Chill in the capital of the Philippines

This trip takes you to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, without needing a visa (just a short flight from Thailand ~ 3.5 hours).

The weather here is as hot as Thailand, but the good thing is that it's located by Manila Bay, so there's a cool breeze to help ease the heat.

The atmosphere in the business districts of Manila (Makati, BGC) feels more developed and cleaner than Bangkok, almost comparable to Singapore. However, overall, Bangkok still seems to have the edge.

Public transportation here isn't as advanced as in Bangkok. There are only 2-3 train lines, and they're often overcrowded due to the large population. In terms of safety, Bangkok is still better, as some areas in Manila can be quite dangerous, so you need to be cautious when walking around.

One notable advantage, especially in the city center, is that the electrical and communication cables are neatly placed underground. The sidewalks are spacious and comfortable to walk on. Lastly, an important perk is the lower cost of living compared to Thailand, including food, drinks, and transportation expenses.

Post by We Roam Together | May 26, 2025