Over the past decade, Southeast Asia has risen in esteem as a paradise for travelers. Wanderlust-struck individuals journey to places like Phuket, Thailand and the island of Bali, Indonesia to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of beaches, savor tantalizing cuisine and soak in the dynamic lifestyle.
With the plethora of islands and cities in Southeast Asia, it can feel overwhelming to decide which place to explore. When it comes to Phuket versus Bali, subtle differences in the beach scene, dining and nightlife can help you decide which destination is the right choice for your unique preferences.
Check Out: Explore the World’s Best Beach Vacation Spots.
Brilliant Beaches
Both Phuket and Bali are renowned for their pristine beaches. While Bali offers an array of surfing and party beaches, Phuket features more tranquil settings. Bali is famous for beaches with great waves. Surfers can discover a true challenge at Uluwatu Beach area, Balangan Beach and Nyang Nyang Beach.
For party goers, don’t miss out on Seminyak Beach or Legion Beach, well known for their lively scenes. If you’re wanting quieter options on Bali, head to luxurious Nusa Dua or to Padang Beach – showcased in the movie “Eat Pray Love” – which offers a taste of paradise reflective of the natural beauty of Bali.
Battling Bali for the attention of beach lovers is the island of Phuket. Some of Phuket’s finest beaches include Patong Beach, Karon Beach and Kata Noi Beach, which provide a serene beach experience of emerald waters and white sands. Mai Khao Beach and Nai Yang Beach also make worthy destinations if you’re looking for a blissful sunbathing experience by the calming ocean.
The Phi Phi Islands is a lesser known option that showcases a mesmerizing and hidden oasis. Although it is a two-hour ferry ride from Phuket, Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands offer many secluded areas along with activities such as cave exploring and snorkeling to help make memories that will last a lifetime.
Decadent Dining
Whether you love noodles, roasted meat or sticky rice, Southeast Asia is sure to take your taste buds on a trip of their own. Thailand’s cuisine has made its way to nations across the world. Some of the most notable dishes to try on Phuket are pad thai, pad see ew, coconut curry, mango sticky rice and tom yum goong soup.
If you’re into deep and spicy flavors rounded with the scents of garlic, cilantro, lemon grass and lime, then Thai food will definitely be pleasing to your palate.
Bali offers similar aromas in its cuisine but with a more international and fusion twist. Located in Indonesia, Bali is a melting pot of cultures from China, Malaysia, India and the Middle East. Some of Bali’s most popular dishes include, babi guling (slow-roasted pig), nasi goreng and mee goreng. Duck and satay are also readily available.
You really can’t go wrong when it comes to finding delicious and affordable cuisine, whether you order a meal in Bali or Phuket. Both places also offer a great variety of street food and restaurant dining to suit all types of budgets.
Adventurous Activities
Travelers can find a multitude of opportunities for fun in Bali and Phuket. Bali is a tropical hot spot for kite and wave surfing. If you’re traveling to Bali from July to August, don’t miss out on the annual Bali Kites Festival, where hundreds of colorful kites fill the sky. Bali’s many mountains also provide plentiful options for zip lining and hiking. One of the highlights of Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest. Hang out with long-tailed macaques while also enjoying the village’s picturesque nature and temples.
While Bali has monkeys, Thailand is famous for its elephant population. Elephants can be seen in various cultural shows including the famous Phuket FantaSea, as well as numerous elephant sanctuaries such as the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Phuket also offers a wealth of markets and places to shop. Old Phuket Town is a must-see for its distinctive architecture and variety of shops, restaurants, temples and museums showcasing the history and culture of the city.
One of the popular activities in both Phuket and Bali is yoga. If you’re a fan of downward dog and child’s pose, check out one of the many local yoga retreats and class options available.
Non-Stop Nightlife
In need of some electric entertainment to fill your nights on vacation? Bali and Phuket both feature a vibrant nightlife scene. What separates these two places is the overall vibe. Bali has more of a sophisticated tone with a plethora of beachside and rooftop clubs. Phuket boasts a lively nightlife scene as well, however, this city offers more go-go bars and casual nightclubs.
For travelers who aren’t a fan of wild nights out, Phuket features a host of outdoor markets that are open well into the evening and night. Shop for local souvenirs under the stars at Phuket Weekend Market, Phuket Walking Street Market, Phuket Indy Market and Chillva Market Phuket.
Bali is similar in its prevalence of nightly, outdoor markets that beat Phuket in closing times, reaching as late as 2:00 a.m. Dive into the local culture of Bali by strolling through Sanur Market, Gianyar Night Market and Kereneng Night Market.
This article was published through a partnership with Vacations by Marriott. Read the original story: Battle of Beach Paradise: Phuket vs. Bali on the blog.
Need more inspiration? Check out this video from Great Big Story of one of seven ocean temples found along the southwest coast of Bali.
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