Bali or Thailand? The Ultimate Dilemma for Indian Travelers
If you’ve ever planned an international trip from India, you’ve probably hit this fork in the road:
“Bali or Thailand?”
Both are close. Both are beautiful. Both are relatively affordable. Both are filled with beaches, temples, smoothies in coconuts, and that “I should just quit my job and move here” energy.
But they’re not the same.
This guide breaks down Bali vs Thailand for Indians — covering visa rules, budget, food, nightlife, honeymoon vibes, and overall ease — so you can confidently pick the one that fits your travel style (and wallet).
Let’s settle this.
Quick Overview
| Category | Bali | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Thailand |
| Visa for Indians | Visa on Arrival | Visa-free (currently for tourism, subject to policy updates) |
| Best For | Relaxed, spiritual, Instagram vibes | Variety, nightlife, island hopping |
| Budget Level | Moderate | Slightly cheaper overall |
| Trip Length Ideal | 5–6 days | 6–8 days |
Now let’s break it down properly.
Visa & Entry: Which Is Easier for Indians?
🇮🇩 Bali (Indonesia)
Indians get Visa on Arrival in Bali:
- Fee: Approx ₹3,000–₹3,500
- Valid for 30 days
- Quick airport process
Main airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport
🇹🇭 Thailand
Thailand currently allows visa-free entry for Indian tourists (policy-based, always check before travel).
Main airports:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Phuket International Airport
🏆 Winner: Thailand (if visa-free remains active)
Budget: Which Is Cheaper from India?
✈️ Flights (Round Trip)
- Bali: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
- Thailand (Bangkok/Phuket): ₹18,000 – ₹35,000
Thailand generally has cheaper and more frequent flights from India.
🏨 Stay Per Night (Mid-Range)
- Bali: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000
- Thailand: ₹3,500 – ₹7,000
Both are affordable compared to Europe. Thailand edges slightly cheaper.
🍜 Food Per Day
- Bali: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
- Thailand: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
Thai street food wins for value and variety.
🏆 Winner on Budget: Thailand (by a small margin)
Beaches & Natural Beauty
🌴 Bali
Bali isn’t just beaches. It’s:
- Rice terraces in Ubud
- Dramatic cliffs in Nusa Penida
- Jungle waterfalls
- Spiritual temples
It feels more scenic and diverse in landscapes.
🌊 Thailand
Thailand delivers:
- Turquoise waters
- Limestone cliffs
- White sand beaches
- Island hopping galore
Top islands:
- Phuket
- Krabi
- Phi Phi Islands
🏆 Winner for Beaches: Thailand
🏆 Winner for Variety of Landscapes: Bali
Nightlife & Party Scene
Thailand
If nightlife matters, Thailand dominates.
- Bangkok rooftop bars
- Phuket beach clubs
- Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan
It’s energetic, diverse, and famous worldwide.
Bali
Nightlife exists (especially in Seminyak & Canggu), but it’s more chill beach club than wild party chaos.
🏆 Winner: Thailand
Food: Which Is Better for Indians?
Thai food is more familiar to Indian palates:
- Rice-based
- Spicy options
- Vegetarian-friendly
Bali has great cafés and smoothie bowls, but Indonesian cuisine may feel slightly less diverse.
Also, Indian restaurants are widely available in both.
🏆 Slight edge: Thailand
Honeymoon or Romantic Trip?
If you want:
- Private villas with pools
- Jungle + beach combination
- Slow, relaxed vibe
👉 Bali wins.
If you want:
- Island hopping
- Beach parties + romance
- More activities
👉 Thailand wins.
Ease of Travel
Thailand has:
- Better domestic connectivity
- More developed tourism infrastructure
- Easier inter-city flights
Bali is compact but traffic can be frustrating.
🏆 Winner: Thailand
Final Verdict: Bali or Thailand for Indians?
Choose Bali If:
- You want a relaxed, aesthetic, romantic trip
- You love temples, nature, and wellness vibes
- You’re planning a honeymoon
Choose Thailand If:
- You want nightlife + beaches
- You want slightly cheaper travel
- You want more variety in one trip
So… Which One Is Better?
If you want my honest travel-writer answer?
For first-time international travelers from India: Thailand is slightly easier and more versatile.
But for couples, slow travelers, and aesthetic Instagram dreamers? Bali hits differently.
You really can’t go wrong — it just depends on your travel personality.
Conclusion: Pick Your Vibe
Bali feels soulful. Thailand feels electric.
Both are affordable, visa-friendly, and just a few hours away from India.
So instead of asking “Which is better?” maybe ask:
“What kind of trip do I want right now?”
And then book it.
