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

Should you visit Bangkok or Lyon?

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 Lyon 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Lyon?

Both Lyon and Bangkok have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lyon attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Bangkok different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Bangkok and Lyon have first-rate 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 Lyon are world-renowned. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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

Foodies will find both Bangkok and Lyon both to be first-rate destinations.

Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around the world. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Lyon?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Lyon are high quality to visit with kids.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Bangkok or Lyon Better for Students?

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

Lyon is a very popular city for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Lyon 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 Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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 Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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 Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Lyon?

In either Bangkok or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than Lyon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

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

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Lyon, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Lyon?

Bangkok is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lyon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Lyon?

Bangkok is a alluring big city where you can fill many days. This capital city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Lyon?

Bangkok is a high energy capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Lyon?

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

Lyon 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 Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Lyon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Lyon. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Lyon. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Lyon. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 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 Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon 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, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. Bangkok is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Lyon. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon 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, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Lyon and Bangkok