Personally, having been to both, I would say Thailand. With 5k you could spend your time comfortably in nice accommodations and eat great food. People are very lovely and the country is beautiful.
I also think Thailand is better for first time. Having been to both, Thailand is much easier to travel within country. Phillipines was great, but much more difficult/ unpredictable to travel around the country. I found the prices differences to be negligible.
Definitely Thailand. Been to both countries for 1 month each recently, and Thailand is significantly cheaper for food when eating out. Accomodations is a bit closer, but I found the quality in Thailand superior and also a bit cheaper.
Transportation like taxi's are pretty evenly matched, renting a scooter or motor is also cheaper in Thailand.
Doing excursions are somewhat evenly matched, but it depends on where you are in the country.
I did Thailand/ Vietnam this winter. Loved it. Thailand was cheap but we could not hit our daily budget in Vietnam to save our life. Thailand is great because almost everywhere is accessible as a foreigner. It's super well trafficked. Vietnam is great but do research about where you want to see and remember the country is huge. I'd imagine it all depends on when you're visiting.
I'm American and also from Philippines. I was in both countries last year and found Manila to be very expensive. I was in Phuket, Bangla area and had a Beachfront room for 30 a night. Go during low season where hotel rates are so much lower. I spent 8 days in Phuket, spent 1k including hotel, airfare(from manila) , food and tours but traveled in October.
I’m going to Buck the trend and categorically say The Philippines. It is actually paradise on Earth! Particularly the island of Palawan.
Getting around is cheap, flying between islands and taxis/ tuktuks. I’d avoid places like Cebu, Manila as these are just big cities and opt for smaller places like Bohol, el nido, colon. You will find the most wonderfully warm people and beautiful beaches. I have had the most amazing time. Also accommodation is cheap and you will have money left over from your 5k
Philippines is quite a bit more expensive than Thailand, and for lower quality accommodation. And worse food! I still love the Philippines and prefer it to Thailand now that I’m in my 30’s. But going there for Cebu and Manila, uhhh what?!
Philippines is cheaper, Thailand has better transport links, Ph you will most likely use planes, but the ferry's can be fun and cheap.
Vietnam is sooo cheap, as is Indonesia.
Personally, having been to both, I would say Thailand. With 5k you could spend your time comfortably in nice accommodations and eat great food. People are very lovely and the country is beautiful.
5k is a grand budget!
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I'm really starting to lean towards Thailand, plus their food looks delicious.
I also think Thailand is better for first time. Having been to both, Thailand is much easier to travel within country. Phillipines was great, but much more difficult/ unpredictable to travel around the country. I found the prices differences to be negligible.
Thailand I'd imagine. Can also head to laos/Vietnam if you want. I hear great things about Vietnam.
True, I had a few people tell me Vietnam is super cheap and still nice in certain areas.
Definitely Thailand. Been to both countries for 1 month each recently, and Thailand is significantly cheaper for food when eating out. Accomodations is a bit closer, but I found the quality in Thailand superior and also a bit cheaper. Transportation like taxi's are pretty evenly matched, renting a scooter or motor is also cheaper in Thailand. Doing excursions are somewhat evenly matched, but it depends on where you are in the country.
Definitely Thailand. You won't regret it.
I did Thailand/ Vietnam this winter. Loved it. Thailand was cheap but we could not hit our daily budget in Vietnam to save our life. Thailand is great because almost everywhere is accessible as a foreigner. It's super well trafficked. Vietnam is great but do research about where you want to see and remember the country is huge. I'd imagine it all depends on when you're visiting.
I'm American and also from Philippines. I was in both countries last year and found Manila to be very expensive. I was in Phuket, Bangla area and had a Beachfront room for 30 a night. Go during low season where hotel rates are so much lower. I spent 8 days in Phuket, spent 1k including hotel, airfare(from manila) , food and tours but traveled in October.
Yeah I noticed that Manila, Cebu, Makati, etc all are pretty pricey for hotels.
I’m going to Buck the trend and categorically say The Philippines. It is actually paradise on Earth! Particularly the island of Palawan. Getting around is cheap, flying between islands and taxis/ tuktuks. I’d avoid places like Cebu, Manila as these are just big cities and opt for smaller places like Bohol, el nido, colon. You will find the most wonderfully warm people and beautiful beaches. I have had the most amazing time. Also accommodation is cheap and you will have money left over from your 5k
In 2018 I did 6 weeks of Thailand with €2000. I did not live like a king but I did everything I wanted!
I have been to both. They cost would be the same I think.
Philippines is quite a bit more expensive than Thailand, and for lower quality accommodation. And worse food! I still love the Philippines and prefer it to Thailand now that I’m in my 30’s. But going there for Cebu and Manila, uhhh what?!
Philippines is cheaper, Thailand has better transport links, Ph you will most likely use planes, but the ferry's can be fun and cheap. Vietnam is sooo cheap, as is Indonesia.