Treating Friend to a Holiday - India or Thailand?

[JemimaPyjamas]

In brief, she has had a terrible time of late and I can afford to take her to either.

She is worldly wise but not well travelled.

I know both well, and also used to work in SE Asia.

I suggested India (initially as DH and DS don't want to go so it's not somewhere I'd go with them) but a couple of mine and my friends mutual friends have suggested Thailand as it's 'easier' as an intro to Asia.

We'd be going for around 2 weeks, this time next year (give or take.)

My friend is 'open to suggestion' (but possibly doesn't quite know what the suggestions really entail - she basically wants to be looked after, which is absolutely fine, but also makes me wonder if India will be a bit hardcore.)

So, as I am a bit desensitised to potential culture shocks - what are the thoughts of others...?

I’d also suggest Thailand. It’s very tourist friendly and safe. I went myself to visit a friend there so spent a lot of time myself and it was great.

India I’ve heard mostly great things about, but if you’ve never been and it’s both of your first time there’s more potential for things to go wrong basically.

There’s no guarantee of a good or safe trip in either location of course, but there’s a better chance of a smooth time in Thailand.

Depends a bit on what you’re going to do - lie on a 5* beach or get immersed with the locals?

Either way, how about Sri Lanka? It feels like a gateway to the Indian subcontinent . Many cultural similarities, but without much of the craziness. Check the political situation first though…

India is NOT starter-level travel unless you're not really travelling. Even the airports put some travellers off. Lao PDR is nicer than either.

Thailand definitely.

I’ve been to India (albeit for 3 months in 2001), but worked in Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Not been to Sri Lanka…

Hence I suppose I am connecting India with holidays and Thailand being very touristy and also familiar. Which won’t be her view, as I am starting to see…

India is pretty hard work to travel in unless you're doing 4-5 star hotels but the pollution and poverty are very stark and all around you. It's a complete assault on the senses. You also need to get used to attention, some of it unwelcome. It's also an amazing experience if you're a hardy traveller.

Did you want to go somewhere you will both be 'new'? Parts of Africa, Central America. Then you'd both be tourists.

If you do a tour of India with a reputable company there is absolutely no problem. I’ve been twice.

Had a terrible time of late, not well travelled and wants to be looked after?

Two weeks on a beach in Thailand. Easy, no debate

Thailand, obviously. As a seasoned traveller you should know this.

@MrsTerryPratchett i potentially sound ridiculous here, but we are flying Business (numerous reasons, neither of us are divas!) so that’s another reason Asia is a good option. It has to be long haul but not extortionate.

(I’ve been to Peru and Mexico, and was in Kenya for 4 years as a child so it doesn’t feel wholly ‘new.’)

I love India, but if she's not well travelled then Thailand is probably better as it's easier and more tame

If you have vacancies for new friends, I'm a LOVELY person who has never flown Business.

I agree India might be a bit hard-core...

Sri Lanka is lovely (particularly hill country around Ella and Kandy), but I'm a big fan of Northern Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai: lots of culture and beautiful scenery, but not too much of a culture shock for Westerners and far enough off the tourist trail to appeal to more experienced travellers.

I'd also throw Vietnam (which is my FAVOURITE place) in as a wild card, again particularly the highlands and the north.

Enjoy yourselves, whatever you choose!

@Rocknrollstar i was considering the same, even if I wouldn’t normally.

Sri Lanka- got a mix of the things you are looking for.

If she is feeling fragile and is not well-travelled then Thailand.

@MrsTerryPratchett ha! I’ll bear you in mind (it being cheap once we get there counts for a lot!)

@AffIt I love Vietnam too, but it might prove a bit too costly (I’ve looked into it - plus she seemed a bit non-plussed whereas she liked the sound of India.)

We want to do and see things, but also do very little without feeling guilty.

My initial idea was Mumbai at either end and Goa in the middle. Goa is like ‘India for beginners’ if memory serves, but now I’m wondering if Thailand means we see more and do more.

I’m also now googling Sri Lanka…

Thailand over India. I used to live in China and have travelled extensively in Asia and India was the only place where we were all ill.
I love both Cambodia and Vietnam and as pp mentioned Lao PDR is also fabulous. You can fly to Luang Prabang from Bangkok- great temples, good value, great food and there is a very relaxed atmosphere.