I think it's pretty clear by now that I'm not an objective source when it comes to Bangkok. In many ways, it's my favorite city in the world.

On the other hand, I am perfectly capable and willing to support my feelings with facts, and this also applies to Thailand's "City of Angels." If you have read my recent article comparing Bangkok with Kuala Lumpur, you will hopefully appreciate my ability to do so.

Today I'd like to extend this concept a little further southeast and address the Bangkok vs. Singapore debate. You can probably already guess how I'll decide, but please trust me: I'm going to give Singapore a fair chance.

Why I love Bangkok and Singapore equally

Bangkok was my first great love in Southeast Asia. I've lived here three times, I started my career as a travel blogger here, and I always return when I need a fresh start. It's simply because of the city's energy. It's also a true tourist hub, whether for its countless ancient temples or its equally numerous ultramodern shopping malls.

I first got to know Singapore in the same year I landed in Bangkok. It was 2010, and although I was backpacking at the time, I happened to be visiting a friend whose mother had won a stay at the then brand-new, highly acclaimed Marina Bay Sands Hotel. With age (and a bit more wealth), I've come to appreciate the joys of traveling in Singapore more and more, and I see it as a kind of escape.

How to compare Bangkok to Singapore

Development status

On my first visit to both cities, it was clear that Singapore was a pioneer of the Western world in developing Southeast Asia, while Bangkok was at best aspiring to achieve this status. Although Bangkok's outer districts remain poorer and less well-maintained than the rest of the city, Bangkok's center rivals almost any district in Singapore.

Activities

Here, too, the choice between Bangkok and Singapore is more difficult – at least in terms of quality. Bangkok is home to the Grand Palace, Lumphini Park, and a dozen fantastic shopping malls, while Singapore boasts the Merlion statue, Gardens by the Bay, and Orchard Road, a shopping district in its own right. One could say that Bangkok's sights are more Thai than Singapore's are Singaporean, but that's not quite accurate.

Street food

You won't go hungry in either city. Bangkok boasts street food stalls on almost every corner, while in Singapore, gourmets will need to seek out dedicated hawker centers. Both cities also offer a wide selection of fine dining options. Regardless of the international offerings, you have a choice: either the unparalleled deliciousness of Thai cuisine or the diverse Chinese, Indian, and Muslim cuisine that Singapore considers its own specialties.

locomotion

One thing you won't find in either Singapore or Bangkok is Uber. In Southeast Asia, you have to download the Grab app to order a car via smartphone. In Singapore, this is a better option than in Bangkok, where traffic is among the worst in the world. Both cities have quite usable commuter rail systems: Bangkok with the BTS SkyTrain, the MRT, and the Airport Rail Link; Singapore with the multi-track MRT.

The travel expenses

Just as Bangkok was significantly less developed than Singapore in the past, it was also considerably cheaper. Although this difference still exists—just compare the price of a mid-range hotel like The Scarlet in Singapore with that of the five-star Standard Mahanakhon in Bangkok—Bangkok has become significantly more expensive in recent years. Of course, Bangkok is still cheaper than Singapore, but not by a huge margin.

How many days do you need in Singapore? And in Bangkok?

Although Singapore is officially a country, travelers tend to perceive it more as a city. In my experience, 2-3 days are perfectly sufficient, although this can, of course, vary depending on other activities planned in Southeast Asia. I recently planned a trip for some travelers who wanted to stop over in Singapore after a two-week stay in Malaysia, and I presented them with the highlights of Singapore in two full days.

Bangkok is a bit different, mainly because it's not an island. While day trips from Singapore are rather rare, Bangkok offers floating markets, ancient cities, giant Buddha statues, and much more. You can certainly get a good overview of central Bangkok in two or three days, but a week-long stay allows you to explore the entire region surrounding Bangkok. On the other hand, I know from experience that even a year or more is never really "enough"!

More frequently asked questions about Singapore and Bangkok

Which is better: Bangkok or Singapore?

Bangkok is the better choice if you're looking for a diverse, exotic Southeast Asian experience – with ancient culture, affordable street food, and countless experiences found only in Thailand. Singapore is also unique, but more of a blend of East and West, old and new, a holiday destination and a place where you might also want to settle down.

Which country is better to visit, Singapore or Thailand?

Thailand, as a country, offers far more travel destinations and experiences than Singapore – which, although formally a "country," is perceived by travelers more as a city. When comparing Bangkok and Singapore, the advantage is less clear, although I still find Bangkok slightly more attractive.

Is the air quality better in Singapore or Bangkok?

Although Singapore has significantly stricter emissions standards and environmental laws than Thailand, it too experiences considerable smog drifting in from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Bangkok, however, is far more severely affected by air pollution overall, with the worst period each year occurring between February and April, when extremely high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter pollute the air.

Conclusion

When it comes to Bangkok vs. Singapore, there's no simple "yes" or "no." These cities appeal to different facets of my personality as a traveler; I can hardly compare them. Bangkok is a perennial favorite that I visit several times a year and that always does me good. Singapore, on the other hand, is a futuristic wonderland where I land for a few days a couple of times a decade, mainly to recharge. Of course, I can wholeheartedly recommend visiting both cities if you have the opportunity. Would you like personalized tips for your next Southeast Asia trip? Then simply book me for the planning!