i've never been to the Philippines and want to go but Ive been to Thailand and liked it and so far i cannot find the kind of info about the Philippines i am lookin for. i will continue to look but until then...
...over on the Thailand branch people used to bash on KSR because it was a "backpacker ghetto", to many places to but stuff that you didn't need and i would agree only partly, less shops to buy stuff would be nice but thats on us as tourists.
however, one of the things i liked about that kind of tourism is good (Thai) food always around and videos, i have to work so many hours i only see about 4 films a year so i like to catch up on videos when on holiday. so, how would you compare the Philippines to Thailand, do most of the beach bungalows places have videos every night or what? is about $6 a night for a clean place a typical rate? how westernized is the place?
You won't find so many places for 6$ a night as in Thailand. Generally the Phils are a bit more expensive to travel. I know others will disagree but that's my experience. Not only because of accom but also because travel often involves larger distances to be covered by inter-island ferries or flights. Street food vendors are also not quite as common, and restaurant prices again tend to be a bit more expensive than in Thailand. Nevertheless, on average the food is not as good as in Thailand. (is it anywhere?). Of course to western standards the Philipines are still very cheap.
I wouldn't say that the Philippines are a lot more westernized, it's still a very Asian nation. But a little bit more yes. You find more people who speak English than in Thailand, this makes some things easier. It's the historical background and the different geography which make the place different. Thailand has never been colonialized and has a linear culture uninterrupted by external rulers since a long time. In contrast, the Phils have been colonialized, and also because it's such a large archipelago, the Philipinos never had a chance to develop the deep cultural roots Thais have. Nevertheless, in places I have seen (not been to Mindanao), most people seem to have a firm feeling of belonging to the Philipino nation nowadays. Thailand is a relatively "compact" kingdom with most territory on mainland, while the Phils are made up of over 7000 well spread out larger and smaller islands. Most Philipinos are Christian, that certainly also accounts for a major cultural difference with Buddist Thailand.
I have not seen many places playing videos. But then I don't like watching videos while eating and try to avoid such places, and quite generally places where too many tourists gather.
Go to the Phils for the beaches, the snorkelling and scuba diving, the volcanos, and for its friendly people. The charm is that tourism isn't as developed yet as in Thailand.
ive been to both countries and there is a difference. as no 1 said pi is more expensive. food is not that good (some people say worst in asia i would not go that far). places showing videos are not so common(as long as you dont count the videoke bars). but personally i think the philippines are definitely worth going it has other things to offer. and if you are starving for your overdose of tourism go to boracay there you will have everything.
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