Tag - beaches

Four U.S. National Parks with Beaches

3 min read

Trunk Bay of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park as seen from inside a car

Guest post by Nicole Villegas

Here’s a fun fact for you travel buffs: there are just 61 designated areas known as official “National Parks” in the United States. Only those given the formal title by the National Park system can include the official capitalization.

Of those 61, you likely are familiar with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. With each respectively receiving over four million and six million visitors in 2018 alone, it’s safe to say they can’t exactly be considered “hidden gems” by tourists.

Reservations.com rounded up a list of 20 of the Least Visited National Parks in the U.S. to bring attention to those lesser known parks. We were excited to see four of them feature secluded beaches, gorgeous views and plenty of fun activities! Read on to learn about each one, you may just discover your next road trip or travel destination.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Visits in 2018: 366,250

California is known as a massive state, yet this National Park seems to fly under the radar. The isolated islands that make up its geography are home to many native species, while also preserving a variety of natural resources.

Visitors can craft their own special itinerary with everything from boating and scuba diving to hiking and camping available. Dolphins, seals, whales and elephant seals are just some of the species that make up the marine life native to Channel Islands National Park. This destination is a must-see paradise for any adventurer!

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Visits in 2018: 56,810

For those of you who built forts in their bedroom whenever they could as a kid, Dry Tortugas National Park is absolutely for you. Featuring a 19^th-century hexagonal fort called Fort Jefferson, this landscape is something out of a child’s dreams. You can explore Fort Jefferson, complete with its very own saltwater moat, and then enjoy the beautiful crystal-clear waters Key West is famous for.

The first thing you need to know about this park is the epic Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century hexagonal fort that looks as if a 12-year old boy designed it, complete with a saltwater moat and defensible against pirates.

Aside from five species of turtles (as the park’s name suggests), visitors can admire nurse sharks, crocodiles, schools of fish and many types of native birds.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Visits in 2018: 25,798

Beaches don’t always need to be saved for a hot summer day. You’ll have to hop on a boat or seaplane to get to Isle Royale National Park, but the trip is worth it. Visitors can explore over 400 islands, enjoying beautiful beaches and waters that are perfect for fishing.

For those scuba diving aficionados, this national park features 10 major shipwrecks that attract incredible aquatic life. This landscape lends itself to a multi-island getaway!

Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands

Visits in 2018: 112,287

If you’re willing to hop on a flight to the Caribbean but stay within U.S. Borders, we have the perfect match for you. The Virgin Islands National Park is a true beach sanctuary, featuring miles of silky sand and fantastic scenic hikes.

Perfect for those who love to stay active while traveling, you’ll get to pack snorkel and hiking gear to make the most of this unique national park.

Cover photo by start livin, Unsplash

Best Beaches for Surfing

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Man with surfboard on beach ready to go surfing

Guest post by Sabid Chowdhury

What makes a great Surfing Spot?

Every non-surfer might consider it’s absurd how surfers group unitedly struggling for the same waves despite having the whole coastline to pick from. With apparently endless distances of crashing waves, why do surfers want to sit within such vicinity? The sad truth is that the best beaches for surfing are not created equal.

Beaches located only a stone’s throw apart can have an immense variation in wave intensity and surfing quality because of different sea bed qualities and the direction the beaches are facing.

The difference between Whitewater and Green Waves

In surfing terminology, we distinguish between whitewater and green waves.

: Whitewater

: Green wave

The whitewater refers to the foamy water racing towards the beach after the wave has already broken. This is the place for beginners to learn basic surfing in a safe setting. The whitewater allows you to easily catch momentum with the surfboard and practice your balance and “pop-up” – the process of going from laying to standing on the surfboard.

Green water waves refer to unbroken waves. These waves require more practice, understanding of correct positioning in the water, and well-timed pop-ups. While more difficult to catch, the green waves give more playroom for twists, turns, and enhanced speed.

Different types of Surf Breaks

The features of a given surf location define whether a surf spot has a beach break, a point break or a reef break.

Beach Breaks

A beach break is characterised by waves breaking near the beach. Usually the waves are created from sand bars and shallowing waters that put pressure on the incoming body of water, making it rise up and eventually break. The advantages of beach breaks are that they are usually easily accessible from the beach and the whitewater waves offer good conditions for beginners. However, beach breaks are less reliable as the sea floor changes over time and the waves can sometime break very abruptly, making it harder to catch the green waves.

Point Breaks

Point breaks are the least common among the three mentioned surf breaks. It’s all about the angles as the swell direction is not perpendicular to the shore line, but rather along it. This makes the waves roll and maintain their energy for much longer than regular beach breaks. Point breaks often create reliable waves and attract lots of skilled surfers.

Reef Breaks

Reef breaks are created by reefs under the water and can be far from the actual shore, often making them accessible only by boat or after a long paddle. Reef breaks can be stunning to surf, but they can also be dangerous because of the hard and often sharp coral rocks. Surfers have to be aware of the tide and wave size to avoid rough injuries.

Best Beaches for Surfing

Here is our list of four absolute top beaches for surfing:

Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Pavones, Costa Rica

Hossegor, France

Fistral Beach, England

Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Kuta Beach is a beach break placed on the western surface of the thin neck of the island. Kuta is considered the most famous beach area in Bali. Kuta Beach is just moments away from the international airport of Ngurah Rai.

Being once a quiet and simple fishing center, Kuta Beach has developed over the last 30 years into a buzzing melting pot of local and foreign tourists, bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Still, Kuta Beach still manages to captivate thousands of guests all year due to its beauty. During the high season from July to August, Winter and New Year festivals, Kuta Beach is loaded with tourists, who are looking forward to a fun and affordable vacation in Bali. If you want to surf in Kuta, expect to share the waves with the crowd. Head to Uluwatu, Medewi, and Keramas for less crowds, although Bali will always have a good number of surfers chasing waves.

Pavones, Costa Rica

Surfers going to Pavones pray for a southwest swell for perfect surfing situations. If the swells are kicking in, Pavones is one of the greatest surf spots in the country. Pavones offers a fantastic left-hand wave that surfers can ride for almost 3 minutes. After a long ride like this, you may have traveled more than one kilometer. Pavones is arguably one of the greatest surfing spots on the planet.

Take a look at the beautiful point break of Pavones in this video:

Hossegor, France

Considered among the best beach breaks in the world, Hossegor is a playground for experienced surfers. You will catch a good wave here whichever period of the year you arrive in. Still, there is great variety according to the season.

In July and August, the swells are small and pleasant, but the best ways right off the beach will still be occupied with surfers. September and October is arguably the best time to go for surfing here.

At times Hossegor has strong currents and lots of wind, so check your local surf report before heading out.

Fistral Beach, England

Fistral Beach on the north coast of Cornwall is a UK favourite, and a lot of the British surfers you will encounter around the world will call this spot their home.

Fistral Beach hosts a range of international and national surfing contests, and for a beach break, Fistral is surprisingly reliable in producing excellent waves.

Cover photo by Alex King, Unsplash.

Discovering Crete’s Most Amazing Beaches

7 min read

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Dog walking on a Greek beach during sunset. Crete beaches.

Guest post by Cal Bailey, Mountain Leon.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. You can find it between the northern side of the Libyan Sea and the southern side of Aegean Sea. Crete has a coastline that stretches across more than a thousand kilometers (650 miles), along which there is an abundance of magnificent beaches.

Crete’s beaches are world famous, so as you might expect the island can get pretty busy during peak season.

Greek traditional town overlooking the sea

Exploring the island’s beaches is almost a given if you visit, and as all are well looked after and clean, you’ll find surprisingly untarnished scenes: white sands, sparkling blue waters, impressive cliffs and forests. People travel great distances to appreciate the amazing beaches, the relaxed Greek lifestyle and the stunning scenery in and around the island.

Whether you prefer bustling, lively beaches with lots of entertainment, or peaceful, relaxing beaches, Crete is a safe bet. Each of its beaches is unique, so check out our guide to find the perfect beaches for your trip:

Best of the Busy Beaches

Matala Beach

Matala beach is a firm favourite with those looking to indulge in the romantic side of life. That’s so easy here simply because it’s totally beautiful! The beach does attract a lot of tourists because of this fact, but the atmosphere is great and you couldn’t get bored if you tried.

Matala beach is lively and fun, and there is plenty to see and do. The views are gorgeous – especially if you go over the hill to the Red Beach, a stunning one-time hippie spot that has now been claimed by tourists.

Elafonisi Beach

Photo credits: Incrediblecrete.gr

Elafonisi Beach is one of Crete’s most famous beaches. Not many beaches are dubbed ‘heaven on earth’, so the clue is in the name! Sands here are pinkish-white, soft as can be and lined with fragrant cedar trees. Elafonisi is incredibly beautiful and inviting, so you won’t be alone there – especially in peak season.

It’s a well-organised beach with plenty of cantinas, snack bars, showers and changing rooms, and if you want to stay there overnight, you can camp. When you want shade, relax under an umbrella. Families particularly like this beach as the water reaches only 1 metre in height, so it’s safer for younger kids. Lifeguards patrol the beach regardless.

Best of the Relaxing Beaches

Istro Beach

If busy beaches aren’t your thing, consider the crystal blue waters and soft white sands of Istro beach. It is a very large beach, so there are plenty of sun-loungers and umbrellas waiting for those who want to spend their day lounging in front of the ocean with a good book.

The atmosphere is truly peaceful, with everyone keeping themselves to themselves. There are private spots for when you wish to be (more or less) alone! When you’re hungry, pop over to one of the tavernas close by. You can sample some of the islands’ finest seafood and other tasty local dishes.

Rodakino Beach

Photo credits: Incrediblecrete.gr

Rodakino beach is located on the south side of Rethymno, and isn’t far from the village of Plakias, so it’s worth visiting both on the same day if you have time. Rodakino is a sizeable beach with sands and waters typical of this exceptional island.

It has a decent number of sunbeds, if you want to recline in the sun. Although it is organized, it has also been left alone to a certain extent. You can expect a calm atmosphere here; there are likely to be families and couples making use of this partly secluded beach. If you want to stay nearby you can rent an apartment, and there are plenty of decent tavernas close by too.

Beaches with Watersports

Voulisma Beach

Photo credits: Cretanbeaches.com

For some, a holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a few watersports thrown in. Voulisma beach is as a good a beach as any for that. It has been affectionately nicknamed ‘golden beach’, which indicates its level of beauty. White sands and turquoise-blue waters combine to make the kind of postcard-worthy scene that inspires people to visit.

Voulisma is a very carefully organised beach, so although it is busy, you should always find a sun lounger, and an umbrella when you need shade. Voulisma has ‘Blue Flag’ status, meaning that the sea is mostly calm. Water sports are one of the biggest draws of this beach, but it’s also great for just chilling out and taking in the sights.

Falassarna Beach

Photo credits: Destinationcrete.gr

Falassarna Beach in Chania Town is the go-to beach for windsurf lovers, as it has a windsurfing station throughout the summer. Falassarna has a reputation for being one of the cleanest beaches in Greece; it was also awarded status as one of Crete’s best beaches and is considered to be one of Europe’s top ten.

Families tend to like this beach as it has great facilities, several tavernas and places to stay close by, but it appeals to all kinds of people. It’s worth visiting just to see the old Roman ruins of the ancient city Falassarna.

Beaches with a Difference

Glyka Nera Beach

Photo credits: Cretanbeaches.com

Glyka Nera means ‘sweet water’ and with its deep blue colour, you can see how it earned its name. There are many pebbles here, which makes it quite a striking sight; one of the most interesting features of Glyka Nera Beach is the water that bubbles up from the springs below the pebbles. The water is clean enough to drink… it’s cool, refreshing and natural.

The beach is accessible only by boat, but it is well served by a tavern on a rock. You won’t need to buy water thanks to the abundant spring water, and the tamarisk trees around the beach provide plenty of shade. Don’t forget to check out the cave and its shrine, and bear in mind that there are no toilets anywhere here… there are plenty of naturists, however!

Balos Beach

Another Chania Town beach, Balos, is one of Crete’s most loved beaches. Looking down from the hilltops, it will seem that you’re beholding a beautiful blue lagoon. The waters here are shimmering and clear, warm and shallow; the sand is soft and white, with a pinkish tinge.

During July and August it can get pretty crowded, so it may be smart to arrive in the morning before the boats roll in. Snorkeling is popular at Balos Beach, and you might even see monk seals and loggerhead turtles. Look out for the rocky island called Gramvoussa, which has a Venetian castle and excellent sea views.

A Cretan Beach for Everyone

Whether you’re in Crete for the relaxation, the watersports or even the skinny-dipping opportunities, there is a beach for you. The entire island is beautiful, but we wouldn’t mind betting you’ll spend most of your time on these idyllic beaches!

Cal Bailey runs Mountain Leon – a travel blog he started after two years of backpacking around the world.

Don’t forget to check out his travel tales and tips on his website.

New Bali Infographic & Destination Page

2 min read

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Bali Infographic

Great news! We have our new Bali and surrounding islands page up an running. But before we get into the details, let’s have a look at our homemade Bali infographic.

The Iconic Island of Bali

Bali ranks among the absolute top beach destinations in the world. The beaches and the thriving surfing culture is part of the reason, but equally important is Bali’s atmosphere, spiritualism, her welcoming residents, the awe inspiring rice fields and natural parks, and top notch tourism infrastructure.

On our new Bali travel guide page, you can find useful information about Bali and the surrounding islands such as Lombok and the Gili Islands. Among other things, we touch on Balinese regional cuisine, Balinese beaches, and accommodation options in the area. Don’t forget to check back on the page, as we continue to add details and helpful information.

Check out our new Bali Page

Good Resources for your trip to Bali, Lombok, and Gili Islands

If you want to learn more about the region and its beaches, here are some handpicked links for you that will give you a realistic picture of what you will find:

Bookmundi’s Top 12 Best Beaches in Bali
Bugbog’s Best Bali Beaches
Not Without My Passport’s Where Are the Dream Beaches in Bali?
Honeycombers´15 Best Beaches in Bali
All about Gili Islands from Ingili
Your Guide to Lombok and the Gili’s from LombokIndonesia

5 Top Beaches to Find Serenity

5 min read

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Guest post by Jared Alster, Stride Travel.

Serene Beaches

Sometimes you just need an escape. To hear the lapping waves, enjoy the calm and feel soft warm sand beneath your feet. Beaches are beacons of serenity, offering another world of relaxation – but some are better than others.

Bondi Beach in Sydney for example may not exactly be what you had in mind for a calm afternoon, with its infamous crowds and busy boardwalk. Or the many beaches in Phuket, with their propensity for raucous nightlife, don’t inspire a serene beach day either.

True serenity requires a combination of tropical bliss, luxurious tones, and solitude – without extra noise or distraction. In some cases this means a bit of effort to get there – but once you do the reward is well worth it.

Get away from it all with the 5 most serene beaches around the world:

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays Australia

With a name that sounds like a mystical land rather than a real place, how could this beach not be something special? The sand here is some of the purest in the world, almost 98% silica, and doesn’t retain heat – making it comfortable to stand and walk on throughout the day.

The waters are an incredibly bright and happy blue, and they create stunning colors and patterns when combined with the sand, especially when viewed from above. This is the place to come for active days of sea kayaking or enjoying a cocktail aboard a sunlit yacht.

Perhaps one of the only downfalls to Whitehaven is the jellyfish, which are so prominent throughout half the year (October through May), that protective swim gear is highly advised.

2. Koh Kradan, Thailand

Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and as such it may seem impossible to find true serenity given their popularity. By traveling to some of the more far-reaching islands in Thailand, away from Phuket, you can still find pockets of true calm and quiet.

Consider Koh Kradan. This small island sits just off Thailand’s southwest coast and provides stunning views across the water of other larger islands dotting the sea in the distance. There are only a couple well spaced out resorts on the island, including one major luxury resort – very popular among honeymooners.

The crowds are very minimal along the Koh Kradan beaches, and the waters provide some of the best snorkeling and sea kayaking in all of Thailand.

3. Cable Beach, Western Australia

The lands of Western Australia are still remote for tourists, a good indication for travelers seeking serenity. This beach is enormous, offering a lot of space for lounging in the warm sun and enjoying the wonderful water. One of the more unique activities available to travelers at Cable Beach is the opportunity to ride camels along the surf at low tide.

As the string of camels methodically make their way, they create stunning and timeless silhouettes in the orange sunset. There are numerous hotel options around Cable Beach, or if you want a bit more choice in other activities you can stay in nearby Broome.

4. Holbox Island, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Hammocks strung between palm trees, thatch roofed bungalows, lovely blue waters, and of course stretches of pristine white sand make it a sure thing that this hidden secret won’t stay hidden for long. Fantasies of walking barefoot everywhere (the streets are paved with sand), cocktails in hand, and warm sea breezes are realized on this small island in the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancun, just off Mexico’s southeast shore.

As of yet, no major development projects have managed to make headway on Holbox, to the delight of the locals – which is a unique community of European and American tourists who came and never left, as well as native Mexicans and those of Mayan descent. This does mean the options for luxury accommodation and meals are limited but not impossible to find. Plus, part of the charm of Holbox is in its offbeat culture.

If you go between June and September, keep an eye out for the whale sharks that gather just off shore at this time of year.

5. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Honestly pretty much any beach in the idyllic Seychelles is going to be serene, picturesque, and possess an otherworldly beauty. Pink sands and rock formations rising up create hidden corners where you can capture amazing photos and feel like the only person in the world. The snorkeling here is top notch and the water is clear, shallow and safe – perfect for families.

The Seychelles lie in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. There are multiple resort options available on the main islands and it’s a classic destination for honeymooners and travelers looking for a luxurious getaway.

Spend your days island hopping among the entire archipelago, where spectacular beauty and unbelievable ocean landscapes await, and enjoy the peace and quiet along serene quiet soft sand beaches.

Jared Alster is the co-founder of Stride Travel, a new marketplace connecting world travelers with tour operators, adventure outfitters, & professionally planned trips.

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Malaysia or Thailand?

13 min read

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Malaysia or Thailand? Malaysian beach with a boat with the Malaysia's flag and a Thai beach with longtail boats and Thailand's flag

Where to Spend Your Beach Holiday – Malaysia or Thailand?

For those of us who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on beach holidays, the first question we ask ourselves is often which country should we go to. As promised when we presented our new Malaysia travel guide, we want to help you compare two of the big tropical beach holiday destinations, Malaysia and Thailand, to make your holiday choice easier.

Why Malaysia or Thailand?

If you wonder, why we have chosen to compare these two great beach destinations, here is why. First of all, travel agencies and travel professionals often receive this as the initial question from their customers: “Should we choose Malaysia or Thailand for our holiday?”. Secondly, these countries are very often competing for the same visitors, since they both bring some of the same great beach holiday opportunities, and being neighbouring countries, travel seasons and travel distance is similar.

The Malaysia and Thailand Showdown

Before we go through each of the scores and compare Malaysia and Thailand on the chosen parameters, we want to remind readers that the evaluations represent a general evaluation of the two countries. Here we have considered Malaysia to be both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, although the characteristics of these two areas are rather different.

You may seek a family-friendly beach or a surfing beach-bum paradise. Ultimately, which beach destination is best for your holiday, depends just as much on your personal travel preferences as the destination itself.

Beaches: Malaysia vs. Thailand

Both Malaysia and Thailand have fantastic beaches, ranging from popular tourist magnets to secluded beaches on “untamed” islands. With a great variety and number of beaches within easy geographical reach, Thailand has a small edge here.

Malaysia Beach Score

The number of islands and beaches of Peninsular Malaysia is relatively low in comparison to Thailand, and given strong seasonal limitations on the east coast, the options can be rather limited. However, if we add Malaysian Borneo to the mix, we suddenly have a hundreds of stunning islands in different development stages and in more or less accessible areas.

Thailand Beach Score

Southern Thailand has an abundance of islands and beaches fitted with fine sand, dramatic rock formations, swaying palm trees, clear water, and everything you could ever wish for in terms of services and conveniences. Additionally, the beaches of Thailand cover all activities and adventures you can think of and it doesn’t take much to go from one type of beach or island to another one.

Aerial view of palm-fringed beach in Thailand with boats at the shoreline, clear blue water, and small tropical islands in the background.

It’s hard to beat the islands and beaches of Thailand.

Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Hotels: Malaysia vs. Thailand

It is not uncommon that tourists stumble upon a hotel that enchant them to such a degree that the host country is of little importance. Whether this is the case or not, one thing is certain: The hotel has a significant role in tourists’ beach choice. To receive a high hotel evaluation, the diversity, price, and value for money is taken into account. Without question, Thailand is a world leader in this category.

We used to write small warnings in our Malaysia travel catalogues that customers should not expect a 3-star Malaysian hotel to measure up to a 3-star Thai hotel. This is more due to Thailand’s superiority on this parameter than Malaysia being under international standard.

Malaysia Hotel Score

You can find exclusive eco-retreats on small tropical islands and you can find uncharming concrete hotels with uninspiring designs. The portfolio of beach accommodation is improving, but the value for money is not on par with Thailand. Furthermore, it is harder to find budget and mid-range charm among Malaysian hotels. For a real good hotel experience, you have to move into the four and five star range.

Thailand Hotel Score

The competition among hotels in Thailand is fierce. This coupled with a good sense of quirky design and high service standards make Thailand score maximum on hotel quality and value. A 3-star hotel in Thailand can often be compared to a 4-star hotel in Europe or America. You can easily find accommodation for all budgets, and even in the cheapest beach bungalows you can find charming architecture and design wit.

Stilted hillside bungalows overlooking the Gulf of Thailand at the rugged Koh Tao Island.

Not the worst place to spend your holiday in Thailand.

Prices: Malaysia vs. Thailand

No doubt relative prices continue to rise, as both Malaysia and Thailand continue a path of economic growth and investments both in and outside the tourism sector. Prices fluctuate a lot between city and rural areas and between touristy and non-touristy destinations. Overall, however, Thailand still offers superb value for money.

While cheaper than European countries and North America, Malaysia is generally more expensive than the other Southeast Asian countries.

An excellent resource in finding user generated price information in destinations worldwide is NUMBEO.

Malaysia Prices Score

Traveling through Malaysia, you will find that food is quite cheap, while accommodation is more expensive and less value than other Southeast Asian countries outside of Singapore. Malaysian Borneo’s unique position in terms of experiences and natural wonders have pushed prices upwards. The good news is that it is still possible to experience Malaysia on a backpacker budget, but you will have to sacrifice some convenience and luxury along the way.

Thailand Prices Score

With the rise of the Thai middle-class, expatriates, and tourists from near and far, both financial and tourist hubs of Thailand are now much more expensive than just five years ago. This means that Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Phuket can come off as expensive.

But don’t despair. Instead of going to Starbucks and Domino’s, go to a local pad thai restaurant. Instead of sleeping at Hyatt, sleep at one of the many charming boutique guesthouses. Go a little off-beat to avoid the price traps. Thailand has great prices for those who look for them, and the most beautiful thing is that being a beach bum here is one of the cheapest lifestyles you can dream of. Food is cheap, transportation is cheap, accommodation is cheap, and adventures are often free. For documentation, see our previous notes on daily beach holiday costs in Thailand.

Local Thai restaurant with signs in Thai and fresh food on display.

Eat local, stay local! Thailand offers tremendous value.

Food: Malaysia vs. Thailand

How good is Malaysian food? How does it compare to Thai food? This is obviously a very subjective topic, but at least we are not alone in thinking that both countries serve some of the world’s best food. Thailand and Malaysia are both in the top 10 food destinations in the world in this CNN poll.

Malaysia Food Score

What makes Malaysian food great? The variety of choice and fresh ingredients! Since Malaysia consists of major cultural and ethnic groups, you can find excellent Chinese, Indian, Western, and of course Malay/Indonesian dishes in abundance. For vegetarians eating is easy because of the Indian vegetarian cuisine and the fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally.

Thailand Food Score

The popularity of Thai food is now covering the world with Thai takeaways and restaurants from Buenos Aires to Sydney. But the best Thai food is found in Thailand. Food is an integral part of Thai social life, and when a common greeting in Thailand is “Have you eaten yet?”, food has to be a top priority. What is fantastic about the Thai cuisine is the harmonious blend of spices, sweet, sour, and salty. But if you don’t like chili, lemongrass, and galanga, you will mostly be limited to the “foreignized” and international dishes.

For vegetarians, Thailand has a lot of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that particularly sprung up in response to the tastes of visiting backpackers. In standard restaurants, however, ordering a vegetarian dish often means that fish sauce, oyster sauce, and shrimp paste will be used in otherwise meatless dishes.

Wooden signs on a tropical island in Thailand saying fruit shake, vegetable food, seafood, and Thai food.

You won’t leave thirsty or hungry!

Diving: Malaysia vs. Thailand

Both Malaysia and Thailand are wonderful places to learn and practice diving. Almost every popular beach has at least one dive operator, and the quality, equipment, and safety is good.

Malaysia Diving Score

In Peninsular Malaysia the east coast is your best bet for diving. Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, and Tioman Island all have good and very accessible diving. Diving here is seasonally limited from roughly March to September.

The Sabah region of Borneo is the real reason why Malaysia must be considered a top dive destination in the world. The bio-diversity, visibility, and beauty is of supreme quality with dive destinations such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Lankayan, Layang Layang, and Sibuan leading the way.

Thailand Diving Score

Hands up if you took your PADI Open Water Diver certificate in Thailand. Keep them up, if you took it on Koh Tao! Koh Tao is a world hub for budding scuba divers. The small island in The Gulf of Thailand offers year-round courses with dive sites right off the beaches or a small boat ride away. The water is generally clear and currents are beginner friendly. Corals and marine life around Koh Tao has deteriorated a bit although a number of organizations and awareness programmes are fighting to rejuvenate the seas.

For the best dive sites in Thailand, you have to travel to The Andaman Sea. Here you will find stunning diving between small tropical islands. It is not uncommon to find leopard sharks and manta rays. Among the best diving sites are Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, and the Surin Islands. November to April has the best visibility and sea conditions.

A nemo fish among green sea plants seen while diving in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Sabah region offers formidable diving.

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia

Wildlife: Malaysia vs. Thailand

Despite an increasing number of areas being designated as national parks in Malaysia and Thailand, the primary and secondary forests are diminishing. Farming, plantations, logging, and “development” is threatening natural treasures and wildlife in both countries. That said, Malaysia has some of the world’s oldest rainforests and extraordinary wildlife to match it. Thailand does not have the grand old rainforests, but there is still plenty of wildlife to experience under and above water.

Malaysia Wildlife Score

Orangutans (literally men of the jungle), proboscis monkeys, tarsiers, pygmy elephants, hornbills, turtles and much more roam the natural habitats of Malaysia, particularly Borneo. Malaysia has around 500 endemic species and it’s hard to find destinations that can match the natural richness of the country. Unfortunately, there is great pressure on the natural habitats of Malaysian wildlife. Although a magical experience, it is frightening to see how the palm oil plantations are slicing through ever thinner rainforest areas.

Thailand Wildlife Score

Thailand has impressive marine life and no less than 127 national parks with a diverse range of flora and fauna. You do not find the grand old rainforests and hallmark wild species as in Malaysian Borneo, but there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy in Thailand.

Male Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) from Borneo.

Only in Borneo – Malaysia’s wildlife is marvelous!

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia

More comparisons between Malaysia and Thailand?

Malaysia or Thailand? We hope you found this head to head comparison between Thailand and Malaysia useful. There is no one winner in such a battle. It all depends on what you are after. One thing is certain though: Both Malaysia and Thailand are magnificent travel countries, so we can only suggest you visit both!

If you are interested in seeing more comparisons between these two countries, we suggest you take a look at the following links.