Dominican Republic or Thailand: where to vacation?

The closer the vacation, the more plans for how and where to spend it. If your idea of a vacation is exotic resorts in the hot subtropics, you will choose between two countries that have proven themselves in the tourist market. How to know where it is better: in Thailand or in the Dominican Republic?

Are there differences in climate and beaches? Where are the prices lower and the safety higher? Where to go if you want to have fun? We answer these and many other questions related to the peculiarities of vacationing in these two countries

Climate and beaches

С легкой руки туриста Доминикана получила название «страны вечного лета». Здесь круглый год царит преимущественно теплая солнечная погода. Благодаря тропическому пассатному климату, температура воздуха не опускается ниже +22-25 С, а воды – +25-26 С.

During the year, the Dominican Republic receives a small amount of rainfall, which is very convenient for a beach holiday. The most comfortable period to stay in the country is December to April. From May to October the amount of rainfall increases, although tropical showers are not a significant obstacle, as they come mostly in the afternoon. 

There are strong storms in August, but hurricanes are rare. Thailand is characterized by a humid tropical and subequatorial climate. Here the best time for a beach holiday is considered the Velvet season, which lasts from November to February. In spring it is very hot in Thailand, and in summer begins the season of intense monsoon rains, which last until the end of October.

If you compare the weather conditions, there are no significant differences between the countries. In Thailand you can also rest in the "off season", although the number of tourists at this time decreases significantly. Quality and well-maintained beaches are one of the main indicators of the choice of the country for the rest of many tourists.

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are covered with fine white sand, while in Thailand the sand is more familiar to us, yellow in color. Water off the coast of both countries is clean and clear, although many tourists note that it depends on the resort, not the country. Thus, the opacity of the water off the coast of Pattaya leaves much to be desired, while on the beaches of the outer islands, it is crystal clear.

A significant advantage of the Dominican Republic is that most hotels have their own beaches, equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. In Thailand, only a few hotels offer such recreational areas. At the same time here it is not difficult to find secluded beaches, located in cozy places, especially if you go to the islands.

Resorts and hotels

When it comes to luxury resorts and the development of hotel infrastructure, the Dominican Republic has the upper hand. At the most famous resorts, such as Punta Cana, Bavaro, La Romana, most of the five-star hotels are all-inclusive and fully meet the needs of the tourist. Very often during the vacation he does not even need to leave the hotel premises.

Thailand provides a large selection of hotels, hotels, apartments of different levels of comfort: from budget to five-star. There are no all-inclusive hotels. At first glance, the cost of living in a 5 * hotel is lower, but you should keep in mind that the price includes only breakfasts.

The Dominican Republic is loved by respectable couples and romantic lovers who seek a quiet, secluded vacation and are ready to indulge in idle time by the pool with a glass in hand. There's little need to go outside the hotel: here the tourist gets everything he needs for complete relaxation, including spa services and water park entertainment.

Thailand attracts more active tourists seeking entertainment and vibrant nightlife. Instead of "seal life" in the hotel, they prefer excursions, trips to nightclubs and shows, shopping in numerous shopping malls and markets.

Local cuisine

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is more like the traditional European cuisine. Exotic insects or worms are rarely seen on restaurant menus here. The national dishes are characterized by dense breakfasts, hearty lunches and light dinners.

The most common Dominican dishes are based on ingredients such as rice, chicken or beef, cheese, beans, fish and seafood. The most popular dishes are stewed or fried bananas flavored with various spices.

Dominican cuisine is perfect for those who adhere to the rules of healthy food. The dishes do not contain a critical amount of hot spices. The hotels serve delicious coffee. If you are a foodie and a fan of everything new and exotic in the food, your choice is definitely Thailand.

The country's cuisine has been influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and partly European food traditions. Rice, fish, seafood, Thai eggplants, and noodles are very popular.

The main feature of Thai cuisine is the abundance of spices and spices. Among the spices and herbs are popular chili peppers, ginger, garlic, coriander, lime leaves, and basil. As a rule, the dishes are spicy and tangy.

The menu is full of dishes made of exotic ingredients. Tourists suffering from gastritis or other gastrointestinal pathologies may have problems choosing dishes from the restaurant menu.

Attractions and Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment tourism, Thailand should be preferred over Dominican Republic or Thailand. From the very beginning of its formation as a center of world tourism, Thailand has attracted tourists with a variety of exciting entertainment offerings.

Los Tres Ojos Park

The main attraction of resorts in the Dominican Republic is its stunningly beautiful nature. The magical atmosphere of an earthly paradise is created by picturesque lagoons with coral reefs and coconut palms.

Tours usually include visits to tropical parks where you can admire powerful waterfalls, mysterious caves and rich fauna and flora. Most of the historical sites are concentrated in Santo Domingo, the first city in the Americas to be built by Europeans. Among them:

• Los Tres Ojos Park, equipped with stairs and observation decks with views of scenic lakes;
• Columbus Lighthouse is a monumental building in the shape of a cross;
• Columbus's palace, built for the son of the great navigator;
• The Cathedral is the first Catholic church in the New World;
• The National Presidential Palace;
• The Dominican Museum of Man, dedicated to the history and traditions of the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic.

The sights of the Republic, of course, is of interest to the inquisitive tourist, but they are still inferior to the Thai in its spectacular and vivid impressions. Tourist interest is also fueled by the original Buddhist culture and a huge number of luxurious temple complexes. The most famous places of Thailand, which are very popular among tourists:

• The Royal Palace in Bangkok;
• Temple of Truth in Pattaya;
• The magical Buddha Garden on Koh Samui;
• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden near Pattaya;
• Big Buddha Temple on Phuket Island;
• Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden;
• Mini Siam Park in Pattaya.

If you are deciding where is better and more interesting in Thailand or the Dominican Republic with children, choose the "land of smiles. In the Dominican Republic, holidays are often centered on the hotel and children can get a little bored. In Thailand, you can visit elephant, crocodile and snake farms every day, as well as parks that are home to a huge number of monkeys.

Thailand, as a center of sex tourism, is chosen by lovers of "clubbing" and noisy nightlife. At night, Volking Street in Pattaya turns into a noisy place where tourists are lured to go-go bars, nightclubs, erotic massage parlors and transvestite shows.

Security

In general, the Dominican Republic guarantees a quiet holiday, especially if you do not leave the comfort of the hotel. While in crowded places, as elsewhere in tourist centers, you should be careful with personal belongings, money and documents. From some tourists you may hear complaints about local mosquito bites, but they are not a real danger.

The level of safety in Thailand is somewhat lower. Particular care should be taken on busy streets and roads, as for many drivers there are no clear rules of the road. You should be very careful with different foods, street food, exotic delicacies. Fruit should be eaten only after rinsing it thoroughly with water.

Prices

Holidays in the Dominican Republic will cost more than in Thailand. The cost of many services is not affordable for the budget tourist. Thailand is more democratic in prices, it is not difficult to find affordable accommodation, buy food and organize your leisure time at affordable prices.

Because the Dominican Republic is geared toward American tourists, you can pay not only in pesos, but also in dollars in stores. In Thailand, only the local currency, the Thai baht, is used.

Conclusion

What is better, Dominican Republic or Thailand, each tourist decides for himself in accordance with his ideas about rest. The Dominican Republic is preferred by upper-middle class people who want to take a break from the daily hassle in a relaxing atmosphere.

It is better to go to Thailand for lovers of active and fun holidays, groups of friends who want to get a vivid experience at affordable prices, connoisseurs of architectural masterpieces and historical sights. Thailand is also popular with Russians who prefer to "winter" in the sunny warm country.