Latest news with #FonsiAbroad
Dublin Live
16-05-2025
- Dublin Live
Beautiful country 'better' than Thailand that's cheaper and has less tourists
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Some holidaymakers reckon there's a country that could be "better" for tourists than Thailand, despite receiving significantly fewer visitors. Thailand is a favourite hotspot for Irish tourists, often the first choice for backpackers and those seeking a journey filled with culture and natural splendour. Yet, other Asian countries boasting beautiful beaches, friendly locals and exciting activities are said to be potentially more rewarding. The Philippines, also nestled in South East Asia, comprises over 7,000 islands offering breathtaking coastal views, top-rated hiking and nature experiences, and much more for tourists, not to mention lower food costs than Thailand, as per Travel Authentic Asia. Travel insurance providers Pacific Prime report that the Philippines welcomes fewer than 10 million tourists each year, a figure overshadowed by Thailand's 40 million. With Thailand often perceived as pricier, holidaymakers are turning to the Philippines as an alternative to the well-trodden Asian destination. Drawing comparisons between Thailand and the Philippines can be challenging given their distinct cultural identities. However, many tourists are drawn to these nations for similar reasons, including their beaches, seaside resorts, forests, wildlife, and nightlife, reports the Express. One blogger, Island Hopping the Philippines, expressed her preference for the Philippines over Thailand, where she lived for several years, stating: "The Philippines has 7,000 beach paradise islands. It just never stops. You could pick some random corner of the country and bask the remainder of your life in paradise." Other travellers shared their reasons for why the Philippines surpasses Thailand as the top destination in South East Asia. A Tripadvisor user noted: "Filipinos are arguably friendlier than Thais and overall (with the exception of Boracay and sometimes El Nido and Panglao Island/Bohol Island - Alona Beach) Philippines is far less crowded and touristy than visitor-heavy Thailand." Another commentator added: "Beaches are better in the Philippines than in Thailand, and it's not just Boracay." YouTube creator Fonsi Abroad praised the Philippines' numerous beaches featuring crystal-clear waters and white sand, saying they will "blow your mind". Similarly, YouTube creator couple Jumping Places agreed that the Philippines' beaches are superior. On the other hand, some argue that Thailand is better equipped to accommodate tourists, with more developed infrastructure and easier transportation options on the mainland, allowing for travel by car, bus, and train. In contrast, the Philippines' island geography requires more air travel. Zipping between these islands can certainly tally up the travel costs, and Travel Authentic Asia reckons certain spots in Thailand might just offer you more bang for your buck when it comes to digs. For Brits on the lookout for a shorter haul, Thailand's within easier reach with flights zooming from London to Bangkok in roughly 11 hours and 40 minutes. Compare that to the schlep to Manila in the Philippines, which clocks in at almost 16 hours. The Philippines is a serious draw for those who are all about sandy stretches, lush greenery, and monumental mountains. White Beach has folks raving as the Philippines' premier hotspot; Tripadvisor buffs call it an "island paradise". Don't miss out on the Philippines' other stunners like El Nido Beach, Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Big Lagoon and Chocolate Hills Natural Monument. If you land yourself in Manila, the Philippine capital, you're spoilt for choice with tourist hotspots, chock-a-block with gems like the Instramuros historic district, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, and the National Museum. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Daily Record
Holiday destination is 'better' than Thailand with friendlier locals and crystal clear waters
Another Asian country is made up of more than 7,000 islands and, like Thailand, it has beautiful beaches, friendly locals and plenty of things to do There's a country that some holidaymakers reckon is "better" for tourists than Thailand, despite receiving significantly fewer visitors. Thailand is a top choice for Brits, particularly backpackers and those seeking a cultural and nature-filled trip. However, other Asian countries offer stunning beaches, friendly locals and exciting activities that might be even more worthwhile. The Philippines, also in South East Asia, comprises over 7,000 islands boasting breathtaking coastal views, highly-rated hikes and nature experiences, and plenty more for tourists to enjoy. Plus, it offers cheaper food prices than Thailand, according to Travel Authentic Asia. As per travel insurance providers Pacific Prime, the Philippines welcomes under 10 million tourists annually, a figure dwarfed by Thailand's 40 million. With Thailand often considered pricier, tourists are turning to the Philippines as an alternative Asian holiday destination. Comparing Thailand to the Philippines can be challenging as both are culturally unique. However, many tourists visit these countries for similar reasons, such as their beaches, seaside resorts, forests, wildlife and nightlife, reports the Express. One blogger who is an avid traveller in the Philippines, and goes by the moniker Island Hopping the Philippines online, stated that after years of living in Thailand, they find the Philippines "so much better". They expressed their admiration for the archipelago, saying: "The Philippines has 7,000 beach paradise islands. It just never stops. You could pick some random corner of the country and bask the remainder of your life in paradise." Travel enthusiasts are weighing in on the debate over whether the Philippines or Thailand takes the crown as the leading Southeast Asian destination. Sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor, one user highlighted the friendliness of Filipino hospitality: "Filipinos are arguably friendlier than Thais and overall (with the exception of Boracay and sometimes El Nido and Panglao Island/Bohol Island - Alona Beach) Philippines is far less crowded and touristy than visitor-heavy Thailand." Commenting on the allure of seaside locations, another traveller remarked: "Beaches are better in the Philippines than in Thailand, and it's not just Boracay." Adding to the conversation on YouTube, Fonsi Abroad praised the pristine beaches of the Philippines, noting that its beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand will "blow your mind". Likewise, a duo that runs the Jumping Places channel on YouTube echoed this sentiment, asserting the superior quality of Philippine beaches. Despite the Philippines' praise, there remains support for Thailand's travel experience. Advocates for Thailand underscore its well-established tourist infrastructure and mainland geography, which simplifies travel by car, bus, or train, unlike the Philippines where more flying is necessary due to its scattered island composition. While island-hopping in the Philippines can be pricey, Travel Authentic Asia suggests that parts of Thailand often provide more affordable accommodation options. For British travellers, Thailand is also more accessible, with flights from London to Bangkok taking approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes, compared to nearly 16 hours to reach Manila, the Filipino capital. Nature enthusiasts flock to the Philippines for its stunning beaches, forests, and mountains. The top-rated attraction, White Beach, is hailed as an "island paradise" by Tripadvisor reviewers. Other must-visit spots include El Nido Beach, Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Big Lagoon, and the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument. Manila, the capital city, offers a diverse range of activities for tourists, including exploring the historic Instramuros district, visiting Fort Santiago, strolling through Rizal Park, and discovering the National Museum.
