culture, historic temples, and its volcanoes.

With excellent cuisine and a fine selection of accommodation, it’s no wonder Bali has been such a popular destination over the years.

Thailand is a country in South-East Asia known for its idyllic islands, spicy Thai cuisine, famous nightlife and friendly people. It’s busier than Bali, but also potentially cheaper and has a larger variety of activities, adventures, and places to enjoy and discover.

With a myriad of islands to choose from in the south and green mountains and hidden waterfalls in the north, Thailand keeps drawing visitors in to explore its culture and its beaches.

If you’re struggling to make your mind up when it comes to Bali vs Thailand, read on. We’re going to delve deep into the similarities and differences between these two iconic vacation destinations to help you choose which one will be best suited to your plans.

We look at everything, from beaches and nightlife, to honeymoons, expenses, which has the best food, which is safer, and far more.

We’re sure you won’t find a better comparison anywhere else, and we’re positive by the end you’ll know exactly where you want to go. Let’s get started!

• Which Is Easier To Get To
• Which Is Easier To Get Around
• Which Is Better For A Beach Holiday
• Which Is Better For A Jungle Holiday
• Which Is Best For A Honeymoon
• Which Is Best For Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
• Which Has The Best Nightlife
• Which Has The Best Food
• Which Is Best For A Family Trip
• Which Is Cheaper
• Which Is Safer
• What Time Of Year Is Best
• Bali vs Thailand: Which Is Better

Which Is Easier To Get To?

As two big hitters in the tourism world, you should have no problem finding a flight to either destination. However, your starting point will have an effect on how expensive and flexible those flights are.

As a single island, Bali is less complex to reach, in so much as there is only one airport in Bali – I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), in Denpasar. Whereas Thailand, on the other hand, has many international airports to choose from, and it will depend on what you want to see and where you are coming from to determine which airport will best serve your needs.

Bali is the easiest of the two to reach from Australia and New Zealand, but the journey to Bali from Europe would be slightly longer than a flight to Thailand. For Thailand, it’s easy to source a flight into Bangkok (BKK), but if you are planning on an island vacation, you may be better off checking the regional airports in the south of the country. The international airports at Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) are both excellent gateways to the islands, and both airports have recently been expanded, allowing them to receive an ever-increasing number of international flights.

For both of these destinations, it may also be a good idea to check the visa requirements. Both countries have an extensive list of nationalities that can enter the country for up to thirty days without the need for a special visa. However, if you’re planning a longer stay, you will probably need to apply for a sixty-day tourist visa.

Which Is Easier To Get Around?

Bali is much smaller than Thailand, which makes it easier to travel around and visit many tourists sights. Thailand is much larger, and so to get a real sense of the country you’d need more than two weeks to explore.

So in that sense Bali may be the better choice for a shorter holiday. Especially if your aim is to pack in as many sights as possible. 

While seeing all of Bali in one trip is much easier than trying to see all of Thailand in one trip, both Bali and Thailand have excellent transportation options to help you get around within a specific location.

If you want to split your time between two locations within Thailand, there’s a good network of regional airports and cheap domestic flights to make your life easy. You can easily spend a week on the southern beaches and then fly to the north of Thailand for some trekking in the mountains. You can also split your time between the beach and the jungle in Bali, and it’s much easier to do so without the need for a flight.

In Bali, there are plenty of taxis to help you move around the major tourist locations, and many scooter rentals. The regular taxis are pretty safe and reliable for longer journeys, and there are bemos and ojeks for shorter journeys. A bemo is a shared minivan that usually operates within a location. They carry between ten and fifteen passengers at a time, and you can hop on and off wherever you choose. And ojek is the Bahasa Indonesia term for a motorcycle taxi—perfect for short trips across town.

To move around your chosen destination within Thailand, there are also plenty of taxis and, of course, the three-wheeled tuk-tuk.

Tuk-tuks are modified scooters that have a covered passenger compartment at the back, and they are very common in the tourist areas of Bangkok. Outside of Bangkok, you can still see tuk-tuks in some locations, but they are becoming less common. Different vehicles are used in different places, but they are often still referred to as tuk-tuks.

In Phuket, Daihatsu HiJet microvans are used instead of the more traditional tuk-tuks seen in Bangkok, as they can cope better with the hills along Phuket’s coastline.

In both Bali and Thailand, insist on the taxi meter or agree a fixed price before you start your journey! It’s not uncommon for drivers to try and make you pay more, or take detours.

Scooter rentals are also popular in both locations, but be aware that you should have the correct documentation to be legally allowed to drive in either location!

Read more about the Thai tuk-tuk here – The Tuk Tuk In Thailand: An Insider’s Guide & Tips For This Iconic Three Wheeler

Which Is Better For A Beach Holiday?

Fear not, there will be plenty of pristine beaches with soft white sand in either location. Thailand is often famed as having some of the best beaches in South East Asia – arguably better than Bali.

But Bali is a renowned beach destination in itself and is great for catching a wave. However with that the case, you will find many beaches in Bali where the water isn’t as calm for swimming as beaches in Thailand.

You don’t need to travel too far from the airport to find a suitably beautiful stretch of sand in Bali. The distance from the airport to the popular Kuta Beach is a little over five kilometers.

Kuta is the busiest area of Bali, and the beach is very popular throughout the day and for the stunning sunset in the evening. Kuta Beach is also an excellent location for your first surf lesson.

This area is also at the center of Bali’s nightlife and shopping and is a great place to stay (more on nightlife later).

Many people actually choose to stay in Kuta for a couple of nights at the beginning of their vacation, especially if arriving on a late flight. From Kuta, a short drive to the north will bring you to the slightly more chic areas of Seminyak and Canggu .

Canggu is much quieter than Kuta and has a pleasant, artsy feel. The beach here is also excellent and is also referred to as Batu Bolong. Canggu Beach is great for beach bars, bean bags, and surf schools.

Seiminyak is in between Kuta and Canggu, both in terms of its geographical location and in terms of its hustle and bustle. There are still plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, but the pace is a little slower than in Kuta. There are also some excellent beach clubs here, perfect for a gin and tonic as the sun sets at the end of your day at the beach.

To the south of the airport in Bali is a peninsular which is dotted with some of the most idyllic and dramatic beaches on the planet, as well as some excellent family-friendly options. Don’t miss Bingin Beach for its beauty, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Beaches for family swims, and Uluwatu for its ruggedness and the nearby temple.

There are also some excellent beaches on Bali’s east coast, most notably at Sanur, Padang Bai and Candidasa.  The east coast locations are much quieter than the Kuta area, and are great for swimming and snorkeling.

On Bali’s north-east coast you can find Tulamben . Many consider this as the best snorkeling beach in Bali, as the water is warmer than in the south of the island, and there’s a shipwreck! 

The wreck of the USS Liberty has been lying underwater, yards from the beach, for decades and is a haven for marine life. 

There’s an excellent chance of seeing turtles here, and if you get up early for a dawn snorkel, you may be rewarded with the sight of the wreck’s resident bumphead parrotfish leaving the wreck en masse to search for breakfast.

Simply put, Thailand has a huge variety of beaches – more so than Bali. You can find gorgeous laid-back white sand beaches, other perfect for snorkeling, full-on party beaches and more. However they’re all spread out considering the size of the country.

While Thailand is blessed with beautiful beaches, which ones you will be able to visit on your vacation will depend on where you are staying in Thailand. Generally speaking, the best beaches in Thailand are to be found along its west coast. But there are also some stunning beaches in the Gulf of Thailand, to the east of the country.

If you are considering the west coast of Thailand, you may be looking at Phuket. Phuket is easy to reach, and the recently-expanded airport is accepting more international flights than ever. If you are not keen on experiencing the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and would rather spend time topping up your tan on a beach, then look at the options for flying into Phuket. Phuket’s west-facing coastline is dotted with excellent beaches. The north of the island has many small, quiet beaches that are ideal for exploring on a rented scooter.

Phuket’s most famous beach is Patong Beach . Patong is the busiest tourist area on the island, and the beach is adequately large. Patong Beach is protected from the waves by the long sides of Patong Bay, making it a good beach for a family swim.

To the south of Patong are the beaches of Kata and Kata Noi (“noi” means small in Thai). Kata Beach is a gentle arc of soft, white sand with a nice reef to the right-hand side, which is great for snorkeling. Kata Noi Beach is a short walk away and is also blessed with delightful sand and calm water for swimming.

Also on Thailand’s west coast is the island of Koh Lanta, in Krabi Province. Koh Lanta is a long, thin island with a relaxed, chilled vibe and some idyllic beaches.

Families on Koh Lanta like the shallow waters of Klong Dao Beach ; while Long Beach is popular with backpackers and the party crowd; and Lanta’s southern beaches are perfect for relaxing under the shade of a palm tree.

Phi Phi Island is another west-coast option for the avid beach lover, with Long Beach and Laem Thong being the best for chilling and relaxing.

If you travel to and from Phi Phi via Krabi Town or nearby Ao Nang, you are also in prime position to visit one of Thailand’s most famous beaches at Railay . Railay is on a small headland, which is best accessed by longtail boat from Ao Nang. The headland has a sunset beach and a sunrise beach and is secluded and peaceful, and shade is provided by the limestone cliffs around the beaches.

The islands on Thailand’s east coast, in the Gulf of Thailand, also have some great beaches too. The best stretch of sand on Koh Samui is found at Chaweng Beach . Chaweng is a busy area on Samui, but the long beach has plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy.

The active-minded can also hire a jet ski or try parasailing here too. Samui’s west and north coasts have plenty of other excellent beaches to explore, many of which are quiet and secluded and perfect for chilling in the sand.

Koh Samui’s neighboring island, Koh Pha-Ngan, is another popular beach destination. Pha-Ngan is quieter and has a more chilled vibe than Samui, most of the time. But the famed Full Moon Party does bring an influx of people each month, so if you are looking for a quiet beach, it’s best to avoid Had Rin , as this is the party beach – although if you’re looking for beach parties then maybe Thailand will be a better choice than Bali.

For quieter beaches, check out the beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai . These beaches are more beautiful than Had Rin and are definitely more quiet around the full moon time.

Koh Chang, towards the Cambodian border, is also a great island to visit if you plan on spending some serious time at the beach. White Sand Beach , on the north-west of the island, is stunning. From Koh Chang, you can also explore the neighboring islands of Koh Kood and Koh Mak and their excellent beaches.

Which Is Better For A Jungle Holiday?

One of the big draws of both Bali and Thailand is that in addition to having so many stunning beaches, there’s also the opportunity to explore away from the coasts. If you prefer to go hiking rather than snorkeling, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained in both destinations.

The most popular place in Thailand that is away from the beaches is Chiang Mai , in the north-west of the country. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is surrounded by mountains.

From Chiang Mai, you can join some excellent treks, go ziplining, and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures compared to the islands. Doi Inthanon , Thailand’s highest mountain, lies just to the west of the city and is a nice, gentle trek to the summit—no climbing required.

To the north of Doi Inthanon is the quaint town of Pai . Pai is famed for its super-chilled vibe and excellent trekking. The evening can get a little chilly here at certain times of the year, so it’s good to pack something a little warmer to wear.

For peaceful, chilled vibes in Bali, you can spend time enjoying Ubud . In Ubud, you can enjoy walks through the rice paddies as well as the vibrant arts and craft scene. It’s a great place for a yoga retreat and for enjoying being surrounded by verdant nature.

If you want a bit more of a challenge when in Bali, why not climb a volcano? This does tend to involve a very early morning start, but the views and the satisfaction of reaching the summit more than make up for this.

The treks to reach the summit of Mount Agung are the most popular, as it’s the tallest volcano on Bali, standing at 3,142 meters above sea level. But treks to the top of Mount Batur are also well worth the effort. This walk is a little easier, and Mount Batur offers stunning sunrise views from its summit too.

Which Is Best For A Honeymoon?

Those looking for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway will also be spoiled for choice in both Bali and Thailand.

One way to narrow down your choices for your honeymoon is to check out the best hotels available for honeymoons in each destination.

Honeymoons often go hand-in-hand with a more luxurious, romantic-feeling hotel, so let’s check out the top honeymoon hotels in both Thailand and Bali.

The Mandapa , near Ubud, is a popular honeymoon destination in Bali. This Ritz-Carlton property is a perfect hideaway amongst the serenity of the Balinese countryside. The setting amongst the rice paddies and temples along the Ayung River will ensure you enjoy a peaceful stay in luxury.

For a Balinese honeymoon by the sea, The Edge Resort in Uluwatu should not be ignored. The luxurious villas all come equipped with modern entertainment systems, private pools, and Jacuzzi-style bath tubs.

You can also call on your 24-hour personal butler if you need anything. With the villas perched high on top of the Uluwatu cliffs, you will love the views across the Indian Ocean.

If you are leaning towards Thailand for your honeymoon, Phuket has some stunning, secluded resorts too. The north of Phuket Island is relatively peaceful and relaxed, unlike the Patong Beach area. The Layan Residences are built on a hillside and a great choice, with views down to Bang Tao Beach. The luxury villas will provide both privacy and luxury, and you will be in a beautiful part of Phuket.

Another excellent honeymoon option on Thailand’s west coast is Pimalai Resort & Spa , on Koh Lanta. The best way to reach this resort is by flying into Krabi Airport. At Krabi Airport, you will be met by a driver and taken to your hotel by private transfer.

The transfer will drive to the public car ferry pier, where the ferries shuttle vehicles to Koh Lanta Noi. They will then drive across this island and across the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. However, Pimalai has its own private pier and a fleet of transfer boats to whisk you straight off to Kantiang Bay in the south of Koh Lanta Yai!

This resort is built into the hillside above the bay, and the facilities are second to none. But you may have to share the resort with one of the Thai princesses, who likes to visit at least once a year. So if you stay you could be dining with royalty!

For honeymooners looking at the east coast of Thailand, check out Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort . It offers luxury and privacy, and is conveniently located for its guests to enjoy the beach and nightlife of Chaweng. You can relax in their excellent spa and dine beneath the jungle canopy at the Tree Tops restaurant.

Which Is Best For Scuba Diving & Snorkeling?

Whilst both Bali and Thailand have plenty to offer those who enjoy the underwater world. But the geographic location of Bali, inside the so-called Coral Triangle, means it can offer a more diverse underwater experience than Thailand.

Thailand has some excellent diving and snorkeling, most notably along its west coast. Dive sites such as Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon , close to the Similan Islands, and Hin Daeng and Hin Muang , close to Koh Lanta, can be exceptional.

There’s a very good chance of an unforgettable whale shark encounter on these sites, and if you are lucky, you may also have a large manta ray swoop past your mask.

In Bali, there are fewer opportunities to dive with a whale shark, but you are almost guaranteed manta ray sightings. For a chance to see the mantas, the dive sites of Nusa Penida should not be missed. The mantas are seen more often than not, and you are also in a prime spot to see the massive, yet elusive sunfish, or mola mola. Bali is the best place in the world to dive with mola mola, and seeing these weird fish is quite an experience.

Bali is also famed for its smaller underwater creatures. Indonesia is perhaps the best place in the world to look for the weird and the wonderful, and you should keep your eyes open and fingers crossed for a rare sighting of a mimic octopus!

If you enjoy diving on shipwrecks, the best wreck dive in Thailand or Bali is undeniably the USS Liberty wreck off Tulamben in Bali. This is one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world, with the ship literally lying a stone’s throw from the beach. The wreck is in shallow water, and it is also a great snorkel experience.

If you’re looking for underwater fun, then in the battle between Bali vs Thailand, it’s Bali that wins hands down!

Which Has The Best Nightlife?

If you plan on letting loose and hitting the party scene on your travels, again, there’s no shortage of parties in either location.

Although Thailand’s nightlife and world famous party scene probably wins in this department if your idea of nightlife is beach parties and crazy nights out.

Bali party-seekers should head toward Kuta and Seminyak . Kuta is at the heart of Bali’s nightlife, with its labyrinthine alleys lined with bars and clubs. It’s a great place for a night of barhopping and dancing.

Seminyak is a little more restrained and classier, and there are some great beach clubs here, including W Bali and Potato Head Beach Club . Both beach clubs are an excellent way to spend a lazy afternoon soaking up some sun, and after dark they attract the party crowd when the top international DJs hit the decks.

Thailand’s nightlife has long been famed for its ability to provide plenty of party places for its visitors. If you have a couple of nights in Bangkok, the best locations to party are Khao San Road , for the backpacker vibe, and Sukhumvit Road , for a more upmarket evening.

Outside of Bangkok, the obvious choice for a party in Thailand is the Full Moon Party on Koh Pha-Ngan . This monthly extravaganza on the beach is always pumping through to the next day and is top of the list for Thai parties.

The two other main choices for a party lifestyle in Thailand are Chaweng on Koh Samui and Patong on Phuket. Both of these places are jumping every night, and there’s always a party being advertised.

Which Has The Best Cuisine?

Wherever you go in Asia, you are sure to find plenty of mouth-watering local dishes laced with exotic spices to set your taste buds aflame—sometimes quite literally. Neither Indonesia nor Thailand will disappoint on this front.

The array of aromas and tastes will dazzle and have you looking forward to the next mealtime. While both cuisines provide a plethora of options, the most notable distinction between the two is the level of spice.

As a general rule, Thai cuisine can be a lot spicier than Indonesian food, but both countries enjoy a bit of spice. A useful phrase to use when ordering food in Thailand is “mai pet,” which means “not spicy,” but it still will be a little bit spicy, just not the same level of spice that would be served to a Thai person!

But what should you order? With so many options when it comes to local food, many of them new to you, ordering can be a little bit overwhelming. But both destinations have a couple of dishes that simply must be tried when visiting.

For Bali, you have to try beef rendang . It’s constantly voted onto lists of the best food in the world, and for good reason. The cooking process is complex and slow, but the results are phenomenal; you will be hard pressed to find a dish with beef so tender and flavorful.

In Thailand, there are a couple of must-try local food dishes: massaman curry and khao soi . Massaman is a southern Thai dish, with some influences from further down the Malay Peninsula. This curry contains potatoes and peanuts, in addition to your choice of meat. At the time of writing, the massaman is currently sitting in the number one spot on CNN’s list of The World’s 50 Best Foods!

The other must-try dish in Thailand is khao soi. Khao soi was recently and controversially voted the world’s best soup in a TasteAtlas poll. The reason for the controversy has nothing to do with the taste of khao soi and everything to do with whether it is in fact a soup or not. One thing is definite: it tastes fantastic.

Khao soi comprises a bowl of rice noodles with a hot broth on top and is seldom referred to as a soup in Thailand, but it is always referred to as being delicious. This dish is not overly spicy in terms of its heat, but there are plenty of flavorful spices in the recipe to ensure it’s a taste sensation.

There are other food experiences within these destinations that should not be missed. Asia is famed for its street food, and both Bali and Thailand provide excellent options in this respect. When you walk around in Thailand, you will see plenty of food carts and stalls in the streets selling quick and delicious food. Many of the stalls in Thailand sell tom yum , a noodle soup typically served with prawns (goong in Thai). Other street food delights include som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice .

Two ubiquitous dishes in Indonesia are nasi goreng and mee goreng (fried rice and fried noodles). Both are great served with an egg on top. These two dishes get much of their flavor from the kecap manis and sambal used in the cooking. Kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce, and sambal is made from a special blend of crushed chilis and salt. All the ingredients are flash-fried in front of you, and both nasi goreng and mee goreng are a great, quick, and easy meal packed with flavor.

Which Is Best For A Family Trip?

Both Bali and Thailand are packed with fun-filled and exciting activities to keep all ages entertained.

They also both have plenty of activities such as ziplining, trekking, snorkeling, and jet skiing, so you are never too far away from a fun-filled activity to keep everyone happy.

However you should be a little cautious when choosing a family hotel in Bali. The waters around Bali can throw up some challenging conditions for swimming, albeit not at every beach. But the family-friendly beaches at Nusa Dua and Jimbaran are especially recommended for families.

Jimbaran is a great location for families, as not only is the beach calm, but you are also very close to the Kuta area. Kuta has some great shopping too, and there is a large cinema complex at the Beachwalk Shopping Mall. Between Jimbaran and Kuta beaches is Waterbom Bali ; this waterpark is a sure-fire winner with the kids.

With plenty of temples to explore and opportunities for snorkeling and viewing volcanoes, Bali can be as educational as it can be fun. A trip to Thailand can be the same though…

For the best range of family activities in Thailand, you should concentrate on the two biggest islands in the kingdom— Phuket and Koh Samui.

Phuket, in the west, is Thailand’s largest island, and there’s plenty to do here. The best beach to stay on with a family is Kata Beach . It’s a short hop to Patong, should you want to explore, but Kata is much quieter, especially after dark. Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach are perfect for family swimming too. And if the weather doesn’t play nice, you are also conveniently placed to head to Central Festival Mall . Central Festival has an aquarium and a cinema complex, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.

Chaweng , on Koh Samui, is perhaps the best bet for a family holiday on Thailand’s east coast. The soft sand and calm waters at the beach make it great for a family dip, and the activities and amenities in Chaweng Village will ensure the kids don’t get bored too.

Which Is Cheaper?

Which option is the cheapest for you in terms of the entire vacation will depend on where you fly from and how long that flight is. With a wide range of accommodation options in both locations, you can easily find something that will suit your budget in either location.

But when it comes down to day-to-day spending, there’s not a huge deal of difference between Bali and Thailand. You can spend as much as you want on eating well in both places; local dishes are very affordable, and the western wares on offer are similarly priced in both locations.

Beer is also evenly priced, with a bottle of Chang in Thailand or Bintang in Bali both costing less than a similarly-sized bottle back home.

Which Is Safer?

Bali and Thailand are both tropical paradises, but that’s not to say paradise is perfect. Although on the whole, both these destinations are very safe. If you’re sticking to the main tourist areas, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.

But keep your wits about you and use common sense, and all should be fine. If you are worried about any potential issues in these two locations, please check out our articles about staying safe in both Bali and Thailand, they also point out the main places to be wary of, and any potential issues:

Scams In Thailand: Common Hustles, Tourist Traps & Staying Safe

Scams In Bali: Common Hustles, Tourist Traps & Staying Safe

What Time Of Year Is Best?

A little bit of planning should make it easy to ensure you get some amazing weather during your vacation.

But for Bali, the best weather is from June through August. This is the drier part of the year, and you should get plenty of hot sunshine every day.

For vacations earlier in the year, it’s good to be aware of the Nyepi Festival . Nyepi is celebrated each year at the start of the Balinese New Year. It’s a public holiday, and it’s a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. People have to stay home on this day, and the streets are patrolled to ensure people follow the rules. For tourists, this means a day confined to your resort, but within the resort everything is usually running as normal; you just can’t leave the resort.

When planning a trip to Thailand, you should be aware that the west coast and the east coast have different seasons. On the west coast, the rainy season runs from May through to September, and on the east coast, the wettest months are November through to January.

The festival to keep an eye on in Thailand is Songkran , the Thai New Year celebration. Songkran takes place on 13th April each year, but in the north the celebrations can last up to a week. On the islands, there is normally one day of celebrations.

Songkran is a great time to be in Thailand, but it is a terrible time to travel around. Do not book a flight to arrive on the 13th April as you and your belongings will get wet! The way Thailand celebrates Songkran is essentially to throw water everywhere; traditionally, this was to wash bad luck and sins away.

Nowadays, it is a nation-wide water fight with super-soaker water guns and pick-up trucks with huge containers filled with ice water. It’s a great day out, but make sure your phones and cameras don’t get waterlogged!

Bali vs Thailand: Which Is Better?

Either one of these two tropical paradises will be able to show you a good time. You can have the holiday of a lifetime in either place. There are beautiful beaches and lush jungles to explore in whichever destination you choose.

However Bali has a more chilled vibe, with the exception of Kuta perhaps, and Thailand has more choices of destinations and a greater variety of activities.

But with so many similarities between the two places, if you are struggling to make a decision, perhaps the best way to decide is to ask yourself one question: do you enjoy spicy food? If yes, then head to Thailand; if not, maybe Bali is best for you…

Recommended For Your Trip To Bali Or Thailand

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The Ultimate Bali Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Bali

Planning a trip to Indonesia and looking for the best Bali itinerary? Whether you’re only spending 5 days, one week, 10 days, or two full weeks, I guarantee this Bali trip travel guide will be extremely helpful!

Bali is truly one of my favorite destinations in the world and a place I’ve called home several times. But planning a trip to Bali can be a bit intimidating as there really are so many amazing places to explore!

There’s no need to wonder why Bali has become one of the world’s most visited and popular vacation hotspots. It has jaw-dropping landscapes, lush rice terraces, stunning beaches, serene temples, cute monkeys, scenic waterfalls, wild nightlife, and unforgettable sunsets.

Bali really does have a little something for everybody, and I guarantee that if you follow this Bali travel itinerary, you will fall in love with this island just as much as I have!

While tourism in Bali has exploded in recent years due to the popularity of Instagram, it definitely lives up to the hype because there is a LOT more to this island than what you see on social media. Don’t let the annoying Bali IG couples + IG influencers deter you from planning a trip here because it is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia!

Tip: Add something unique to your Bali travel plan by choosing to go glamping in Bali  instead of staying at a hotel.

Check out my Instagram page  for more holiday inspiration!

Whether you’re only spending a few days, two weeks, or even an entire month, this Bali Itinerary guide will go into loads of detail about what to expect about visiting this island, the best things to do, what to pack for Bali, when to go, insider travel tips, and loads more.  

So without further ado, let’s get started!

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT BALI?

Bali is an incredible destination to visit year-round, and if you’ve only got limited time off work, I would say book that ticket no matter what! Being located in Southeast Asia, the weather in Bali is exceptionally tropical, so you can expect hot and humid temperatures pretty much every day, but there are two main seasons – the wet and dry months.

The rainy season in Bali is from October to April, and the dry season is between May – September.

That said, traveling to Bali during the rainy season is NOT an issue. I LIVED in Bali in December & January (known as the wettest months of the year), and I barely even noticed the rain.

Yes, some days were worse than others, but more often than not – every day was beautifully sunny blue skies and perfect beach weather.

According to Bali.com, “ The best time to come to Bali is April, May, June and September, just before and just after high season. It’s still the dry season, it’s slightly less humid, and room prices and villa rentals can be 30-50% cheaper than during high season. Many shops offer sales and promotions, restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months, and in general, Bali is a bit more relaxed. October is not too bad either, still much less rain than November (usually, check the rainfall chart).”

I agree with that statement for sure, but traveling to Bali during Christmas time & New Year’s Eve can be an incredible experience. I spent Christmas Day lounging at a day club and absolutely loved it!  

IS BALI A DANGEROUS PLACE TO VISIT?

Absolutely not! Bali is completely safe to visit, and I’ve honestly never felt like I was in any danger while there. While just like a vacation to anywhere in the world, you want to make sure you’re traveling wisely and acting responsibly.

The only dangerous or unsafe behavior I’ve heard of is from “motorcycle thieves or purse-snatchers.” These are people that will try and grab purses or backpacks from people while riding on the back of a motorcycle. But as long as you pay attention to your belongings, nothing bad will happen.  

What I will  say in this section, though, is that you NEED to be extremely careful if you decide to rent a scooter in Bali. I’d say that’s actually the most dangerous thing on the island! I drive very cautiously when riding my moto , and I’ve never been in an accident (knock on wood), but I’ve had several friends end up in the hospital with serious injuries.

Nevertheless, I wouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying the feeling of exploring the island on two wheels. The scooter rides through rice terraces are one of my favorite things about living in Bali, and it’s a great, cheap, and efficient way to experience Bali. Just make sure the person driving is confident and skilled. You should also avoid driving during peak traffic hours.

Best Bali Trip Travel Insurance

I never travel anywhere without booking a travel insurance policy . This is essential for all Bali visitors!

So I’ll repeat…

Please, do NOT visit Bali WITHOUT Travel Insurance!

It’s unfortunately all too common that people come to Bali, get into a scooter accident, and end up needing a lot of medical attention. This, as you can imagine, is not cheap, and while the Bintangs and good vibes are, don’t expect medical treatment as a foreigner to also be of great value! These bills will add up, and sometimes they won’t even operate before they know you’re covered.

I’ve had at least 4 friends now get in serious accidents, but only half of them had travel insurance to cover their needs. Trust me – especially if you plan on driving or getting on the back of a moto (which you most likely will), you’ll want peace of mind to make sure you’re covered.

You also need to consider other issues that could arise, such as theft, boat sinking or water damage, or catching dengue. Trust me when I say these warnings aren’t to scare you, but real-life examples I’ve seen during my time in Bali.

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to its extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths. Their fair pricing and handy app allow you to manage any claims within the app and access free assistance online. This means you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill in Indonesia, where the charges are steep!

Nowadays, I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travelers I’ve met. So, whether you need a single trip cover for two weeks in Bali or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, knowing that HeyMondo has your back.

Still, planning your trip? You can always get a no-commitment travel insurance quote now, so you know how much extra to budget for your vacation!

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A TRIP TO BALI? A BASIC PACKING LIST

One of the things I love about Bali is that you really don’t need to bring all that much — especially if you’re just on a quick 10-day or two-week holiday. Also, shopping in Bali is fantastic. You’ll want to bring back a separate suitcase filled with souvenirs and clothing.

Here are a few items I think are essential for your travels to Bali!  

• Clothing: You’ll want a couple of pairs of shorts, swim trunks, t-shirts, sandals, and comfortable adventure shoes. Add one or two fancier outfits for dinners or nightlife too. Everyone will have different styles or preferences, but my main clothing tip would be to keep it light. Quick-drying clothes will be helpful, mainly because you will sweat up a storm.  
• Portable charger: Anker PowerCore Portable Charger  is one of the smallest and lightest power banks available. I carry this with me everywhere I go because I’m using my iPhone a bit more than I care to admit! Well, when you’re exploring Bali, you’ll definitely want a portable charger.
• Microfiber towel: This Rainleaf MicroFiber Towel  is budget-friendly and stylish. Plus, a quick-drying towel is a must for visiting Bali. You’ll find yourself hiking, sweating, and swimming often – and you’re really going to want one of these. I just bought one of these myself, and it’s the #1 best seller on Amazon!
• Quality sunscreen: The sun is super intense in Bali, and you’ll be out in the sun often during this Bali itinerary. So, make sure you buy some decent sunscreen before you get to Bali because it costs SO much more out there for some reason. I personally use this Neutrogena Lightweight & Water Resistant SPF,  and I love it!
• Mosquito repellent: Unfortunately, mosquitos are flying all over the place in Bali. And you really want to protect yourself when you go on long adventures. I recommend this Mosquito Repellent Bracelet . If you’re just shopping around Seminyak or chilling in Canggu, I wouldn’t worry too much, but if you’re out in nature, definitely put some on!  
• Go Pro: The GoPro Hero 11 is my favorite adventure camera, and I’m truly blown away by the hyper-smooth stability that the GoPro Hero 11 offers. You can take some epic images with this, and it’ll also be perfect for all the underwater or snorkeling shots you’ll want. For the aspiring content creators out there, combine it with a TELESIN Dome Port  for some unique, fun, and creative shots!
• Waterproof phone case: No matter what kind of phone you have, you really want to protect it during your trip. This itinerary is pretty active, and if you don’t have a supportive phone case, like the JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone , I bet you’ll be paying for some phone repairs!  
• Power adapter: Last but certainly not least, this Universal Power Adapter  is just a basic travel essential that you’ll want to pick up one of these before your trip to Bali. I personally love this one and would definitely recommend it!  

THE ULTIMATE BALI TRIP ITINERARY | PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI

Alright, let’s dive into my guide for my extensive Bali holiday itinerary!

10 DAYS & TWO-WEEKS IN BALI ITINERARY

The way I’ve set up this 10-day itinerary is that it’s all focused on Bali. But if you have a full two weeks, I’ve included a trip to the Gili Islands too.

I think it’s best to do it this way because when you book round-trip boat transfers to Gili Trawangan, you can have them drop you off directly at the airport, depending on your schedule. You can book day trips or rent scooters to explore nearby attractions when you’re based in one place for a bit longer.

One thing I think is important about traveling around Bali is avoiding checking in and out of hotels and Airbnb’s every couple of days. That’s why I’ve put at least 3+ nights in each place, and you’ll get a better feeling for the area.  

The full itinerary is below, but here’s an overview of my recommended route so you can start planning:

• Uluwatu (3 Nights)
• Canggu (3 Nights)
• Ubud (4 Nights)
• Gili Islands (3-4 Nights for Two-Week Itinerary)

You might not have the time, energy, or money to do everything on this Bali itinerary, but I wanted to include as much information as possible. So without further ado, let’s get down to the day-to-day itinerary activities!!

BEST PLACES TO STAY ON THIS ITINERARY FOR BALI

Bali is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous luxury resorts and private villas but also has an extensive variety of mid-range hotels and backpacker hostels. It depends on your budget and how much you want to spend. I’ve compiled a fun selection of my top recommended accommodation for each destination on my Bali itinerary. I know you’ll enjoy your stay at any of the options below:

WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu : Consistently reviewed as one of the best values in Bali, get treated like royalty here without breaking the bank. There’s a gorgeous sun terrace with a swimming pool, extremely clean and comfortable rooms, and impeccable service!  

Six Senses Uluwatu : This brand new 5-Star Luxury Resort in Uluwatu will certainly provide an unforgettable stay, but rooms here are costly. Its cliffside location, delicious cuisine, and immaculate attention would make for an exceptional first hotel on the island.    

Home-Bience  Hostel : If you’re a backpacker on a tight budget in Bali, look no further than staying here at Home-Bience Hostel. While it has a shared kitchen and barbeque facilities, you can also get a varied breakfast at an affordable rate too.

WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa : Top-notch luxury at bargain prices! Once you step foot inside this eco resort, you’ll fall into a state of complete tranquility. It’s consistently rated and reviewed as the best hotel and resort in Canggu, with excellent value for money and world-class service.

Kosone Hostel | Alternative Beach : I was living in Canggu when this opened (early 2019), and I’d say it’s the best hostel in Canggu! It’s got a fabulous pool with a swim-up bar, DJs spinning music all day, delicious food, comfortable beds, and rooftop jacuzzis. Do I need to say anymore? Trust me – if you’re a backpacker in Canggu, stay here!  

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

Hanging Gardens of Bali | Ubud’s Premiere Luxury Resort : This is the jungle resort of your dreams! “Located just 30-minute drive from the Ubud’s town center and nestled deep in the heart of Ubud’s rich rainforest preserve, this enchanting five-star luxury resort on 3.2 hectares has 44 private suites and individual villas.”  

Visesa Ubud Resort : This best-seller luxury resort has fantastic prices for the comfort you’ll receive. The villas are absolutely stunning, the staff goes above and beyond, and it has pretty much everything you look for in a resort in Ubud. Delicious food, gorgeous views, shuttle services to the center, and a full spa await you.

Wayan’s Family Hostel Ubud : If you’re looking for an excellent but cheap hostel in Ubud, look no money than this charming family-run guesthouse. It has a magnificent backpacker atmosphere, is a beautiful property, and you’ll fall in love with the staff!

WHERE TO STAY ON GILI TRAWANGAN

Pearl Of Trawangan Resort : There are tons of beautiful resorts on the Gili Islands, but this is easily my favorite! It has an unbeatable beachfront location near the main promenade. The stunning property would be an excellent pick for your time in paradise!!

Gili Castle (formerly known as Gili Backpackers) : This is where I worked when I lived on Gili T, and I’ve got nothing but fond memories of this backpacker hostel! They organize awesome parties and pub crawls, which make it easy to meet fellow travelers. There is a pool with a rock climbing wall, and all the facilities are comfortable. I’d highly recommend staying here for young travelers on a budget.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO BALI = ULUWATU BLISS (3+ NIGHTS)

Honestly, there is no better place to begin your Bali vacation than down in Uluwatu , which is at the southern tip of the island!

It’s my personal favorite area in Bali, world-famous for its surf competitions, has a really fun nightlife scene, and is undoubtedly the best part of the island for watching the sunset. Uluwatu is a place that will certainly leave an impression and will keep you coming back for more! Here you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming in infinity pools, lounging at day clubs, surfing gnarly waves, or riding a scooter along epic coastlines.  

It also has a perfectly relaxed atmosphere that I absolutely love, and I could easily see myself living in Uluwatu for a couple of months sometime in the future. There really is no shortage of amazing things to do in Uluwatu , which I’ve discussed for day 2. Since it’s your first day on the island, take the evening to relax at your resort, enjoy a lovely evening meal, and hopefully conquer any jet lag you’re feeling.  

If you’re up for it, you could enjoy dinner and cocktails your first evening having dinner soaking up the vibe. I recommend one of Jimbaran Bay’s cliffside restaurants or candlelit dinners on Jimbaran Bay, about a 15-20 minute drive from Uluwatu.

“Perched atop distinctive rock formations along Jimbaran’s pristine sunset coast, Rock Bar Bali is widely respected as one of the globe’s most popular sunset, cocktail, and entertainment venues. Showcasing unparalleled views from 14 meters above the Indian Ocean, Rock Bar is accessible via AYANA’s dramatic cliffside inclinator. Featuring a glamorous sunset vibe, and a seductive after-dark ambiance, listen to premier international DJs as they heighten your experience from a custom DJ booth carved directly into the cliff face”.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 2: ULUWATU BEACH EXPLORATIONS & NIGHTLIFE

Everyone will be different, depending on how you want to spend your Bali vacation. Do you want to treat this as a relaxing holiday, or are you more adventurous? Do you want to be surrounded by people and experience luxurious beach clubs, or do you prefer solitude and exploring quieter areas?

No matter what kind of traveler you are, I’ve listed a few of my favorite activities in Uluwatu and the south coast of Bali, and I’m sure this will keep you super busy.

ULUWATU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Visit the Uluwatu Temple: “This one of six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, and is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 meters above sea level.”  After your tour of the Uluwatu Temple, I’d also suggest checking out the Kecak Fire Dance if you’re there simultaneously. It’s a unique cultural fire and traditional Balinese dance show that is definitely a superb experience.
• Watch the professional surfers at Uluwatu Beach: There are tons of different bars and restaurants to choose from, but sit back, grab a Bintang (local beer), and watch from above while these pros amaze you with their skills.  
• Explore all the beautiful beaches around Uluwatu: You’re spoiled for choice here with beaches like Suluban Beach, Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Melasti Beach, Green Bowl Beach, and Pandawa Beach.
• Never miss a sunset. Uluwatu is home to the most magical sunsets practically every evening, so make sure you plan accordingly! Find an infinity pool, rooftop bar, or restaurant terrace, and soak it up!
• Check out a day club: Sundays Beach Club, Finns Beach Club, OMNIA, Karma Beach Club, etc. Honestly, there are tons of epic places to spend a day, but they can be a bit pricey if you’re a backpacker on a budget!  
• Sunday nights at Single Fin: This is one of the most legendary parties on the island, but they only really happen on Sunday night. Don’t get me wrong, Single Fin is an awesome bar & restaurant every night of the week, but definitely, don’t miss the Sunday night party.  
• Spend Saturday nights at Padang Padang Beach: There’s a really cool beach party every Saturday night with reggae and electronic music, lively crowds, and a unique location!  
• Rent a moto to explore it all easily: Uluwatu is one of the best areas on the island to adventure around on a moto! You can rent one for as little as $4 per day, the roads never seem too busy, and it’s just a great feeling!  
• Enjoy a meal at Cashew Tree: This will always be one of my favorite restaurants in all of Bali! They’ve got deliciously healthy smoothies, a large menu, and affordable prices. It’s a backpacker favorite as well, located nearby Bingin’ Beach.  

Check out my article about the best things to do in Uluwatu for more information. All I know is that it’s simply a breathtaking area of Bali, and it might just be hard to leave.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 3: NUSA ISLANDS DAY-TRIPPING

Located just a short 20-30 minute speedboat ride off the coast of Bali are three idyllic islands: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida.

They are all absolutely gorgeous and have unbelievable beaches, landscapes, and some of the best snorkeling or scuba-diving in the country. I’ll talk about this at the bottom of this article, but a substitution would be spending several days on one of these islands if you care a lot about these water activities.

I think it’s a really fun and fantastic day trip since it’s just off the coast, and you can see a lot and still make it back to Uluwatu for sunset cocktails — that is if you have the energy!

There are tons of options, but here are a few of the best sellers. It really just depends if you’re more into beaches, viewpoints, swimming, or snorkeling.

BEST OF NUSA PENIDA PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR

Review: “Climb aboard a fast boat at Sanur Beach and cross the sea to Toyapakeh on the small island of Nusa Penida. Meet your local host on arrival and begin your private day tour. Visit the famous Kelingking Beach for the chance to take photos of the most beautiful spot on the island. Marvel at the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, and then continue to Pasih Uug (Broken Beach) and the natural pool of Angel’s Billabong. Experience the peace and quiet of one of the less visited spots on Nusa Penida before going to the popular beach at Crystal Bay, known for its great diving and snorkeling opportunities.”  

Price:   $33

Read Reviews & Check the Availability

FROM BALI: SNORKELING DAY TRIP TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

Review: “Discover an island paradise off the south coast of Bali and snorkel at 3 different spots around the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in the Indian Ocean. Marvel at the wide variety of tropical fish and live coral flora and fauna.”

Price:   $68

FULL-DAY SNORKELING TRIP TO NUSA PENIDA & MANTA POINT

Review: “Nusa Penida is a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring marine life as you’ll see on this full-day trip. Spot the ocean sunfish, or mola mola and the great manta rays on some of the most amazing drift dives in Indonesia. Board the boat at Sanur Beach for the ride to Nusa Penida and your first snorkeling session of the day at Manta Point. Marvel at the majestic manta rays, which grow up to 6 meters in length. Take some time to enjoy a swim or to relax on the boat, before your second snorkeling session. Afterwards, savor a delicious lunch on the boat.”   

Price:  $132

Check out this epic YouTube Video about Nusa Penida for some travel inspiration!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 4: CANGGU CHILLIN & BAR HOPPING

In only a few short years, Canggu has quickly become popular and overthrown Seminyak as “the place to be”  in Bali. It’s changed drastically since my first visit in 2015. Since then, it has   become a digital nomad hotspot loaded with trendy cafes, co-working spaces, yoga studios, beach clubs, funky bars, surf camps, and thousands of people enjoying the Canggu lifestyle!   

I was fortunate to live in Canggu for a couple of months this year, and it really is a must-visit in Bali. Here’s what you should add to your Bali itinerary for 4 days.

CANGGU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Eat at as many different cafes as possible: Canggu is easily one of the top “foodie hotspots” I’ve ever visited in my entire life. There are literally dozens of places you should try! A couple of my personal favorites are Milk & Madu, The Shady Shack, Motion Cafe, Peleton Supershop, Cinta Cafe, and Milu by Nook.
• Take a surfing lesson: If you’re new to the sport, Canggu can be an excellent place to learn the basics of surfing! While the waves can be a bit rough on some days, the surf camps are awesome in Canggu and will be a great way to spend a couple of hours. Take this tour  as an introduction to the sport.
• Watch the sunset every night on the beach: There are tons of different little local bars & restaurants along the beach, and they tend to put out bean bags and tables during the sunset. Grab a coconut and a beer, and watch the sky change colors to gorgeous orange and pink hues.
• Relax & swim at Alternative Beach Pool & Hostel: This venue is becoming super popular in Canggu. It’s got a perfect temperature pool, decent food options, and a nice sandy vibe hence the name.
• Spend a luxurious day at Finns Beach Club: If you’re not on the strictest budget, why not book a daybed at Finn’s for an easygoing day at a gorgeous venue?
• Stop by AMO Spa for one of their famous facials, relaxing massages, and an Epsom salt jacuzzi session: I’m sad I didn’t discover this place sooner because it ended up being one of my favorite spots in Canggu. The sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and cold plunge circuit are an outstanding endorphin rush!
• Go Canggu nightlife bar hopping: There are plenty of places to visit whether you go for drinks at Old Man’s, cocktails at La Brisa, or find your way to the hidden bar in the supermarket along the  “Canggu shortcut.”  Other really awesome bars I enjoy are The Lawn (awesome pool included), Pretty Poison, and Deus Ex Machina! You can check out this article about the best bars in Canggu for more information on the nightlife!

Check out this epic YouTube video for some more Canggu Travel Information & Inspiration!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 5: SURF, EAT, REPEAT & TANAH LOT TEMPLE SUNSET

Spend another day exploring everything (mainly the cafes) that Canggu has to offer. Do some yoga, surf, hit a co-working space, cross-fit, join a beach clean up, and more!

For sunset, I’d recommend renting a moto and driving down the road (only 20-25 minutes) to the Tanah Lot Temple . It’s one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. It’s an ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves.

There’s a small entrance fee of 60,000 IDR ($4 USD), and you can easily spend an hour or two walking around the coastline and enjoying the scenic views.  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 6: SEMINYAK SHOPPING, DAY CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE

Continuing on with this Bali trip planning, I’d recommend making the short drive from Canggu down to Seminyak for a day of shopping and beach clubs. Seminyak is one of the fancier and more developed regions on the island and is full of awesome things to do, places to eat, and fantastic souvenir shopping!  

Now, on this itinerary, I’ve only listed one day in Seminyak because the last time I visited, I felt it was starting to get a bit too overcrowded. Still, you could easily stay here for several days and explore everything this place offers.

SEMINYAK HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Souvenir shop til’ you drop: For me, I think the Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta area is the best for buying all your souvenirs in Bali. Just remember to haggle, or the locals will take you for a ride. Most prices in all the souvenir stalls are negotiable!
• Visit Potato Head Beach Club: I’ve visited the world-famous Potato Head several times, and it remains one of my favorite spots in Seminyak! It’s a gorgeous beachfront property, has tons of fancy daybeds and loungers, and the food is absolutely delicious! While Potato Head Beach Club is a bit costly (for Bali standards), it’s worth stopping by for a swim, a meal, and a beer. There’s a lively atmosphere, and it can be a great place to meet people – especially around the swim-up bar.
• Relax on bean bags and under umbrellas at La Plancha Seminyak: One of the most colorful bars & restaurants on the beach you’ll ever see. During sunset, they’ve got a fun DJ spinning, decent prices, and an overall fantastic vibe you’re guaranteed to love!
• Pool party at Mrs. Sippy: This is the largest saltwater pool and one of the best pool party hotspots in Bali! Sippy regularly has international DJs come to perform (I saw Pete Tong there earlier this year), and you’ll love watching people jump from the high platform all day long.
• Grab a cup of coffee at Revolver: If you’re a coffee snob, you have to try a cup from Revolver, known to be the best coffee in Seminyak!
• Party it up at the Legendary Nightlife: Kuta & Seminyak are two areas that are quite popular for their bar and nightclub scene. Here are a few of my favorite spots: Motel Mexicola, SkyGarden, Ku De Ta, Cocoon, Woobar, and JENJA.

SEMINYAK TOURS

Seminyak balinese cooking class & market tour.

Review:   “Learn how to cook authentic Balinese dishes with your friendly and experienced local chefs in Seminyak. Join this fun cooking course and bring back some Balinese recipes and newly acquired skills from this 4.5-hour cooking class.”   

Price:   $35.00

Read Reviews & Check the Availability  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 7: UBUD CAFES, MONKEYS, TEMPLES, AND YOGA

Now that you’ve gotten plenty of time to explore Bali’s popular beach areas, the time has come to make the hour’s drive up to the cultural and spiritual capital of Bali.

Many people plan a trip to Bali and immediately add Ubud to their itinerary. That’s because there is truly something magical in the air at Ubud. The minute you step foot in this town, you will slowly start to feel your stress & worries float away.

Ubud is also a fantastic jumping-off point for adventuring around the rest of the island.

UBUD HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

For your first day in Ubud, though, here’s what I would suggest crossing off your bucket list!

• Try out trendy cafes, vegan eats & smoothie bowls: Ubud is another incredible destination for food, and you could easily spend 3 days here eating at as many places as possible and still only scratch the surface. A few of my favorites you MUST TRY are ZEST, Sayuri Healing Food, Alchemy, KAFE, and Clear Cafe.
• Get up close and personal with monkeys: Well, strolling through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the best place to do it. Just be careful. The monkeys at this magical sanctuary  aren’t always as friendly as you’d hope! It’s centrally located in town, super cheap, and a super fun way to spend an hour.
• Legends of the Hidden Temples: Rent a moto, and explore as many of the beautiful temples in the Ubud area as possible. There are literally dozens, and all of them are gorgeous. A few top picks are Pura Tirta Empul, Pura Taman Saraswati, and Goa Gajah!
• Do some Y-O-G-A: There are some fantastic yoga studios in Ubud, and even if it’s not your thing, I’d recommend trying it out. My first experience with Bikram yoga was in Ubud, and it was a sweaty experience I’ll never forget.  
• Ubud Art Market and beyond: Strolling around downtown Ubud has some really fantastic shopping opportunities. You can find some awesome stuff from the traditional art market, souvenir stalls, and trendy fashion stalls here.

 UBUD TOURS

Ubud balinese cooking class at an organic farm.

Review: “Discover the culinary secrets of Bali at an exclusive cooking class at an organic farm in the lush tropics surrounding Ubud. Visit a local market and experience everyday life, before preparing a regular or vegetarian meal with the help of a chef.”  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 8: TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES, BALI SWING & CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK

Ubud still has so many places to teach you about Balinese culture and beauty, like the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the famous swings that almost every influencer has taken pictures at while visiting Bali. These are all ideal for your second day here.

HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Visit the rice terraces: Located just a quick twenty-minute scooter ride from downtown Ubud is the Instagram-famous and undeniably gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terraces . It’s one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Bali and will certainly impress you with its sprawling views of lush green valleys, rice paddies, and towering palm trees! It’s completely free to walk through, but I would bring money for any Bali swings you want to do, coconuts, cold drinks, meals, etc.

• Catch the rice terrace sunrises: If you’re willing to wake up early, watching the sunrise & witnessing the light rays shine through the palm trees is a sight you must see to believe! It’ll be one of the most peaceful ways to start your day, and then you can spend the next 3-4 hours exploring the area. If you head there around mid-day, though, expect big crowds and intense humidity (which can make for some sweaty explorations)!

When you’re done hiking around the rice terraces, I’d recommend picking one of the restaurants up at the top for a bite to eat! It’s a pretty epic place to enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl & fresh coconut water!

• Terrace River Pool Swing: A few minutes from the main rice terraces is this super fun zip-lining and Bali Swing mini-amusement park called Terrace River Pool Swing . It’s also free to walk through and take photos, but you’ll have to pay if you want to do any of the activities. My friend Vanessa and I spent a good hour here and loved it!  

• Campuhan Ridge Walk: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the best-known Ubud hiking trail and is a fantastic place to stroll during the sunset (or any time of the day, really). The sparse crowds and the aesthetically rich vistas will remind you why people worldwide come to Bali. The trail starts at the historical origin of Ubud, the confluence (or Campuhan) of the Wos Rivers. You’ll get some epic hilltop views as you stroll along the nice paved trail and will be surrounded by Ubud rice fields and a deep gorge with a river rushing through it. It’s only about 1.5 kilometers long, so it is popular as a place to work up a sweat. If you’re not too exhausted after exploring the rice terraces, I would say this is an absolute must-do in Ubud!  

Check out this video for a bit of travel inspiration and what to expect!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 9: MT. BATUR SUNRISE HIKE & SPA RELAXATION RECOVERY

Admire the panoramic view of the three volcanoes of Mt. Agung, Mt. Abang, and Mt. Rinjani in Lombok in the majestic sunrise over the clouds from the crater of Mt. Batur!

For adventure travelers, I’d highly recommend waking up super early and beginning the trek to the top of Mt. Batur to witness one of the most magnificent sunrises you will ever see!  

Fair warning, though, this hike is known to be a bit intense and is not for the faint-hearted. Unfortunately, this is one of the few main activities I haven’t gotten the chance to do myself yet, but everyone speaks so highly of it!

There are a few different tours to choose from, and it just depends on what piques your interest the most! Read through some of their itineraries, and browse through all their company reviews.  

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Breakfast
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Hidden Waterfall
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Springs

“Head up the mountain along a less-crowded hiking trail that follows the volcano’s eastern slope. During the ascent, you’ll trek along a 3-kilometer-long trail. The trail is of moderate difficulty, and passes through lush tropical jungles. On reaching the top you’ll enjoy breakfast cooked by steam from the volcano. Sip hot tea or coffee at leisure while watching the magical sunrise. Afterwards, your trek continues to the main crater rim of the volcano, at 1,717 meters above sea level. Take a different route down the mountain, starting from the southwestern crater rim. The journey ends with a chance to soak in the crystal-clear waters of a hot spring to soothe away any aches and pains you may have.”  

UBUD SPA RECOVERY HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

After an early morning wake-up and a long day of climbing up a volcano, you will be ready for a little bit of #self-care and pampering! Ubud was the first time I booked a full-day spa package, and the overall experience blew me away.

I only paid $120 USD, but I received a body scrub, 60-minute massage, herbal bath, healthy lunch, manicure, and pedicure!! It was called DIVINE PAMPERING!!

• Relax at Tasku Spa: Countless different spas in Ubud would be perfect, but I went to Taksu Spa | Ubud’s Premiere Wellness Center  for my spa treatment. They didn’t pay me to say this or anything. I just loved my experience and would highly recommend it to fellow travelers! If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, though, you can visit any of the smaller massage parlors spread around the town!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 10: HANDARA GATE, LAKE BATAN & ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE & SEKUMPUL WATERFALL

Next up on this ultimate Bali itinerary is to book a day trip, hire a private driver, or rent some scooters and explore north Bali! There’s quite a lot to see up there, and it will definitely be a pretty solid day of adventures.  

NORTH BALI HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Handara Gate : Make a quick stop over at this iconic “Bali Gate,” which is actually the entrance to a golf course. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and is a breathtaking view of green scenery and the gigantic exotic traditional Balinese gate as your backdrop.

• Lake Beratan: This is where you’ll visit the majestic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sitting on a small island on the lake, just as you’ve seen in the postcards and Instagram shots of Bali. This lakeside temple was constructed in honor of Dewi Danu, the lake goddess, formed by a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago.

• Sekumpul Waterfall: Quite commonly called the best waterfall in Bali. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the lake and is the perfect place to spend a few hours! Just don’t forget your GoPro!  
• Banyumala Twin Waterfall: “This stunningly beautiful waterfall is perfect for a quiet and peaceful afternoon in the arms of Mother Nature. The natural pool is inviting with its translucent turquoise waters. Swim in tranquility, listen to the thunderous roar of cascading waters, and take in the sights of the vibrant greenery. Although no picture will ever do this natural wonder justice, that shouldn’t stop you from that perfect Instagram shot!”
• Rent a scooter: If you’re confident on a scooter, I would 100% recommend you explore by yourself. The roads are all really scenic, and I loved my experience just whippin’ around the North. It’s higher elevation, which means it’s less hot, and the way the clouds sit upon the hills is majestic!  

NORTH OF BALI TOURS

Northern charm: lake bratan, handara gate, waterfall & swing.

This tour company offers a trip that goes to most of these places and would be a great way to see everything with a professional guide. The price includes all entrance fees (which can actually add up) and has excellent reviews!  

HIRE A CAR WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER FOR 10 HOURS

I remember when I first visited Bali and discovered you could hire a car with a driver to take you anywhere you wanted to go for less than $50! It’s such a fantastic deal, especially if you’re traveling with a significant other or a group of friends!  

Price:   $45.00

BALI ITINERARY DAYS 11-14: EXPERIENCE PARADISE ON THE GILI ISLANDS

Now, if you’ve got more than 10 days in Bali, this is where I’d suggest sailing over to the Gili Islands — one of my favorite destinations in Indonesia! I actually spent a few months living on Gili Trawangan working at a party hostel back in 2015, and it was one of the highlights of my time backpacking through Southeast Asia.

A trip to the Gili Islands is a trip to paradise! The color of the water here will honestly leave you speechless, and I’m just obsessed with the fact that pretty much anytime you go snorkeling/ scuba-diving out there, you’ll be swimming with turtles. There is top-notch nightlife, incredible restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous villas, and the most jaw-dropping sunsets every night!!

Here is a quick breakdown of every island:

• Gili Trawangan = Party Island
• Gili Meno = Honeymoon Island
• Gili Air = Best of Both Worlds / Family Friendly

To get to the Gili Islands, you’ll need to talk to any travel agent in Ubud to organize the hotel pick-up and transfer schedule. You can pick various times, but I’d recommend doing the earliest one possible. It’s a couple hours’ drive to the port and then another couple of hours to the islands!

GILI ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Go snorkeling or scuba-diving every day: The water is crystal clear here, and you can see some pretty awesome marine life just off the shores of each of the three islands! For scuba divers, make sure you chat with some of the dive centers to discuss the best dive sites!
• Watch the sunset every night: Grab a cocktail or a coconut at one of the many beach bars, and watch while the sky dips beneath the horizon in the future and lights up the sky in pretty much every color of the rainbow.
• Party it up: Gili Trawangan is easily one of the best party islands in Southeast Asia , and you can find yourself bar hopping every night if you want to.
• Bike ride around the island: There are no cars on the Gili’s, so I’d recommend renting a bike for at least one day and riding all the way around the island!  
• Enjoy a psychedelic experience: You may or may not be interested in this, but you can buy magic mushrooms in Indonesia quite easily! They’re readily available at many beach bars and shops, and they’re a super fun way to spend a few hours!    

ARRIVAL AT BALI DENPASAR AIRPORT

Once you’ve landed in Bali, successfully made it through immigration and customs, and collected your bags – you’ll need to get your transportation sorted to your first hotel. I must warn you that Bali’s worst part is the Ngurah Rai International Airport !  

You will be harassed by countless people asking you for a taxi, which can be overwhelming after a long-haul flight. That’s why I’d strongly suggest booking a Bali Airport Private Transfer beforehand!   

There are tons of different Bali transfer companies, and most hotels will offer this service (but charge way too much), but I really love this one through Get Your Guide – Bali Airport Private Transfer ! I’ve personally used this service before, and for only $18, it’s a pretty fantastic deal!

It’s really nice to have this all handled before arriving at the airport because it makes for a stress-free arrival! Most Bali car drivers are super friendly and are happy to chat about their favorite things on the island, food, etc.

BEST ITINERARY FOR BALI SUBSTITUTIONS

Alright, so I know I just went over so much information, but now I’m offering up a few other possible Bali itinerary ideas! The truth is that every traveler is a bit different, and there is no right way to spend 10 days or two weeks exploring Bali!  

• Spend more time on the Nusa Islands: With fantastic marine biodiversity, rugged landscapes, and pristine beaches – taking the ferry over to the Nusa Islands and spending 3-4 days over here would be a great option.
• Book a few nights at Mt. Kintamani instead of Ubud: This is a really gorgeous part of Bali, and you wouldn’t believe some of the gorgeous resorts up there. It’ll also make the sunrise hike a lot easier, and you could even attempt to do it on your own to save money!

• Relax & slow down in Sanur: This sleepy coastal town was one of the very first places I visited in Bali, and I honestly loved it. While it may not have the gorgeous coastlines like in Uluwatu or the trendy cafes in Canggu, it’s definitely a comfortable spot with some lively resorts, beautiful white sand beaches, and a nice relaxing vibe. There’s great souvenir shopping, an awesome night market, and overall a solid place to spend a few days!  

BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL TIPS

Bring an international driver’s license.

Fair warning – there’s a good chance that you will get pulled over while driving around Bali! The local cops in Bali are, well… they can be rather CORRUPT. Not all of them, but there’s a huge issue with cops extorting cash from tourists!  

I’ve been harassed almost every time I drive around Bali (for longer-distance trips), but if you have the proper paperwork and an International Driver’s License , you shouldn’t have any problems. Most of the time, they are just security checkpoints on major roads.

If you do get pulled over and they are giving you a difficult time… just try and BRIBE THEM. Hand them over a 50,000 IDR bill, and then show them an empty wall! Simply drive off, and see if that works.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE MONEY EXCHANGE PLACES

They are notorious on the island for scamming tourists, so my recommendation would be to just use the ATMs to get your money. Also, make sure you bring a credit card with no international withdrawal fees! Most tour agencies, restaurants, and bars accept credit cards these days!

DON’T TRUST THE MONKEYS

If this is your first time traveling through Southeast Asia, you might not understand how evil monkeys can actually be! Don’t have any loose jewelry around them, don’t smile at them, don’t look at them directly in the eyes, etc. Just be super cautious with them!  

Check out these YouTube videos below for First Time Travelers to Bali!

HOW TO GET AROUND IN BALI

Use a rideshare app.

There are three main Rideshare apps in Bali: UBER, GOJEK, and GRAB! Download all three of these before landing, and you’ll always be able to find a ride. I’ve never had any issues using any of these platforms, and it is definitely the easiest way to get around. You can even call a MOTO GoJek, and they’ll offer you a helmet, and you sit behind them!  

RENT A SCOOTER

Scooters are an extremely popular way for travelers in Bali to explore the island. Especially around Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud – it makes a huge difference if you have your own moto !  

HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER

For $40-$60 per day, you can Hire a Private Driver (depending on how long you hire for)! For example, if you’re booking a taxi from Uluwatu to Canggu, why not just hire the driver for the entire day, and go explore as much as possible? It really just depends on how you want to spend your days!  

INTERESTED IN SCUBA DIVING?

If you’ve found yourself with some more time to gallivant around Indonesia, I’d highly recommend booking a flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. So you can visit the wondrous Komodo National Park  and experience some of the world’s most unbelievable marine biodiversity and scuba-diving.  

I’ve now visited Komodo two different times, and it is a remarkable destination that deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list! Komodo National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve!  

The color and clarity of the water are stunning, the landscape is completely gorgeous, and getting up close and personal with Komodo Dragons is an experience you’ll never forget. But the real magic begins when you strap on your fins and snorkel mask and start exploring the underwater scenery!

It really is the best snorkeling and scuba-diving I’ve witnessed in my life! It’s also one of the best places to do a liveaboard in Southeast Asia, as the prices are relatively affordable (compared to other popular scuba destinations).  

Check out these Komodo National Park liveaboards to view dates, prices, and availability to see if you can squeeze one into your Bali itinerary!

• Adelaar Liveaboard (Bali – Komodo)
• Moana Liveaboard
• Indo Aggressor (Komodo National Park)

PURCHASE THE BALI LONELY PLANET & POCKETBOOK

No matter how long your Bali vacation is, I’d also recommend picking up one of the Bali Lonely Planet Travel Guide Books ! They are honestly loaded with insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and fun day ideas! I know I’ve gone into a  lot of detail in this post (so maybe you should bookmark this for your trip), but these are always handy!  

PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI, INDONESIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA?

I’ve spent a lot of time backpacking around this marvelous region of the world, and I’ve written a rather large amount to help you figure out your ideal upcoming vacation! Look through some of my favorite articles below, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my Bali itinerary travel guide!

Further Reading:

• The Ultimate Ubud Itinerary | 3 Days In Bali’s Hidden Paradise
• Top 12 Music Festivals In Bali To Experience This Year
• The Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
• 17 Amazing Things To Do On Gili Trawangan
• The 7 Best Places to Eat on Gili Trawangan
• Komodo Island Trip Review | Sailing from Lombok to Flores
• The 5 Best Places to Trip on Magic Mushrooms in Southeast Asia
• The 15 Best Places to Party in Southeast Asia
• 20 Best Beaches In Malaysia | Beach Resorts & Islands
• The 20 Best Beaches In Vietnam | Epic Islands, Beach Resorts + Hotels
• The 20 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
• Thailand Itinerary | 10 Days In The Land Of Smiles

THANKS FOR READING MY BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL GUIDE!!

Share this bali trip planner with your squad.

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Looking for sample itinerary on your trip to Bali? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox35Xqg55OI&t=755s

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Hi, I’m thinking of going this November, I know it’s “rainy season” but it’s not a terrible time to go is it?

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Hi! This guide has been really useful. But I would love some advice on how to book some of the hotels, trips etc, And can I do this with a flight included? I am a 53 year old female who will be travelling alone and as you may have guessed I have only ever been on package holidays before but would love to do Bali on a multi hotel basis to ensure I see as much as possible in either 2 or 3 weeks. Look forward to some replies – all advice welcomed xx

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When we, as Australians can travel again (once our international borders reopen), we are planning on heading direct to Bali on our way through Asia. We have been to Bali many times but amazingly have never been to Uluwatu or Gili T. You have definitely sold us on both!

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Picking Your Perfect Shoreline: Thailand Vs Bali Unpacked

From iconic tourist attractions to serene shores, uncover your dream beach getaway with our ultimate guide on the thailand vs bali debate..

By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Mar 21, 2024 02:00 PM HKT

Navigating Thailand vs Bali for your ideal beach getaway can be daunting, given the allure of both destinations with their picturesque landscapes and tourist attractions. From the exquisite architecture of ancient temples to the captivating charm of hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches, both Thailand and Bali boast a range of tourist delights. To aid in your decision-making process, here’s our ultimate guide to help you choose the destination that best suits your interests.

Thailand is one of the most-visited countries in Southeast Asia , while Bali, as a province of Indonesia, is nestled within one of the region’s largest countries. Your choice between Thailand and Bali depends on many factors, including the time available for exploration. While Thailand typically requires more time to explore its vast array of attractions, Bali can be explored in a shorter time frame.

Both Thailand and Bali offer ample opportunities to indulge in beach activities and explore islands, forests, temples, adventure activities, iconic tourist attractions and nightlife. However, Bali is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, contrasting with Thailand’s bustling tourist scene. Nevertheless, seekers of the offbeat can always venture on the road less taken anywhere they go.

If you’re torn between the two, we recommend experiencing each destination separately, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique offerings of both Thailand and Bali.

Finding the best time to visit Thailand and Bali

While there is no “bad” time to visit Thailand and Bali, choosing the ideal time may yield better deals and experiences.

Thailand experiences pleasant weather from November to February, extending sometimes into early March, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius, marking the peak season. However, the period from April to September can be hot and humid, albeit offering potential savings on travel expenses.

Similarly, visiting Bali in April, May, September, and October can be more wallet-friendly , compared to the peak tourist seasons of July, August and December, which offer pleasant weather but come with higher costs.

Both destinations should ideally be avoided during their respective wet seasons, as heavy rains may hamper planned activities and day trips.

Thailand vs Bali: Which is kinder to your budget?

Your choice between Thailand and Bali ultimately depends on your travel preferences and budget, whether you lean towards luxury, comfort, or backpacking adventures. However, it is generally agreed that Thailand is more wallet-friendly than Bali, offering diverse options and catering to a bigger tourist market with varying budgets.

Nature’s treasures: Must-visit natural gems in Thailand and Bali

Both destinations boast stunning natural landscapes, featuring pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, enchanting national parks, caves and waterfalls. Explore some of the most enchanting natural wonders here.

Thailand: Phang Nga Bay, Khao Sok National Park, Erawan Falls, Khao Yai National Park, Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Tham Lot, Similan Islands, Kanchanaburi, and Phi Phi Islands.

Bali: Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park, Batukaru Temple and mountain, Tegallalang rice terraces, Sekumpul Waterfall, Nusa Lembongan, Bedugul and Bali Botanic Gardens, Campuhan Ridge and Jatiluwih.

Top tourist attractions in Thailand vs Bali

From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient cities to pristine beaches and serene islands, both destinations are dotted with iconic tourist attractions, making the list of places to visit in Thailand and Bali endless. Here are some of the popular ones.

Thailand: Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Ayutthaya , White Temple in Chiang Rai, The Grand Palace in Phra Nakhon, Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, Jomtien Beach, Koh Samui and Phuket.

Bali: Pura Lempuyang, Lovina-Black Sand Beach, Blue Point Beach, Goa Gajah Temple, Tanah Lot, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Nusa Penida, Tirta Empul Temple, Bali Swing, and Ubud Monkey Forest.

The ultimate checklist: Things to do in Thailand vs Bali

Both destinations offer a myriad of activities to suit every type of traveller, whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover or a culture enthusiast. Here’s a list to inspire your adventure!

• Find solace at temples or wats.
• Interact with gentle giants at Green Elephant Sanctuary Park .
• Marvel at spectacular Asian art and intriguing displays at Jim Thompson House.
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ban Chiang Archaeological Site.
• Indulge in pub hopping along Bangla Road.

• Partake in thrilling water sports, especially scuba diving and snorkelling.
• Cycle around Nusa Penida.
• Go whitewater rafting in the Ayung River.
• Trek to Mount Batur for a magnificent sunrise.
• Indulge in wine-tasting tours.

On a shopping spree: Where and what to shop in Thailand and Bali

Both destinations are a shopper’s paradise, but Thailand stands out with its range of shopping options, from upscale stores to vibrant street markets. Here are some of the best places to indulge in retail therapy.

Thailand: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Union Mall, Saphan Phut Night Market and Amphawa Floating Market.

Bali: Bali Collection, Kuta Beachwalk, Badung Market, Ubud Art Market and Mal Bali Galleria.

Thailand vs Bali: Journeying through the culinary scene

Both destinations offer a haven for food lovers, catering to diverse palates. However, Balinese cuisine tends to be less spicy than Thai cuisine’s bold flavours. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street-side eateries, the options to satiate your taste buds are aplenty at both places. Let’s explore some of the best dining spots.

What to eat: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Gaeng Daeng, Khao Soi, Pad Kra Pao Moo and Laab

Where to eat: Penthouse Bar + Grill in Bangkok, Pine Beach Bar in Phuket, Horizon in Pattaya, Park Thai Eatery in Chiang Mai, and Khaothong Hill in Krabi

What to eat: Nasi ayam and nasi campur, Babi guling, Tahu and tempeh, Pepes and tum, and Nasi goreng

Where to eat: Kepitu Restaurant At The Kayon Resort, Arcadia Restaurant Ubud, Sukun Restaurant Kuta, Village Square-Wok Wok and Botanist Restaurant Ubud

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Best hotels: where to stay in thailand and bali.

Thailand offers a wide range of accommodations, from opulent hotels and luxury villas to vibrant hostels and exotic homestays. Meanwhile, Bali is renowned for its gorgeous tree houses in secluded settings and resorts featuring private plunge pools with captivating views. Here are some of the best options.

Thailand: Rosewood Phuket, 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Sindhorn Kempinski and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Book your stay at DoubleTree by Rosewood Phuket - SHA Plus on Booking.com

Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui on Booking.com

Bali: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, AYANA Resort Bali, Amankila, Alila Villas Uluwatu and COMO Shambhala Estate

Book your stay at AYANA Resort Bali on Booking.com

Book your stay at Alila Villas Uluwatu on Booking.com

(Feature image credit: Alfiano Sutianto/Unsplash)

Related:  Malaysia vs Singapore: Two Amazing Destinations, One Tough Decision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main differences between Thailand and Bali as travel destinations? Both destinations offer numerous picturesque spots and exciting activities. However, Thailand, being a country, provides a wider range of tourist attractions compared to Bali, which is a province.

Which destination is better for a beach vacation, Thailand or Bali? While Thailand boasts numerous beaches, Bali’s pristine islands are ideal for a relaxed beach vacation.

Which destination is better for cultural exploration, Thailand or Bali? Both destinations are culturally rich, offering immersive experiences. It depends on whether you prefer to delve into Thai culture or immerse yourself in Balinese traditions.

Which destination is better for adventure activities, Thailand or Bali? Both destinations offer a plethora of adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, ziplining, scuba diving, snorkelling and rafting. However, Bali is renowned for its extensive range of watersports and water-based activities.

Which destination is more affordable to travel to, Thailand or Bali? Thailand is comparatively more affordable, offering a wide range of accommodation options from hotels and hostels to resorts and villas. In contrast, Bali is known for exclusive staycations in luxurious tree houses and resorts nestled amidst rainforests on islands.

Which country has a better and more convenient visa policy, Thailand or Bali? While both destinations have different visa policies for various countries, Thailand generally has more relaxed visa rules compared to Bali.

• Bali Tourism
• beach destinations
• Thailand Tourism

Pyusha Chatterjee

A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with .. Read More friends or organising things unnecessarily. Read Less

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• Optional Tours
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• Explore the 3-country golden triangle in Southeast Asia
• Experience unique Thai, Singaporean and Balinese cultures and hospitality
• Visit majestic Buddhist Temples with unique historical artifacts in Thailand
• Visit Bali’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Rice Terraces of Jatiluwih
• Be amazed by the Crazy-Rich cityscapes in Singapore
• Enjoy the sun, sea, and surf in Bali
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Not Included: Prices do not include Optional Programs, Local Gratuities, Travel Medical and Interruption Insurances, Airlines Seat Assignments Fees, Personal Expenses … Additional Information: Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. Full-Package Prices include airfare, fuel surcharges, airport taxes and fees. All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Full-Package (Air and land) tour prices apply from the gateway airport or city specified in the Package Highlights. Prices will vary from alternative gateway airports or cities and may be higher. The total price will be clearly displayed prior to any deposit being required. Additional baggage charges may apply.  

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Extend Your Stay

Day 1 Depart for Thailand Board an international flight bound for Bangkok, eager to begin our Asia vacation. Spend the night aboard as our flight crosses the International Date Line. Day 2 Arrive in Bangkok Welcome to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Upon arrival, greeted by our local tour guide at the airport and transfer to your luxury hotel. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Overnight:  Bangkok Day 3 Bangkok Your sightseeing in Bangkok begins with a visit to the Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit) to admire its amazing statue. It’s one of Bangkok’s most elegant and unique temples with its white marble walls. Afterwards, visit the Bangkok Chinatown District, and the Temple of Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), home to the world’s biggest solid-gold Buddha statue. It’s measuring 10 feet high, weighing over 5 tons, and valued at $14m. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Optional Program: Asiatique The Riverfront & Dinner Cruise Night Tour(minimum 4 participants) $65 per person.    This Evening, why not mark your last night in Thailand’s exciting capital with our optional Chao Phraya dinner Cruise. Admire views of the floodlit Grand Palace, and Bangkok’s golden temples and river bridges as you enjoy a scrumptious buffet dinner on board your comfortable ship. Overnight: Bangkok Overnight:  Bangkok Meals:  Breakfast Day 4 Bangkok – Pattaya This morning, drive to scenic Pattaya (approximate 2 hours), a popular vacation spot on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand whose beaches and entertainments draw thousands of visitors annually. On the way, stop at Gemstone Gallery, Asia's biggest museum for gems & stones!!! and where you can see how traditional Thailand precious items are produced for sale and purchase some as souvenirs for friends and families. Upon arrival, visit the Sanctuary of Truth – a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais, and one of most interesting attractions in Pattaya! The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relaxing on the sands or by the pool. Optional Program: The Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya $65  per person.  The Alcazar Cabaret Pattaya is recognized internationally throughout the entertainment circuit. Alcazar is more than just a drag queen show and in the early days was not accepted. After years of evolvement and development of new technology, the Alcazar Show is world acclaimed. It has successfully blended the art of acting, stage design, costumes and performance so well that all ages can enjoy the spectacular show. The Alcazar show is a must see for visitors local or foreigners. Overnight: Pattaya Meals:  Breakfast Day 5 Pattaya Today is at leisure to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Optional Program: Full-Day Floating Market & Elephant World Sanctuary $135 per person. Pattaya Floating Market – the biggest in the world. Separated into four sections, with each offering and representing items from the four major regions of Thailand. Here, you will find food and fruit stalls as well as souvenir shops. Then, travel to scenic Rainforest and visit the Elephant Sanctuary for rescued elephants. Admire, feed and help bathe these incredible animals in the river before enjoying lunch at the camp. . Overnight : Pattaya Meals : Breakfast Day 6 Bangkok  After breakfast, visit the Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan), a famous place as it features a giant sculptural image of Lord Buddha erected on the giant cliff. Then, stop at Thai-Silk Center – the best place to shop Thai silk and handicrafts. Afterwards, board your departing bus back to Bangkok. Overnight: Bangkok Meals:  Breakfast Day 7 Bangkok -Singapore Check out of the hotel in Bangkok and ride the transfer to the airport to check-in for  the flight to Singapore. Our Singapore tour representative will be met and greet you after you exit at the baggage collection and  arrange for transfer to bring you to the hotel for Check-in. The rest of the day will be at your own leisure. Overnight:  Bangkok Meals:  Breakfast Day 8 Singapore Our half-day city tour will begin after breakfast. Singapore was a former colony of the British Empire as an important trading post for the sea trade between Europe and Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. It Our half-day city tour will begin after breakfast. Singapore was a former colony of the British Empire as an important trading post for the sea trade between Europe and Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. It gained its independence in 1965 and flourished as an important financial hub in the region in the 20th century, widely regarded as one of the four tigers of economic success and growth in Asia. Explore the Civic District that is still dotted with neo-colonial European architecture buildings mostly serving as government offices or public buildings. Drive past the huge grass field called Padang that used to be the gathering place for the nation’s national parades celebrating its independence, or where the sport of cricket is still being played in front of the once exclusive Cricket Club. Peek at the imposing Parliament House, Supreme Court, and City Hall along the way to arrive at the Merlion Park overlooking the grandeur of the Marina Bay. It is here most visitors will seize the opportunity for a photo-op with the landmark Merlion, a part-fish-part-lion symbol of Singapore’s tourism success with gushing seawater from its lion head's mouth. The excursion continues to the colorful Chinatown and Little India that showcases a part of its multi-cultural heritage that excites your senses. The rest of the day will be at your own leisure or for own exploration of this convenient island city. Overnight: Singapore Meals:  Breakfast Day 9 Singapore - Bali, Indonesia Check out of the hotel today to be transferred to the airport to board a short flight to exotic Bali. Bali is the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia – known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, and coral reefs. Our tour representative and/or driver will meet you at the arrival hall and arrange for transport to transfer you to your designated hotel for check-in. The rest of the day shall be at your leisure to rest or for your exploration of the vicinity on your own. Overnight: Bali, Indonesia Meals:  Breakfast Day 10 Bali, Indonesia Spend a day discovering the natural beauty and ancient relics of the Balinese midlands. Start the day with a visit to Pura Taman Ayun, the 17th-century temple of Mengwi, set in a beautiful park with trees and ponds full of lotus blossoms. The large spacious temples and multi-tiered shrines are surrounded by a wide, elegant moat. Continue to Bedugul, a village in the central highlands famous for its stunning beauty and three lakes. Stroll around the traditional market where a myriad of fruits, vegetables, orchids, exotic spices, and souvenirs are for sale. At the nearby Lake Bratan photograph the iconic Ulun Danu temple, built on small islands in the serene lake. In the afternoon drive southwards to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – the rice terraces of Jatiluwih. Trek through this area of green stepped rice fields and hear about the Subak irrigation system that has been preserved by the Balinese farmers for centuries. Return to your hotel via scenic roads. Overnight: Bali, Indonesia Meals:  Breakfast Day 11 Bali, Indonesia Today is free at your own leisure to enjoy at the beach or you may join one of the optional tours available. Optional Tour: Full-Day Bali Excursion at $79 per person. During this full-day tour discover the culture, countryside and stunning scenery of Bali. Start the day with a performance of the famous Barong and Keris Dance. This traditional Balinese dance narrates the fight between good and evil and is a classic example of the Balinese way of blending myth and history into one reality. Drive to Tampak Siring to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi. Set at the bottom of a lush green river valley, these 11th-century temples feature 10 rock-cut shrines, called candi, carved into the cliff face. The awe-inspiring shrines combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. Walk down the many stairs to the temple taking in the views of the terraced rice fields along the way. Continue to Kintamani set around the rim of the Gunung Batur crater. Look out over Bali's most active volcano, Mount Batur, which soars over 1800 meters into the sky. In the center is a beautiful turquoise-green lake, the largest lake of the island. Lunch on your own expense in a local restaurant with beautiful views, drive back to the south with a stop in Tegalalang to see Bali's most iconic rice terraces and here we have planned a coffee break for you. Overnight: Bali, Indonesia Meals:  Breakfast Day 12 Depart from Bali, Indonesia Check out from your hotel before noon. Catch the pre-scheduled airport transfer time that will best suit you before your flight departure. In the event when your returning flight is during the early morning hours the next day, there will be a fixed Denpasar Airport transfer from the hotel this evening. If your flight time is in the early morning the next day and you prefer to spend more free time to enjoy Bali on your own before heading home by not boarding the evening airport transfer early, getting to the airport will then be at your own expense. Meals:  Breakfast Certain Airlines' flight departs from Bali in the early morning (around 1 AM) on Day 12. We sometimes can change your flight to early morning (around 1 AM) on Day 13 based on availability, then you have another full day on your own in Bali, but you need head to Bali airport yourself in the late evening on Day 12.

• Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
• Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
• Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
• Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
• Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
• The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week

This evening, why not mark your last night in Thailand's exciting capital with our optional Chao Phraya dinner Cruise. Admire views of the floodlit Grand Palace, and Bangkok's golden temples and river bridges as you enjoy a scrumptious buffet dinner on board your comfortable ship.

Travel to the Grand Palace, the landmark that tops Bangkok’s must-see list. Head inside the 18th-century walled complex, and stroll around the gold-trimmed pavilions, terraces, shrines and courtyards as you learn how, when and why they were built. Cap your visit with a peek inside the palace’s magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), home to a 14th-century Buddha statue carved from jade. Next, ride a boat across the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings and visit the stunning Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Admire the Khmer-style, porcelain-mosaic covered spires of this riverfront temple as your guide reveals its religious significance and symbolism.

The Alcazar Cabaret Pattaya is recognized internationally throughout the entertainment circuit.Alcazar is more than just a drag queen show and in the early days was not accepted. After years of evolvement and development of new technology, the Alcazar Show is world acclaimed. It has successfully blended the art of acting, stage design, costumes and performance so well that all ages can enjoy the spectacular show. The Alcazar show is a must see for visitors local or foreigners.

travel to scenic Rainforest and visit the Elephant Sanctuary for rescued elephants. Admire, feed and help bathe these incredible animals in the river,with Lunch and Buffet Dinner at Pattaya Park Tower Observation Revolving Restaurant

During this full day tour discover the culture, countryside and stunning scenery of Bali. Start the day with a performance of the famous Barong and Keris Dance. This traditional Balinese dance narrates the fight between good and evil and is a classic example of the Balinese way of blending myth and history into one reality. Drive to Tampak Siring to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi. Set at the bottom of a lush green river valley, these 11th century temples feature 10 rock-cut shrines, called candi, carved into the cliff face. The awe-inspiring shrines combine ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple attributes. Walk down the many stairs to the temple taking in the views of the terraced rice fields along the way. Continue to Kintamani set around the rim of the Gunung Batur crater. Look out over Bali's most active volcano, Mount Batur, which soars over 1800 metres into the sky. In the centre is a beautiful turquoise-green lake, the largest lake of the island. Lunch on your own expense in a local restaurant with beautiful views, drive back to the south with a stop in Tegalalang to see Bali's most iconic rice terraces and here we have planned a coffee break for you.

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Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt May 18, 2022

By David Szmidt | May 18, 2022

Last update: August 2, 2022

The best countries and travel tips for visiting Southeast Asia: what to eat, where to go, what to see, how to get around. From backpacking to luxury travel, here’s everything you need to know

Southeast Asia is a place for an itinerary: when it comes to ‘best countries’ or ‘most interesting places’, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Two weeks on the beach ? Hitchhiking in the hills? Partying, self-indulgence, street food in Bangkok , river cruise in Phnom Penh? The list is endless. Here’s our guide to three of the top destinations in the region. 

A taste for adventure

Thailand is two extremes bound by a common thread. The cities are overwhelming, thrilling; a swarming mass of people, noises, smells and heat. The countryside is traditional, rural; plump hills, misty valleys, rice paddies and ancient villages. The one thing that runs through both ways of life is food .

Fresh, local, well-balanced and with a satisfying palette of flavors running from citrus to spice, herbal to sweet, Thai food is one of the most central parts of the culture. People do not just gather to have a meal, the meal is the reason people gather. It’s a small distinction, but an important one.

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No matter where you go, food will be central. Bangkok’s street food (different from a traditional Thai sit-down meal) is nonetheless an attraction in itself. Markets such as Ratchada Train Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Srinakarin Train Market and the touristy Khao San Road offer woks full of curries, noodles, stir-fries and seafood, as well as grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, or mango sticky rice.

Temples and beaches — two things that Thailand does extremely well

Once you’ve had your fill of food, it’s time to feed your soul. Thailand is a country of temples — over 40,000 of them in fact — and other things that look like temples, including the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya (the brainchild of an artist who spent two decades designing and building it out of teak), Chiang Rai’s White Temple (previously abandoned, now a sort of art gallery with colorful murals depicting strange but gentle representation of humanity… and Harry Potter), and the stunning Wat Mahathat, surrounded by national park in the ruined city of Ayutthaya.

Finally, you need to head to the sea. 2,815km of coastline means some of the world’s most stunning beaches , particularly in the south of the country, as well as on the 1,400 islands such as the famous Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you’re looking for beach parties , water sports, cliff diving , or simply somewhere where no one will bother you for a while, head down to the clear, warm water and do your thing.

A place where hedonism and spirituality go surprisingly hand-in-hand

The island of Bali is Indonesia ’s most popular tourist destination, with people visiting all year round for its reputation as a party place. And while that’s certainly true, it also manages to be a place where you can get in touch with your spiritual side by visiting temples, learning about the local way of life, or attending a yoga retreat high up in the mountains.

The area comprising Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, to the southwest of Denpasar is many peoples’ first port of call if they’re looking for party action, with its 8km long beach backed by thronging streets of bars, restaurants, clubs and all the nightlife you could ever want. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for wild nights followed by days of recovery on the beach, this is one of the top places to be.

For something a bit more on the local side, try Ubud, the cultural capital of the island. With scores of Hindu temples to explore, and the local economy underpinned by things like tea houses, art galleries, yoga studios and the like, it’s much more on the eat-pray-love end of the scale. Accommodation is generally pricier here than anywhere else, but it’s a great place to learn about the history and beliefs of the Balinese people: temple festivals and rituals happen almost every day, and traditional dances take place on the streets at night.

Surfing, scenery and spas

No matter where you go around the coast of Bali, there are loads of opportunities to get involved in water sports like surfing (it’s one of the best locations in Indonesia), snorkeling , scuba diving, rafting and sailing. You might encounter dolphins or reef sharks, shoals of shimmering fish, manta rays, and the huge mola mola (or sunfish). 

From down by the ocean, it’s up into the mountains or, even more exciting, trekking up to the threateningly smoky rims of volcanoes . Not for the faint of heart (figuratively or literally), you could alternatively choose to see the countryside by bicycle , taking a less stressful journey through rice paddies, and villages hidden in lush undergrowth. If even that sounds too much like hard work, Bali is home to some of the most luxurious and extravagant spa treatments anywhere in the world, including lava stone reflexology, a facial using sea quartz and diamond dust, and one spa offering bedtime stories whispered to you by a Buddhist nun .

Diversity makes for prosperity

The phrase ‘ cultural melting pot ’ is such a cliché as to be rendered virtually meaningless, but when a country has multiracialism (the ability for an individual to identify not as a member of one or multiple racial groups, but as a third category of something like ‘mixed-ness’) as part of its constitution, you realize you might need to wheel out the old cliché trolley.

With four official languages (English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil) and 21 July being celebrated as Racial Harmony Day, Singapore has taken this multinationalism and used it as a basis for trade and commerce; since its independence in 1965, Singapore’s free trade agreements and direct foreign investment have seen mighty glass and steel skyscrapers spring up, marking it out as one of Asia’s great centers of wealth.

The modern-day miracle metropolis, just a stone’s throw away from nature

The ultimate aim, however, is to make Singapore a ‘City in a Garden’ as the project has it. This means making those skyscrapers sustainable , adding greenery wherever possible, and generally throwing vast amounts of money at making the city a leading light in the race for environmental equality. You don’t have to head far out of town before you’re on walking trails through the jungle , or rope walks across the treetops. You might meet some of the local wildlife —  monkeys, flying lemurs, hornbills, sea turtles, dolphins and the like — in one of the nature reserves , or by going on a night safari or river safari.

It’s an easy city to get around as well, due to the need for efficient public transport to cater to its 5.4 million inhabitants. The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a shiny, modern system that can whizz you to pretty much anywhere around the city, from the Chinese temples to the temples of commercialism in the Marina Bay area. Shopping, street food and sightseeing are all within easy reach, so take time to investigate each area of the city. You can track the city’s evolving architecture, from the colorful shophouses of the Joo Chiat/Katong neighborhood, through the art deco stylings of Tiong Bahru, to the sleek, sci-fi biodomes of the Gardens by the Bay. That all of this exists at all is the true miracle of Singapore.

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Bali vs Thailand

Travel Blog Last Updated · Jan 10th, 2024 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

When planning a trip to Thailand or Bali, which is better?

This is not an easy decision to make, as both Asian destinations offer stunning beaches, unique cultures, and some of the world’s most delicious cuisines.

Much will depend on your own expectations, budget, the activities you want to do as well as the level of lifestyle you want to maintain while visiting.

In this post, we’re going to dig into the pros and cons of having a vacation or an extended period of time in Bali vs Thailand to help you make a well-informed decision when choosing between these two tropical paradises in South-East Asia.

Table of Contents

Bali vs Thailand: Which is better?

Thanks to their sunny and warm weather almost all year round, affordable accommodation options, amazing traditional dishes and welcoming people, Bali and Thailand are the most attractive places to visit in South East Asia .

It is no surprise that these are two of the most popular spots for people such as digital nomads and remote workers who like spending long periods of time.

Let’s clarify something important first. While everybody knows that Thailand is a country , not many remember that Bali is just an island in Indonesia .

Also not that Indonesia is composed by many incredible islands, each one offering a wide choice of activities and things to see to visitors.

But let’s go back to Bali vs Thailand and compare these two places.

Best time to visit Bali vs Thailand

Bali and Thailand have different monsoon seasons, so it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your trips. Bali’s rainy season runs from October to April, while Thailand’s rainy season runs from May to November .

It’s worth knowing that in Thailand the monsoon season doesn’t affect the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao (to name a few).

Even though temperatures are always warm, it’s not ideal to spend most of your limited time off indoors because of the monsoon rain when you could have quite easily traveled somewhere closer with sun.

Depending on when you’re planning to travel, take into account when the rainy season arrives and ends so you can spend time outdoors, whether it’s at the beach taking in the sun or exploring the main landmarks in Thailand or Bali.

If you’re a digital nomad, maybe it’s not that important what the weather is like, as your main concern is saving money on accommodation and food etc.

Traveling during the low or shoulder season means that you can still get sunny days and save money at the same time.

🏆 Winner: Thailand

What we love about Thailand is that you can travel there any time of the year, all you have to do is choose the right part of the country to spend your vacation!

The Vibe in Bali vs Thailand

Nightlife and entertainment in Thailand are probably some of the best you can experience in the Asian continent.

The capital Bangkok is famous for its nightclubs, rooftop bars and discos where you can sip cocktails and pay far less than in any Western country.

KhaoSan Road is the most popular street full of food stalls, bars and chain restaurants where you can find both traditional food and Western cuisine dishes.

Even in Chiang Mai , the night scene is quite lively with its Night Market and a wide range of restaurants and bars.

Even the islands offer many entertainment options to please tourists, such as the Full Moon Party, if you’re looking to go partying all night . Even in the most important centres of Bali, the opportunities to have fun are plenty.

If you’re in Ubud, the capital city, or in the popular coastal towns of Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta and Jimbaran , you can be sure that the options to have fun all day long and in the evening on offer.

From daytime shopping and live music by the ocean at night, the atmosphere is much more chilled and authentic than in Bangkok and Thai islands.

🏆 Winner: Bali

Food in Bali vs Thailand

Everywhere you go around South East Asia you can expect to find amazing dishes to taste, but looking at Bali vs Thailand, which is better?

Thailand is the motherland of the incredible pad thai and curries , some of the world’s most loved Thai dishes. A trip to Thailand will also open your eyes to many more fresh spices which are used to give that extra kick to any dish you try.

The must-try foods are: pad thai, red or green curry (quite hot!), tom yum , pad kra pao moo and mango sticky rice . Common fresh ingredients used are: coconut, lemon grass, chillies and a range of curry powders.

Join this Cooking Class near Chiang Mai with Farm Visit as we did to dive into the flavors and colours of the authentic Thai cuisine. Of course, there are many more and if you’re a braveheart, why don’t you try fried insects from the market stall?

On the other hand, Balinese cuisine is less hot and similarly to Thailand, makes use of coconuts . It’s also good to know that it’s much more frequent to find fish on the Balinese tables.

Unmissable dishes to try are: ikan bakar , fresh fish served with coconut and spices, nasi goreng , gado gado and satay. In general, the Thai cuisine is more varied and offer a wider choice of dishes than that of the Balinese one.

Cost of Travel in Bali vs Thailand

Overall, Thailand is cheaper than Bali . Thailand has a wider range of accommodation options to suit all types of budgets, and the local food and alcoholic drinks are surprisingly cheap in comparison.

More recently, Bali is offering a wider choice of places to stay for all type of travelers and budgets. Check out these hostels in Bali for more ideas.

Bali remains affordable compared to Western destinations and other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia; however, Thailand is still slightly less expensive. This is what makes Thailand such a great choice for many travelers.

On top of that, the flights from Europe to Thailand or the US are much cheaper than Bali all year round. Luckily, the cost of practicing water sports or other outdoor activities and day trips are similar for both destinations.

Public transport is readily available and cheap in Thailand whilst almost non existent in Bali forcing tourists to pay a driver to move around and visit places on the island or even to get from the airport to Ubud city centre for example.

According to Numbeo.com, eating out and grocery shopping is cheaper in Ubud than Bangkok, but these numbers can vary if you’re in small towns or villages in Thailand. This is well worth noting if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker.

Things to do in Bali vs Thailand

When looking at the things to do in Bali vs Thailand, both destinations have a wide choice of outdoor activities you can do .

From spending time at the beach , visit stunning temples , trying local food and reconnecting with nature inside millenary forests. In fact, both Thailand and Bali are the quintessential tropical heavens to do all that.

However, Bali has more recently developed a great offer for all tourists to visit the main attractions of the island and get to know its culture and religion.

In Bali, you can book a day tour and visit temples, rice plantations and coffee farms all without thinking about how to get from one place to the other.

If you want to save money, try to join a small group or split the travel costs with fellow travelers that you will likely meet along the way.

In Ubud, you can also find unusual tours to explore the city like this Bike Tour with Rice Terraces or to get in touch with the local culture.

Check out this 3-Hour Silver Jewelry Making Class and this Cooking Class in a Local Village for some popular ways to learn about local life in Bali.

Compared with Bali, Thailand it’s much more difficult to ‘experience it all’ during one trip and you have to be selective of what you want to do.

In Bangkok, visit the city’s main attractions and try the street food, in Chiang Mai, hop from one temple to the other and go island hopping in the south, to see dreamy beaches and islands like Maya beach and the Phi Phi Islands.

In general, when it come to raw culture Bali remains more authentic than Thailand and for this reason, we prefer it to Thailand.

Tourist attractions in Bali vs Thailand

Thailand is much bigger than Bali and for this reason there are even more attractions worth visiting . From north to south, the historical, architectural and natural heritage of Thailand is astonishing.

It’s no secret that Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with Phuket and Krabi on the top of the list of thousand of travelers.

There are also stunning archaeological sites you can visit in one day such as Ayutthaya from Bangkok and Sukhothai from Chiang Mai , capable of making you travel hundreds of years back in time, to the ancient Kingdom of Siam.

In Thailand, you can also visit many Buddhist temples and in Bangkok the sumptuous Grand Palace and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market all in one day.

Bali is not certainly famous for its beaches and you will find that all the main attractions are located in Ubud.

In Bali, you should absolutely visit: the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Pura Tirta Empul temple, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples as well as the iconic Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

A great way to see the beaches is to spend time on the Gili islands , Nusa islands or in Lombok. In general, in Thailand there are more attractions than in Bali.

Getting Around Bali vs Thailand

Although moving around Bali and Thailand is more complicated than in most Western countries, there are many more options for tourists in Thailand vs Bali.

In fact, in Bali the best way to move around and visit attractions, or reach the beach from Ubud, is to contact a driver or use Grab to take you there.

There’s no public transport connecting the major touristic locations, while in Thailand you can move around the cities by the way of bus or tuk tuk and get a train to reach the main cities and towns throughout the country.

If you want to get from Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Phuket, then we recommend getting an internal flight , and you can choose among low cost companies of AirAsia, VietjetAir.com or Thai Airways to get the best deals.

Bali vs Thailand: Which will you visit?

Both Thailand and Bali are Southeastern destinations worth visiting and we think you should aim to travel to both places if you can.

We also understand that you might have a limited time available and we think that your final decision should be based on when you’re planning to travel, your travel budget and the type of things that you wish to do.

Whether you end up choosing Bali vs Thailand or vice versa, make sure to come back to explore the other destination as soon as possible!

Will you be traveling soon? Before you do, be sure to take a look at our sustainable travel tips to ensure your trip has a positive environmental impact.

Dear responsible traveler : This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.

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Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

Southeast Asia, a region celebrated for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok’s grand palaces and Bali’s sun-kissed beaches lie lesser-known spots that offer an authentic and enriching experience. This guide uncovers ten hidden gems across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, promising unique adventures and memories that last a lifetime.

Koh Mak, Thailand

In Koh Mak, you’ll discover a tranquil haven distinct from the typical tourist destinations. As you explore this serene island in the Gulf of Thailand, the calmness of the environment becomes palpable. It’s a place where the beaches remain unspoiled, showcasing their natural beauty with crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim or a snorkel.

The laid-back vibe of the island resonates through every corner, from the gentle sway of palm trees to the unhurried pace of life of the locals. You can unwind in true solitude, with the quiet hum of nature as your backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s rubber plantations and coconut groves on a rented bicycle.

When To Travel: November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant.

How To Get There: Take a boat from Trat, which is accessible by bus from Bangkok.

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Mai Chau is in the midst of a peaceful valley, a world away from the bustling city life. This area is famed for its stilt houses, an architectural style that speaks volumes about the local culture. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice the vibrant customs and traditions that are still very much a part of daily life here.

The rural charm of Vietnam comes alive in Mai Chau, offering you a chance to experience a different, more tranquil way of life. The simplicity and hospitality of the local people add to the authenticity of your experience, making your stay both enriching and memorable.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local villages to see traditional weaving and embroidery.

When To Travel: March to April or September to November for the best climate.

How To Get There: A scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi.

Koh Bulon, Thailand

On Koh Bulon, a small island nestled in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find an ideal escape for a digital detox. Here, the absence of cars and the tranquility of its streets instantly sets a tone of peace and quiet. As you step onto the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm permeating the air.

The simplicity of life without the usual bustle of traffic or the constant buzz of technology allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself. It’s a place where your days can be spent enjoying the serene environment, listening to the gentle waves, and embracing the slow pace of island life, making Koh Bulon the perfect setting for anyone looking to step away from the digital world and indulge in the tranquility of nature.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs surrounding the island.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the monsoon season.

How To Get There: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier, reached by bus from Hat Yai.

Pu Luong, Vietnam

In Pu Luong, a nature reserve known for its spectacular landscapes, you’re treated to a feast of mountain vistas and terraced rice fields. This reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity, immersing you in an environment where nature’s beauty is on full display. As you trek through the reserve, the changing scenery — from lush greenery to traditional agricultural landscapes — provides a refreshing backdrop to your adventure.

The terraced fields, in particular, showcase an age-old farming practice that shapes the land into a stunning patchwork. This area is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s rural heartland and to witness firsthand the harmony between humans and nature. Pu Luong’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway.

Insider’s Tip: Trekking and homestays offer immersive experiences in local hill tribe cultures.

When To Travel: May to September for lush landscapes post-rainy season.

How To Get There: 4 hours by road from Hanoi.

Koh Kood, Thailand

You’ll encounter an unspoiled natural environment on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth-largest island. This island is renowned for its raw beauty, encompassing everything from majestic waterfalls to ancient rainforests and tranquil beaches. As you explore, the diverse landscape offers a variety of experiences.

You can trek through dense rainforests, feeling the ancient trees’ presence and the untouched nature’s richness, or relax on serene beaches, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a calming soundtrack to your relaxation. The island’s waterfalls, hidden among the foliage, offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Koh Kood is a destination where the simplicity and beauty of nature are at the forefront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more developed tourist areas.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Ao Salad fishing village for a glimpse into local life.

When To Travel: November to February for ideal beach weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Trat, which is connected by bus to Bangkok.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

In Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” you’ll find yourself amidst a landscape of striking limestone karsts reminiscent of its famous maritime counterpart. As you travel through this region, the impressive formations rise dramatically from the earth, creating a unique and captivating scenery.

The area is not just about natural beauty; it’s also steeped in history, with ancient temples dotting the landscape, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural past. The serenity of the rivers flowing through Ninh Binh adds to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing for tranquil boat rides that weave through the karsts, giving you a close-up view of this geological wonder.

This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Trang An by boat to see its magnificent caves and temples.

When To Travel: March to May, when nature is at its most vibrant.

How To Get There: 2-hour train ride from Hanoi.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Situated between the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi stands out as a peaceful haven with a distinctly rural charm. As you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, starkly contrasting to the bustling tourist hotspots nearby. This island is ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

The local community maintains a traditional way of living, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. The scenic beauty of Koh Yao Noi, with its unspoiled beaches and lush greenery, adds to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, exploring the rural landscapes, or interacting with friendly locals, Koh Yao Noi offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood, freshly caught and deliciously prepared.

When To Travel: December to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

In Ha Giang, a region known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich ethnic diversity, you’ll find an adventurer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. As you navigate the winding roads, each turn presents a new breathtaking view of steep hillsides and deep valleys, offering a thrilling experience for those who relish challenging drives or bike rides. This area is also a mosaic of diverse cultures, home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions and lifestyles.

Exploring Ha Giang, you can immerse yourself in these distinct cultures, gaining insights into the ways of life preserved for generations. Whether you’re trekking through remote villages, sampling local cuisines, or simply taking in stunning landscapes, Ha Giang offers a rich and authentic experience that connects you with nature and Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Take the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning panoramic views.

When To Travel: October to April for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

How To Get There: A 6-hour bus journey from Hanoi.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta, a destination that strikes a perfect balance with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, is an ideal getaway for families and couples. As you explore the island, you’ll find picturesque and peaceful beaches, providing ample opportunities for relaxation or playful beach activities. The island’s interior, covered in dense forests, invites you to explore its natural beauty through hikes or guided tours, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of leaves create an immersive experience.

The laid-back vibe of Koh Lanta is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing you to enjoy a holiday at your own pace, whether that means lounging on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in water sports. The welcoming and family-friendly environment of the island ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors of all ages, making it a delightful choice for a memorable vacation.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center to learn about local wildlife conservation.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the rainy season.

How To Get There: Ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.

Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

In this archipelago, you’ll be introduced to a world of pristine beaches, a rich historical background, and abundant marine life, creating an ideal setting for eco-tourism. As you explore the islands, the untouched beaches offer a serene and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to connect with nature.

The area’s history is palpable, with remnants of the past waiting to be discovered, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. The marine life here is particularly vibrant. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving, where you can witness a diverse range of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

This focus on preserving the natural and historical aspects makes this archipelago a prime destination for eco-tourists keen on experiencing the environment responsibly while enjoying the unique offerings of this remarkable destination.

Insider’s Tip: Dive or snorkel to explore the stunning coral reefs.

When To Travel: February to July for the best underwater visibility.

How To Get There: Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a ferry from Vung Tau.

The Bottom Line

Each Southeast Asian destination has its unique charm, offering more than just beautiful scenery. They are gateways to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a leisure traveler, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.

The post Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Preto Perola.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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From Bangkok in Thailand, to Bali in Indonesia, to Boracay in the Philippines on a single visa? Unified ASEAN visa similar to Schengen in the works

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‘One Destination Visa’ for the ASEAN, unified travel document akin to Schengen pushed

Manila: A single-visa for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), similar to Schengen?

It's  the most ambitious project yet for the region, home to 670 million people. It’s much talked about, yet achieved not much headway, so far.

This may change soon.

The ASEAN Unified Visa Scheme is a bold idea. Though not new, the joint-visa programme akin to the Schengen visa model (which covers 29 countries in Europe), is the ultimate goal of the Asian neighbours.

Here’s the lowdown on the unified ASEAN, Schengen-type visa proposal:

What is the name of the visa scheme?

Various names have been proposed at different times:

• “One Destination” ASEAN Visa
• Unified ASEAN Tourist Visa
• ASEAN Single Visa Scheme
• Common ASEAN Visa
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What’s the big idea behind it?

The aim is to bolster the bloc’s travel trade – by attracting more long-haul and high-spending travellers to the region. What’s unclear, given the years the idea has been discussed, is how the states would like to get there.

The ultimate goal: facilitate the movement of non-ASEAN nationals across the region, turning the wide and diverse area into a premier tourist spot. The concept has been under consideration for sometime, deliberated upon at summits and various ministerial meetings.

When did the idea start?

The idea has been on for decades. It gained momentum during the 2016 ASEAN Tourism Forum in the Philippines, where ASEAN member-states officially launched the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025.

What’s changed since then?

Recently, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reignited the initiative. The Thai leader’s proposal has garnered broad regional support.

The region's tourism sector has welcomed the proposal. If approved by member-economies, it would create a seamless Schengen-like mobility experience.

Which ASEAN members will be covered initially?

Under the current proposal, it would initially cover the six geographically contiguous mainland Asian countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam (CLMMTV).

Last year, these six countries collectively welcomed 70 million tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia leading, generating approximately $48 billion in tourism dollars.

Thailand's tourism industry plays a crucial role, employing 20 per cent of its workforce and contributing 12 per cent to its $500 billion economy. With aspirations to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027, Thailand has streamlined entry for visitors from diverse nations and diversified its tourism offerings with events.

While it won’t directly rival Europe’s Schengen visa, the ASEAN visa could create the world’s second-biggest area of free movement, and represent one of the most culturally diverse regions on the planet.

Which ASEAN countries are not included in the proposed joint visa programme?

As it stands, the proposal does not include other non-mainland member economies:

• The Philippines,
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How likely is a “unified” ASEAN visa to happen?

It remains under discussion with no set timelines. So it probably won't happen tomorrow. One major challenge: harmonising different immigration apparatuses, and databases. This is the biggest hurdle so far.

Here's why: unlike business or tax regime harmonisation, for example, harmonising immigration policies would be virtually impossible — without creating something akin to the European Union (EU), where countries are almost like one country in all but name. It’s currently hard to imagine how ASEAN could get to that point.

There are other challenges – such as coordinating approvals and establishing standard tourist criteria among participating nations.

Additionally, unlike continental Europe, the fragmented nature of ASEAN and its immigration database pose further hurdles.

Moreover, factors hindering the scheme's realisation include security concerns, internal sharing mechanisms, border control support, visa issuance synchronisation, human resource development, and infrastructure upgrades.

The success of the ASEAN joint-visa programme depends on how fast the states overcome bureaucratic hurdles and garner sufficient support from all participating nations.

Why should the Philippines sign up to the Unified ASEAN Visa scheme?

For one, the Philippines is a prime mover of this drive and is a founding member of the group. More broadly, it will strengthen institutional cooperation within the region. Windfall tourism from neighbouring countries would give other members net benefits.

The scheme also promises to enhance ASEAN security governance by fostering closer inter-agency and regional cooperation, thereby improving border management capabilities, fostering greater ASEAN security governance.

And despite the challenges, the Philippines’s Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and embassy officials anticipate the scheme’s overall benefits for the Philippines and the ASEAN region, according to a 2018 study.

The full-member economies of APEC include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Why is a ‘scaled-down’ unified ASEAN visa more possible?

A scaled-down “unified ASEAN tourist visa” scenario involving initially the mainland Asian countries – say, for a limited period of 90 days – is more likely to be adopted, observed Ben Hart, Managing Director of Integrity Legal based in Bangkok.

This is because of the initiatives already in place. All member economies are pushing tourism Thailand has been pursuing various tourism drives, including reciprocal visa waiver deals and temporary visa waivers for travellers from key markets such as China and India.

Moreover ,Thailand has set lofty goals for itself – to elevate its status as a tourism hotspot as well as an aviation and logistics hub.

As a group, the 63-year-old ASEAN group aims to move forward with multiple areas of economic cooperation, technical and human resources, among others.

Still, the task is not easy given the challenges of having different foreign policies and disparate rules.

What happens next?

If countries in the region do embark on a common visa, it will mark heightened institutional collaborations within the region, help build greater integration towards a common ecosystem for their citizens and the wider world.

By allowing tourists to travel to any country in the region on one travel document, it will likely add more economic value and spur tourism.

Though it may not come very soon, ultimately, we may see a sort of pan-ASEAN visa coming to fruition at some point in the future.

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5 Bali Itineraries for 7 Days with Costs (First-timers’ Guide 2024)

Is 7 days enough for visiting Bali? 7 days is an ideal time to explore the best of Bali. Usually, you could spend 3 nights in Ubud for cultural experiences, rural life and adventurous activities. Following that, choose one from the stunning beaches for the next 3 nights, like Seminyak, Uluwatu, or Nusa Dua. You could enhance your beach stay with a day trip to nearby islands as well, either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.

If you're more into diverse island experiences, allocate 2 nights in Ubud, 2 nights on the beaches of Bali and 2 nights in other islands.

Explore more options in the following itineraries, tailor-made for various interests. They are also customizable to your ideal tour length and interests.

• Itinerary #1: A Classic 7-Day Bali Itinerary
• Itinerary #2: 7 Days in Bali (for Family)
• Itinerary #3: 7-Day Ubud and Uluwatu Tour for Couples
• Itinerary #4: Balinese Culture Immersion in 7 Days
• Itinerary #5: 7-Day Island Hopping Tour to Bali and Gili Islands
• Costs for a 7-Day Trip to Bali

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Itinerary 1: A Classic 7-Day Bali Itinerary (The Most Chosen)

Discover Bali's essence on your first visit through Ubud's cultural gems and Seminyak's coastal charm . This week-long journey invites a leisurely exploration—Balinese temples, authentic eats, and thrilling white-water rafting in Ubud, followed by idyllic beach moments in Seminyak.

You can check the itinerary below: 3 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Seminyak.

• Days 1-3: Ubud

Ubud is a popular starting point for your Bali trip. Upon arrival on Day 1, enjoy your free time.

On Day 2, embark on a temple tour, immersing yourself in the sacred pools of Mengening Temple . Indulge your taste buds with the authentic flavors of roasted suckling pig , accompanied by rice and traditional side dishes.

Day 3 brings thrills with a water rafting adventure , followed by a riverside high tea experience . Treat yourself to a foot bath and a rejuvenating full-body massage .

• Day 4: Ubud to Seminyak by a private transfer

On Day 4, continue your trip to Seminyak after a history tour via a vintage Volkswagen car in Ubud. Discover the Puri Agung (a royal palace), Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace, and Taman Ujung Water Palace alongside scenic rice paddies and lush forests.

• Days 5-7: Seminyak

Day 5 unveils the highlights with a delightful cooking class and a lively market tour . Cycle to a traditional market in Tabanan Regency, buy some fresh ingredients, and have a Balinese breakfast before your cooking class in Canggu. Roll your sleeves, team up with your chef, create your Balinese dishes, and taste them together!

You would have a relaxing day on Day 6. Indulge in a private infinite pool or unwind on the beach on a laid-back morning. In the afternoon, you would embark on a 2-hour private sunset cruise from Jimbaran Bay to Uluwatu . Capture spectacular sunsets, visit the clifftop Uluwatu Temple, and place a floating canang sari into the sea to symbolize your best wishes.

Bid farewell to Bali on Day 7 as you depart for your next destination.

Itinerary 2: 7 Days in Bali (for Family)

Bali, with perfect weather from April to October, offers a great beach escape for families with school children during their spring breaks and summer holidays.

This itinerary encourages interactive family experiences through hands-on experiences, like plate-crafting and chocolate-making . Outdoor activities are thoughtfully arranged to release your kids' energy and keep them interested, like a short biking tour . We would also arrange family-friendly hotels for your family to stay together, like a jungle villa in Ubud.

To avoid frequent hotel changes, you would stay 3 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Nusa Dua.

• Day 1: Landing in Bali and check in Ubud
• Day 2: A Ubud temple tour with Ubud Monkey Forest, Taman Ayun Temple and Tanah Lot Sunset
• Day 3: Exploration of local life in Ubud: two-hour cycling adventure, organic farm visit, crafting plates, and a feast with a Balinese family
• Day 4: Ubud to Nusa Dua: chocolate-making class in Ubud.
• Day 5: An island-hopping tour to Nusa Lembongan with water activities
• Day 6: A water park tour to Waterbom Bali
• Day 7: Farewell to Bali

During your family visit to Ubud, you would have a temple tour in a lively way. You can see the playful monkeys in the Ubud Monkey Forest , marvel at the temple complex of Taman Ayun Temple , and capture an iconic picture of the unrivaled sunset over offshore Tanah Lot .

To unveil the rural beauty, take a cycling tour along the countryside roads, pick the vegetables or fruits and enjoy a feast in a local family .

For your beach time, you're suggested to stay at Nusa Dua for abundant friendly-friendly hotels and calm seas perfect for water activities. You would also hop on a cruise to the less-crowded Nusa Lembongan , where you could dive to see the colorful reefs and fishes. For energetic teenagers, get excited in the largest water park featuring fun slides and watery amusements.

Tell us your kids' interests and you'll get a personalized itinerary within 24 hours.

Itinerary 3: 7-Day Ubud and Uluwatu Tour for Couples

This personalized itinerary is crafted exclusively for couples seeking a romantic escape in Bali.

You and your partner can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime moments, like a sunrise hike in the volcanic Mountain Batur, soak up relaxing intimate hours at adult-only hotels and uncover hidden gems to Nusa Penida.

You will stay 3 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Uluwatu. More details are listed below:

• Day 1: Fly to Bali, and transfer to Ubud.
• Day 2: A half-day city art tour to the Museum of Modern Balinese Arts and Ubud Market, and an afternoon visit to Bali Swings
• Day 3: A Mount Batur Sunrise Trek and Toya Bungkah Tour
• Day 4: Morning Yoga experience in a jungle retreat, and then transfer from Ubud to Uluwatu.
• Day 5: An island hopping tour to Nusa Penida with water sports activities
• Day 6: Free time in Uluwatu
• Day 7: Depart from Bali for your next destination

Begin your trip in the culture hub, Ubud, you would appreciate masterpieces in the Museum of Modern Balinese Arts and folk art crafts in the Ubud Market . Swaying over the jungle rice terraces together also adds thrilling and romantic touches.

More impressively, hike to capture the sunrise at Mount Batur and then refresh in the hot springs with a view of Batur Lake. (Insider tip: For a later start, we can suggest alternative romantic experiences, as the sunrise hike requires an early departure around 3 am for the one-hour drive to Kintamani.)

Then transfer to Uluwatu after a yoga experience in a jungle retreat . As a popular wedding spot, Uluwatu embraces luxury resorts and clifftop sea views in a serene atmosphere. A delightful island-hopping trip to the pristine Nusa Penida rewards you with less-disturbed scenery to enhance your romantic getaway.

Contact us to tailor-make your surprises for your loved one!

Itinerary 4: Balinese Culture Immersion in 7 Days

This itinerary features historical temples, traditional rituals, and relaxing beach time. If you're a history buff, don't miss it. Beyond the iconic highlights, you would have more chances to experience the rich culture in Bali from mouth-watering food to impressive shows.

You can check the following itinerary for your inspiration: 3 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Nusa Dua.

• Day 1: Arrival in Bali and transfer to Ubud
• Day 2: Witness local farming activities in the Subak Guliang, explore the Hindu Besakih temple and marvel at Klungkung Palace.
• Day 3: A day tour with white water rafting in Ayung River and a street food tour in Ubud.
• Day 4: Ubud to Nusa Dua: visit Ubud Monkey Forest, Taman Ayun Temple and Tanah Lot Sunset en route.
• Day 5: Free day for beach time
• Day 6: Enjoy the sunset over Uluwatu Temple and a traditional Kecak dance

To immerse yourself in Bali's religious culture , you would explore various temples: the holiest Besakih Temple, royal Taman Ayun Temple, offshore Tanah Lot Temple and clifftop Uluwatu Temple.

Besides, you would discover its agriculture on a local rice field, learn to prepare a Balinese breakfast with a local family and take a street food walk in Ubud. Top off your trip with a traditional Kecak dance performance before sunset in Uluwatu.

Itinerary 5: 7-Day Island Hopping Tour to Bali and Gili Islands

This itinerary is specially customized for island lovers, offering both classic experiences in Bali and exploring the hidden gems of remote Gili Island.

Here is the brief itinerary: 2 nights in Ubud, 2 nights in Sanur, and 2 nights in Gili Air.

• Day 1: Arrival in Bali, transfer to Ubud, and have some free time in Ubud (spa or market visit)
• Day 2: Ubud Volkswagen safari tour to Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the village of Tohpati
• Day 3: Transfer to Jimbaran Bay for a sunset cruise with dinner on Jimbaran Bay, and check in Sanur.
• Day 4: Take a ferry to the Gili Air and discover the island by bike
• Day 5: Snorkeling trip around the Gili Islands
• Day 6: Unwind in the free morning and take an afternoon ferry to Bali
• Day 7: Leave from Bali and fly to your next destination.

You would have a glimpse of Ubud by a day Volkswagen safari to its temple, rice terrace, and local villages.

You would head over to car-free Gili Air, followed by an immersive sunset cruise on Jimbaran Bay. Gili Air is the best chill-out island, while if you're looking for bustling nightlife, go to the party island—Gili Trawangan.

You could basket on the postcard-perfect beaches, cycle around the coastline, and go on a snorkeling trip to spot sea turtles and vibrant marine life.

Then return to Bali and fly to your next destination!

7 days is a little bit rushed to explore both Bali and Gili Islands. For a more comfortable beach vacation, check our 10-day itineraries .

How Much Is a 7-Day Bali Trip?

Bali caters to various budgets, ranging from economical to luxury. If you're looking for worry-free travel with your partner or family, you can expect to pay a daily cost from 250 per person on a private basis, offering 30–50% off for kids under 10. For further pricing details, you can see our 7-Day Private Bali Natural & Cultural Immersion (from US$1699 per person).

Specializing in customized private tours, traveling with us is also helpful to optimize your costs. You'd have the best-rated personalized travel experience with worry-free private transfers, character-filled boutique hotels, and smiling private drivers and guides.

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Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

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