however Thailand and Malaysia are very different, so making the right decision about which to visit for your once-in-a-lifetime vacation is important. That ’ s why we ’ re hera to help ! Having visited both destinations we compare them below, showing you their differences, similarities and what to expect in each .
Thailand or Malaysia: Which should you choose?
Both countries have beautiful landscapes, mountains, jungles and waterfalls to explore, sol are capital destinations for a sunseeker that ’ s besides looking for some gamble .
If beaches are your chief precedence, then Thailand is a better choice than Malaysia. The white backbone beaches in this area are better than malaysian ones, and the countless Thai islands are besides spectacular. We recommend some of our favorite beaches belated on in this article. however Malaysia with it ’ mho 800+ islands besides has a stunning coastline, and unlike the democratic spots in Thailand, beaches in Malaysia don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate tend to get as interfering, making them the perfect set to unwind.
In fact Malaysia would probably be the better vacation choice if you ’ ra looking for a laid-back, calm vacation. however if you ’ re seeking a lively nightlife fit, and a fun vibration, Thailand will be the best choice – as we explain late .
Both countries have spectacular landscapes away from the coastline ampere well as jaw-dropping wildlife – but Malaysia is probably the better choice for wildlife seekers. The state ’ s Borneo region is arguably one of the best places for wildlife in the world, with elephants, tigers, and leopards among other species .
For Muslim tourists, it will be easier to find Halal food in Malaysia as it ’ s a majority Muslim nation, and sourcing Halal options in Thailand can be quite unmanageable. however alcohol is besides much more expensive in Malaysia, consequently if you are an alcohol drinker then Thailand could be a better option .
Below we look at some of our darling places in both countries, before comparing the acculturation in each .
Thailand or Malaysia: Stunning natural scenery
Thailand
This nation is one of those rare destinations that has it all. Beaches for relax, a celebrated nightlife and party scene, and food that ’ s known around the ball .
For fantastic beaches, lead out into the islands. Phuket ’ s celebrated beaches include Kata Beach, which offers a busy slice of eden with street vendors, upmarket hotels, and beach activities such as surfboard and snorkel. however Freedom Beach offers a more serene choice, whilst still providing convenient entree to food vendors and beach chairs. In general, expect a livelier and busier beach experience than what you would get in Malaysia .
That said, if you travel away from Phuket there are more laid-back coastal options. One of our favorites is Sunrise Beach on Ko Lipe. This gorgeous long stretch of blank sandpaper has shallow warm body of water arrant for swimming. It ’ mho lay back, quiet by Thai standards, and the perfect locate to unwind .
After a day ’ s relax, head to the region of Krabi where you can go rock climb, hobo camp trek, and sea kayak. Its stun natural beauty, jungle-covered interior and incredible cliffs and caves offer an array of activities for tourists who want more from their trip than just relaxing on the beach .
For those looking for a more wholesome time, Koh Tao ( meaning Turtle Island ) on Thailand ’ s east coast is home to the state ’ s most beautiful coral reefs. Which naturally makes it the top finish for aqualung dive and snorkel .
Whilst if you want to see Thai wildlife promontory to Isaan. This scantily visit area of Thailand – as we ’ ve written about before – is home to breathtaking national parks, hiking trails, elephants, and even temples built on volcanoes ! It ’ s a region about all tourists ignore, but it feels like Thailand before tourism took over .
Malaysia
For the best beaches in Malaysia, one of our front-runner spots is the Perhentian Islands. Although hotels have started to spring up in this region, it remains largely uncorrupted. Expect soft white sand beaches, strong urine for swim, and swaying decoration trees. It ’ second calm, repose, and a perfect place to unwind from the stress of everyday life .
For somewhere flush more distant, but with some of the best turquoise body of water in Malaysia, head to the little island of Rawa. There are no roads on this island making it a real cloistered eden. Our acme tip is to rent a kayak and circle the island ’ s coastline – it ’ second surrounded by coral making it a great place to spot colorful reef pisces .
away from the coastline Malaysia has huge regions of wild mountainous rain forest – perfect for hike, wildlife spot, and jungle trek. adventurous travelers should have a start at climbing the nation ’ sulfur highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4095 meters. Located in Borneo, you ’ ll have to pay a fee to climb the batch ( around 200 USD ) but that pays for your accommodation over 2/3 nights, a guide, meals, and the license to hike this World Heritage Site .
Staying in Borneo, a visit to Gunung Mulu National Park will expose you to some of the global ’ s most intrigue – but besides rare – animals. This protect rain forest is packed with flora and fauna, and a trip down the hobo camp rivers will give you a casual to spot species like monkeys and porcupines .
A trip to northeastern Borneo and you may witness the rare endangered pygmy elephant. Whilst if you cross over into indonesian Borneo you can visit Tanjung Puting National Park – home to gallant orangutans .
Thailand vs Malaysia: Experience a different world
Both are culture-packed countries where you ’ re guaranteed to experience the incredible east .
Malaysia, whilst a majority Muslim area, is relatively liberal. consequently bathing suits and discreet drink in is allowed on public beaches. however drinking in front of mosques, for example, would be quite aweless .
Thailand has a world-famous nightlife picture, specially in Koh Phangan ( more on that below ), Patong and Bangkok. so if you ’ ra looking for parties and playfulness past midnight, Thailand would be the best choice .
Although malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur besides have properly bars and entertainment, a night out in Malaysia for the majority of people tends to involve a cup of milky tea and some odoriferous treats !
Read more: Real Sociedad
Thailand
Thailand is a area known for its food, culture, stunning scenery, and more recently a great party scene .
For those looking for a wild time, Bangla Road on Patong offers its own choice of bars, go-go clubs and neon-covered folly. ampere well as the celebrated adult entertainment clubs that have become synonymous with Thailand .
Koh Phangan is most well-known for its Full Moon Parties. This small East Coast island is home to the most celebrated parties in Thailand and 10,000 to 30,000 people flock to them every calendar month .
Around 90 % of Thais identify as Buddhists, and there ’ second besides a meaning Hindu charm in the state besides. Therefore away from the parties and beaches, Thailand is a very spiritual put filled with spectacular temples .
One of our favorites – and one of the most calm – is situated in Phanom Rung Historical Park. A leftover of the Khmer Empire, Phanom Rung is a breathtaking temple built on the rim of an extinct volcano .
You could – and should – besides have a go at Muay Thai, Thailand ’ s home sport. Muay Thai ( or Thai Boxing ) can be traced back to 18th century Thailand, and has its roots profoundly ingrained in Thai culture. Gyms improving and down the country offer training sessions ( from a single day, to several months ! ) for foreigners and it ’ s a fantastic way to get to know this country and acculturation. In fact that ’ s something we ’ ve even written about in the past .
Malaysia
Malaysia is a multi-religious and multiethnic nation, although 60 % of the population are practicing Muslims .
A big minority of Malaysians are Hindu, and a trip to Batu Caves combines Malaysia ’ s rugged smasher with its religious side. Situated just outside the capital of Kuala Lumpur, this huge network of limestone caves have been turned into Hindu temples and are now an authoritative pilgrimage site .
For something a short more contemporary, the Genting Highlands is a hill-resort build 1,800 meters above ocean level on Mount Ulu Kali. This colorful and character repair can be reached by cable car, and has respective big casinos to enjoy. It seems in a strange and far-out global of its own, and is decidedly worth a visit .
Another hill town – and one with a longer history – is Cameron Highlands which was formally used as a retreat for the british during the colonial time period. The production of tea was a major economic factor during colonization, and Boh Plantation – which you can visit – still exists from that time .
Thailand or Malaysia: A taste of the East
Both countries will provide a treat for your tastebud. Whilst Thai food gets all the plaudits, malaysian cuisine is a rising ace .
Thailand
Thai food is celebrated around the world – and no wonder – thus if you ’ re a food lover, Thailand is going to be a ambition address .
Make certain you try the iconic Pad Thai – a stir fry smasher made with thin rice noodles, meat or shrimp .
For something a little less known, Thailand ’ sulfur distant and rarely visited northeast – Isaan – has a traditional dish called Laap which is delectable. It ’ s made up of mince meat seasoned with fresh herbs, birdlime juice and fish sauce, and is served with muggy rice .
You must try Thailand ’ s comfort food – Khao Phat – angstrom well. This is good hearty fried rice that comes combined with a variety show of ingredients. It ’ mho perfect for a long day exploring Thailand ’ s sights .
Malaysia
malaysian food is beginning to appear around the world, with dishes like Satay now found in the U.S., UK, and early nations. These tasty skewers of kernel are seasoned with a assortment of spices and normally accompanied with a peanut sauce .
One of the most democratic foods in Malaysia is Rendang. This hot kernel dish ( normally beef or chicken ) is made by slow-cooking the meat along with coconut milk, chili and spices. The result is exceptionally rich and tender .
A beloved malaysian dessert – and a great one on hot days – is Ais kacang. Made from bolshevik beans, handle seeds, gratifying corn whiskey, peanuts and shaved ice ( an eclectic mix ! ), this motley cover will cool you down on a hot summer day .
Thailand vs Malaysia: Which should you choose?
A vacation to either Thailand or Malaysia is going to be an unforgettable experience with big food, scenery and acculturation. But both countries provide very different vacations.
Read more: Real Sociedad
If you ’ rhenium looking for the best beaches, lively nightlife, cheap alcohol and an all-around fun vibration, Thailand will be a better vacation address than Malaysia. however if you want a placid vacation which divides fourth dimension between the beach and other activities such as wildlife watching in Borneo, then Malaysia should be your choice .
Recommended for your trip to Thailand or Malaysia
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