Latest news with #TravelAuthenticAsia
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to visit beautiful country 'better' than Thailand with less tourists
While Thailand is experiencing a major tourist boom thanks to the 'White Lotus Effect', those wishing to avoid the crowds should consider visiting this equally stunning and exciting Southeast Asian gem Favourable currency exchange rates, working holiday visas and television inspiration are all leading British travellers to plan big holidays outside the continent in 2025. According to new research from Reboot Online, one of the most searched-for flights of 2025 are flights to Thailand. But with The White Lotus effect sending tourists to the country in droves and the current plan to slack the visa exemption period in half, you may want to explore alternative options. If you're looking to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia in person but without the keening crowds, consider a trip slightly further east. The Philippines is more than just a destination dupe for Thailand, it has its own rich culture, cuisine and landscape to entice travellers. The country comprises over 7,000 islands with stunning coastal scenery and highly-rated hikes, as well as cheaper food prices than Thailand, according to Travel Authentic Asia. The Philippines can be divided into three main sectors: Luzon, being the largest, northernmost island, which includes the capital of Manila; a group of islands called the Visayas, including the major islands like Panay, Samar, and Masbate; and Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, found at the southern end of the archipelago. The country attracts nature-lovers with its diverse terrain of beaches, forests and mountains. White Beach, located in Boracay Island, is a top-rated attraction in the country. The white sand beach stretches for about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) and has become a beloved destination for kitesurfing, sailing out on a paraw and sunbathing. Boracay itself is a small island in the Visayas region, a central part of the Philippines. The palm tree-lined White Beach put the island on the map but according to one TripAdvisor user: 'Beaches are better in the Philippines than in Thailand, and it's not just Boracay." Some other top-rated attractions in the country include El Nido Beach, Kayangan Lake, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Big Lagoon. Travelling between the Philippines' islands can add up cost wise though, so it's important to plan your trip well in advance. Another popular tourist destination is the country's capital of Manila. Known as the 'Pearl of the Orient' the historic city is full of museums, parks, and restaurants to dive into the local culture. The Philippines - Manila in particular - has become a hotspot for food-focused travellers. The capital is well known for its impressive cuisine and street food markets, like the Legazpi Sunday Market, Quiapo Market, and the country's very own Chinatown, Binondo. Another popular spot is the capital city of the Davao region. Davao City is packed with attractions to entice travellers including the mountain resort Eden Nature Park and a nature theme park Malagos Garden Resort. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is also in Davao City. The trail up the over 9,000-foot dormant is no feat for regular hikers. To summit the peak you will need to prepare in advance and travel with a guide as the climb will take at least three days. If you are swapping out Thailand for a trip to the Philippines, do keep in mind there is a difference in travel time. Flights between the UK and the Filipino capital of Manila are longer than travel to Bangkok, with flights from London taking approximately 16 hours.
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.
