Bali or Thailand
Sep 27th, 2008, 04:08 PM
#1
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Bali or Thailand
Hi, My husband and I went to Thailand last year and loved it!!! I would love to give Bali a try next, but hubby insisits on going back to Thailand. Question: I would love to go to Ubud, Bali but have never been to Chiang Mai Thailand. What is the better cultural experience? Also, we loved the beaches in Thailand ( Krabi and Koh Phi Phi) how do Bali Beaches stack up ( not interested in crowded "disco" beaches) Hope someone can help!
Thanks so much,
Kirsten
Thanks so much,
Kirsten
Sep 27th, 2008, 04:43 PM
#2
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Ubud is much more interesting than Chiang Mai. The beaches in Bali are really nice as well.
Having said that, I like Thailand slightly more than Bali, Both are great. You might think about going back to BKK, a Thai beach and going to either Siem Reap in Cambodia or Luang Prabang in Laos. Both are fascinating and well worth a three or four day visit. Maybe, this would satisfy both you and your husband.
Having said that, I like Thailand slightly more than Bali, Both are great. You might think about going back to BKK, a Thai beach and going to either Siem Reap in Cambodia or Luang Prabang in Laos. Both are fascinating and well worth a three or four day visit. Maybe, this would satisfy both you and your husband.
Sep 27th, 2008, 04:52 PM
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I absolutely agree that Ubud is more interesting than Chiang Mai (but then I am not a fan of CM). But IMO, the beaches in Bali are not as nice as the beaches in Thailand. But then, you really go to Bali for the culture, not the beach. If you want lovely beaches, you can make a side trip to Lombok.
Bit Thailand and the surrounding countries have much to offer. I, too, would encourage you to look at Siem Reap and Luang Prabang as possible destinations. I would spend a minimum of three full days in either, preferably longer.
Bit Thailand and the surrounding countries have much to offer. I, too, would encourage you to look at Siem Reap and Luang Prabang as possible destinations. I would spend a minimum of three full days in either, preferably longer.
Sep 27th, 2008, 07:38 PM
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ubud and bali in general as far superior in every way to chiang mai, imo...
while bali beaches are not special, they can be very nice, especially the ones which are maintained by the hotels....i find the same true for thailand...
while bali beaches are not special, they can be very nice, especially the ones which are maintained by the hotels....i find the same true for thailand...
Sep 27th, 2008, 08:47 PM
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I'm a BIG fan of Thailand and have been basically vacationing there 1-2 times a year for a decade. BUT, if you are selecting between Chiang Mai and Bali, then Bali definitely wins out. Bali is so incredibly culturally interesting. I stayed in the heart of Ubud when I was there. I say go to Bali. As for beaches on Bali, they aren't anything great, but the cultural aspect and beauty of the place DEFINITELY makes up for it. Happy Travels!
Sep 27th, 2008, 09:33 PM
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I love Thailand and I adore Bali -- Ubud is far superior to Chiang Mai -- small town vs large city and the culture in Bali permeates everything in a way it's a bit difficult to describe. We had a very nice time in CM but I was disappointed in how large it was -- I had a very different impression before I went.
If you want a quieter beach you can find one in Bali -- I have not been to Thai beaches but have always heard they are nicer in a lie out on the beach way -- a lot of the Bali beaches are eroded. But there are some very isolated parts of Bali and it's all very close together -- you can cross the island south to north and half way back again in a day easily.
If you want a quieter beach you can find one in Bali -- I have not been to Thai beaches but have always heard they are nicer in a lie out on the beach way -- a lot of the Bali beaches are eroded. But there are some very isolated parts of Bali and it's all very close together -- you can cross the island south to north and half way back again in a day easily.
Sep 27th, 2008, 09:36 PM
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Here are our Bali pictures and some truly sappy commentary which just goes to show you what somewhere truly magical can do to a jaded gal from just outside NYC
I wouldn't recommend our Jimbaran hotel for the beach but I did love that villa and plunge pool !!
http://web.mac.com/kitskarstrom/Bali/Welcome.html
I wouldn't recommend our Jimbaran hotel for the beach but I did love that villa and plunge pool !!
http://web.mac.com/kitskarstrom/Bali/Welcome.html
Oct 4th, 2008, 04:16 PM
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Everyone,
Thank You so much for your help!!! Like someone said on a previous post: Thailand is the gateway drug for SE Asia! How true. As much as we are aching to go back to Thailand, I would love to see Bali next. We went to Siem Reap last year, and we would be excited to see Luang Prabang. Still it seems it would be easiest to concentrate on Bali next time and save Thailand/Laos for the next trip!! I wish we would not have to work for a living but could travel non-stop!!! Thanks to all the SE Asia fanatics!
Kirsten
Thank You so much for your help!!! Like someone said on a previous post: Thailand is the gateway drug for SE Asia! How true. As much as we are aching to go back to Thailand, I would love to see Bali next. We went to Siem Reap last year, and we would be excited to see Luang Prabang. Still it seems it would be easiest to concentrate on Bali next time and save Thailand/Laos for the next trip!! I wish we would not have to work for a living but could travel non-stop!!! Thanks to all the SE Asia fanatics!
Kirsten
