A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Bangkok for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Antalya or Bangkok?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Bangkok? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a relaxing, luxurious, and historic vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a alluring, spirited, and colorful capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Bangkok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Bangkok?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antalya than Bangkok. While Bangkok is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Bangkok is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls.

How is Antalya different from Bangkok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangkok and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Bangkok?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bangkok has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Bangkok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bangkok is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Music?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for live music. However, Bangkok is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Antalya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Bangkok?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Antalya and Bangkok.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Bangkok.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bangkok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bangkok, as it is a very popular capital city for budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Bangkok Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Antalya is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

While Bangkok offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Is Antalya or Bangkok a more walkable city?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable vacation spot. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Bangkok Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Bangkok?

Both Antalya and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Antalya. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Bangkok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Bangkok. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Antalya or Bangkok?

In Antalya, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Bangkok?

In Antalya, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer.

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Bangkok?

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Bangkok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antalya. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Bangkok, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antalya is in Europe and Bangkok is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Bangkok.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Bangkok, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Bangkok?

Antalya has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bangkok in the Summer?

Both Bangkok and Antalya during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

In the summer, Antalya is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Bangkok averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bangkok in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Bangkok. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Antalya is generally cooler than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bangkok during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Antalya or Bangkok in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Bangkok. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

Antalya is much colder than Bangkok in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In the winter, Antalya often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.

Antalya receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Antalya or Bangkok in the Spring?

Both Bangkok and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Antalya is much colder than Bangkok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Bangkok averages at about 31°C (87°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Antalya