thailand vs. bali for 2-3 weeks between xmas & mid January

Hi -

need to decide pretty quickly but can%26#39;t quite make up my mind whether to spend 2 weeks on a beach holiday in Thailand (Krabi, Ko Pi Pi) vs. Bali %26amp; Lombok. We%26#39;ll be on a budget, but are still hoping to see beautiful beaches without huge crowds of people, do some snorkling. We don%26#39;t mind doing some crowded places for 1-2 days just to see what the fuss is all about :-) but would love to ultimately escape somewhere for ~1 week to a chill but beautiful spot.

I have been to Thailand (only Bangkok) before, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia but never did island hopping in Thailand and have never been to Bali (and of out those, Vietnam was my favorite).

Would love your advice given the time of the year (we will be arriving sometime between xmas %26amp; new year%26#39;s and leaving mid January) and trade-offs in beach scene. Also not sure whether Thailand is a smart choice given recent conflicts.

thailand vs. bali for 2-3 weeks between xmas %26amp; mid January

Hi,

The first thing to consider is the weather. It%26#39;s monsoon season in Bali during December and January. Last year there were massive floods. Whilst in Thailand the weather will be beautifully hot.

This is peak season so likely to get crowds along the way. We visited Phi Phi in December, didn%26#39;t stay over, just part of a boat trip and it was very busy.

You could look at northern Phuket, Khao Lak, Ko Lanta or Krabi.

Sarah

xx

thailand vs. bali for 2-3 weeks between xmas %26amp; mid January

From our experiences in Krabi during this period you will find it hard to find quiet and empty places. it is the most popular time of year and every island we went to was jam packed with people. Really didn%26#39;t see them at their best. We have also been in February and it is still very busy then as well. Once these places become popular you will never find them quiet unless you go out of peak season.