A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Bandung for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangkok or Bandung?

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 Bandung 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.

Where Should I go: Bangkok or Bandung?

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

Bandung

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Bandung or Bangkok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, while the average daily cost in Bandung is $40. 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 Bangkok and Bandung in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $41
    Bandung $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $82
    Bandung $42
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Bandung

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Bandung? 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.

Hotels in Bangkok


Hotels in Bandung


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Bandung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangkok $5.77
    Bandung $5.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • VIP Bangkok Tours and Transfers: $58
  • Tuk-tuk tour Bangkok by Night with Chinatown meal and hotel transfers: $55
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya APT-HTL (BKK): $59
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Hua Hin APT-HTL (BKK): $71
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Bangkok HTL-APT (DMK): $24
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Rayong Province: $86
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $130
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Trat: $146
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: $53
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Hua Hin: $68
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok Hotel by Deluxe Vehicle: $135
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bandung Airport BDO to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $55
  • Bandung Airport BDO to Cipanas Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Bandung or Lembang to Bandung Airport BDO Departure Transfer: $27
  • Bandung or Lembang to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $63
  • Private Bandung Airport to Cipanas Thermal Round Trip Transfer: $94
  • Private Cipanas Thermal to Bandung Airport BDO Departure Transfer: $47
  • Private Kertajati International Airport Transfers (KJT) for Bandung: $120
  • Private Rental Cars Bandung 10 Pax Free Airport Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Babakan Ciamis : $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Braga: $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciamis: $143
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciburial: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Bandung?

Prices for flights to both Bandung and Bangkok 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangkok $18
    Bandung $14
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.

  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
  • Nopparat Thai Dinner with Classical Dance: $28
  • Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $28
  • Bangkok Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruised Tour On Chao Phraya: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $16
    Bandung $5.67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $108
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
  • Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
  • Bangkok Hindu Landmark City, Grand Palace & Temples Tours with Lunch: $284
  • Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $46
  • Bangkok Thrilling Tuk Tuk Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • Siam Park City Admission Ticket With All Rides In Bangkok: $17
  • Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
  • 'Sunset Cruise' Canal Boat Tour - Fully guided 3hrs: $74
  • "Bangkok Walking Hopping Tour" show city’s historic sights are located.: $67
  • 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
  • 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat : $58

Tours and Activities in Bandung

For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Walking Tour of Bandung with Guide: $33
  • Stone Garden Western Tour From Bandung: $39
  • Kawah Rengganis Private Hiking and Glamping Lakeside Tour from Bandung: $41
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $43
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $45
  • Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $45
  • Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $49
  • Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
  • Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
  • Lembang Tour From Bandung: $51
  • Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $58
  • Tangkuban Parahu Volcano North Bandung Private Tour : $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $5.97
    Bandung $3.46
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Bandung, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok than you might in Bandung.

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


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Bandung?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Bandung, 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.