Recently, there has been a lot of talk on forums and social networks about which warm country to move to in order to earn money and get permanent residence. Some jokingly discuss this possibility, while others are seriously looking for a better life abroad.

Comparing Sri Lanka and Thailand is actually not as easy as it seems at first glance. These two countries are located in Asia, have the same religion of Buddhism and similar climate, but despite this they are very different from each other. If you haven't travelled much yet and are wondering which is better, Sri Lanka or Thailand, refer to this article and decide where to move.

Do I need a visa to Asia

Visa is not required to enter Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days. However, a visa for Ceylon (Sri Lanka) costs $30 for 30 days and can be extended by the immigration office if necessary.

Also, from June 1, 2022, the ban on the operation of pubs, bars, karaoke clubs and other organizations of the recreation and entertainment industry on the island was lifted in Phuket. The sale of alcoholic beverages in them is allowed until 0:00. Wearing masks in the open air is also no longer necessary while observing social distancing.

To visit Sri Lanka you need to issue an electronic entry permit. It can be obtained at the airport upon arrival.

For business, tourist and transit purposes, visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is an official permit for a short visit to Sri Lanka. Full details can be found on the official website where you can apply for an ETA.

Visitors with an ETA can request an extension of their stay for up to 90 days, but if you intend to move to Sri Lanka for permanent residence, then a resident visa will be required for a longer stay, which must then be renewed annually.

For all Asian tourists, it is mandatory to have health insurance that covers treatment for coronavirus.

Where is the best weather

Thailand has a humid tropical climate in the north and a tropical monsoon climate in the south, east and west. From late April to mid-November, the island has wind, frequent rainfall and high humidity. Resorts such as Koh Samui, for example, are best visited in late spring May and during the high season of June, July and August. Good weather until mid-September.

In the famous Pattaya dry season lasts from November to February. Rain falls in May and ends in mid-October. March, April and May are the hot seasons when temperatures and humidity peak.

Summer is best spent in the northeast of Sri Lanka. When it rains in the southwest, the beaches of Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa and Jaffna are simply paradise.

To summarize: it is impossible to answer the question where the best weather in Sri Lanka or in Thailand. However, you can always enjoy an exotic vacation at the right time in high season.

Culture

Bright Asia is rich in ancient history with numerous architectural monuments. Ethnic groups and customs have blended and formed a completely unique culture. Explore Buddhism, visit Hindu temples, unforgettable festivals, taste unusual cuisine and visit palaces with thousands of years of history.

Sri Lanka has a small territory and is close to all attractions, which makes it an ideal place for those who like to visit ancient ruins. The monuments of Sri Lanka can be seen in a few days during a tour of the island.

There are even more attractions in Thailand, but they are not so easy to reach.

Prices

Recently, Thailand was considered a fairly cheap country, but the tourist boom in popular resorts has made food prices very high. Therefore, Thailand loses to Sri Lanka in the cost of products, but cheap shops are still almost everywhere. Prices are about the same.

Transportation costs in Thailand are almost twice as high as in Sri Lanka.

The cost of a basket of basic consumer goods and services in Sri Lanka (including food, clothing, transport, communications, utilities) in Sri Lanka is on average 5.7% lower than in the CIS countries.

Conclusions

Sri Lanka is likely to lose in bilateral competition in Asia. Airfares, climate, food, etc. are relatively similar, but there are significant differences. There are more attractions in the Land of Smiles, but it has the disadvantage that transport and food cost about 40% more.

Sri Lanka has a very limited choice of hotels and attractions, but it has better preserved the pristine nature and culture, the sincerity of the Lankans, not yet influenced by European customs.