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

Should you visit Bangkok or London?

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 London 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London

London is a global, international, and historic 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, live music, and food.

Bangkok and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or London?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Bangkok. London is bigger than Bangkok, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its theatre productions, music, and christmas markets, while Bangkok is more popular for its food. London is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls.

Big Ben

How is Bangkok different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Bangkok and London have amazing landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Bangkok is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Bangkok is not a theatre destination.

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

Bangkok is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or London 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 London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Music?

London is a world-class destination for live music. However, Bangkok is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or London?

Shopping is a popular activity in both London and Bangkok.

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.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Bangkok does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination for shoppers. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Bangkok does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Bangkok does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Bangkok does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Families?

London 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.

London is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

Both Bangkok and London 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.

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and London are amazing 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, London is extremely popular for backpackers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Is Bangkok or London Better for Students?

London is a world-class destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

London is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

While Bangkok offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Bangkok or London a more walkable city?

London is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or London?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London 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 London.

One day in Bangkok or London?

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 London, you'll find food and shopping. 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 London?

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 London, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 London?

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.

London 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 London has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or London?

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 London. In London, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Bangkok. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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, most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bangkok is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than London. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than London. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or London in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bangkok is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than London during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than London. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 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 London in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as London. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than London. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than London. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or London in the Spring?

Both London 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, many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than London during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than London. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for London and Bangkok