Thailand or Malaysia?

Swaying palm trees, talcum-sand beaches, delicious food and incredible culture – Thailand and Malaysia have a lot in common. However, each spot has its own distinct character. So, which is better, Malaysia or Thailand? Our handy guide will help you choose between the two – or make you realise you need to do both.

What’s the vibe in each?

Thailand's well-trodden paths are easy to explore, but never short on excitement. Your Thai-tinerary can be as simple as hitting up the beaches – from lively Phuket and Samui to serene coastal oases such as Koh Chang and Koh Jum – or as packed as you like with adventures. Take joyfully chaotic tuk tuk rides through Bangkok's bustling streets at night and sample delicious street food like sticky rice and som tam from a “pang-loi”. Go deeper with immersive day trips  – discover the historic city of Ayutthaya or add on a mini adventure in Koh Sok National Park or Kanchanaburi.

Malaysia has a more diverse cultural background, with Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage making for a rich melting pot. Explore Kuala Lumpur and dive into its vibrant modern life with festivals, historic landmarks and luxury shopping centres all rolled into one. Escape to Langkawi and discover a tropical paradise with stunning sunsets, pristine sands and lush rainforests. Or make a beeline for Monkey Beach in Penang, where the gentle waves kiss the white sand shores. Head east to Borneo for jungle adventures, from kicking back with the orangutans to exploring the rare untouched rainforests of Danum Valley. For an ocean-based wildlife experience, try snorkelling in the coral-rich gardens at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

What are the top things to do in each?

Thailand offers up a variety of adventures. Up north, take a cooking class in Chiang Mai, then explore the old town for stunning architecture, including over 300 temples. Encounter elephants at The Bush Camp Chiang Mai, or head further out with a Golden Triangle tour to discover an unspoilt mix of ancient ruins and bustling modern life. Then in the southern islands, hop from postcard-perfect beaches to secluded coves, go wildlife spotting on a jeep safari, chill out in a jungle hot spring spa or don a mask and flippers to explore the underwater world.

Malaysia has so many experiences, the hardest part is choosing which ones to miss out on. Book a city break and go on a shopping spree in Kota Kinabalu, view the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, then party the night away on vibrant Changkat Avenue.

Get back to nature with a jungle hike in Penang, a monkey jungle trail hike on Gaya Island or a scenic stroll through the lush Cameron Highlands. Go beach-hopping, from sheltered coves in Langkawi to water sports in Terennganu, or head to Batu Caves for spectacular skyline views. Danum Valley is a destination in its own right – book a three-day rainforest experience in a jungle lodge, complete with wildlife watching, canopy walkways and tubing down the Danum River.

How’s the food scene?

Thailand's culinary scene is an explosion of flavours. From bustling street stalls to elegant restaurants, mango sticky rice and Pad Thai to fiery green curries and Tom Yum soup – Thai food is loved the world over and, of course, nobody does it better than the locals.

Malaysia’s diverse heritage makes its cuisine a fusion powerhouse. You’ll find Chinese hawker stalls serving up fishball noodle soup and char kway teow rubbing shoulders with sophisticated restaurants specialising in Indian-style cuisine.

Which country has better beaches: Malaysia or Thailand?

Thailand's beaches run the gamut from party hubs to serene stretches where the loudest sound is the surf. Many of Malaysia's beaches come with a lush rainforest backdrop and a "chill and unwind" atmosphere. Terengganu is a snorkelling hotspot, while Langkawi has a jungle-meets-ocean feel.

What about culture?

Thailand has a spiritual vibe that can be seen and felt almost everywhere, from roadside shrines to soaring temples. Visit a spirit house or meet Buddhist monks. Take tours of the Grand Palace and the Ayutthaya ruins. Or go temple-hopping in Chiang Mai and take in the Yi Peng lantern festival in November to celebrate the release of all worries.

With its multi-layered heritage, Malaysia’s cultural events are as diverse as they are entertaining. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Penang with music, dancing and illuminations. Explore the Ramadan food bazaars in the Klang Valley. Or head to Batu Caves for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. In Georgetown, you’ll find a melting pot of street art, trishaw rides and heritage buildings.

When’s the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Thailand is from November until April, with November to February being the most popular and therefore most crowded times for the west coast. Monsoon season on the east coast generally runs between October and December and on the west coast between May and October.

The west coast of Malaysia is at its best between November and April, with generally dry weather and low humidity. Hit up the east coast from February to June and Borneo from April to September to make the most of the weather. But it’s worth remembering that both Thailand and Malaysia are tropical countries, so you’re likely to experience the odd heavy shower no matter when you visit.

Which is easier to travel around?

Both Thailand and Malaysia are relatively easy to get around, but Thailand caters more to budget travellers with a wider range of affordable options like buses and trains.

Malaysia has a more developed infrastructure, making it easy to navigate with comfortable buses and readily available flights. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab work well in urban areas across both countries and our travel experts can take care of all your logistics, from booking well-timed flights to organising private transfers.

Can you combine Thailand and Malaysia in one trip?

You can absolutely combine Thailand and Malaysia in one trip. The two countries share a land border, making it easy to travel between them by bus, train or car. Frequent and affordable flights also connect major cities in both countries. Combining Thailand and Malaysia allows you to experience the diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes of Southeast Asia in a single trip. Singapore is another easy add-on.

Our go-to stays and smart combos

Both of these countries work best when you mix things up a little, pulling together city, beach and jungle stays.

Malaysia picks:

Pair Singapore with Langkawi for metropolitan glamour twinned with a beachy getaway. Bridge a Kuala Lumpur city break with a jungle experience in Borneo, staying in a rainforest lodge and hanging out with the orangutans. Or book an island escape to Pangkor Laut for an unplugged, off-grid experience in serene yet luxurious surroundings.

See all our Malaysia itineraries and short-add on tours.

Thailand picks:

Go off the beaten track with an under-the radar itinerary that takes you to places the usual tourist crowds haven’t even heard of. Book a family vacation the kids will remember forever, with elephant rides, wildlife spotting and beach adventures. Or go island-hopping to discover Thailand’s untouched beaches.

See all our Thailand itineraries and short add-on tours.

Is Malaysia or Thailand better for a honeymoon?

Get your Insta-game on-point with a honeymoon in Thailand, where you’ll find barefoot luxury, postcard-worthy beaches and the ideal balance between relaxing downtime and adrenaline-pumping adventure.

For quiet luxury and privacy, book a room at The Sarojin, a charming retreat in Khao Lak. Rayavadee in Krabi is ringed by dramatic cliffs and emerald waters – the ideal backdrop for your honeymoon photos – while Rocky’s Boutique Resort in Koh Samui is set in its own secluded cove right on the beach.

Malaysia has real wow-factor. Combine safari-style wildlife spotting with chilled out afternoons on the beach at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Borneo, or hit up The Datai Langkawi for secluded luxury in a rainforest-meets-ocean setting. 

The takeaway: which is better for you?

If you’re after somewhere easy to navigate that combines iconic sights, raucous beach parties and foodie hotspots, Thailand’s your jam. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience with lively cities, epic wildlife and fascinating culture, Malaysia could be more your scene. If you simply can’t decide, combine the two in a twin-centre trip that will knock your socks off.

Travelling with kids?

Thailand’s like a child’s paradise, where you’ll find safe, calm beaches, elephant camps and resorts bursting with kid-friendly activities. Malaysia is more wild and untamed, but a mix of water sports, sandcastle-ready beaches and theme parks also make this a top pick for family breaks.

This article was created on 14th August 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.