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

Should you visit Bangkok or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast 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 alluring, spirited, and colorful capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bangkok travel costs.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a glamourous, vibrant, and colorful coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Gold Coast travel costs.

Bangkok and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Gold Coast than Bangkok. While Bangkok is larger than Gold Coast, Gold Coast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gold Coast is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bangkok is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls.

How is Bangkok different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bangkok has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Gold Coast specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gold Coast makes for a great culinary experience. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Gold Coast is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Gold Coast is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for shopping.

Many people travel to Bangkok specifically to go shopping. 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.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast More Beautiful?

Bangkok is a great capital city for its scenery and beauty. However, Gold Coast is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Gold Coast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular coastline to visit for families. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Both Bangkok and Gold Coast are terrific 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.

Gold Coast is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Gold Coast are terrific places 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Gold Coast is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

Public transit in Bangkok is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Gold Coast has some very good public transit options. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Is Bangkok or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

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

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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 Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Both Bangkok and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Gold Coast has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gold Coast than Bangkok. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

Families should spend more time in Gold Coast than Bangkok. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gold Coast, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gold Coast than Bangkok. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gold Coast that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Bangkok 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Gold Coast, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastline 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 Gold Coast?

When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.

In Gold Coast, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Bangkok, a popular capital city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this capital city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this capital city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. In Gold Coast, 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bangkok is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Gold Coast?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

Both Gold Coast and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin January. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Gold Coast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Gold Coast. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In April, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Bangkok