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

Should you visit Bangkok or Anchorage?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a spirited, colorful, and vibrant capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Bangkok and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Anchorage, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bangkok is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Bangkok different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Anchorage?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage Better for Families?

Bangkok is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly capital city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bangkok is a great capital city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Bangkok is a capital city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Bangkok has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Bangkok or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Bangkok and Anchorage both are decent when exploring on foot.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable capital city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangkok and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Anchorage 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 Bangkok.

One day in Bangkok or Anchorage?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bangkok or Anchorage?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Anchorage, you'll find food 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Anchorage?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Anchorage?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Anchorage?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Anchorage, 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 Bangkok or Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Bangkok or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Anchorage. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. Bangkok is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Bangkok