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

Should you visit Bangkok or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 cultural, alluring, and spirited 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Bangkok and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Bangkok different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Cardiff?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff Better for Families?

Bangkok is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bangkok is a very kid-friendly capital city. 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a city with good options for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Bangkok is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Bangkok or Cardiff a more walkable city?

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

Cardiff is somewhat walkable. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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 Cardiff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Cardiff?

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

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

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Cardiff?

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Bangkok has to offer.

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife 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 Cardiff has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Cardiff?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Cardiff?

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

Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. Bangkok is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Cardiff. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Cardiff. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Bangkok