Like many of them out there, are you also confused of where to go? Philippines or Thailand for my next destination?! Both these island countries have their own charm and beauty! We have compared Philippines and Thailand based on our experiences! Read on to decide for yourself!
Best beach holiday destinations – Thailand or Philippines?
If you are someone who likes the beaches as well as islands, then both the countries have them. Philippines can excite you by the number of islands it comprises of! Situated in the middle of Pacific ocean and China Sea, 7600 little islands make up this beautiful country. There are plenty of ‘where to stay in 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 is way less than 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 Philippines, especially in the touristy areas. Party is insane here and people throw parties for everything in Thailand. This is the main reason for many travellers to backpack to Thailand!
Ease of travel – Thailand or Philippines?
In Philippines, you mostly have the option of travelling 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!
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! However, Cebu Air in Philippines is one great advantage as it offers tickets at a cheaper cost to encourage travelling! From Bangkok to Philippines you need just $39 and this is definitely a great deal!
Where can you get the best food among Thailand and Philippines?
It isn’t easy at all to compare the food of both the 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, Philippines offers you food with a mild flavour. You can find amazing pork, beef and stews with vinegar and sauces in Philippines.
If you are a fast food craver, then 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 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 at 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 the 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 which 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 are plenty of coffee stands everywhere in Thailand that offer you a cup for as little a $1!
Street Food in Thailand and Philippines
You can ponder on an enormous range of street food in both Thailand and Philippines. However, there are more frequent outlets for street food in Thailand. You can find street food in every corner you turn. Besides in Philippines, there are only specific street vendors. But, it is also more organised here!
Languages in Thailand and Philippines
The people of 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 Philippines, you can find people who speak very good English even in the remote villages. Many of them know Spanish too apart from English and Tagalog
Who are more tourist- friendly Thai or Filipino?
When it comes to friendliness, both the countries are a 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 hifi when you ride your scooter or walk around. They even crack crazy jokes and mingle very well at the first instance itself!
Personality of Thai and Filipino People-
Most of the features of 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 a 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 helmet and have your licence. 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 Philippines?
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 connection is bad. Thailand has a good internet but not everywhere. However, you will find a steady connection here which slows down and picks up quickly. But, in Philippines you get good internet speed for 10 minutes and it drop 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 upto you to go to both the places and discover which one you like the most! So, where are you upto 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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