Phuket and Bali. The two tourist heavyweights of Southeast Asia. Although two phenomenally different islands, tourists often end up having to pick one over the other due to time or money. If you’re stuck in this unfortunate situation, then hopefully this little guide will help. That being said, our first bit of advice is either get more money or find more time!

1. The Beaches

Phuket and Bali have very different coastlines. Phuket, tends to bring to mind blue waters and powder white sands, whereas Bali’s beaches are much rockier. If all you want is to lie on soft white sands with intermittent frolics in the waves, then choose Phuket. But if you’d like to go surfing or parasailing, then Bali’s your best bet. Home to some of the best waves, Bali has a ton of surf schools and instructors. That being said, Bali does have a few quieter beaches, such as Sanur.

2. The Food

Thai food is spicy, sweet, and sour. Think cilantro, limes, and red hot chili all in your mouth. Tom yum goong, pad thai, fish cakes, and mango sticky rice. Balinese food, on the other hand, is primarily Indonesian with heavy influences from India and China. Think curries, rice, sambal, fried and grilled meats, and a lot of garlic, chili, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass. Both cuisines are incredibly delicious and warrant your tastebuds’ attention but the choice is up to you.

3. The Culture

It’s hard to sum up two cultures in a single paragraph and to try would be asinine, but for the purposes of this article we will speak specifically about the tourist culture in Phuket versus Bali. Phuket is a tourist’s wonderland. You can do almost anything you want and go almost anywhere you want. It can be seedy and it can be wholesome. There’s something for everyone. Tourists who spend time in Phuket usually end up partying, drinking, getting a massage every day, lounging on gorgeous beaches, and maybe taking a stroll down Patong to either gawk and stare or partake.

While Bali is just as comfortable with tourists as Phuket, the vibe is completely different. Red light areas found in Phuket are not as prevalent in Bali. Certain areas, such as Ubud, are much quieter with almost no night life after 9 pm. Most tourists who go to Bali visit the ancient temples, take in a cultural dance, hike the rice paddy fields, climb up a volcano, and indulge in fine dining and romance.

Where Phuket brings to mind excess and decadence, Bali inspires natural beauty and simplicity. That being said, the two islands are multifaceted. You will, of course, find spiritual refuge in Phuket and all-night partying in Bali. It just depends on where you look and what you’re looking for.

4. The Level of Activity

This lies solely with you. How much do you want to do? If you’re looking to do nothing all day, read a book on the beach, eat well, and get massages then head to Phuket. The island’s beaches and sunsets will make for the perfect backdrop for your vacation. However, if you’re looking for more physical activity and sightseeing, Bali will be a better option. Home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking temples, a still active volcano (Mount Agung), incredible diving and surfing, lush hikes, and tons more cultural activities, you can spend weeks in Bali and still not see everything.

5. Who Are You Going With

Traditionally, Phuket is known more for its partying and resorts, while Bali is known for its romance and spiritual nature. If you’re going with a bunch of kids, Phuket might actually be better because a lot of their resorts have Kids Clubs, babysitting services, and tons of activities on the resort grounds to keep your children occupied. If you’re off to a passionate rendezvous with your partner, then Bali will give you that magical, romantic atmosphere perfect for proposals, weekend getaways, and rekindling a flame. Going with a group of friends? That’s trickier since you’ve got more than a handful of people to please!

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