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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Bali or Thailand

29 replies

somewhereovertherain · 12/08/2022 14:22

Thoughts about which similar costs. 14-15 nights in January we haven’t been to that part of the world before.

family of 4 - kids are early 20s (can’t seem to shake them off holiday wise)

OP posts:
RainbowZebraWarrior · 12/08/2022 14:37

If there is absolutely any possibility of a two centre holiday, then do that. Tbe reason I say that is because I love them both.

Otherwise, I'd say Bali and make sure you see / do all you can fit in while there. This is assuming you don't just want to lie on a beach for a fortnight

Original poster
somewhereovertherain · 12/08/2022 19:01

Definitely not wanting to lie on a beach.

we are also likely to have a daughter in Malaysia next year studying so will possibly do a few different trips over the next couple of years.

OP posts:
midsomermurderess · 12/08/2022 19:58

I'd say Thailand. I think there would be more to do. I didn't much like Bali. Some of it is stunning, the rice terraces, some of the temples, but I found it a bit grubby and slightly depressing. It felt like such a long way to go to be disappointed. Perhaps Java instead?

TwiggletLover · 12/08/2022 20:14

Both places are amazing. I'd say there is more to do in Thailand if you're not just wanting a beach holiday

Christmasiscominghohoho · 13/08/2022 10:58

Iv been looking at this exact same thing and we are leaving towards Bali

MangosteenSoda · 13/08/2022 11:04

I think that’s the rainy season in Indonesia, so I’d go to Thailand. Again, check out the weather as east/west Thailand have different rainy times so I’d go for the drier side.

I didn’t like Bali as much as I thought I would (similar to one of the PP’s comments).

flyingant · 13/08/2022 11:10

I'd say Thailand. Bali is overrated (as are some parts of Thailand) but overall, more nicer places in Thailand. It also usually has better weather at that time of year.

ChilliPB · 14/08/2022 00:19

Well Thailand is a big country with a large population and Bali is just a province of Indonesia and is much smaller. Would you consider elsewhere in Indonesia other than Bali? Between just Bali and Thailand will have a lot, lot more to do but realistically in two weeks you’ll need to just focus on a small area of Thailand. What is it you want to do/what sort of interests do you have?

Tanfastic · 14/08/2022 00:44

I went to Bangkok for three nights and then on to Bali for ten a few years ago. Bangkok was bonkers but a real experience but I'll be honest and say I was a bit disappointed with Bali. It wasn't what I was expecting and a long way to go to feel a bit underwhelmed,

UnityO · 14/08/2022 00:53

I've traveled around Bali and Thailand and much preferred Thailand.

Thailand had more to see/ do and I thought it was more beautiful. Bali felt a bit touristy (lots of Australians partying!)

Christinatheastonishing · 14/08/2022 01:00

If you don't like lazing on the beach, Thailand.

zaza687 · 14/08/2022 01:20

Iv been to both I loved both if your wanting to do both I would do Bali first than Thailand another time. I done Thailand first so my expectations for bali was high and kept comparing bali to Thailand

Thailand is better

TartanGirl1 · 14/08/2022 01:22

Have you considered Vietnam? We went and loved it, many people described it as Thailand before it became commercialised.

TetrisRetr000 · 14/08/2022 22:04

Depends how adventurous you are
Thailand
Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai
Or Bangkok then island hop from Krabi to Langkawi

Or
Bali
Travel round temples, rice fields
Can get ferries to Gilli islands or fly to Komodo to see the dragons & bats

Plenty to see in Vietnam
Hanoi & Ho Chi MIN
Plenty of museums, markets, food

Barleysugar86 · 14/08/2022 22:06

Thailand will have much more to keep everyone occupied and is much prettier, I got a bit bored in Bali. The Bali resorts were lovely but the amount of rubbish in the sea and on the beach was shocking.

SuperCamp · 14/08/2022 22:17

Vietnam?

PeanutButterOnToad · 15/08/2022 10:27

Our adult kids love Bali, DH and I have been in Seminyak for a month now with a few side trips, going home this week, we will be back with the “kids” in November when we will split our time between Sanur and Seminyak (we don’t really do resorts). January is rainy season but it varies, we did three January holidays in a row, very little rain for the first two, last one it rained non stop for seven days when we were on Gilli T which was bit disappointing. Everyone is going to the islands these days (Penida and Lembongan as well as the Gillis) and seem to be enjoying them. If you could combine Bali with Lombok that would be interesting. Ubud is always good for a few days, we liked Candidasa. If seeing dolphins would be something you would like Lovina is good, Amed for diving. Canggu is nuts, it never stopped during COVID, the local Banjar had a meeting and decided it would be business as usual while the nearby areas were all in lockdown, and the traffic there is ridiculous. We have been to Thailand too and I like it but would always choose Bali, I think Bali is a real marmite destination though.

BringMeTea · 15/08/2022 22:10

Thailand all day long.

ncforthis1pcmarriage · 15/08/2022 22:27

Thailand

ruMpunchh · 15/08/2022 22:31

TartanGirl1 · 14/08/2022 01:22

Have you considered Vietnam? We went and loved it, many people described it as Thailand before it became commercialised.

Im looking at Vietnam, who did you book with?

Mymugisblue · 15/08/2022 22:36

Trailfinders brilliant for all the above.

Bali is small but the people are unbelievable, so lovely, their culture is incredible.
Thailand and Vietnam so much more to see, people again wonderful, think Vietnam may have the edge. You have to go to Angkor Wat in Cambodia though if you go to Vietnam, just mind blowing.

Abcdefgh1234 · 15/08/2022 22:50

I’m from indonesia. So i know bali a lot. Do you consider any other place? Gili trawangan? Its so close to bali and more beautiful.

i went to thailand 3 times. I love thailand but i love bali more. Great food, cheap, friendly and beautiful places all over. Well but then again i’m indonesian 😅😅

wednesday32 · 15/08/2022 23:18

I’ve been to both and Thailand for sure is the win! Beautiful country, lovely people and there’s lots to do. You can have beach and pool days if you want but also jungle hikes, boat trips, snorkelling etc.
I hated Bali, felt quite unsafe there and generally didn’t enjoy it.

RampantIvy · 15/08/2022 23:42

We stayed at Sanur Beach at Segara Village when we went to Bali @PeanutButterOnToad. This was in 1996. I wonder if it has changed much. DH was a little disappointed with Bali, and I was surprised at how much ribbon development there is along the roads. We also did a mini cruise to Sumbawa and Komodo on a small cruise ship which was absolutely brilliant. Sadly the ship was destroyed by fire a few years later.

hellosunshineagainx · 15/08/2022 23:54

Thailand is better that time of year and a much shorter flight. Would also recommend Vietnam