Thailand and Malaysia both have huge night markets where you can find anything and everything. Which is Cheaper? Thailand and Malaysia share the same positives and negatives regarding accommodation and resorts. Which South-Eastern Asia Country should be your next travel destination? but offer more comfort and safety. In summary, both Thailand and Malaysia have rich cultural histories and unique customs and traditions that are worth experiencing. thailand or malaysia? In Thailand, the nightlife is legendary, with bustling cities like Bangkok providing endless options for party-goers. Taxis and Grab, are the most commonly used modes of transportation in cities such as Kuala Lumpur. But all of them are very popular among their target audience. Moving around Malaysia is relatively simple and economical, with various modes of transportation to choose from, especially when youre in Kuala Lumpur which is a huge hub in Asia. Some of their best dishes include chicken satay, beef rendang, laksa and cendol. In other areas, songthaews (pickups with benches in the back) and motorbike taxis are prevalent. Our favorite outdoor activity in Malaysia is hiking in the forests and national parks. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? Situated just outside the capital of Kuala Lumpur, this huge network of limestone caves have been turned into Hindu temples and are now an important pilgrimage site. But on the other hand, alcohol is not available easily due to its high taxed prices. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 34 replies Sorted by Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! If you are looking for a tropical holiday, head to Thailand. The majority of people, if traveling to only Malaysia or Thailand, would choose to travel to Thailand. Southeast Asia is one of those regions that everyone wants to travel to at least once in a lifetime, and why not? With Thailand attracting over 20 million tourists a year, this country is well suited to tourists who want an easy holiday where theres plenty to keep them occupied yet no hassle to sort out. It is the third largest island in the world and filled with adventure. While many women working as prostitutes in Thailand are locals, some are trafficked from neighboring countries. From soaking up the culture, tasting the delicious cuisine, figuring out how to get around, and keeping your expenses in check, were here to spill the beans. The Grand Palace in Bangkok, for example, is a complex of buildings that includes a reclining Buddha, an Emerald Buddha, and more. When you do your research my advice is to use a regular computer vs a phone for better comparisons. Thailand vs. Malaysia Nightlife Winner: Thailand. There are plenty of options available for you to travel around Malaysia with ease. Be sure to settle on a fare beforehand or utilize the meter to prevent overpaying. Borneo is one of the most beautiful places in Asia but it is quickly being destroyed for non-renewable resources. Thai cuisine is as unique as it is tasty! Thailand has the best nightlife of the two countries by far. The reason is, I used to take extra care of my purse in busy areas (this is what I practice in any country I travel to, just to be on the safe side). Thailand vs Malaysia: A Comparison Guide (2023) - Adventure In You On the contrary, Thailand is indeed beach heaven. Additionally, almost all of the beach spot allows visitors to take part in several water sports such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking and swimming of course. Make sure to read reviews before you decide to book accommodation. Malaysia can even be slightly cheaper than Thailand (most people would probably disagree with this last statement, but it depends on factors). Its not the most amazing city in Malaysia. Malaysia offers 90-day visa exemption for most countries, compared to only 30 days in Thailand. Thailand has fewer cigarette smokers than Malaysia. Tuk-tuks are a fun and affordable way to get around, but its important to agree on the fare before the ride. When it comes to getting around Thailand and Malaysia, youll have a few options to get yourself from A to B. Also, both countries are pretty cheap. The most well-known Thai dishes include Tom Yum Goong, a hot soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and lime juice, and of course Pad Thai (one of my personal favorites), a stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, egg, and peanuts. There are only a few places with a handful of beaches, such as Langkawi a renowned beach destination. A little research is all you need to find a suitable place that too within a budget. With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers, Bangkok Vs Chiang Mai (Where Is Better To Visit? Although the country is at low risk for scams on tourists, petty crime is common such as bag snatching. January 1, 2018 Many expats considering living in south east Asia look at both Thailand and Malaysia as good places for western expats. . thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit They are among the cheapest we have ever visited. Malaysia also offers reasonably priced public transportation, with buses and trains available at affordable rates through RapidKL. Whether youre seeking the bold and spicy flavors of Thai food or the aromatic and flavorful dishes of Malaysia, both countries offer something for every taste bud. Its fairly easy to find very lovely Malaysians (particularly the Indians), but in general, they dont care much for the tourists. But where Malaysia gets expensive is their nightlife costs. Nevertheless, its a countrys peculiar personality, and this is cool as you cant really experience it anywhere else. Therefore away from the parties and beaches, Thailand is a very spiritual place filled with spectacular temples. Visitors should respect and abide by any applicable local ordinances. These girls offer services to tourists mainly. thailand or malaysia? It has all the natural things you would expect like beaches, tropical forests, and highlands, but also has History, colonial heritage, and temples. Changkat Bukit Bintang is a popular area for nightlife, with various bars and clubs to suit every preference. Bangkok. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Comparison of Landscapes: Thailand vs Malaysia, Comparison of Nightlife: Thailand vs Malaysia, Comparison of Transportation and Accessibility, Comparison of Affordability: Thailand vs Malaysia. Whether you crave city life, or want to relax on an island, or hike to the forests, or shopping is your top priority, Malaysia has it all. A week in Malaysia can cost you about $579 (per person), while a week in Thailand may cost you around $809. Bangkok Tourism Bangkok Hotels Malaysian food is beginning to appear around the world, with dishes like Satay now found in the US, UK, and other nations. The roads are better, it has more cars and taxis and fewer tuk-tuks and songthaews. Photo by Mukiibi John Elijah from Unsplash. In terms of pricing, food is cheaper in Thailand, with an average meal price starting from $3. Transportation costs in Thailand are around $10, a bit more costly than Malaysia's $9.95. Gyms up and down the country offer training sessions (from a single day, to several months!) In general, expect a livelier and busier beach experience than what you would get in Malaysia. thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit - Bangkok The most popular itinerary in each country for travelers: Thailand Island Hopping is what gave Thailand its world-renown fame. Each country brought a vastly different experience as well as education and friends I never expected. Entry to the towers costs around 22 USD and I would advise booking tickets in advance during peak times. Both are culture-packed countries where youre guaranteed to experience the incredible east. Bangkok has a well-developed public transport system that includes buses, the BTS Skytrain, and the MRT subway. Made from red beans, palm seeds, sweet corn, peanuts and shaved ice (an eclectic mix! Lets see! We have been to quite a few both in Thailand and Malaysia, and we preferred the Malaysian ones. Might be interesting to ask the same question on the Malaysia boards. Taman Negara National Park: is a must-visit destination, which has an old rainforest full of various flora and animals, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Often, visitors dont spend more than three or four days in this city. In Thailand, we found the Kanchanaburi region incredibly beautiful and Maya Bay is also wonderful (before it becomes crowded). We recommend some of our favorite beaches later on in this article. thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit - Bangkok However, the overall cost of travel may vary depending on individual preferences and travel goals. Visitors enjoy varied experiences at both destinations in terms of food, activities, nightlife and mainly, budget. In reality, this was one of the most challenging and leveled comparisons we have made! A trip to northeastern Borneo and you may witness the rare endangered pygmy elephant. No worries, though Thailand has plenty of transportation options, so getting around is easy. As budget travelers and bloggers, we tend to keep track of all our expenses during a trip so that we can compare costs. Its also a topic where Southeast Asian countries dont excel at. It is hard to name one as both the countries offer delicious gastronomy, but from the visitors point of view who has been to both the places, Malaysia takes the lead here. While Thai is the official language of Thailand, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and cities. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 34 replies Sorted by Malaysia Nature/ Food. thailand or malaysia? This article is part of the Southeast Asia Smackdown series. thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit To help you even more, heres a quick infographic comparing both Southeast Asian countries, Thailand and Malaysia. The dishes are full of flavors and fresh ingredients such as egg noodles freshly made, coconut desserts, papaya salad and sticky rice with homegrown mangoes. While I am biased towards Thai food, Malaysian food is as good as well so we might have to call this one a tie? Best is subjective, no need to talk the country down like that. This is a popular question for many travelers. Malaysians have terrible smoking etiquette and seem to treat non-smoking signs as mere suggestions. However thats just scratching the surface when it comes to how these two countries differ. However, Thailand has catered to tourists more in each type of destination. thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit - Bangkok If youre looking for the best beaches, lively nightlife, cheap drinks and an all-round fun vibe, Thailand will be a better holiday destination than Malaysia. I enjoy Malaysian food more than Thai food. Answer 21 of 34: Which country is better in terms of shopping malls,beaches,adventurous places,amusement parks etc.we will not visit any temples or historical places. The Thai Food, the Muay Thai, the Thai Massage, Buddhism, and the full moon parties, and the Songkran are some of the most famous things about Thailand and what makes a trip to it very special. In fact thats something weve even written about in the past. Malaysians arent really similar to Thais. Make sure not to get too close to any person or group that could lure you into drugs, as this is a grave crime in Thailand and may get you into a lot of trouble. Bangkok Tourism Bangkok Hotels Thailand vs. Malaysia Things to Do Winner: Malaysia wins when it comes to what to do as long as youre a nature lover. There are nine top universities in Malaysia featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021, while Thailand has eight entrants. Answer 21 of 34: Which country is better in terms of shopping malls,beaches,adventurous places,amusement parks etc.we will not visit any temples or historical places. I stayed in Sabah (the region of Kota Kinabalu) because of the other-worldly nature that Borneo has. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. Answer 11 of 34: Which country is better in terms of shopping malls,beaches,adventurous places,amusement parks etc.we will not visit any temples or historical places. Bangkok. They arent rude or anything, but they dont make you feel at home or welcome. Bangkok. They are both internationally renowned beach destinations, but which one is the best? Buses are a popular and cost-effective way to travel between cities, with frequent services running between major destinations. However, if beaches and parties are what you are after, wed recommend you to visit Thailand, which is a place for all individuals, couples, and even families. Below we look at some of the highlights in each country when it comes to culture and vibe, so you can see what you think youll like most: Thailand is a country known for its food, culture, stunning scenery, and more recently a great party scene. Cities tend to be crowded. Gippy3000. We can vouch that it is safer than Thailand. Which one is it and why? Both countries have their pros and cons. Youre in the right place, Founders of this blog, Tom and Anna have traveled to both Thailand and Malaysia and lived in Thailand so they have plenty of advice and insider tips. One of the most popular foods in Malaysia is Rendang. Both countries have spectacular landscapes away from the coastline as well as jaw-dropping wildlife but Malaysia is probably the better choice for wildlife seekers. Malaysia is undoubtedly an incredible tourist spot, but when it comes to a summer beach trip, no place can beat Thailands vibes. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? The buses are good, frequent, easy to use and reach everywhere. Like Communism in Vietnam, Islam has a hold of the culture in most of Malaysia. It is! Having visited both destinations we compare them below, showing you their differences, similarities and what to expect in each. for foreigners and its a fantastic way to get to know this country and culture. Its easier to get around and most built with tourists in mind. Living in Malaysia VS Thailand - Which is Better? - YouTube Answer 21 of 34: Which country is better in terms of shopping malls,beaches,adventurous places,amusement parks etc.we will not visit any temples or historical places. The drugs/party/sex scene in Thailand brings in a lot of terrible tourists and makes for a weird vibe in some places in the country. I spent two months in this city because I loved what I experienced every time I walked out onto the street. Just beware of cheap stays at touristy beach areas where both the countries are known for offering accommodation in awful conditions. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? I absolutely loved everything about Thailand, so I would always edge towards favoring Thailand. Check out this Ultimate List of the Best Hotels & Hostels in Thailand for more ideas of where to stay. For Thailand, Bangkok and a beach area or Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It seems in a strange and quirky world of its own, and is definitely worth a visit. When you do your research my advice is to use a regular computer vs a phone for better comparisons. All of this makes visiting Malaysia an incredibly rich experience. thailand or malaysia? which one is better for family visit To the OP if halal food is main concerns then head to Malaysia. Thai people are really good hosts and seem to enjoy having tourists around. Hi! Want to explore a melting pot of cultures between Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Colonialism legacy; Its important to note that the locals speak English; Want to hike in National Parks and tropical forests. Bangkok Tourism Bangkok Accommodation Taxis and ride-hailing services are also reasonably priced, with short trip fares beginning at around $2 USD. A week in Malaysia can cost you about $440 (per person), while a week in Thailand may cost you around $610. Did you know every time you read an article on Slight North, you're also planting trees for the monarchs in Mexico? Bangkok. PS. Her passions are her animals, exploring the Welsh mountains with her husband, and traveling to different European cities. Bangkok Tourism Bangkok Hotels Bangkok Guest House Now, lets see what both countries have to offer culturally. Overall, Thailand and Malaysia have amazing nightlife experiences, with something for everyone, from wild parties to calmer nights sipping cocktails. Overall, the cuisine of Thailand and Malaysia is diverse and flavorful, with unique ingredients and flavors that set them apart. In Thailand, Buddhism predominates, and the nation is home to numerous exquisite temples and shrines. which one is better for family visit 7 years ago Save which country is better in terms of shopping malls,beaches,adventurous places,amusement parks etc.we will not visit any temples or historical places. However, Malaysia takes it to the next level, the forests, parks, reserves, and national parks are incredible, and still, have plenty of wildlife. Thailand vs. Malaysia Tourist Destination Winner: Thailand wins with the most tourist attractions. The result is exceptionally rich and tender. These kinds of places are best suited for backpackers who dont mind sharing accommodation. Though Malaysia and Thailand share a border, yet they are entirely different from each other. Want to find out how Thailand compares to other place? Before visiting both countries, we thought that Thailand would win this item easily. The country's Borneo region is arguably one of the best places for wildlife in the world, with elephants, tigers, and leopards among other species. Kuala Lumpur is the center of Malaysias nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. Both countries have extremely affordable food and accommodations. To conclude, both Thailand and Malaysia provide travelers with fantastic travel experiences that are worth exploring. The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without. Apart from this, Malaysia has a lot of other National Parks worth visiting. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? Another popular destination is the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features numerous temple ruins and ancient structures. Ive traveled to Malaysia thrice, and ever for once, I had to face this issue. Since both countries are built up for tourism, there are easy connections between places. On both trips, we included everything we spent, including bank fees and souvenirs, except fly-in/out, and we traveled as a couple. Traveldrafts.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thailand is renowned for its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and extensive cultural history. This is not to say it is better than the other two just easier. Always get a receipt of your transaction no matter where you pay. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur: Once the tallest structure in the world, Kuala Lumpurs Petronas Twin Towers offer breathtaking views of the city skyline from their observation deck. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? It is the third largest island in the world and. Although Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur also have decent bars and entertainment, a night out in Malaysia for the majority of people tends to involve a cup of milky tea and some sweet treats! and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? After a days relaxing, head to the region of Krabi where you can go rock climbing, jungle trekking, and sea kayaking. And all of this shows when you are visiting it. Many Malaysians are bilingual, with English being the second most spoken language after Malaya. However, we were a bit disappointed a few times in both countries. Meal and restaurant costs in Thailand ($17) are often cheaper than Malaysia ($19). Borneo I lived six months in Kota Kinabalu of Borneo. Why I prefer Malaysia to Thailand (mostly) for Residency Written by Adam Wright, Sport & Exercise Science BSc (Hons). Malaysia, on the other hand, has a very small nightlife, and its kind of a niche thing. Places like Koh Samui, Koh Lipe, and Koh Phangan are just a few of the famous beaches that Thailand is known for. Borneo is, generally, more open to non-conservative beliefs and thinking. Thailand is all about welcoming people, they are born into the hospitality industry. Between the two countries, most expats live in Thailand and it has a better overall internet connection than Malaysia. However, its actually the opposite. Bangkok. Once an important trading port, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Koh Phangan is most well-known for its Full Moon Parties. However if you want a quieter vacation which divides time between the beach and other activities such as wildlife watching in Borneo, then Malaysia should be your choice. Thailand is widely famous for producing delicious fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, mango and papaya. Its an attractive destination for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation. Satay are tasty skewers of meat are seasoned with a variety of spices and usually accompanied with a peanut sauce. We were particularly shocked by these two places. and also help me in which cities the best attraction places are? Krabis stunning 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. Malaysias local cuisine is loved by many across the world. Malacca: A historic city on the west coast of Malaysia, is another must-visit destination. All so you can see which country will suit you best! The weather is nice, the beaches are gorgeous, and the culture is rich. A large minority of Malaysians are Hindu, and a trip to Batu Caves combines Malaysias rugged beauty with its religious side. *This article may contain affiliate links which allows Wandering our World to make a small commission on any sales made and keep the coffee flowing! First, Thailand, which is probably the most often traveled of the two countries. You can find destinations that are more for partygoers (Pattaya), others for resort lovers (Phuket), digital nomads destinations (Chiang Mai), and even hippies destinations (Pai).