Does anyone have an opinion on the differences in trips between Phuket or Bali? We are trying to decide and would appreciate any insight. Thanks.

imo, there is no comparison between the two...bali wins hands down...

bali is a culture, as well as a place to visit...lots to do for 7 days or more...

phuket is an island which has been largely taken over by tourism...it is attractive and busy, but there is still lots of open space away from the towns...

in comparison i guess i would compare the two this way: bali is like the hills of Var or Provence in france while phuket is more like St Tropez or Nice or other areas along the coast (not as built up)...

in bali you won't find minature golf or driving ranges or go carts but you will in phuket...

they are totally different...

you can't compare the two....i found the beaches to be comparable however---not fabulous in either place but good...

Hi, There are a lot nicer places to visit in Thailand than Phuket. Nice beaches etc but quite touristy. Would not want to spend a whole holiday there. Although I believe it is still quite quiet after the Tsunami. Depends what kinda places you are looking for....quiet or lots of night life. I prefer Railay Bay for a few days or Koh Ngai again for a few days

No competition -- Bali. No need to travel far to find a beach like Phuket but you won't find anything like Bali and it is truly wonderful.

The US still has its travel warning out for Bali. Have Americans been traveling there? Also, comparatively, how much cheaper is Thailand than Bali? Thanks.

We went to Bali last December/Janauary, and are going back again this year. Thailand is more expensive than Bali. For our family of 3, we spent double on our Thailand trips what we spend in Bali this last trip. Our budget for next 18 day Christmas' Bali trip is $2500 for 3 people for everything except air tickets, which we already got for free with frequent flier miles. If you click on my name you'll find all of my posts, some of which are detailed ones about our last trip.

Even though Phuket hotels have supposedly drastically 'discounted' their rates, Bali is still much cheaper. Americans were never a major component of the tourist arrivals, but yes, we're travelling there (although for me, it's business).

i find them about equal in price really...bali might be slightly cheaper...i went right after the bombing and the lux hotels ranged from $70-140 per nite....they will be more now...you can always stay cheaper....

shopping is quite cheap in bali and there are wonderful things to buy...

it will cost you $250-700 r.t. to get there from bkk....i saved 50% on my thai air flight with eddie at sea tours:
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i do not see the state department warning as more severe than any other time....did they have one for the london subways??

Definately Bali..by all means!!

Phuket and all the south Thailand beach areas are just that, beautiful beach resorts. If this is what you're looking for you won't be disappointed.

Bali is both a beach resort and a destination for culture and the arts. I wouldn't say that the beaches are as beautiful as Thailand's. They are more lively like Miami, Australia or Santa Monica. Great for long walks, water sports and cocktails at sunset.

The inland area is where you'll find the best focus on arts and culture, in a setting of profound natural beauty as well. This is where you find the handicrafts, drama, music, dance, temples, religious festivals and processions. The culture is vibrant and omnipresent!

There are resorts, big hotels, family chains, and intimate homestays in all price ranges. I personally always stay at the Legian in the South and the Alila in the Ubud area, but there are just too many choices to list without knowing your preference.

The US and other Western countries have had travel warnings out Indonesia since 1998. Once they're out there, it's almost impossible to get them lifted. Bali and other parts of Indonesia have been struck by terrible terrorist attacks. Unfortuately the places worldwide that are safe from terrorism are becoming fewer and fewer. You have to find your own comfort level; however, you will find many Americans -- and Australians and Europeans -- in Bali. Security at resorts and restaurants is reasonably good and Balinese hospitality is incomparable.

I would agree with all of the above, but also say you have to consider (i) what type of vacation you want, (ii) the time of year you are going, and (iii) where else you will be in Asia and how much time you have.

If you really just want to lay on a beach and don’t want any cultural activities, Phuket is fine, although Asia is a very LONG way to go to lay on a beach, and there are ‘way more beautiful beaches closer to the US (go to St John). If you want really beautiful beaches in Asia, do not go to Phuket or Bali, go to the Maldives or the east coast of Thailand and Malaysia.

Second, Bali has a rainy season and while it is still beautiful then, it does affect your enjoyment to an extent and definitely affects outdoor activities like walks and diving.

Finally, getting to and from Bali from a place like Bangkok or even Singapore can take the better part of a day whereas it is a short non-stop to Phuket. All things to consider.

Phuket is tacky and trashy; in fact it was my least favourite place in Thailand.

I was recently on Koh Lanta near Krabi which isn't that far from Phuket and we enjoyed it very much.Great vistas on the way there...lovely food and nice people. BUT I have to say that the whole time we were there I was comparing it to Bali.

The culture seems to be more accesible in Bali because your see the temples and ceremonies etc. In addition the rice fields are gorgeous and there are so many wonderful hotels.Both places have great shopping.

However, if you are a beach person and love to hang out on the beach I'd say Thailand's beaches are a better destination. The snorkelling was great and the limestone island emerging directly up from the water were magnificent.

Hope this helps!