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

Should you visit Bangkok or Marseille?

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 Marseille 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Marseille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Marseille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Marseille. Bangkok is bigger than Marseille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Marseille is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Also, Bangkok is famous for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Marseille is well known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Bangkok different from Marseille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Bangkok and Marseille 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 Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Marseille 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 Marseille is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Beaches?

Marseille is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Marseille?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a city with good options for its Christmas markets. However, Bangkok does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille is a nice place to see Christmas markets. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Bangkok does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Families?

Bangkok is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bangkok. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bangkok, as it is a very popular capital city for 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.

Marseille is a good capital city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Bangkok or Marseille Better for Students?

Marseille is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Marseille. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Marseille 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 Marseille.

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.

While Marseille offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Bangkok or Marseille a more walkable city?

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

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore 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 Marseille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Marseille or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Marseille?

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

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

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Marseille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Marseille?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Marseille, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Marseille has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Marseille?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer.

Marseille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Marseille?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Marseille. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Marseille?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Marseille, 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 Marseille?

Marseille 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 Marseille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Marseille. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Marseille. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Marseille in the Autumn?

Both Marseille and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Marseille. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Should I visit Bangkok or Marseille in the Winter?

Both Marseille and Bangkok during the winter 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 travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Marseille. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Marseille. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Marseille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Marseille. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille 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 Marseille during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Marseille. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Marseille and Bangkok