Hi there
Off to one of these two in May/June with a friend for 2 weeks - narrowed down after a lot of faffing and deciding Thailand and Cambodia are just too hot (35c plus), whereas Vietnam and Bali are a little more manageable.
Anyone able to advise which might be best?
We're basically looking for interesting things to see, with neither of us having been to Asia, but also for a proper, relaxing break as well. Good food, strolling around, and nice relaxed culture would suit us, as opposed to any sort of wild nightlife (although a vibey atmosphere is welcomed). We are on a relatively small budget.
My guess would be that Vietnam will much more action packed, but probably more interesting.
Thanks!
Haven't been to Vietnam yet, but have been to Bali. It was about 11 years ago though so my memory is fading and things might have changed.
I think we spent just over a week there, as it was on the back of some time in Singapore. We started in Ubud, which I recall as being the main town (outside of the capital), a cultural centre, very arty, a bit spiritual, some elaborate temple complexes. We spent a couple of nights there, and then hired what I think must have been the lowest-grade jeep thing to take us around the island. A real bone rattler where the window fell down every time you shut the driver's door and with so little power in it that we had to chug uphill in first gear praying that we'd make it to the top before the engine stalled. Memories! I can't remember the names of the other places we stayed, just that we went to the north of the island and then anti-clockwise round and down to the southern coast where we spent the last couple of days by a quiet beach at what is probably the weirdest place I've ever stayed. There is a very vibrant, touristy beach scene in Bali as well, which we avoided as a) it wasn't really what we wanted and b) there had, at the time, been a number of terrorist bombings in the area targeted at tourists. I haven't heard of anything like that in recent years though.
My main memory of Bali is of a beautiful, scenic island. Good food, friendly people. We spent a lot of time walking through paddy fields, climbing the field terraces etc, or just relaxing in the hotels where we stayed. And we visited lots of temples along the way. Tbh some were interesting but after a while we did get a bit "templed-out". I'd imagine Vietnam could be similar, but with a lot more to do. And I think Vietnam is still pretty cheap, Bali not so much nowadays (but that's hearsay).
I don't know how much research you do before travelling but personally I will always read a Rough Guide or Lonely Planet (usually both) to get a feel for what I want to see. They have a fair bit available free on their respective websites too but I love reading the books. The other source of information I swear by is Trip Advisor, which might sound odd. Not the hotel / restaurant reviews section (although that has its uses), but the Trip Advisor Travel Forums. There is such a wealth of information posted there. Some dross, but some very valuable, helpful info as well.
Or there is the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum - again, a lot of information, although I find the Trip Advisor forum layout more user friendly.
Anyway, I probably haven't really answered your question as I can't compare the two destinations. But answering your post has bought back some memories, so thanks for that!
Good luck with your choice, and maybe post back after your trip.
