Philippines Vs Thailand – What to Choose?

Last Updated on April 2, 2020

Like many of them out there, are you also confused about where to go? Philippines Vs Thailand, what to choose for my next destination? Both these island countries have their own charm and beauty! After traveling to both countries many times we have compared the Philippines and Thailand based on our experiences! No one should tell you what country to travel to but by reading this article you should be able to find out what country will fit you best.

Best beach holiday destinations – Philippines Vs Thailand?

If you are someone who likes the beaches as well as islands, then both countries have them. The Philippines can excite you by the number of islands it comprises of! Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and China Sea, 7600 little islands make up this beautiful country. There are plenty of ‘where to stay in the Philippines’ options. We stayed in Dumaguete, Cebu, Palawan, Apo Island and the city side of Manila. Every place will amaze you as the crowd is really less when compared to Thailand. It boasts with a rich marine diversity it possesses. The ocean currents are extremely powerful from all the directions. You can find diversified varieties of fishes and amazing turtles, underwater!

Coming to Thailand, it has 1400 islands which are way less than the Philippines. Only the western part of Thailand receives heavy currents. In the other parts, its subtle and pleasant. Having said that, it is more crowded than the Philippines, especially in the touristy areas like the islands in Krabi or even the Phuket island. Parties are insane here and people throw parties for everything in Thailand, especially in Phi Phi. 

**Thailand is known to have some of the best yoga retreats in the world. If you are interested in this type of relaxation dont miss these places**

Ease of travel – Philippines Vs Thailand?

In the Philippines, you mostly have the option of traveling by air or sea to the counterparts of the country. The connectivity within these islands is limited when compared to Thailand. A huge thumbs up to Thailand for its bus and ferry connectivity everywhere inside and outside of the country! If you are flying into Bangkok make sure you stay and check out Bangkok for three days before heading out to see the rest of this beautiful country.

You can even travel to other nearby countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and the like, by bus itself. It is extremely affordable to travel this way! 

Travel to Thailand from Philippines

The best part about traveling to these countries and wanting to see both is, it’s cheap. No really, flying from Manila to Thailand or vice versa Thailand and Philippines are very affordable. You can find tickets back and forth for just $39 on average. Most of the time it’s more expensive to fly to the island of the Philippines from Manila then it is to change countries.

Where can you get the best food among Thailand and the Philippines?

It isn’t easy at all to compare the food of both countries. Both of them have plenty of dining options and delicacies to choose from! While Thailand treats you with spicy food that flavourful of herbs, lemongrass, and Basil, the Philippines offers you food with a mild flavor. You can find amazing pork, beef, and stews with vinegar and sauces in the Philippines.

If you are a fast-food craver, then the Philippines will excite you more with the range of fast food joints it has. Jollibee is one famous food joint you will find anywhere in Filipino! The buns are unique and the cost of food is extremely cheap at the local fast food joints like Minute Burger. Chicken served with Calamansi is the best in the Philippines. It tastes something like lemon or orange. Treat your taste buds with the best chicken from Inasal. You cannot let down Thailand for this matter though. World-class food outlets, McD, KFC and the like have their stores here! Spice lovers will go crazy in Thailand as every dish has chilly powder here. Vinegar is used in many foods and fish sauce is used replacing soy sauce!

If you are a coffee addict, then both countries will become your favorite. Coffee is usually served as a combination of 3 packets; cream, coffee, and sugar. All you have to do is dump it in water and gulp it in! Kopiko is a famous brand that has choco granules in it to enlighten the taste! In Thailand, coffee is served in big mugs. Now I know how Tah got her coffee love!  There is plenty of coffee stands everywhere in Thailand that offers you a cup for as little a $1!

Street Food  in Philippines Vs Thailand

You can ponder on an enormous range of street food in both Thailand and the Philippines. However, there are more frequent outlets for street food in Thailand. You can find street food in every corner you turn. Besides in the Philippines, there are only specific street vendors. But, it is also more organized here!

Languages in Philippines Vs Thailand

The people of the Philippines speak Tagalog but talk English more fluently. Whereas in Thailand, they speak in English with a pronunciation that matches their language. There are some words that are common in both English and Thai. In the touristy areas, there are people who speak English but when you go to the countryside, this becomes a rare scene.

In the Philippines, you can find people who speak very good English even in remote villages. Many of them know Spanish too apart from English and Tagalog

Who is more tourist-friendly Thai or Filipino?

When it comes to friendliness, both the countries are heads up. In Thailand, if you are away from the touristy areas, you will see people who are very shy and hesitate to speak to foreigners. Whereas in Filipino, people are super cool to come out of their way to start a conversation. You will find so many kids and youth waving you a hi or a hi-fi when you ride your scooter or walk around. They even crack crazy jokes and mingle very well at the first instance itself!

The personality of Thai and Filipino People-

Most of the features of the Philippines and Thailand people resemble. However, Filipino people have a fairer complexion. They are more into makeup and fashion. Their features resemble a bit of Korean and eastern Asia. Thai people have narrow eyes that are round shaped also. The girls focus more on being skinny and they love being that way!

Which offers a good scooter ride experience?

Thailand has crazy traffic and that too if you are riding in the touristy areas in the peak hours, you are definitely going to get annoyed. You will be stopped by the Police at least once for checking even if you wear a helmet and have your license. The Philippines is fairly better as it has less traffic and Police do not stop you while riding.

Where can you find better internet in Thailand and the Philippines?

The Philippines is supposed to have a bad internet but that’s not the case all the time. There are areas where you find good internet and there are places where the connection is bad. Thailand has good internet but not everywhere. However, you will find a steady connection here which slows down and picks up quickly. But, in the Philippines, you get good internet speed for 10 minutes and it drops off to nothing for another 10 minutes. These are in places that are away from the mainland.
We have done our fair part in comparing both the stunning South Asian countries! It is up to you to go to both places and discover which one you like the most! So, where are you up to now? Follow Divert Living to understand how to prepare for your first Philippines trip or how to prepare for Thailand! Do let us know in the comments below on which place surprised you more!

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