Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Cancun 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 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 Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Bangkok travel costs.
Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cancun travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Cancun. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Cancun attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Bangkok is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Bangkok is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Bangkok has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Cancun has a better nightlife scene.
People head to Bangkok just to party. 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.
The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
Cancun is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.
Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
Bangkok is not a resort destination.
Cancun is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cancun is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.
Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Bangkok is not a beach destination.
Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Bangkok is not a hiking destination.
Bangkok is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun 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 Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
Bangkok and Cancun both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.
Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.
The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.
Cancun is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.
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.
Both Bangkok and Cancun are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.
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.
Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.
Bangkok is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun 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.
Cancun is a very popular capital city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.
Bangkok is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
The public transit in Bangkok can get you around easily. 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.
You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Cancun is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
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 Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Both Bangkok and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cancun has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cancun than Bangkok. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Bangkok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Bangkok. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Cancun 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.
Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in Mexico, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $94, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $138. 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 Cancun in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Cancun? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Cancun 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Cancun, we can see that Cancun 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 Cancun 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun 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 Cancun Expensive?.
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Cancun, 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.