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

Should you visit Bangkok or Atami?

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 Atami 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 colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangkok and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok. Although Bangkok and Atami are popular destinations, Bangkok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Bangkok is more touristy than Atami and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Bangkok different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami 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 Atami?

Bangkok is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Bangkok is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Bangkok or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Bangkok or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Atami?

Bangkok is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Bangkok or Atami Better for Families?

Bangkok is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bangkok is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Bangkok or Atami Better for Couples?

Bangkok is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Atami is a good capital city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Bangkok or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Atami.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Atami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Bangkok or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Atami is somewhat walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital 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 Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami?

Each neighborhood in Bangkok has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Atami, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Atami, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Atami has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Atami?

Bangkok is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Bangkok has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami is a great place to explore. 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 Atami?

Each neighborhood in Bangkok has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atami. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Atami?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Atami, 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 Atami?

Atami 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 Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Atami. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Atami. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Atami in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Atami during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Atami. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 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.

Should I visit Bangkok or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Bangkok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bangkok is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Atami. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Atami. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Atami during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Atami. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Atami and Bangkok