Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Bangkok. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.
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 museums, nightlife, and food.
Both Bangkok and Athens have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Athens is better known for its historical sights, while Bangkok is more popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangkok and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Bangkok and Athens.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bangkok that are not to be missed. 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.
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Bangkok can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
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.
The vibe at night is fantastic in both Athens and Bangkok.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Bangkok is a world class party destination. 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.
Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Bangkok does not have a historic old town.
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Bangkok specifically to go shopping. 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.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Both Athens and Bangkok are very good family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
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.
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
For backpackers, both Athens and Bangkok are fantastic places to visit.
A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and 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.
Athens is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Bangkok is not popular with students.
Athens 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 Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
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.
Athens is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Bangkok is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Bangkok Worth Visiting?.
Both Athens and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Bangkok. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Bangkok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bangkok that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Bangkok if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Bangkok. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Because Athens 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Bangkok. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is €71. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Bangkok in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Bangkok? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Bangkok, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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.
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bangkok. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangkok averages at about 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bangkok. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Bangkok and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Athens is generally cooler than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Bangkok. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bangkok during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.
Both Bangkok and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
Athens is much colder than Bangkok in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bangkok. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Athens is much colder than Bangkok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bangkok averages at about 31°C (87°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.
Athens | Bangkok | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) |
Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |