International travel from Bangladesh is growing rapidly, and two of the most popular destinations are Malaysia and Thailand. Both countries offer beautiful beaches, modern cities, shopping, and exciting attractions β but which one is better for Bangladeshi tourists?
In this complete comparison guide, we will break down visa process, budget, food, attractions, safety, and overall travel experience to help you choose the best destination.
Quick Comparison: Malaysia vs Thailand
| Factor | Malaysia | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Process | Sticker Visa / eVisa | Visa on Arrival / Sticker Visa |
| Flight Time from Dhaka | ~4 hours | ~2.5 hours |
| Budget (4β5 Days) | ৳60,000 β ৳90,000 | ৳45,000 β ৳75,000 |
| Halal Food | Easily available everywhere | Available in major cities |
| Best For | Family trips, shopping, clean city experience | Budget travel, nightlife, beaches |
Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Tourists
Malaysia Tourist Visa
Bangladeshi passport holders need a tourist visa before traveling to Malaysia.
Requirements:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Bank statement
- NOC (if employed)
- Trade license (if business owner)
- Confirmed air ticket
- Hotel booking
Processing time usually takes 5β7 working days.
Malaysia has a relatively stable approval rate if documentation is correct.
Thailand Visa for Bangladeshis
Thailand offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Bangladeshi tourists under certain conditions.
Requirements for VOA:
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking
- Sufficient cash (10,000β20,000 THB equivalent)
- Passport-size photos
Visa on Arrival is fast but immigration officers are strict. If documents are incomplete, entry may be denied.
Sticker visa from the Thai Embassy is safer for families.
Flight & Travel Time from Bangladesh
Direct flights are available from Dhaka to both countries.
Dhaka to Malaysia
Flights operate to Kuala Lumpur, taking around 4 hours.
Dhaka to Thailand
Flights operate to Bangkok, taking around 2.5 hours.
Thailand is closer, so airfare is usually slightly cheaper.
Budget Comparison (4β5 Days from Bangladesh)
Malaysia Trip Estimated Cost
- Visa: ৳8,000β৳10,000
- Flight: ৳35,000β৳50,000
- Hotel: ৳15,000β৳25,000
- Food & Transport: ৳10,000β৳15,000
- Sightseeing: ৳8,000β৳12,000
Total Estimate: ৳60,000 β ৳90,000 per person
Thailand Trip Estimated Cost
- Visa/VOA: ৳6,000β৳8,000
- Flight: ৳25,000β৳40,000
- Hotel: ৳12,000β৳20,000
- Food & Tours: ৳10,000β৳15,000
Total Estimate: ৳45,000 β ৳75,000 per person
π Thailand is generally more budget-friendly.
Best Tourist Attractions
Top Places in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Modern skyline, shopping malls, and famous landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Langkawi
Beautiful beaches, island hopping, duty-free shopping.
Genting Highlands
Cool weather, theme parks, cable car experience.
Top Places in Thailand
Bangkok
Temples, shopping malls, floating markets.
Pattaya
Beach activities and vibrant nightlife.
Phuket
Crystal-clear beaches and island tours.
Krabi
Peaceful beaches and scenic limestone cliffs.
Food & Halal Availability
Malaysia β Best for Muslim Travelers
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country. Halal food is available everywhere, and you donβt need to worry about ingredients.
Thailand β Halal Available But Limited
In Bangkok and Phuket, halal restaurants are easy to find. However, in Pattaya and smaller islands, options are limited.
For conservative families, Malaysia feels more comfortable.
Safety & Travel Comfort
Both countries are safe for tourists.
- Malaysia feels more organized and clean.
- Thailand is safe but nightlife areas may not suit family travelers.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas of both countries.
Shopping Comparison
Malaysia
- Large shopping malls
- Branded fashion
- Electronics
Thailand
- Cheap street markets
- Night bazaars
- Affordable clothing and souvenirs
Thailand is better for budget shopping, while Malaysia is better for branded goods.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Thailand is globally famous for nightlife, especially in Pattaya and Phuket.
Malaysia offers a more family-friendly environment with theme parks and shopping malls.
Best Time to Visit
- November to March is the best time for both countries.
- Avoid heavy monsoon season for beach trips.
- Flights are cheaper during off-season months (MayβSeptember).
Pros & Cons Summary
Malaysia
Pros:
β Halal food everywhere
β Clean and modern
β Family-friendly
Cons:
β Slightly more expensive
β Visa required in advance
Thailand
Pros:
β Budget-friendly
β Beautiful beaches
β Exciting nightlife
Cons:
β Halal food limited in some areas
β VOA risk at immigration
Final Verdict: Which One Should Bangladeshi Tourists Choose?
β
For family trip β Malaysia
β
For honeymoon β Thailand (Phuket/Krabi)
β
For budget travel β Thailand
β
For first-time international traveler β Malaysia (less cultural shock)
Both destinations are excellent. Your choice depends on budget, travel style, and comfort preference.
Planning Your Malaysia or Thailand Trip from Bangladesh?
If you need:
- Malaysia visa processing
- Thailand visa assistance
- Budget tour packages
- Customized family or honeymoon package
Contact our travel agency today and get the best deal from Dhaka.
Malaysia Tour Package from Bangladesh
Thailand Tour Package from Bangladesh
Sabbir Ahmed is the founder of Travel Agency Dhaka, a passionate travel expert dedicated to helping people explore the world with ease. With years of experience in designing international and domestic tour packages, Sabbir ensures every trip is smooth, affordable, and unforgettable. Connect for personalized travel support!