How Safe Is It To Travel In Thailand’S Surroundings?

Thailand is generally considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travelers, with a low crime rate and a 92nd out of 163 country ranking in the Global Peace Index. However, there are some areas that pose increased risks, such as Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to these areas near the Thailand-Malaysia border.

While urban areas are more accepting than rural areas when it comes to homosexuality, Thais are generally exceedingly welcoming and accepting. Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks can happen in tourist areas across Thailand, particularly during full moon parties or similar events. Thailand’s laws are strict, and travelers must take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation.

The Thai way of driving is the most risky aspect of Thailand, as Thais are much more honest and helpful than most other nations. However, Thailand is not without its hazards, including an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks, which have killed over 6,500 people and injured many more since 2004. Bombings and shootings are commonplace in popular tourist areas.

To enjoy Thailand safely, tourists should stick to popular areas like Bangkok, Krabi, Chang Mai, and Phuket, as crime rates are very low in these areas. However, there are also occasional violence, banditry, and clashes between government forces and drug traffickers. Border crossing points may be closed without notice, making it important to be aware of potential dangers before renting a car in Thailand.


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How safe is Phuket?

Phuket is generally safe for solo travelers, with many visiting the island annually. To ensure safety, be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and stick to well-lit areas at night. Avoid going out alone too late and keep an eye on your belongings. Hostels in Phuket offer a great way to stay safe and meet other travelers, providing opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Group tours or activities can also be enjoyed while staying safe.

Street food in Phuket is generally safe to consume, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts visiting the island. Overall, Phuket is a safe destination for solo travelers to explore the beautiful island.

Is it safe to travel to Phuket right now?
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Is it safe to travel to Phuket right now?

Thailand faces an ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly in Bangkok and Phuket, with previous incidents involving explosive devices. In August 2019, several small explosions occurred in Bangkok, resulting in some injuries. In 2016, multiple explosions occurred in various tourist areas, including Hua Hin, Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, and Surat Thani, resulting in casualties. In 2015, an explosion near the Erawan Shrine in central Bangkok killed at least 20 people and injured many more.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise high personal security awareness in Thailand, particularly in public and commercial areas. Possible terrorism targets include landmarks, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, tourist resorts, shopping areas, banks, embassies, and places of worship.

What should I be careful of when visiting Thailand?

Tourists in Thailand are advised to avoid sexual assault, assault, robbery, and drink spiking. They should stay with trusted individuals at parties, bars, nightclubs, and taxis. Anti-government protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. To drive a car or motorcycle in Thailand, a valid international driving permit (IDP) and an Australian driver’s license are required. If driving without the correct license, you may face arrest or jail time. It is also advised not to drive vehicles not covered by your Australian license.

How to avoid stomach bug in Thailand?
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How to avoid stomach bug in Thailand?

To avoid diarrhea and food poisoning while traveling, choose safe street food, clean fruits and vegetables, and drink water from bottles. Keep Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) with you. Treat travelers’ diarrhea by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding certain foods like dairy, fatty, high-fiber, or highly seasoned foods. Gradually add semisolid and low-fiber foods as bowel movements return to normal. Consult a doctor for antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications.

Understanding local cuisine and health practices can help make informed food choices. Look for places with high turnover, indicating fresh meal preparation. Thailand’s rich culinary tradition offers a variety of flavors and dishes, but understanding common ingredients and cooking practices can help visitors make informed choices. Look for places with high turnover to ensure fresh preparation of meals.

How to get around in Thailand safely?
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How to get around in Thailand safely?

Public transportation in Thailand is a cost-effective and convenient way to travel. Buses are common and easily accessible, but it’s essential to visit the local bus station in person to get accurate information. Websites like 12goasia and rome2rio can help, but purchasing tickets in person at a counter is recommended for the best knowledge and price. Tuktuks, a type of trolley, can accommodate up to 20 people and are more suitable for specific directions.

Although they are more expensive than other forms of transportation, they are worth the cost for the convenience and cost-effectiveness. Overall, public transportation is a cost-effective and efficient way to explore Thailand.

What is the safest part of Thailand to visit?
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What is the safest part of Thailand to visit?

Thailand is often considered one of the safest countries to travel to, but it is important to choose the right destination for your family. Some popular destinations include Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Phang Nga, and Kual Lumpur.

Chiang Mai, despite being a large and bustling city, is a safe destination due to its small-town feel and its proximity to other major cities. It is a great base for exploring northern Thailand and offers many family-friendly activities.

HUA HIN, located southwest of Bangkok, has managed to escape the crowds of tourists. However, it is essential to know which destinations are appropriate for your needs, especially if you are traveling with your family. Political clashes in Bangkok can also cause concern, but these issues do not affect the overall functioning of the country.

Is travel to Thailand safe right now?

The government of Thailand is urging caution due to the ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations that have been occurring in Bangkok and other parts of the country. It is advisable to avoid the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala due to the unpredictable security situation and the occurrence of violent attacks by separatist insurgents. It is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety and security of these areas.

Do and don’ts in Thailand?

To ensure an enjoyable trip to Thailand, it is essential to obtain the appropriate visa, purchase travel insurance, and refrain from any actions that may be perceived as disrespectful towards the Royal Family or the Buddhist religion. It is advisable to refrain from raising one’s voice or displaying anger, as such actions are perceived as disrespectful in Thailand.

How to travel to different parts of Thailand?
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How to travel to different parts of Thailand?

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and tourists often depart the city by bus, train, or plane to explore other areas of the country. Common routes include north for jungle trekking, mountains, and elephant experiences, or south for tropical rainforests, marine parks, and island-hopping beach breaks. Domestic airlines such as Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Airways depart from Don Muang Airport. It takes around an hour to fly from Bangkok to popular Thai destinations such as Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani.

Chiang Mai is a cultural hub with over 300 temples and easy access to nearby attractions. Koh Samui is the largest island on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, known for its fine beaches and resorts. It is also the location of the Full Moon Party and snorkeling mecca Koh Tao. Krabi is the launching pad for islands like Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi archipelago, where The Beach was filmed.

Is Thailand safe to drive around?

Thailand is known for its dangerous roads, with around 50 deaths daily in accidents. To drive in Thailand, you must be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license. Most foreign drivers require an international driving permit (IDP) before arriving, but ASEAN citizens can use their current licenses through a mutual agreement. If you have a foreign driving license from outside the ASEAN region, your IDP allows you to drive for up to one year. Once you meet the one-year threshold or become a permanent resident, you must convert your foreign license to a local one and carry a translation in English or Thai.

Is it safe to travel around Thailand alone?
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Is it safe to travel around Thailand alone?

Solo travelers in Thailand should be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their possessions, especially in large cities. Attending Full Moon Parties and following safety precautions, such as not leaving drinks unattended, is crucial. Thailand has the highest fatality rate for motorcycle accidents globally, so wearing a helmet and being cautious on the roads is essential. For the latest travel advice, consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the Department of State Travel Advisories.


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How Safe Is It To Travel In Thailand'S Surroundings?
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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45 comments

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  • I only been to Philippines yet. Been there several trips 9 months together. I LOVE Philippines. The nature, mountains, beaches, waterfalls everywhere. I also like the food overall, bur most of all I love the people, they are amazing. Always a smile, they are helpful, friendly, hospitable and make you feel like you belong to the family. They invite for coffee, beer, food and of course karaoke. But I really want to visit Thailand and the other countries in SE Asia to. Greetings from Sweden!

  • Totally agree. As a filipino, i visited thailand before and was amazed by their huge modern airport, bustling city landscape, culture with all the beautiful temples, Golden buddhas and also lots of shopping destinations and food choices. I wanna go back. But when it comes to beaches, Philippines is the best.

  • I’m from Sokor, and I’ve been in the Philippines 14months and 7months in thailand I love touring around asia like I been in Indonesia and Singapore too. But I prepare Philippines. Nature: Philippines! I’m being bias because I love Boracay and El Nido specially at night it gets busy and I love it! Food: Philippines again, I’m from south korea, spicy food is everywhere but I don’t usually eat spicy food. I prepare some light taste. The only problem is Philippine cuisne are a little bit salty for korean like me. Cost: Philippines is more cheaper than Thailand. Culture: I experienced fiesta twice in the philippines In baguio City its flower festival and in Quezon city like random people throwing water on you and I just laughing while getting wet and I don’t have clothes that time 🤣😂 I just enjoy it. Language: Philippines because tagalog and english is their national language. They have so many dialect too. Tourism: Thailand because thailand is more organize than Philippines. East to travel: Philippines maybe because I want to go in Siargao and Bohol ☺️

  • As a Thai person, I look at the color of the water ( sea water) in the Philippines, and I go WOW WOW WOW. Even mountains are more of my choice, but I d love to walk the beaches in those Philippines islands. I d love to sit and drink and get drunk talking to Filipinos, coz here in Bangkok I feel I can relate to the Filipinos. They can talk to them about a lot of things.

  • This is so true! I have been to both and nothing compares to my country! And the food too! Thai food has the same flavor while the Philippines has more variety because of the many influences it has like the Spanish, Chinese, American, and Japanese. We have more white sand beaches. Everything is cheap here than in Thailand!

  • This episode not only saw a lot of beautiful scenery, but also gained a lot of travel knowledge! After perusal, I feel that the two countries have their own advantages and disadvantages, and both are tourist destinations worth visiting! Your analysis and explanations are really detailed, really great job, thank you so much for sharing! 👍🥰🙏🙌

  • I love both countries!! Having born in the Philippines and growing up there till age 9, I have a strong connection to the food, especially fruits& vegetables that are readily available here in the US. I wish fresh salads are available throughout Philippines as they are in Thailand. I love northern Thailand, and the beaches in the Philippines are I prefer most!

  • When you choose between Philippines & Thailand its like you choose between Apple & Orange, Hands down both countries are beautiful with unique attraction from their own countries..But for me it’s Philippines..you can find in the Philippines some more unique beauty of nature & wonder of nature which are not man made such as Mt.Mayon, Chocolate Hills etc..

  • Amazing comparison article, I’ve been all over Thailand (6 times) and planning a 1 month odyssey through the Philippines soon. Another thing you could mention is how strict each is with alcohol & drugs, marijuana being legalised in Thailand and being EVERYWHERE 🌿 whilst I heard its a big NO NO in the Philippines..

  • Great content, but I must react on one point : the cost. I just spent 2 months around Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Chang, Koh Kood – the best -, Koh Mak, Chiang Mai and of course Bangkok), and it is wayyy cheaper then El Nido, for exemple. You can pay more in Thailand for some rooftops, trendy bars, western food, but you always have A LOT of street food and cheap options, especially for the food and the accommodations. In the Philippines, you have way less choices, and the averages prices are higher!

  • Chiang Mai was on my bucket list for a long time, and I finally did that trip last year. Northern Thailand intrigued me so much… even took cooking classes when I was there. I just love the historical places and the Lanna cuisine. And I am a Filipino. Thank you for promoting our beaches (the best in the world!) 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

  • What a good blog to listen to both of you, stating comparison between Thailand and Philippines . So happy to hear that Philippines given you more advantages when it comes to beaches, food, and the people and the language . I know you got stranded in the Philippines for 7 months and that’s gives you the experience about the place itself.

  • domestic tourism is more in the Philippines since the beauty of the Philippines is composed of different islands, we do want to go to the different places first before we go to other countries. infrasturcture is difficult here, take note we are always in the mercy of mother nature. the Philippines is a country that is more affected by climate change than any other country. that why infrutructure is more difficult because we nee to build it considering the natural disasters that we experience every year.

  • While Thailand is the better country in terms of Southeat Asian tourism supremacy, the Philippines is still underrated in all aspects but three categories: 1 – beach scenery, 2. people’s friendliness, 3. English language proficiency…we are getting there and we will be one of the top destinations in the world in the future for sure.

  • Hi lovely couple, i think in this content, it depends in the personal preference of the traveler or tourist visiting these 2 South-East Asia countries. Depending the personal comfort, confidence and connections which makes a stiff competition between the popular destination(Thailand)versus the underrated destination(the Philippines)of the South-East Asia region among the backpackers, digital nomads and expats options. In the end, you make your own preference which tourism aspect you like most. Cheers to the 2 favorite countries in the SEA region🇵🇭✌🇹🇭

  • Thank you for sharing this! I really appreciate the objective viewpoint of your experiences. I’m from Canada and I’ve been to both places and I do love both places for different reasons. I’m a nature lover though and I do love the diversity of landscape and climates in the Philippines and the culture itself feels like a a diverse mix of Latin America, Pacific Islands, Asia and Europe. It’s quite unique.

  • Really enjoyed this comparison, as I have been torn between both as upcoming travel destinations. Thanks for making the decision easier for me and thank you as well for being the travel vloggers whose opinions matter most to me. Given the wealth of online content contributors who specialize in both of these two particular locations, and southeast Asia overall, it is a great comfort to me to have the benefit of your like-minded advice and impressions.

  • Definitely a fair observation. I’m from the Philippines but have had my fair share of domestic and international travel. Been to Thailand several times too and I think you nailed every aspect of comparison. Personally, I also love Thai food, and a bit of shopping in Thailand. Buddhist temples and ancient cities are also a novelty to me who is from a Christian nation. Culturally, in the Philippines, you see that more in the language, festivals, food, and some colonial architecture, including the centuries old rice terraces and various ethno linguistic tribes and regions.

  • Thailand and the Philippines are like sister nations when it comes to people. I can say that one of the advantages of the Philippines is the use of English as the second language. I am a Filipino. I went to Thailand and I was impressed by their food (international and local with low prices). My problem was I was not able to talk with many people there because most of them don’t speak English. To know the direction of the destination, I need to asked many and choose which of the direction was given by most of those I asked because they will give you different directions.

  • Both countries are beautiful. Each country has it’s own beauty and charm. All the signs, signages and directions to locations in the Philippines are readable in English or Spanish. The local peoples of both countries are friendly and love to smile. You can easily converse or share a joke with Filipinos they being English speakers. Going to a hospital or a pharmacy is easier in the Philippines because English communication is no problem. English is the 2nd official language of the Philippines.

  • had to leave a comment because this article is extremely detailed & covers all of the important points to consider when planning a trip. thank you guys so much for taking the time & effort to produce this article!! a friend & i were looking for somewhere in southeast asia for our next travel, we really wanted somewhere that was affordable, laid-back & relaxing. we both love nature & beaches a lot, after perusal your article, we’ll consider the Philippines!

  • For me you can find the country that have beautiful beaches everywhere….. but you can’t easily find the country in Southeast Asia that has the most ancient and strongest cultures to the root and top like Thailand, which is never ever colonized by others countries before. And I really Pround of it 🙏🏼. #thankyou for visiting us even in short term. Hope you both can stay in Thailand more longer then you will see a lot of things that you miss.✌🏼😊

  • I like the balance comparison of Thailand and the Philippines. I too wanted to visit Thailand, I like their culture and history of kingdoms of the past way back thousands of years and they are in national geographic series also. The Philippines don’t have that archeological structure to offer because as we all know we are just a small group of tribes living on different islands of the past.

  • Being a Filipino living in Thailand for 34 years I have seen Thailand progress in terms of music, fashion and infrastructure. I love it here but of course I love my country the most! What made me stay here up to now is my job and my family whom I bring up here. When I retire I may go home for good with the hope that the Philippines will have improved by PBBM’s administration. Still, Philippine beaches are the best!

  • So to summarize : Beaches – Philippines. Culture ( Temples) – Thailand Ease of communication/Friendliness – Philippines Infrastructures (Roads, Hotels)- Thailand Less cheaper – Philippines Faster internet- Thailand Island hoping – Philippines Foods – Thailand I am in the US and I have never been to Thailand and Cebu or Mindanao. But if I’m gonna choose, I’ll pick Thailand for visit.

  • Excellent infrastructure can be seen in any cities of the world, but what makes the Philippines unique is the welcoming and warm spirit, loving-kindness and sense of humor of its people, even treating foreigners like members of their own family. You can even survive in the Philippines without money for one day and come back to your hotel happy with a full tummy, just as one foreign vlogger has experienced.

  • When it comes to beaches= philippines. When it comes to megacity= thailand When it comes to english speaking population = philipines. When it comes to food( specially streetfood)= thailand. When it comes to public transport= thailand. When it comes to various infrastructures( internet, airport, railways, seaports, roads, buildings, factories)= thailand. When it comes to better standard of living= thailand. When it comes to lower cost of living= thailand. Higher gdp and gdp per capita= thailand.

  • Philippines considered to be as a best destination place in world why is that most foreign vloggers stays longer and keep coming back comparing to the other countries it is not the food the places, but the people who are not only hospitable but considered as generous and voted amongst the top ten best friendliest people in the entire planet and can be easily to communicate because we can be able to speak better in English comparing to Thailand salamat Po babalik at babalik pa mga Yan seriously honestly,always be safe guys it means that both of you will sure be back here in the country salamat and God Blessed 😊👍

  • You hit the spot on the two. There’ll always be a comparison between Thailand and the Philippines. In a nutshell, Thailand is better infrastructure-wise, as well as in food. The Philippines is with many more islands and is more rustic, much lesser number of tourists. – a Pinoy who’s lived in Bangkok once before

  • Thanks for a bunch of key points of constructive criticism for the Philippines 🇵🇭 🤔 I kinda like it said genuinely straight from tourist bloggers like both of you ❤️❤️❤️ I just want the Philippine government had sometime reading and reviewing articles like this from critic bloggers nowadays so that.. they would have better understanding on how to enrich more our potential for tourism 🙄.. #DOTR #DENR #raffytulfo #philippinegovernment

  • Thank you such an interesting comparison. I’ve been fortunate to visit Thailand but have not been to the Philippines. Good to hear what you think to both. Also great to hear about different foods in both. My favourite island I’ve been to in Thailand for amazing solitude & turquoise sea is Koh kradan which is part of the Trang islands ! But thank you for highlighting the mellowness & nature of the Philippines !

  • The best about philippines that theyre still a lot of raw places that still untouch and undiscover,only few know.Even a simple life matters in the Philippines. Life is really not that extravagant there, but the happiness of the people and the positivity of life have a really big impact. Thailand is a more cultural and historical country with lots of varieties of food compared to the Philippines. Overall,both countries are beautiful to visit and explore.

  • I’m a Filipino-Canadian, and I regret not going to the beaches back home. But I can still plan. I’ve also always wanted to visit Thailand and buy things to decorate my house with, like the gongs, the Buddha, paintings, their fabrics. I’m also looking forward to buy authentic Thai pants. I’ve only eaten Pad Thai, so maybe it’s the best time to try other Thai dishes or snacks as well. 😊

  • Thailand is one of the top medical hubs in Asia, ranked 1 in 3 throughout Asia. Together with South Korea and Singapore, it has the most world-class hospitals in ASEAN. Thailand is a country with two oceans, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. with the Malay Peninsula Therefore, the beach in this section is very long.

  • As far as I know Thailand never get colonized. That’s why they preserve those historical and cultural architectures. And Philippines on the other hand been colonized by Spain, US, a lil time by the Uk and Japan. And unfortunately each kingdom of the Philippines fought for their independence and ended up wrecked everytime their tryna get back the land from the colonizers. And Philippines is not one nation before Spain colonized it. It’s a group of kingdom put it as a one nation. That’s why Philippines is pretty diverse when it comes to cultures and appearances specially language/dialect

  • I’m Filipino: Thailand has better cuisine. Hands down, probably the best in Southeast Asia. The Philippines has better and more beaches, since it’s an archipelagic country, unlike Thailand which is a mainland Asian country and has much lesser islands. The Philippines has better dive sites and marine biodiversity since it is in the center of the Coral Triangle, while Thailand is not. Waterfalls are the same. Since both are limestone karst-rich countries. With blue waters. Thailand has more exotic traditional art and culture, the Philippines is more Hispanicized and Americanized. So Thailand has gorgeous temples, the Philippines has old churches. Thailand has better tourism infrastructure, better internet, more hotels. The Philippines is really still just starting to develop its tourism industry. But that has downsides too, Thailand is far more crowded and more expensive, in contrast to the Philippines where you can still find isolated tourist areas known only to locals and is much cheaper.

  • Thailand has a far more developed tourism industry. Many places have been developed, designed, built and maintained for the international tourist market. For example West Coast of Phuket, Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan to name a few. They are theme parks to provide the authentic Thai holiday experience as envisioned by international tourists. There are plenty of articles on YouTube of the places during Covid and the places where effectively shut down and deserted as they served no purpose other than to serve the international tourist market. Other places that serve domestic tourist markets were not affected to the same extent. Domestic tourists, especially families from Bangkok and the surrounding hinterland do not travel to Phuket etc because it is a long to drive, it expensive and the infrastructure (hotels, restaurants entertainment venues etc) are not designed to serve the domestic tourist market. Surprisingly, even Pattaya and Jomtiem are very much more popular with domestic Thai tourists and families because of the proximity to the where the majority of the domestic tourists live, the costs are only 30% of cost of the international tourist enclaves, there is infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities are designed for the local tourism market). The international tourist enclaves in Thailand are competing with Bali, Cancun, Ibiza etc for customers. A simple example of the difference between domestic and international tourist places can be seen on the beaches. On the international tourist beach, people are dressed in dental floss or some are topless.

  • yeah actually philippines are not one of the riches in the world but philippines we have 7thousand of island you can enjoying day by day ..even in the night ❤😊🎉thai also i love it..😊about philippines w3 have also adopted food which is make own version almost all of the country we adopt their foods ..thats why more than of foreigners they love it to stay ..😊❤

  • In Thailand, u guys miss all the places that local like to go, thats why you didnt see Thai people around. These place arent advertise for foreigner at all and they dont need to cause they already got enough internal client and I wont tell you either…. expat knows maybe you should try to find out from them. The local also likes it that way cause foreigner makes everything become more expensive even you think its affordable well its not, yes for you but not for the ordinary Thai they will just travel to such place once, it more like a money machine to milk money from westerner rather than the place where the local comfortably chill out so its no. I also dont like to be stranger in my own country and I dont like to get tan by the sun too. Only rich will be able to repeat the same place and they wont cause they rich they can travel anywhere in the world, if they do they will be in a luxury resort and they wont go out when the sun still shine. For middle class when they can save money they will go to Japan or Korea. For the tourist trap places where you guys been most of the time Thai group tour will be there also but normally only during the long public holiday other than that. its zero you wont see them at all you should consider yourself lucky otherwise it will br packed and it wont look nice. For PH I have no idea, what I know istheir country is smaller but have more population, their total GPD or per capital are lower than Thailand, their tourist place are too similar to what we have so I dont travel to the neigboribg country at all unleas I have to I rather spend my money and time on East-Asia,AU/NZ or Europe something different and all in all not warm and no rain!

  • I am a Filipino but I would go to Thailand in a heartbeat, just for Thai food and Thai massage. I also love the idea that when I visit a country, I am forced to learn, at least the basics of their language (e.g. greetings, counting, asking directions, etc), which makes me connect with the locals. Thai are very warm and welcoming people, I like it when they say, “same, same” pointing to my skin color with a big smile. When they do that, I feel an immediate affinity with them, and thus, this sense of “belonging” in Thailand. But what makes Thailand stand out for me, it’s the street food, which is so affordable and accessible. Oh, and I love Thai music, I don’t understand a thing but it makes wants me to dance or sing it in a karaoke !

  • Hi Chris and Carroll, I’ve been in Thailand now since January and just got my retirement visa good for a year. I plan to travel to Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines in the near future. So far Thailand has checked all the boxes for me but the language can make it a bit difficult sometimes. I’m walking distance to shops, laundry, beaches and bars and a 10 minute grab ride to big malls. I also live in a beautiful condo for $375 a month. If I can find something similar in the Philippines I would consider moving there next year.

  • I have not visited with you two in a while but I’m glad I did today. Just an excellent review of both places and seems spot on from friends I know that have also visited both destinations. Those beaches and sandbars in the Philippines look to die for as I’m an avid snorkeler and occasional scuba diver. Just a superb very factual. Bravo! Suerte Amigos!

  • Hi guys, thank you so much for all your articles we just came back from Thailand and applied many of your advices, we look forward now to visit the Philippines with your recommendatios. Keep doing your amazing work, we are so happy to see your articles, every single one of them. I remembered you a lot guys when we were doing the hike from Tonsai to Railay Beach. Thank you again!!!

  • I’m Filipino and Having visited both Philippines and Thailand a couple times I often get asked… which one I prefer??? And in my opinion, these vloggers summed it up the best!!!!! They are right on the money for everything they mentioned except I think food in the Philippines is more diverse / worldwide (litterally more food from any part of the world. Ie; Thai, American, soul food, creole, cajun, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Singaporean, Indonesian, Italian, Greek, Lebanese, Armenian, French, British, Spanish, German, Peruvian, halal, and more, etc.). Where as Thailand, from what I saw, mostly thaifood…which nothing wrong because Thai food is bomb and is actually one of my favorite cuisine.

  • Japan is probably one of the top vacation destinations. Visited there several times myself. One thing I find captivating about Japan is its unique culture and that most people speak only Japanese or broken English at best. The human ability to communicate without speaking the same language, the fun of trying your luck on the menu without knowing what will be on the plate makes quite a travel experience. English proficiency of average Thai is no comparison to the Filipino’s, but you’ll get your way through with a smile and patience.