Compare resorts - GOA and Thailand | Determine the best
Rest in the tropics - a serious matter and requires a serious approach. In order not to spoil your impressions of visiting the country, it is necessary to choose the right direction. Thailand is known as a universal option that includes all kinds of entertainment: excursions, natural beauty, attractions, nightlife. And, although Goa cannot boast of some of the features that Tai has, this tourist state of India is no less popular. Where better to go - to Goa or to Thailand? Our experts will answer this question.
Visa
To visit Goa, it is necessary to issue a national visa, which gives permission to stay in the country for up to six months. You can get it both at the consulate and on a specialized online site. The time it takes to open a visa - from 1 to 7 days (and talking about working days).
You do not need a visa to visit Thailand, if we are talking about a period of stay not exceeding 1 month. It will be enough just to put a stamp in the passport immediately upon arrival in the country. And put it after the presentation of two documents: a completed migration form and a notarized extract from the bank in English.
Attitude towards tourists
Both tourist destinations are considered quite friendly towards tourists. And yet, the question requires clarification. The people of India seem very sociable, simple, willing to please. But do not forget that behind this may be hidden (and often it happens) the usual greed, and sometimes fraud. Therefore, when going to Goa, always be on your guard with the locals.
Thais are deservedly considered the most smiling nation among most tourist countries. In fact, they are quite closed and in case of some kind of trouble, they would rather call an ambulance rather than provide immediate assistance.
ON A NOTE. Both Goa and Thailand are quite sensitive to the invasion of privacy, therefore, point the lens of your camera at someone just asking for permission first. And, having received it, you can even get a memorable joint picture.
Climate and nature
The climatic conditions at both resorts are very similar, but significant differences are still observed. Indian Goa has a typical tropical climate with clear seasonal zoning. And outside the season (May-October) there are frequent hurricanes, there is a chance of tsunamis and floods. In the high season (November-April) the temperature rarely drops below +27. 0C, and rains are rare and short-lived (usually occur at night).
Thailand differs from north to south, so in some places (especially some of the islands) it is closer to the equatorial zone of high humidity with a lot of precipitation. Officially, the holiday season in the country starts in November and ends in April. Precipitation is frequent here, but the rains are short-term and do not spoil the rest at all.
ON A NOTE. During the low season, we recommend to give preference to Thailand, because Goa at this time is dangerous not so much by winds as by strong waves - only experienced surfers can afford to appear at sea.
About food
At a choice of the suitable country for rest on features of food it is obligatory paid attention. Speaking of Thailand and Goa, it is difficult to make any differences, since both cuisines are distinguished by an abundance of spices and spicy additives in dishes. True, Tai can offer a greater choice of vegetarian dishes, while Indians prefer high-calorie food (even in the evening).
But the organization of food (especially in hotels) is very different. Many hotels in Goa have their own restaurants. By the way, the variety and quality of food served in it directly depends on the category of the hotel: the higher the category, the higher the nutrition level, including seafood specialties, etc. In local cafes, national cuisine prevails.
In Thailand, it is preferable to eat outside hotels (with the exception of high-class hotels). By the way, the dishes in Tae are sharper than in Goa, and curry sauce is found in almost any dish. But you can pamper yourself with the magnificence of fruit variety.
The level of service in hotels
Some people mistakenly believe that Goa cannot offer a quality hotel service, since it is simply not available due to staff illiteracy. It's not like that at all. The question is in the price: you have to pay for the service, and the Indians use this rule everywhere. Another unpleasant moment: the false friendliness of the staff, which hides selfish obsession.
The staff in hotels in Thailand works without obtrusiveness, measuredly, perhaps, sometimes even too much. But all the wishes of tourists are always clearly fulfilled (albeit sometimes with a delay). By the way, in matters of purity, Tai definitely wins against India.
sights
Which of the two countries can please a large number of attractions? The answer is obvious - Thailand, since Goa is only a small part of India and does not have a significant number of ancient religious objects, and their architectural monuments are offered mainly by colonial buildings from the time of British rule. As for the natural memos, they have long been “inhabited” and are only suitable for outdoor activities.
Thailand is a real giant in this respect. On the territory of the country there are many man-made and natural monuments, events: medieval ruins, almost virgin green areas, bright theme parks, festivals, etc.
Shopping
Pleasant shopping is waiting in both countries, the main thing is to correctly determine the purpose of shopping for yourself and successfully select the place of useful pastime. Goa, for example, boasts a variety of local markets with a variety of different products - from standard souvenirs to expensive smoking mixes, coconut vodka and huge racks of spices. Bargaining is appropriate, and always and everywhere.
But the shopping centers of Goa are not particularly impressive: they are presented here, rather, in the form of modest department stores with a small assortment. No matter if it is Thailand: here you can spend more than one day shopping in shopping centers, because in the resort areas more and more new multi-storey complexes with various boutiques appear every year.
As for the Thai markets, they have long surpassed this concept: they manage to combine small trading shops, cafes, massage parlors and even concert venues. By the way, it’s better not to get involved in bargaining here: Thais overestimate the price, but not so much.
Vacation with children
Can I relax in Thailand or Goa with children? This question really worries many tourists and for good reason. Although some claim that a high-class hotel and the assistance of a qualified nanny will help solve the issue, everything is somewhat more complicated.
Goa, for example, is definitely not suitable for a child with a weak immunity, because there is a high risk of catching a tropical disease, the sun is too dangerous for delicate baby skin, and the water carries strong currents. As for the hotel infrastructure of the Indian resort, it is quite developed and will be able to offer everything you need for a comfortable stay with your baby.
ON A NOTE. In no case should children be allowed to drink tap water (this, incidentally, applies equally to adults). The best option is bottled.
Thailand as a whole is more comfortable and safe (in terms of environmental conditions, at least). There are no problems with meals: in any cafe of the covered type you can find a children's menu. Enough on the territory of Thai resorts and entertainment for children: all kinds of parks, attractions, lively corners, where you can see close and even feed the animals.
Short summary
Well, and finally, it is time to sum up a little of all of the above. Which direction is better - Thailand or Goa?
Evaluation criterion |
Thailand |
Goa |
Tourist season |
November-April |
November-April |
Hotel base |
Well-developed infrastructure, high level of service. |
Medium developed infrastructure, poor level of service in 3 * hotels and some fours |
Visa |
– |
+ |
sights |
A large variety of cultural, historical and natural monuments |
Lack of attractions in general |
Vacation with children |
Availability of infrastructure for high-quality children's recreation (including meals) |
Well developed infrastructure for children's activities. |
Shopping |
Diverse, high level of service |
Varied |