Similarities and differences between Thailand and Philippines
After a few visits to both countries I decided to write a blog post to give you an insight into similarities and differences between Thailand and Philippines.
The opinion and thoughts in this article are based on my personal experience, loads of observations and speaking to the locals and other travelers who visited both Thailand and Philippines.
In late 2011 I went to Thailand three times during my SE Asia trip and I spent altogether around 5 weeks there. I also spent 3 weeks in the Philippines on the same trip. At that time there was only a 3-week tourist visa available for Slovak citizens (I am from Slovakia).
One would think that both being Asian countries, they should be very similar, right? But if you have been traveling for a long time, then you know it is not true. Our expectations about destinations are usually wrong – or better, or worse than the reality itself.
After my first visits in 2011, I revisited Thailand a couple of times (stopped counting it). And I also spent another month in the Philippines. That being said, it’s true that so far I did spend more time in Thailand than in the Philippines.
Let me start by saying that I truly do LOVE both countries but for different reasons.
I found both many similarities and differences between Thailand and Philippines. Keep reading to find out which ones.
Similarities between Thailand and Philippines
1. Beaches
Both Thailand and the Philippines can be proud of their breath-taking beaches. You know, all those beautiful secluded beaches with white sand, palm trees and crystal clear water can be found in both countries.
Yes, welcome to paradise! Even famous filipino party Boracay island can be still proud of its stunning beaches, such as the less visited Puka beach in Thailand :)
Puka beach on Boracay, Philippines
2. Islands
Both countries consist of many islands (Philippines of thousands more than Thailand). There is a bunch of islands in both countries that very few foreigners have heard of. The smaller the islands, usually the better to visit. Well, at least I do prefer quiet empty beaches over those crowded ones.
3. Small grocery stalls and street vendors
They are very common in both countries. That makes it very easy to munch on something at the street. In Europe and North America street vendors are not popular at all so in a way it’s easier to get a snack, or even a proper meal in both Thailand and the Philippines.
4. Rice
Trust me, after visiting these 2 countries I just could not eat rice again any more for a couple of months when I came back home to Slovakia!
They even eat loads of rice for breakfast! What? Where is my fresh fruit?!
But to be honest, I did enjoy visiting Batad rice terraces in the Philippines, such an incredible place! However, since my first SE Asia trip I don’t enjoy eating rice that much any more.
5. Fruit
It’s usually very easy to get tropical fruit and fresh coconuts almost anywhere in the Philippines and Thailand. That’s pretty much all I need to be happy! The big part of my meals are fresh fruit and I can’t get enough of tropical fruit.
6. Weather
As you can imagine, weather is very alike. Hot and sunny, or monsoon months. You choose which one you prefer but if you don’t like days with heavy rain, check the weather forecast before you plan your trip.
7. Religious life
Many people of both countries really live a religious life even though the religion itself is very different.
8. Sea
Many Thai and Filipinos cannot swim. I never understood this thing as mostly people from countries with no sea can swim and those that have coasts cannot.
But those locals who can, in Thailand and Philippines, will jump into the sea not only in the bath suit, but in T-shirts or even jeans, especially women. It is more than obvious who is who, I mean if you want to distinguish foreign female tourists (all in bikini) from those local ones. I understand, different culture and priorities.
9. Smoking
For non-smokers like me, Philippines and Thailand are a true paradise! Very few locals smoke there (at least comparing to for example Italy, Spain, Albania or some other countries where you see so many smokers everywhere).
10. Alcohol
It seems that in these 2 countries people are just not big alcohol fans. Personally, I saw very few Filipinos drinking. Well, apart from that crazy night when we ended up at the swimming pool at 3.30 am. And as well I noticed just a couple of Thai persons drinking alcohol, not even much when we went out at night.
If we can generalize, it seems there are less locals drinking alcohol in Thailand than in the Philippines so I am not really sure if this point should be in the similarities or differences :D
But when I compare my personal experience and locals I met in these 2 countries, I think less locals drink there compared to back in Europe. e.g. in Eastern Slovakia where I was born.
Philippines and Thailand differences
1. Prices
I was really surprised to find out that life in the Philippines is not as cheap as you would expect. Some things were a lot more expensive than in Thailand, such as transportation.
You have to pay airport and terminal fees separately in the Philippines every time you travel and they were not included in the ticket price when I was there in 2011 and late 2016. Annoying!
2. Transport
I think using public transportation in Thailand was way easier than in the Philippines. Buses and trains are not that overcrowded in Thailand… but in the Philippines? OMG! They squeeze 20 people in a small van designed for 10 people together with all those hundreds of bags and backpacks. And sometimes even chicken.
Tall people like me really suffer when traveling around the Philippines (I’m 180 cm tall). Traveling around Thailand is more comfortable for taller people than it is in the Philippines.
I mean, yes I understand it’s about earning more money when more people are taking the same van/bus, but the truth is, most of us foreigners are way taller and/or bigger than the Filipinos are. But well, it’s part of the cultural experience, right?
3. Long distance trips
If you are going to touristy places, in Thailand there are bus trips, or bus and boat trips organized that will take you there (such as a trip to Koh Phangan or Koh Lanta). To buy the second one directly tends to get cheaper than to buy a bus ticket only and then the boat/ferry ticket separately.
It really amazed me how well organized all those trips were in Thailand. At each transfer point there was someone waiting for us to tell us where to go.
But in the Philippines I haven’t really noticed such a thing as combined tickets. I don’t think it was because I was traveling there with my local friends, but because those organized bus/boat trips just don’t really existed there yet.
4. Spicy food
Unlikely to the Filipino cuisine, most of traditional Thai food is spicy. I am not a huge fan of spicy food, I have to admit. On the other hand, it is a lot easier to get vegan meals in Thai restaurants than in the Philippines.
5. Fish meals
Fish is extremely common to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Philippines. Fish soup, grilled fish and many other ways of preparing fish kept me alive when there in 2011. I even tried catfish as that was before I became vegan (they call it hito) for the first time there.
However, I have been vegan since 2013 so I wouldn’t eat any fish any more ever since.
catfish in Philippines
6. Junk food
In the Philippines they eat a lot of junk food. They even have their local kind of McDonald’s junk food restaurant called Jollibee and believe me, it can be found everywhere! Thai people seem to be healthier and I didn’t really notice many of them eating fast food.
I’ve heard from many travelers that filipino food is the worst out of all SouthEast Asian cuisines. To be honest, I’ve never met anyone who would say they enjoyed the food in the Philippines but don’t hate me for saying that.
7. Language
Obviously, Thai and Filipino languages have nothing to do with each other, but now I also mean English language.
In the Philippines, English is widely spoken and for them it is kind of a second language while in Thailand I found mostly basic English. In Thailand, English is more commonly spoken in touristy places (more on islands than in Bangkok, for example.)
If you plan to visit the less touristy areas in Thailand where English is not widely spoken, it is well worth learning Thai before you head off on your trip. This will make communication far easier, and will also enable you to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy a far more enriching travel experience.
But still… it’s way easier to communicate in English while in the Philippines. Almost everyone speaks English there.
8. People
I have to say that I LOVE all the Filipinos. They are super helpful, nice, smiling all the time, hardly ever in bad mood (apart from some bus drivers). The saying goes that Thailand is the land of smiles but from my personal experience I can tell that Filipinos smile even more.
Just to make an example, I made a lot of Filipino friends just after 7 weeks there, but not even one real Thai friend after visiting Thailand more than 6 times. Could be also because of the language barrier, I guess.
9. Massages
Thailand is one of the best countries in the world to pamper yourself with the best massage ever. You can choose from many different massages and they can be very cheap compared to other countries.
Each time I am in Thailand, I get a massage almost every day. Unfortunately, massages in the Philippines are not as common and the prices are higher.
a Thai foot massage in Bangkok
10. Wifi
It looks like the wifi in the Philippines is way worse than in Thailand. At least that was my own experience, and I heard the same from other travelers. I know it’s getting better year by year but it’s still difficult to be a digital nomad and work online from the Philippines outside of Manila and Cebu.
When I was in Malapascua and I saw clouds on the skies, I knew the wifi would not work at all.
11. Sex industry
Personally, I do not mind any of the things I am going to mention below. I believe everyone can be and do what they want, especially when it comes to sex orientation, and being a male/female. But sometimes it’s sad to see some situations and behaviour.
Sex reassignment surgery is so popular in Thailand that you have to be careful when you meet a perfect sexy Thai woman unless you don’t care she was a he before. Ping pong shows in Bangkok and prostitutes in Pattaya are just one of hundreds things many Thai women do for living (so upsetting). Obviously, some of them are tricked to that orthink they do not have any other choice to support themselves and their families.
And another thing Thailand is famous for, is young Thai girls making their living by ‘’spending time’’ with older foreigners. It’s really a big part of both Thai tourism and everyday life there.
You will see that happening everywhere around you. I personally noticed many young Thai women with older Westerners. This is less common in the Philippines and during 7 weeks there I did not see that much of it, even though I heard young Filipinas and older foreigners issue does exist there, too. And I only saw one ladyboy in the Philippines and it was during a show anyway.
TIP: Check out more posts of this kind: Similarities and differences between Mexico and Thailand and also Similarities and differences between Chile and Argentina.
TIP 2: Read also my post about 23 things to do on Malapascua in the Philippines. To be honest, I fell in love with the Malapascua island while there. Such a chill vibe there!
Have you found more similarities and differences between Thailand and Philippines? Tell me in the comments.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Smither Reens:
I really miss people laughing like they do in he Philippines and Mexico! Not sure if Mexico City is so organized though :D
Smither Reens
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very interesting post and impressive observation about the differences! im from the philippines, based in australia and its true, we always find a reason to laugh–even laughing about a punchline or a joke delivered 1 week ago!, its a way of life i guess! i went to Mexico City and found it quite similar to Manila (except Mexico City is more organised and spacious) , the cultures are very similar too.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Marx:
Haha I saw that when friends were eating rice so late!
Marx
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Filipino people loves rice! We even have it during midnight snack like Tapsilog. :D
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler via Facebook
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but if you compare it, it is still way more common in Thailand
Sandip Maharjan via Facebook
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sex tourism is the famous similarity between these countries!!!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ TinTin:
Thanks TinTin :) I’m happy I made you laugh! And yes, I still remember my only meal options in the Philippines, all of them included rice and chicken :D
TinTin
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Cheers for this post Alex! :) Haha about rice, yes WE LOVE RICE! lol There are rice meals at McDonalds and Jollibee in the Philippines as well. Rice + Chicken!! Oh and there’s a Spaghetti + chicken as well. Hahaha I really enjoyed reading your observations. x
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Scott Mallon:
Scott, thanks for your opinion. I have visited more places around both Thailand and Philippines so guessed on all the experiences.
Scott Mallon
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Although Thailand and the PI share some similarities, the people and the food are as different as Mangos and Watermelons. The food in the PI is generally very greasy and unappetizing IMO, with a couple of exceptions.
I often have rice porridge here in Thailand (Jok) and love it. In fact, we have packets of the stuff here at home and there’s always rice in the rice cooker. and when I want oatmeal, I have a can at home. Oatmeal is in all the Thai grocery stores. Then again, I always have potato’s in my cupboard so I think it’s a matter of choosing to buy and eat what you want.
The Thai sex industry is more in your face but it depends on what part of the PI you are in. The same goes for Thailand. You can hang out or live in an area that is predominately full of foreigners and prostitution or you can live in an area that the prostitution is more discreet. In either case, there are working women all over both countries.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Noelfy:
Thanks for your opinion, Noelfy! Like I said, it does exist in the Philippines but if u go to Thailand, u will see what I meant that there it is everywhere so seeing it scarcely in the Philippines is really nothing then :) And the massages … in the Philippines u can find them only at the touristy places and big cities (like in any othe country in the world), but in Thailand they are every 5 metres, and at the street and at the beach as well :)
Noelfy
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Very nice article but I disagree in 2 points. Though I havent been yet in Thailand,I have been in Philippines 2 months and I am coming back in 2 weeks for at least another 2. (too many 2s, ne?;)
Massage are everywhere in Phils and really cheap, you can expect to pay from 200PHP(some of the spa’s in Cebu city, like mushrooms) to 700PHP(In Boracay, especially overpriced for tourists)I also had it at least 1 hour a day;)
Again, not being in Thailand, but in Philippies ladyboys are everywhere, and also very well done. And it’s very sad as well, due to the poberty, to see young girls together with bold old Western Guys….saw this unfortunately everywhere…
Anyway this is only my opinion! Looking forward to go back to Phils and visit Thailand next year!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Micamyx|Senyorita:
haha you probably will :D
Micamyx|Senyorita
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And when I get to Europe, I’ll keep on asking ‘Where is my rice?!?!’ =))
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Stephen S.:
Yeah, I was buying oats each time I saw it somewhere, not easy, and not cheap :D
Stephen S.
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Great compare and contrast Alex. I am visiting Thailand next year and it was helpful to get some more information. I can’t wait! Rice for breakfast! I better get ready for oatmeal withdraws
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ The Guy:
Yeah, Thai massage hurts me all the time!
The Guy
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Thanks for this Alex, I’ve never been to the Philippines so it was good to get a view compared to Thailand which I’ve visited a couple of times.
The Thais that I met tend to be smokers but maybe that was by chance. I think in general the level of smoking is higher in Asia than Europe.
Thai massage is something to be approached with caution if you’ve never had one before. Foot massage is okay. I once asked for a gentle one hour massage of my head and shoulders, I swear every time she touched me it was agony!
I love Catfish too, I often have it when in Shanghai.
Thanks for writing such an interesting and independent article.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Bassanio broke:
many thanks :)
Bassanio broke
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Like your reflections over the two countries.