Thailand or Bali – Which Is Better For Honeymoon

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If you’re thinking about Thailand or Bali for honeymoon, you might be wondering which one will steal your hearts for the big trip!

You may already know the basics. Both are stunning Southeast Asia destinations with so much going on for the perfect honeymoon.

Lush verdant jungle, pristine beaches, rich history and culture, incredible food, fun nightlife and spiritual exploration with temples and yoga retreats.

Bali and Thailand are two of our favourite honeymoon destinations. No matter what type of honeymoon you’re thinking of, you’ll find it here.

Need an exciting adventure honeymoon, a heavenly beach honeymoon, a fun island hopping honeymoon, a delectable foodie honeymoon?

From delicious dining to cultural highlights and friendly locals and beautiful beaches, both destinations will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed. And best of all, they don’t break the bank and are super-affordable!

As seasoned Thailand and Bali experts, we’ve crafted hundreds of unforgettable honeymoon adventures to both destinations, so we know a thing or two about the differences between Bali vs Thailand / Thailand vs Bali!

Let’s embark on a virtual journey to unravel the magic. Thailand or Bali – which is better for honeymoon? Let’s help you decide!

Good to know about Thailand and Bali

Is there a difference between Thailand and Bali

Same-same, but different! When it comes to choosing between Thailand or Bali for your honeymoon, there are some key differences to consider.

For starters, it’s worth remembering one is an entire country (Thailand) and the other is an island of Indonesia (Bali).

Thailand, because it’s an entire country, arguably has more variation in terms of how big it is.

From the bustling capital city of Bangkok to the peaceful jungles landscapes of the north and the idyllic islands of southern Thailand.

On the other hand, Bali also has beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage, too. Bali also has a surfing scene. While Thailand is not well-known for surfing, it does offer plenty of other water-based activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

Another area where Bali shines is in its sophisticated beach clubs with plenty of fun options to choose from. It is also has not just one active volcano, but three! Hiking Mount Batur for sunrise is a must!

While Bali doesn’t have a metropolis like Bangkok, you can use Singapore or Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to Bali for some city stopover action.

The Balinese people are predominantly Hindu, while Thai people are predominantly Buddhist. It would be fairer to compare Thailand to Indonesia as a whole.

However, as there is so much to do in and around Bali for a honeymoon, most couples just stick to that area of Indonesia when visiting for the first time.

Best time to visit Thailand or Bali

Southeast Asia has multiple distinct climate and weather patterns, which are characterized as the rainy season and the dry season (as opposed to four seasons in other parts of the world).

You can expect warm weather all year. However, the timing of the dry season and rainy season can vary significantly from country to country and region to region.

When choosing between Thailand or Bali for your honeymoon, it’s important to consider the differences in their climate and weather systems.

Both Thailand and Indonesia have a tropical climate.

You can visit both destinations during their respective monsoon seasons. However, you can expect a mix of heavy thundery showers and overcast days but sunny days, too!

Extreme weather, while rare, can happen (such as flooding) so if you can, choose to travel during the dry season. It is your honeymoon after all, and we’d prefer if you didn’t have to deal with the monsoon season rains!

When it’s the rainy season in Thailand, from May to October, it’s the dry season in Bali and vice versa when it’s the rainy season in Bali, from November to March, it’s the dry season in Thailand.

So if you’re planning a summer* honeymoon, Bali is a great option and if you’re planning a winter honeymoon, Thailand is a great option.

It’s a draw when it comes to weather when choosing Bali vs Thailand, as they’re both different.

Ultimately, when choosing between Thailand and Bali for your honeymoon, the timing of your trip may be the deciding factor – when you can travel on your honeymoon is probably the easiest way to pick between Thailand or Bali!

Just remember that dry season = high season so prices are always higher in high season.

_{(*refers to summer and winter in the northern hemisphere)}

How to get to Thailand and Bali

Getting to Thailand and Bali for your honeymoon is relatively easy, but it also depends on where you’re coming from.

Depending on where you are in the world, one destination might be nearer than the other.

If you’re traveling from Europe or the Middle East, Thailand will be closer by around 2 hours, while Bali is closer if you’re traveling from Australia or New Zealand.

Keep in mind that there are no direct flights from the USA to Thailand or Bali, so you’ll have to plan for a layover.

Most couples traveling to either destination will either touch down or have a layover in a city in Asia or the Middle East.

This presents an excellent opportunity to add in a city stopover to your honeymoon itinerary!

For instance, you could add a stop in Dubai in the Middle East or Tokyo or Singapore in Asia. Low-cost airlines like AirAsia have many connections to major cities.

Ultimately, the best way to get to Thailand or Bali depends on your location and budget. Regardless of where you’re coming from, it’s always worth exploring all of your options to find the best deals.

Check international airports like Phuket (airport code: HKT), Bangkok (BKK) and Koh Samui (USM) and international flights into Bali Denpasar (DPS).

Planning a honeymoon itinerary in Thailand and Bali

When planning your honeymoon itinerary for Thailand or Bali, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your trip.

First, it’s important to remember that the length of your stay will determine the time you have to explore each destination.

For example, 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore and relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.

Whether you have 10 nights, 14 nights or 21 nights, our recommendation is to include at least one beach area and one jungle area.

In Thailand, this could mean including a stay in the north around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Khao Sok National Park. Here you can explore the local culture and nature around the rural areas with sacred Buddhist temples, hikes, elephant sanctuaries and markets.

In Bali, although it’s only an hour from most beach areas, Ubud is a different world and a wonderful base to explore rural Bali life, learn about Balinese culture, and visit the many rice terraces, ancient temples, and markets.

When choosing a beach area in Thailand or Bali, it can be overwhelming, as there are so many options available.

If you have time, we recommend soaking up the atmosphere of one of the busier beaches areas (Chaweng Beach in Ko Samui, Patong in Phuket and Seminyak Beach in Bali).

If you’re on a budget, Nusa Dua has some lovely luxury resorts, too.

These beach areas are ideal bases for taking day trips and exploring the nightlife and dining and getting your bearings.

However, to truly experience some romantic ambiance, get away from the crowds for a beautifully romantic honeymoon experience. Book end your trip with a few days somewhere a little quieter, where you can experience a slice of honeymoon heaven.

We love the luxury resorts in Uluwatu (hello infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean!) and Jimbaran Bay in Bali or Koh Yao Noi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta and Krabi in Thailand.

Some islands like Koh Tao or Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan in Thailand or the Gili Islands near Bali may be known as backpacker islands, but you’ll also find some luxury boltholes on these small islands, too. Both have romantic beach areas.

Factor in some downtime. Whether it’s lounging on the beach, indulging in an afternoon spa treatment, or napping in a hammock, take some time to unwind and soak up the romance with each other.

How to get around Thailand and Bali

Whether you choose Thailand or Bali for your honeymoon, getting around these destinations is relatively easy.

As Bali is one island, you can get away with not taking any flights once you’re there, making it easier to get around in a sense (although you can fly to the quieter and equally amazing neighbouring island of Lombok).

In theory, you could base yourself in one area and take day trips, although we recommend moving around and staying in a few spots as mentioned above, like a beach area and Ubud. You can also take the ferry to the Gili Islands, too.

Southern Bali has an issue with traffic jams and public transport is erratic so many opt for moped or private car transfers.

In contrast, getting around Thailand is more varied. The cultural and jungle heartland in the north is a one-hour flight from the islands and Bangkok is in between, so to make the most of your trip, there are usually one or two domestic flights. You can also take an overnight train.

Bali means less air travel once you’ve arrived. To get from island to island in Thailand, most couples take either a long-tail boat or speedboat.

Tourists rarely hire a car in Asia as the best way to get around is to either use taxis, tours or hire a driver.

For those who are more adventurous, hiring mopeds is also an option. However, it is important to prioritise safety and ensure that you have sufficient travel insurance in Thailand or Bali in case of an accident.

In Bali, using taxis and drivers is an affordable and convenient option. You can also hire a car with a driver for a full day or more to explore different parts of the island.

Bali also has affordable ride-sharing services. Grab is popular, as is GoJek, which offers motorbike and car rides, food delivery, and other services.

Similarly, in Thailand, taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available in cities and towns, and many drivers can also act as tour guides.

You can also book private cars or minivans for day trips or longer excursions. Alternatively, organized tours offer a hassle-free way to explore different parts of the country.

Where to stay in Thailand and Bali

You’ll be in heaven in either Thailand or Bali as both have a wide variety of accommodation types, from budget backpacking style to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world.

From beachfront villas to hilltop retreats, the options for an indulgent five star hotel stay are endless.

Bali is known for its stunning private pool villas, and it’s the birthplace of the floating breakfast concept. Thailand is famous for its affordable luxury, a chance to indulge in five-star experiences without breaking the bank.

Both destinations are fantastic if you want your own private pool with both affordable and ultra-luxury options. In Thailand we love a beachside hotel, this is what Thailand is famous for, of course. In Bali, off-beach, private pool villas are popular too and are perfect for seclusion and privacy.

Whether it’s Thailand or Bali, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful places you can stay at relatively affordable prices.

Some hotels we love…

in Thailand Casa de la Flora Khao Lak | Keemala Phuket | Santhiya Resort & Spa Koh Yao Yai | Anantara Lawana Koh Samui | The Racha

in Bali Hotel Tugu | Ayana Resort Bali | Six Senses Uluwatu | Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay

What to eat in Thailand and Bali

For gastronomy lovers, whether it’s Thailand or Bali for your honeymoon, you will be in foodie honeymoon heaven with a variety of local cuisine and international cuisine / western food options.

From a western point of view, at first look, the two destinations and the cuisines look similar, with rice and coconut aplenty.

Thai food is famous for its bold flavours, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Some of the must-try dishes include Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish, Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup, and Massaman Curry, a fragrant curry.

The regional variations in Thailand also mean that there’s always something new to try. For example, Burmese and Chinese influences Northern Thai cuisine.

In Bali, the local cuisine is also a highlight, with dishes like Nasi Goreng, a fried rice dish, and satay, grilled meat skewers, being popular options.

Using fresh herbs and spices like lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger gives Balinese cuisine a unique flavor. Visitors can also try Babi Guling, a spit-roasted pig dish that’s a Balinese specialty.

We’d highly recommend taking part in a cooking class in either Thailand or Bali and taking a street food tour in Bali or a fun one by tuk-tuk in Thailand.

Whatever destination you choose when thinking about Bali vs Thailand, exploring the local food is not only rewarding but the best value too, you can have a banquet even on the smallest of budgets.

We really hate to choose between these culinary delights! However, Thai cuisine just about pips it with the sheer volume of places to eat from Michelin Guide recommended spots to street food to beach huts, not to mention the regional variations.

Bali vs Thailand Beaches

Whether you choose Thailand or Bali, you’ll be in heaven with the most beautiful beaches where you can watch the most incredible sunrises and sunsets.

You’ll find plenty of beaches for every taste, from built-up, busy beach towns to secluded coves and serene laid-back island paradises where you can escape the crowds.

But we’re going to be blunt. When it comes to Bali vs Thailand, Thailand has the best beaches. An unparalleled superabundance of incredible tropical island spots, compared to anywhere else in the world.

The powdery sand, emerald water and gorgeous limestone karst like those found in Phang Nga Bay are hard to beat. You’ll find busier beaches bustling with spas, restaurants and nightlife to uninhabited paradisaical spots, like Khao Phing Kan aka James Bond Island, which is only accessible by boat.

Relax for the afternoon amongst the stunning scenery or opt for some water activities by kayaking or exploring the nearby caves.

That’s not to say that Bali doesn’t have great beaches, too. While they’re not considered as good as Thailand as the island is volcanic, white sandy beaches are not as common.

However, Bali beaches have their own charm. You can find surfing beaches like Canggu, where you can catch a way (or watch others).

We love the beautiful tranquil cliffside spots like Uluwatu, which are the best beaches on Bali and must-dos, like much photographed Nusa Penida.

The nearby Gili Islands have some wonderful pristine beaches, on a par with Thailand and where you can get the classic insta shot in a swing in the sea and are perfect for swimming and snorkelling from their white sand beaches.

Rural jungle spots in Thailand and Bali

Whether you choose Thailand or Bali, they both offer incredible jungle areas that are definitely worth exploring.

You can’t go wrong with either for beautiful rural areas of rice paddy fields, temples and waterfalls. They both have spots you don’t want to miss.

In Thailand, the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer a unique experience, with their misty mountains, lush jungles, and hill tribe communities.

Tour the border region with Laos and Myanmar. It’s a totally different experience from the beaches.

Visitors can trek through the jungle, visit waterfalls and learn about the local culture. Or, if you don’t want to fly, Khao Sok National Park, which is closer to the islands, has some of Thailand’s most spectacular landscapes, with towering limestone cliffs, rivers, and dense jungle.

Stay at the incredible Elephant Hills, which is accessible from the major Thailand beach areas, is a luxury eco-camp within the park, where you can interact with elephants.

In Bali, Ubud is the cultural heartland of the island and has so much to do. The town is surrounded by rice paddies, jungles, and temples. It’s the perfect area for those seeking peace and tranquility, although the town itself is lively.

Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with the resident monkeys, or take a walk through the lush Campuhan Ridge Walk.

The iconic Bali Swing, a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos, is also near Ubud. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the rice paddy fields.

The accommodation is also very affordable, you might even swing a room with your own pool!

Where it’s Thailand or Bali, you choose, exploring these beautiful rural areas, with their stunning landscapes, temples, and waterfalls, are an absolute must.

Bali vs Thailand nightlife

Night owls rejoice. If you’re a night time or party lover, you can’t go wrong with either Thailand or Bali.

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps and its the best place to explore Thailand’s nightlife.

From night markets and street food, to rooftop bars and sophisticated nightclubs to, how do we put it? Less sophisticated areas, like Patpong, which is not for the fainthearted or conservative minded. Bangkok has it all.

Thailand is famous for the monthly Full Moon Party, which takes place on the island of Koh Phangan, near Koh Samui on the east coast.

Known for its wild atmosphere, with thousands of people dancing on the beach until the early hours of the morning. There are also half moon parties if your honeymoon doesn’t coincide with the full moon!

On Phuket, you can spend the day on Yona – the first floating beach club.

Bali also has a fun party scene, especially along the beaches of Seminyak and Kuta.

Kuta is known for its wild and tacky party scene, with bars and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning.

Seminyak offers a more upscale party experience, with a range of cool bars and fancier restaurants. You can also find some of the best beach clubs in the world in Bali, like the popular Potato Head Beach Club.

Whether you’re into wild parties or more sophisticated nightlife, both Thailand and Bali have plenty to offer for honeymooners looking to continue the party!

Cities to explore in Thailand and Bali

If you’re planning a honeymoon to Thailand or Bali, we love to recommend a city element for fun shopping, nightlife and sightseeing.

Bangkok is one of our favourite cities. We love the luxurious hotels, dining, shopping and nightlife with plenty of cultural tours too.

For history buffs, Ayutthaya is a former capital of Thailand and home to ancient temple ruins, palaces and other archaeological sites. It’s only a quick trip from Bangkok, too.

Many couples spend one or two nights, although this means you’re barely scratching the surface of this fascinating city. So if you’re city lovers, make some more time for this fun town.

You can also fly from Singapore to the Thai islands. The city-state is known for its clean streets, futuristic architecture and multicultural cuisine.

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia, although travellers rarely fly to Bali from the city.

Most choose to stop in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Or, opt for one of our favourite honeymoon cities, Dubai. Istanbul might be an option, too, if travelling from/via Europe.

For city lovers, any of these cities would be a great stopover.

While Singapore is more calm than Bangkok, which may be a good or bad thing depending on your preferred travel style. Bangkok is cheaper and arguably has more cultural pursuits and history. Kuala Lumpur is somewhere in the middle!

Do Something Different in Thailand or Bali

Whether it’s Thailand or Bali, you’re considering, both are tourist hot spots. However, it is possible to get off the beaten track and escape the heavier tourist crowds.

In Thailand, go to Pai instead of Chiang Mai in the country’s north. It’s a great place for hiking, exploring the local culture, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

If visiting the islands, consider the less well-known islands like Koh Lipe in the Andaman Sea near the border with Malaysia. It has crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

In Bali, there are plenty of options for those looking to explore beyond the popular tourist spots. Consider adding another Indonesian island to your itinerary, such as Java or Flores.

Java is the most populous island in Indonesia and is home to some of the most famous cultural landmarks, such as the Borobudur temple and the city of Yogyakarta. Flores is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Komodo National Park, famous for the Komodo dragons.

If you’re planning to visit the Gili Islands near Bali, consider staying on Gili Air instead of the busier Gili Trawangan.

Gili Air is the most tranquil and laid-back of the three islands, with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and take in the stunning sunsets.

Which is cheaper, Thailand or Bali?

When it comes to affordability, Thailand and Bali are two of the best honeymoon destinations on the planet.

They offer excellent value for money. Your euro/dollar/pound goes further than at home. Ideal if you’re planning an affordable honeymoon on a budget!

Thailand is often considered more budget-friendly for backpackers, but for luxury hotels and resorts, the difference between Bali and Thailand is minimal.

Variations in price often hinge on factors such as your departure location and the time of year you choose for your honeymoon.

For instance, in summer, Thailand is more economical because it is the rainy season, while in Bali it’s the dry season, so prices can be higher. Conversely, Bali becomes a more budget-friendly option in winter, during its rainy season, compared to Thailand, where it’s the dry season.

In essence, both Bali and Thailand are attractive when it comes to working out the and seasonal considerations play a key role in determining the overall cost of your honeymoon.

Conclusion – Thailand or Bali for honeymoon – which is better

Ultimately, the winner between Thailand vs Bali will be down to what resonates with you both and sparks joy and excitement!

2 questions we would recommend discussing whether to honeymoon in Thailand or honeymoon in Bali:

1) What time of year are we travelling? Go where the weather is likely to be driest! The better choice is Thailand in winter and Bali in summer!

2) Do we have enough time? Think about travel time. Bali can be a 20+ hour journey from Europe / North America.

Either destination has so much to offer. Affordable luxury accommodation from luxury villas to ultra-luxury resorts, romantic sunrises and sunsets and an endless array of activities. 

Shop until you drop, take a sunrise yoga class, party the night away, have some magical wildlife encounters and did we mention the food?

If you have the time you more time, you could do both! It’s easy to get from Bali to Thailand and Thailand to Bali with airlines like Air Asia and Jetstar.

As you resolve this delightful dilemma, remember whether you choose between Thailand and Bali honeymoon, you’re going to have the best time ever.

If you’re ready to start planning, check out our comprehensive Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Guide and our comprehensive Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide to dive deeper into planning a honeymoon in either Thailand or Bali!

Don’t forget to let us know whether you choose Thailand or Bali!

Happy Planning x