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

Should you visit Bangkok or Bern?

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 Bern 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.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bangkok is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its historical sights. Bangkok is more touristy than Bern and is known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bangkok different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bern 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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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

Bangkok is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bangkok or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bangkok or Bern Better for its Old Town?

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

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Bern?

Bangkok is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern 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.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Bangkok or Bern Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Bern are excellent to visit with kids.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Is Bangkok or Bern Better for Couples?

Bangkok is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bangkok or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern 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.

Many backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern 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 Bern is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that run 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 Bangkok or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Bern?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Bern. 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 Bern 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 Bern?

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bern?

Bangkok is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bern, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Bern?

Bangkok is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This capital city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bern is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

Bangkok is a alluring capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Zurich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern is in Europe, 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Bern?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Bern, 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 Bern?

Bern 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 Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Bern. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 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 Bern. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Bern. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Bern. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) 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 Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern 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, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Bern. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern 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, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Bern. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Bern. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Bern and Bangkok