Indonesia vs Thailand – The Ultimate Comparison for 2024

Indonesia and Thailand each offer an incredible range of possibilities, but they both have unique vibes.

Indonesia is a land of diversity, with everything from pristine beaches, remote islands, and local tribes, to active volcanoes. Thailand, on the other hand, is known for its hospitality, beautiful temples, and delicious cuisine. 

Spending around two months in each country gave us the opportunity to explore what they have to offer. Each place is unique, and comparing them isn’t easy. It’s certainly almost impossible to simply say one is better than the other.

Both Indonesia and Thailand are amazing travel destinations, and the final decision depends entirely on your preferences.

In this guide, we’ll share the highlights and the downsides of each of them. We’ll also compare multiple aspects to give you a better idea about what to expect. We hope this will make it easier for you to choose.

Indonesia vs Thailand – what are the differences?

The best time to visit

If you have a limited time window, a good place to start when choosing Indonesia vs Thailand is considering their monsoon seasons.

Indonesia and Thailand have the opposite climate.

The best time to visit Indonesia

Indonesia, on the other hand, has a high season between April and October. While you can still travel here during the monsoon months between November and March, be prepared for heavy rains and uncalm waters resulting in limited boat travel.

The best time to visit Thailand

The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and April. We recommend avoiding the north after February unless you don’t mind the incredible amount of smog in the air and terrible air quality due to the burning season.

The monsoon season in Thailand usually lasts from May to October, with summer months being the peak. However, you can still visit the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao) during this time. Their weather is still stable, with occasional downpours.

Visa requirements Indonesia vs Thailand

Indonesia Visa Requirements

Citizens of most countries, including Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia, can enter Bali as tourists for 30 days visa-free. If your travel purpose is different or you’re staying longer, different visa policies apply to each nationality.

Check the Indonesian embassy for more details or use iVisa to get your visa hassle-free.

Thailand Visa Requirements

Like Indonesia, many nationalities are allowed a visa-free entrance for up to 30 days. Sometimes Thai government changes the duration to 60 days, but make sure to double-check that. We booked our flights counting with 60 days only to find out the offer is no longer valid.

Getting to Indonesia vs Thailand

Getting to Indonesia

Thanks to two major international airports, traveling to Indonesia from anywhere is rather easy. The most popular destinations with the most daily flights are Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.

If you’re already in Asia, the flights are very affordable! We took a flight to Bali from Kuala Lumpur and only paid around 50€ for the flight ticket!

Getting to Thailand

The most popular international airports in Thailand are Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang in Bangkok and Phuket airport. If you’re traveling to any other destination in the country, it’s easy to either catch local flights or travel by train, bus, or ferry.

Many backpackers and travelers combine visiting Thailand with Laos or Cambodia, whose borders can be crossed by land.

How long should you spend in Indonesia vs Thailand?

How long to spend in Indonesia?

As you may know, Indonesia consists of more than 17,500 islands! That is way too much to cover in one lifetime. Obviously, not all of those are inhabited or easy to get to. Yet, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Indonesia.

But if you’re after the most common destinations, such as Bali, Nusa Islands, Gilis, Lombok, or Java, around three weeks is enough to cover most of them. You can still see the best places in two weeks if you don’t have that much time.

How long to spend in Thailand?

While Thailand does have many beautiful places to visit, it is a bit more compact and easier to travel around than Indonesia. Because of this, it’s easier to see more places in a shorter time. Two weeks is a great choice if you want to experience a little bit of everything.

If you’re more after in-depth travel, even staying for a month will not be enough to cover everything this beautiful land of smiles has to offer.

Comparison – Indonesia vs Thailand

Food in Indonesia vs Thailand

Food in Indonesia

The main difference between Thai and Indonesian cuisine is the spices they use. While Thai food often feels light, Indonesia uses bolder flavors. The local cuisine can also be quite spicy, thanks to using the Sambal (chili paste).

Our go-to meals were Satay (grilled skewers with peanut sauce) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice). We found Indonesian cuisine a bit too heavy, due to frying used in most dishes.

Food in Thailand

Thai cuisine is often regarded as one of the best in Southeast Asia. It is full of different flavours all combined together in the perfect way. What we loved about the Thai food scene the most was its diversity.

We could enjoy all the different kinds of dining experiences – street food, Michelin-star restaurants, or even Michelin-star street food! No visit to Thailand is complete without trying Pad Thai or Tom Yum soup.

So when comparing Indonesia vs Thailand in regards to the food, while both options are delicious, we would say Thailand is the winner. But all tastes are subjective, so you might have a different opinion.

Accommodation in Indonesia vs Thailand

Accommodation in Indonesia

When talking about accommodation options in Indonesia, it’s important to describe Bali independently. As the most popular island in the country, Bali is the prime spot for luxury stays, from stunning villas to jungle resorts and Insta-famous hotels. They’re relatively affordable considering the quality.

However, beyond Bali, the rest of Indonesia is not as developed. So if you’re traveling to more remote islands, accommodation options are fewer and simpler. While budget stays are available, the prices are higher compared to Bali or Thailand.

Accommodation in Thailand

On the other hand, Thailand offers more diverse options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Thanks to well-developed infrastructure, most regions pride themselves on a number of possibilities for every type of traveler. The range and quality of options make it easy to find your perfect stay.

So if you’re after a luxury stay, Bali is the winner. If you prefer a variety of options, Thailand wins. And lastly, if you’re after adventurous stays in remote places, Indonesia is the best choice.

Transportation in Indonesia vs Thailand

Transportation in Indonesia

Public transport in Indonesia is not as developed and well-organized. While islands like Bali, Gilis, and Nusa Penida are well-connected with multiple daily ferries, other areas are different. The popular destinations are also full of taxis and motorbike rentals but lack public transport.

If you decide to travel to some of the remote islands, some ferries might only be scheduled a few times per week. Other places don’t have any affordable options, and your only choice is paying for a private boat ride to get to your final destination.

This can certainly complicate the whole holiday, adding both costs and time.

Transportation in Thailand

In general, Thailand is a more developed country with much better infrastructure. As a tourist, it’s easy to travel anywhere using public transport. Most major tourist hubs are well connected with trains, buses, ferries, or local flights.

The comfort and quality levels are also on point, with affordable prices. We had no trouble planning the trip to our next destination in Thailand.

Expenses in Indonesia vs Thailand

Cost of travel to Indonesia

Expenses in Indonesia depend very much on the location.

Bali offers plenty of budget-friendly options! We often found local warungs serving delicious meals for as low as 2€. Different activities, entrance fees, and group tours are also affordable.

If you’re after a more luxurious stay, we found that Bali is closer to the Western prices on the high end. The same goes for services, such as massage, barber, manicure, etc.

Outside Bali and nearby islands, the budget options are fewer due to limited options. 

Cost of travel to Thailand

Thailand is more consistent with its prices no matter which part you visit. In general, it’s slightly more affordable. When we visited local restaurants or street food stalls, meal prices were around 2-3€.

Thanks to a variety of accommodation options, budget travelers can always find a cheap stay. I would say transport is approximately the same, maybe slightly more expensive than in Indonesia. 

Nightlife in Indonesia vs Thailand

Nightlife in Indonesia

Indonesia, in general, is not the place to go if your main interest is partying. Most of the country has very little nightlife to offer, apart from Bali and Jakarta.

Bali, especially its southern coast, is home to various bars and nightclubs with different events almost every day. You’ll also find multiple beach clubs offering the perfect relaxation during the day and an awesome party at night.

Jakarta offers some upscale cocktail bars and trendy venues for locals and international travelers, too.

But outside these areas, most islands are rather quiet at night, with many places closing early.

Nightlife in Thailand

Thailand is famous for its lively party scene. Even this area offers a variety of options to different kinds of travelers, ranging from wild beach or jungle parties to sophisticated rooftop bars. In Bangkok, you’ll find the famous Khao San Road known as the backpacker’s paradise.

Koh Phangan is known for its legendary Full Moon Party, and Phuket for its vibrant Patong Street. Even quieter places in the north offer a few bars.

Beaches and Landscape in Indonesia vs Thailand

Beaches and Landscape in Indonesia

Since Indonesia is home to thousands of islands, its landscape is incredibly diverse. Each island is unique and has something different to offer. Bali is famous for its black sand beaches and amazing surf. Gili Islands offer incredible snorkeling and diving experiences.

Ubud has lush green rice terraces, Java has volcanoes out of this world (like Mount Bromo, Mt Agung, or Mount Rinjani), and Raja Ampat is known as the last paradise for its underwater world. 

While Balinese beaches are vibrant, they can be too crowded. Other islands offer a more peaceful atmosphere. Let’s not forget the famous Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Broken Beach on Nusa Penida.

However, due to coral reefs, some beaches might be inaccessible during low tide. Others are popular surf spots with too many waves. The best beaches are often remote.

Beaches and Landscape in Thailand

Thailand is a famous holiday destination, also thanks to its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs. You’ll find some of the world’s most popular beaches in Thailand! To give you a better idea of what a typical Thai beach looks like – it’s just like from a postcard.

For a different landscape, head to the north to explore the mountains. We recommend stopping at Doi Inthanon National Park. Chiang Rai offers lovely tea plantations. During the hight season, the best spots might be too crowded.

To sum it up, if you’re after the perfect beach holiday, Thailand might be the better choice. If you prefer diverse landscape, from beaches, waterfall, rice paddies, to volcanoes, Indonesia clearly wins.

Culture in Indonesia vs Thailand

Indonesia’s culture

The culture of Indonesia is incredibly diverse due to multiple ethnic groups inhabiting different islands. Each one of them has its own traditions and language.

Bali is a Hindu island with beautiful temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Experiencing their festivals, like Nyepi and Galungan is an unforgettable experience. Each day you can witness one of many religious ceremonies held on the island. 

Thailand’s culture

Thailand, on the other hand, is a Buddhist country, with the religion wildly influencing its culture. It’s always interesting to plan a visit during one of the biggest Thai festivals, such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.

We especially loved visiting all the different Buddhist temples, such as the White Temple and the Blue Temple. For a more historical side of things, we recommend the Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok. Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles thanks to its hospitality and friendly people.

Wildlife in Indonesia vs Thailand

Wildlife in Indonesia

Once again, due to its varying landscape, Indonesia is regarded as one of the world’s “megadiverse” countries. The rainforests hide tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Each part is a home to different species. In Borneo and Sumatra, you can meet the endangered orangutans. Komodo National Park is home to Komodo dragons. Raja Ampat offers some of the most diverse marine life in the world! 

Wildlife in Thailand

Thailand is home to multiple national parks. Some of the most famous are Khao Sok or Kui Buri, where you can spot elephants, gibbons, and, if you’re lucky, leopards.

The marine life is even more impressive, with snorkeling hotspots like the Similan Islands and Koh Tao. Always make sure to choose ethical options and never ride elephants!

Snorkeling and Diving in Indonesia vs Thailand

Snorkeling in Indonesia

Indonesia has some of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the world! The top destination to meet the most vibrant marine life is definitely Raja Ampat. Explore vibrant coral reefs, a variety of fish, and even rare species found nowhere else.

We also loved the Gili Islands for their calm atmosphere and snorkeling with sea turtles. On Bali, you can swim with dolphins, and on Nusa Penida, you can meet mantas.

Compared to Thailand, the best snorkeling spots are rather remote and less developed than in Thailand. But that results in untouched natural beauty.

Snorkeling in Thailand

The most popular snorkeling spots in Thailand include the Similan Islands, Koh Tao, and Phi Phi Islands. They all offer clear water and diverse marine life. We saw different tropical fish, sea turtles, and black-tip reef sharks.

What we loved about Thailand’s snorkeling is how easily accessible it was! Some of the best snorkeling spots, like Tanote Bay on Koh Tao, are accessible right from the beach. 

Pros and Cons of Indonesia vs Thailand

Indonesia

Pros

• Less touristy with a lot of remote areas
• Luxury travel is more affordable
• Incredibly biodiverse, with unique wildlife
• Many distinct cultures to experiences
• Amazing scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities

Cons

• Not easy to travel around, due to less developed transport
• Language barrier, as English is not spoken outside tourist areas
• Limited accommodation options in remote places
• Traffic congestion in Jakarta and on Bali
• Local food is not as tasty as in Thailand
• Travel costs to other islands might be expensive

Thailand

Pros

• Efficient transport system
• Cheap and tasty food
• Vibrant street food scene
• Rich culture with many temples and attractions
• Picture perfect beaches

Cons

• Tourist areas are too crowded
• Traffic congestion in major cities
• Higher prices in tourist areas
• Limited wildlife experiences
• A lot of unethical wildlife experiences (especially elephants)

Jakarta vs Bangkok

Capital of Indonesia – Jakarta

Jakarta also offers a mix of traditional and contemporary influences. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, showcasing the rich mix of different traditions. With exciting nightlife, plenty of shopping malls, and local festivals, there are plenty of things to do in Jakarta.

When compared to Bangkok, it also faces some traffic congestion. The public transport system is also not as developed.

Capital of Thailand – Bangkok

Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis known for lively streets, mind-blowing temples, and scrumptious cuisine. When strolling around the different parts of the city, we noticed the blend of historical buildings, old traditional houses, and the modern world.

A great advantage of Bangkok is the convenient system of the BTS and MRT, which are efficient public transport options. Thanks to numerous cultural events, plenty of attractions, and a wonderful street food scene, you won’t be bored in Bangkok.

The biggest downside is the busy traffic.

Things to do in Indonesia vs Thailand

Best things to do in Indonesia

BALI | The island is known for its incredible landscapes, rice fields, waterfalls, and culture. Bali is an incredible place to visit. Despite being too crowded, it’s worth adding it to your itinerary. Head north for a more authentic side of the island.

SNORKELING OR DIVING | Indonesia is known as a world-class snorkeling destination thanks to its incredible biodiversity. One of the best places to visit is Raja Ampat, known for its pristine coral reefs. Gili Islands, Komodo National Park, and Nusa Penida also offer amazing snorkeling. 

EXPLORE WATERFALLS | Both Java and Bali are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve ever seen, for example, Nung Nung. Some of them are easily accessible by anyone, while others require a hike. The best waterfalls are near Ubud.

CLIMB VOLCANOES | Indonesia has more than 120 active volcanoes. The most popular one is Mount Agung on Bali, which is a 6-7 hours hike. We also did the Mount Rinjani trek taking 3 days and totally recommend it. On Java Mount Bromo and Mount Iljen are must-do.

GO SURFING | Indonesia offers multiple world-class surfing spots, many of which are suitable for every level. You can ride some of the best waves on Bali, Lombok, or Mentawai Islands.

DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE | Meet some of the world’s rarest and most iconic species. Watch endangered orangutans on Sumatra and Borneo, massive Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park, or colorful birds of Papua. Let’s not forget the diverse marine life.

Best things to do in Thailand

BANGKOK | As the bustling capital, Bangkok is a must-visit destination. Some of the attractions not to miss are the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. We also loved a visit to Chinatown, where we sampled some Chinese dishes.

NORTH THAILAND | If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy your time in North Thailand. Apart from the famous temples, you can visit the less popular Khun Korn Waterfall, Long Neck Village, or stroll around tea plantations. We did the Mae Hong Son loop and loved it!

THE ISLANDS | No holiday in Thailand would be complete without staying on one of many incredible islands. Our favorite choices are definitely Koh Tao for its snorkeling, Koh Phangan for its vibes, and Phi Phi Islands for their atmosphere.

THE FLOATING MARKETS | A unique cultural experience not to miss is a visit to the floating markets, for example, Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating Market. You can witness locals selling different products directly from their boats!

NIGHT MARKETS | No other country we visited in Asia had such amazing night markets like Thailand. With the lively atmosphere, live music, street food, and shopping opportunities, it’s the best way to spend your evening.

THAI MASSAGE | Let’s not forget the most relaxing attraction – a typical Thai massage! They’re so cheap we got one every couple of days. It’s also the best way to relax after a long day.

Final thoughts on Indonesia versus Thailand

I believe that after reading this comparison guide, it will be slightly easier for you to decide where to spend your next holiday. Both Indonesia and Thailand have a lot to offer, but they present wildly different experiences.

We were lucky enough to spend a significant amount of time in both countries, and we must say that comparing Indonesia vs Thailand is not an easy task. Each country has its unique charm and attractions that make it stand out in its own right.

While both countries boast stunning beaches, delicious food, and welcoming locals, the experiences they offer can be quite different.

Thailand tends to be more tourist-friendly, with a well-established infrastructure. This makes it easier to find accommodations, tours, and activities. Conversely, Indonesia may require a bit more effort to navigate, but the rewards are often well worth it.

Ultimately, the decision between Indonesia vs Thailand depends on your personal preferences.