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

Should you visit Bangkok or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bangkok and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Canberra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra attracts visitors for its hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Canberra 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. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Bangkok different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

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

Bangkok is a must-see 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Canberra?

Bangkok is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra 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 Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Couples?

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

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.

Canberra is a good capital city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Bangkok or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Canberra 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 Canberra.

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 Canberra offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Bangkok or Canberra a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Canberra?

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

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

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bangkok or Canberra?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Canberra, 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 Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Canberra?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra 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 Canberra?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Canberra?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Canberra. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra 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, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 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 Canberra in the Winter?

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

Bangkok is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Canberrain July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Canberrain October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Bangkok