Bali or Thailand?

[Tahinitahni]

I'm aware that both parts of Bali and Thailand is horribly commercialised - but I've also heard that there are some lovely parts.

I'm really keen to visit one of these places. I know the beaches and food in Thailand are streets ahead, but the culture and lush beauty of Bali is appealing (and the size of the island in moving around, as we will).

Any thoughts or preferences? We're talking about a trip where we do stuff, move around, see places. Not just a hitch up to a resort and sit type holiday.

If you want to experience more than the beach, I think Thailand is more ideal.

About the activities and exploration, in Bali, you can visit traditional villages, hike volcanoes, explore waterfalls, or try yoga retreats. In Thailand, you can go island hopping, scuba diving, visit bustling cities like Bangkok, or explore ancient ruins like Ayutthaya.

Consider the specific activities and sights that interest you.

Could you do both?
It's not a long or especially expensive flight from Bangkok to Bali.
This place is heaven, and is actually run by a Indonesian- British couple who treat their staff very well:
https://www.poppiesbali.com

Why not do more in Indonesia? You can fly very cheaply between islands and having been to Borneo, Komodo and Bali, I can say it was one of our top holidays.

Bali is beautiful and has lots to do as noted by a PP, but look beyond the island and it is an amazing adventure. Comparing the whole country of Thailand to one island out of 18,000 and < 5% of the population is apples and pears.

I’d also add that the beaches in Indonesia are breathtaking. I’ve been to many many countries and pink coral beaches with turquoise water is world class in my view.

We did Thailand and Bali in the same year, six months apart. We much, much preferred Thailand. Bali didn't compare at all in our view. We still had a lovely time in Bali but Thailand is just sensational. So stunning, great people, great food, so much to see and do, such varied landscape. Just amazing, truly

I have visited both & loved them equally

Went to Bali & Komodo & Gili T island & travelled around
Plus scuba diving

Thailand have been to various parts Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Krabi & lots of different islands. Have visited several times.

What is not to enjoy ?

Thailand. We didn't like Bali. Well it was good in parts, but we found the beaches dirty with a lot of stoned people lying about, lots of feral dogs and their detritus and also (some of) the people to be very keen to scam us.

I’ve been to both and preferred Thailand

Thailand!

Thailand. (Been to both, Thailand more because I had family living there).

I found in Bali the beaches and sea very very grubby. There were disposable nappies, tampons and pads and poop 💩 . There's limited waste management and locals don't swim in the sea. People say it is seasonal and blame China but we saw locals chucking rubbish in streams.
The other downside to Bali is the annoying Instagrammers posing everywhere.
Food is average.
The upside is it had good shopping

Thailand, I have visited many times and absolutely love.

Thailand every time. Everything is better and I have spent lots of time in both. Gilli islands might work. Never been there.

100% Thailand.

Many beautiful islands for beaches. I personally love Ko Lanta. Chiang Mai is incredible for culture and city experience without the craziness (and heat!) of Bangkok.