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

Should you visit Bangkok or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a stunning, peaceful, and serene town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bangkok and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok. Although Bangkok and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Bangkok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bangkok is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Katoomba is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Bangkok different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Bangkok or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Bangkok or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Katoomba?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Bangkok or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Bangkok or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Bangkok is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bangkok. 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Bangkok or Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively 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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Bangkok or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bangkok due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

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.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Katoomba has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Katoomba?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

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

Bangkok is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Katoomba. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 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 Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba 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, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba 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 spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Bangkok is much warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Katoombain October. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Katoombain October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Bangkok