I'm a 23 year old guy who has traveled quite a bit. I've been itching to take a trip lately so I'm going to start the planning. I've bounced around a couple ideas and i'm now stuck between India or Thailand. I've looked into both and just can't choose. I'll likely be going solo as I usually do. I'm looking for something budget friendly (which from what what I've read both would fit). I like immersing my self in new cultures and meeting new people.. I'm definitely going to do some hiking, visiting temples and enjoying the cities. I think I'm leaning a little more towards Thailand, but I guess I'm just looking for someone who has been to both and has similar interests as me to push me in the right direction. thanks in advance guys. I appreciate it.
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I've been to both places. I love Thailand, I've been there at least 5x. I love & hate India. Hate because I got so much unwanted attention from local streetboys. You'll only get touts but not sexual harassment so you're ok. I would not recommend India to solo female travelers but for you, it is going to be awesome.I love hiking, visiting temples & cities also. I think India is the ultimate travelers destination. I recommend India!
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thanks for the input guys, total time is undetermined for now. i work in tourism in canada and im planning on it being dead around Jan. so im going to see about taking some time off but i have no idea how long yet. to be honest i still haven't done a whole lot of research into either so im sure when i get into it ill find out if thats a good time to go.4
Where have you travelled before? Some people find India too much if they haven't spent time in poorer countries before. Thailand is a very easy option - heaps of travellers & lots of fun to be had, but there is also a lot of culture & beauty (though too many travellers miss this side of thailand these days). India is harder - waaay more full on, dirtier, confronting etc etc but at the same time my favourite place in the world. But it isn't for everyone.5
I've been throughout Europe, Costa Rica, Mexico, and a good portion of america and Canada. I have heard that India is difficult, but I think I would enjoy that. I love a challenge and being able to work my way though a difficult situation.6
India gets my vote. Recommend spending at least a month there if you go. Takes some time to break into it and let go to fully appreciate the experience.7
India offers a lot of variety, like the palaces and forts and bazaars of Rajasthan, the tropical forests and lagoons of kerala, the unspoilt coats of karnataka, the himalayas, have a look at ladakh too, if you're coming between june and september, there can't be a better place to travel. The himalayas would offer a lot of hiking opportunities, there's plenty of street food to be had on indian streets, and well temples, there many famous ones in india, check the temples of jaisalmer,ranakpur, amritsar(golden temple), palitana. Anything more than 2 weeks would be great in india, and its not that difficult, there are buses(sleeper ones too), there are cheap flights.
