Bali or Thailand: Which Is Better for a Honeymoon?
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Are you dreaming of visiting Southeast Asia for your honeymoon and wondering which is better: Thailand or Bali? I don’t blame you for wanting to know the details… Both are paradise destinations and they can be hard to choose between.
These are both destinations that are rich in culture, have loads to see and do, and offer the most beautiful scenery. However, I’ve visited both and found quite a few differences between them.
So if you’re not sure which to pick between Bali or Thailand and want the lowdown – I’ve got you covered with this post!
Thailand vs. Indonesia
Are Bali and Thailand similar?
In some ways, Bali and Thailand are similar. They’re both popular destinations in Southeast Asia and they’re great for a tropical honeymoon. They’re also amazing places to go if you’re travelling to Asia for the first time.
One of the things to mention right away is that Thailand is a country while Bali is just one island within Indonesia. Because of this, it can be tricky to compare them directly because across Thailand you’ll find a ton of different experiences.
Both Bali and Thailand have so much to offer, but the key differences are important to consider before booking your trip. It’s likely that one of these destinations will call to you more depending on what you’re looking to get out of your honeymoon!
Are Bali and Thailand close?
Bali and Thailand are relatively close to each other. They’re both in Southeast Asia and you can fly directly between them in around 4 hours. Because of this, Bali and Thailand are brilliant destinations to combine into one trip. This is what I did and I highly recommend it if you can’t decide where to go 😉
Is it better to go to Bali or Thailand?
Best time to visit Bali vs Thailand
Despite being so close to each other, Bali and Thailand have different seasons. Like all tropical destinations, they have wet and dry seasons.
It’s best to travel in the dry season, but travel is still possible at other times if it doesn’t work with your schedule. I travelled to Bali in March (in the wet season) and it did rain a lot, but it was still amazing and we managed to do everything we had planned.
That said, try to visit Bali and Thailand during their dry seasons for the very best conditions and to make the most of your trip.
For Bali, the dry season is between April and October. During this time you can expect daily temperatures of around 30°C. In Thailand, the dry season is from November to March – this is when the humidity and rainfall will be lower and you’ll have better weather for the beach.
The exception to this is Thailand’s eastern islands, such as Koh Samui, which have their own rainy season from October to December. Thailand’s temperatures in the dry season stay around 30°C.
Beaches in Bali vs Thailand
Both Bali and Thailand are known for their beaches but, in my opinion, they’re not comparable. If you’re after powdery sand and palm-fringed beaches, Thailand is the hands-down winner.
Thailand has over 1,400 islands so it’s amazing for beach lovers. The beaches are also everything you’d expect from a paradise destination with white sands and the clearest waters. It’s an amazing country for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling.
Some of the best beaches in Thailand include Railay Beach, Freedom Beach, Koh Phangan’s Bottle Beach and Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe.
As just one island within the country of Indonesia, Bali doesn’t have as many beaches as Thailand but it’s still a great beach destination! If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon with tropical, white-sand beaches, you won’t get this so much in Bali, but the beaches still have their own appeal.
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If you’re into surfing, Bali’s beaches definitely top Thailand’s – there are loads of beaches in Bali that are brilliant for catching the waves. There are also lots of cool beaches in Seminyak and Canggu where you’ll find beachside bars and beanbags that are perfect for watching the sunset.
Some of the most idyllic and prettiest beaches in Bali include Nusa Dua Beach, Green Bowl Beach and Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu.
RELATED: Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?
Nearby, but not actually on the island of Bali, you can also visit Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida as well as the Gili Islands which have a lot more of a postcard backdrop.
Nature & scenery in Bali vs Thailand
Both Thailand and Bali have diverse and beautiful landscapes. As a country, Thailand has loads to offer honeymooners. If you have the time for a longer visit, you’ll be able to see forested mountains in the north as well as the most beautiful beaches on the islands in the south.
Thailand also has lots of national parks you could visit such as Erawan National Park and Khao Sok National Park.
Khao Sok was one of my favourite places when I visited Thailand! It has beautiful jungle landscapes and limestone mountains. It’s also where you can stay overnight in a floating bungalow on the lake.
I was blown away by the scenery in Thailand, but Bali is exceptionally pretty too. As a small island, Bali packs a punch when it comes to natural wonders and bucket list attractions.
If you love nature, you won’t be disappointed with a honeymoon to Bali. It’s an island that’s known for its rice terraces, lush greenery, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Ubud in particular is a paradise spot in Bali with some of the prettiest natural surroundings.
READ MORE: Bali Bucket List: 33 Best Things to Do in Bali
As well as this, many of Bali’s hotels make the most of the scenery, so you’ll find plenty of peaceful and romantic resorts that are perfect for grounding into nature.
Things to do in Bali vs Thailand
It’s difficult to compare the things you can do in Bali and Thailand because one is an island and the other is an entire country. It also depends on how much time you have for your honeymoon – if you have a longer trip, you could travel around Thailand and experience loads of different things. But equally, you could relax on a beach the entire time!
That said, there are differences in what you can see and do in both. If you love water activities like snorkelling and diving, Thailand is the better bet. Thailand’s islands are incredible for tropical white-sand beaches and water activities. It’s also an amazing place to go island hopping to take in several destinations.
In the northern regions of Thailand, you can trek through lush mountains and visit traditional hill tribe villages. Thailand also has elephant-centred tourism (which I know is controversial), but there are various ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, which Bali doesn’t have. Plus, if you’re dreaming of city life, nowhere in Bali compares to Bangkok in Thailand.
Like Thailand, a trip to Bali has a big focus on culture, but you’ll find that the island’s culture is pretty unique. Bali is a destination that’s famous for its rich cultural heritage, so you’ll be able to experience Balinese performances like the Kecak fire dance, which is connected to the island’s Hindu traditions.
When it comes to beach activities, Bali is a great place for surfing – especially for intermediate to advanced surfers. Volcano trekking Mount Batur is also common in Bali so it’s an amazing destination for a more active honeymoon. It’s also easy to visit waterfalls and rice terraces across the island.
I also love Bali for its wellness offering. You can definitely find retreats in Thailand but Ubud in Bali is renowned for its yoga and wellness scene. It’s the perfect place for nature-focused spirituality and holistic, new age culture.
Vibe & culture in Bali vs Thailand
Bali and Thailand both have a unique vibe. Thailand is most known for having a lot going on with a vibrant and bustling energy. It’s a country that’s famous for its beach parties, street food and night markets.
Thailand is also a predominantly Buddhist country and the locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. It makes sense that Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles!
You can expect to see tons of beautiful and fascinating Buddhist temples across Thailand. Plus, you’ll see monks almost everywhere – there are 300,000 Buddhist monks living in the country.
Over in Bali, the culture is deeply rooted in Hinduism. If you visit Bali, you’ll see little handmade offerings for the Hindu gods on the streets and there are always ceremonies and events happening across the island. Like Thailand, the locals in Bali are always warm and welcoming, too.
Compared to Thailand, I felt like Bali has more of a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll still find a ton of cool beach bars and clubs in Bali, but the island is also known for its yoga retreats and wellness centres.
There’s a big focus on spirituality and mindfulness in Bali – particularly in Ubud, where you’ll find a big community of coaches and people invested in their health and wellbeing.
Food in Bali vs Thailand
If you’re anything like me, food probably plays a big part in your vacations! Luckily, both Thailand and Bali have a lot to offer.
Traditional meals in Bali are heavily influenced by Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cultures – popular dishes include things like nasi goreng, gado-gado and satay. If you’re vegan or want healthy food, you’ll also find the tastiest, Instagram-worthy spots in Bali. There are a lot of cafes and brunch spots that offer Western-style menus.
In my opinion, Thailand is a lot more traditional, but it’s a country that has some of the best food on the planet! Thailand is famous for its spicy and aromatic cuisine with dishes like tom yum, pad thai and green curry.
I completely fell in love with Thai food while I was there. Massaman is a Thai curry with cinnamon, cardamom and peanuts – it’s my all-time fav!
Nightlife in Bali vs Thailand
Thailand is famous for its parties, but you can’t go wrong in either if you’re looking for great nightlife.
Even though Bali has a big wellness scene, you’ll still find bars and clubs along the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak. Sky Garden is a famous ‘all you can drink’ club in Kuta – it’s the biggest and most visited club in Indonesia. You’ll also find amazing beach clubs around Bali like Potato Head, Finns and Sundays Beach Club.
If you go to Thailand, you can expect some pretty great beach parties – including the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island. Over in Bangkok, you’ll also find tons going on with lots of clubs and rooftop bars.
Hotels in Bali vs Thailand
There’s absolutely no shortage of brilliant hotels in Thailand or Bali. Plus, as these are both destinations that are on the cheaper side, you’ll have access to incredible hotels at a better price than elsewhere.
In Thailand, hotels on the islands are amazing for living your best beach life. You’ll find lots of upscale boutique hotels, private beach resorts and villas. Some top options in Thailand include Six Senses Yao Noi, Four Seasons Koh Samui and Rayavadee.
Bali also has some of the world’s most heavenly and romantic accommodation. A lot of the places you can stay in Bali have been made with honeymooners in mind, so you’ll often get extras like floating breakfasts, flower baths and petal pools.
READ MORE: 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Couples
Many resorts are also eco-friendly in Bali which is a huge win. You’ll also find plenty that focus on wellness, so there’s always a great spa offering.
Some of the best accommodations in Bali include Amandari, Como Shambhala Estate and Camaya Bali.
Getting around Bali vs Thailand
Because Bali is just one island, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to get around. It’s common to rent a scooter in Bali, otherwise, you can hire a private driver or taxi. You can also join day trips and tours which can take you all over the island.
Thailand is a big country so getting from one side to the other is more of a trek. To visit different regions in Thailand you can catch a domestic flight or take the train (we caught an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani). You can also get ferries out to the islands.
Within cities or tourist areas in Thailand you can travel by tuk-tuk, shared pickup trucks (songthaews) and regular taxis or rideshare apps.
How to get to Bali vs Thailand
Bali and Thailand are geographically close to each other but it will depend on where you’re travelling from as to which is easier to reach.
If you’re coming from the UK, Thailand is the easiest – there are regular direct flights to Bangkok from London that take 11 hours. There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Bali. You can expect a stopover in Dubai, Qatar or Singapore, and a journey time of around 18 hours.
If you’re coming from Australia, Bali is the easier option and can be reached in 6 hours from Sydney. From the US, both destinations will require a stopover and can each take up to 25 hours.
Visas in Bali and Thailand
Obviously, visa requirements will depend on what passport you hold and things can change. Because of that, you’ll need to check your government’s official website to see what visas and passport validity you need to visit each country.
If you’re in the UK and hold a British passport, you can visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/.
Currency in Bali vs Thailand
Bali’s official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash is the most popular way to pay in Indonesia so it’s well worth exchanging some currency before you go. You’ll also find that some smaller places in Bali won’t accept card payments.
In Thailand, the currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Like Bali, Thailand is still pretty cash-based but it’s becoming more common to be able to pay by card. I still recommend having some foreign currency on you before you go.
💸 Want to use a card abroad? I recommend getting a Wise Multi-Currency Card to avoid nasty fees! 💳
Is it cheaper to go to Bali or Thailand?
Both destinations are relatively cheap to visit (especially if you’re used to Western prices). However, some people say that Thailand is a little bit cheaper than Bali.
Bali is still affordable to visit, but it has a growing tourism economy so prices in popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu have increased a lot in recent years.
Is Bali or Thailand safer?
Both Bali and Thailand are generally safe for tourists. In Bali, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can sometimes happen. There are also road safety risks because of heavy traffic and poorly maintained roads. You definitely need to be careful if you’re renting a scooter in Bali!
Thailand also experiences petty theft, scams, and some risks in its nightlife areas. There’s also a high rate of traffic accidents across Thailand. However, I’d still say both destinations are relatively safe.
I had zero problems in either destination. It’s just important to keep your wits about you, avoid risky areas and take necessary precautions.
Crowds in Bali vs Thailand
Both Bali and Thailand are popular tourist destinations so neither is going to be completely void of crowds.
Unfortunately, Bali is known for struggling with overtourism and spots like Canggu and Ubud can be pretty crowded – especially in the peak season. That said, there’s so much more to Bali than just these tourist hubs.
If you want to make the most of a Bali honeymoon and avoid the crowds, you could consider staying in – or visiting – different areas like Sidemen, Lovina or Munduk.
The same is true in Thailand. Islands like Phuket are known for attracting a lot of tourists. BUT, Thailand is a big country and there are lots of places you can explore that are more off the beaten path.
I recommend checking out islands like Koh Kood and Koh Yao Noi for a quieter experience.
Is Bali or Thailand better for a honeymoon?
I love both Bali and Thailand for a Southeast Asia honeymoon, but the choice will depend on your preferences.
Across Thailand, you can experience different things, but for a lot of couples, it’s a perfect beach honeymoon destination. Especially in places like Koh Samui, you’ll find amazing beach resorts for a laid-back, luxury honeymoon experience.
RELATED: 25 Best Places to Honeymoon in the World (2025)
Bali might be ideal if you want a more peaceful or spiritual experience with a focus on nature. You’ll love the rice terraces and lush jungles, private pool villas and rich culture.
There are also so many romantic places you can stay in Bali on honeymoon – including beautiful treehouses and luxury wellness retreats.
Visiting both Bali & Thailand: Multi-centre ideas
If you still can’t decide between Thailand and Bali, combining them into one trip could be a good option! Obviously, you’ll want to have enough time to explore both destinations if you do this – I’d recommend at least 3 weeks.
I combined both when I first visited. I spent two weeks in each, with a stopover in Singapore in between.
For a honeymoon, my recommendation would be to start in Bali and explore the best of this island. You could focus on more of an active, adventurous itinerary before heading to one of Thailand’s quieter islands for a relaxed, paradise beach retreat at the end.
Conclusion: Which is Better – Bali or Thailand?!
Deciding between Bali and Thailand will always depend on your preferences and interests. Both are fab destinations and if you have the chance to visit both, I’d highly recommend it! But, if you’re limited on time or only want to visit one, you’ve got a hard decision to make..
As a country rather than an island, Thailand offers the most choice between the two. If you’re after a postcard beach break, I’d definitely recommend Thailand over Bali. But, for a romantic, back-to-nature getaway, you can’t go wrong with Bali.
Bali is also an exceptional choice for a laid-back vacation so it could be the better fit if you’re wanting a wellness-focused honeymoon.
Personally, my winner is Thailand, but Bali is still high on my list of dream destinations. Bali is romantic and magical and it’s no wonder it’s on so many people’s bucket lists. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either Bali or Thailand!
Want more inspiration? I recommend checking out my 3-week Bali itinerary and Bali bucket list to see all the things you could experience during your honeymoon! You can also read about some of the best Bali alternatives here.
READ MORE:
- Is Bali Worth Visiting in 2025? (Honest Pros & Cons of Bali)
- Best 3 Day Ubud Itinerary, Bali
- Bali Bucket List: 33 Best Things to Do in Bali
- 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Couples
- Best 3 Week Bali Itinerary
- Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?
- 25 Best Places Like Bali (Fewer Crowds + Similar Vibes)
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