A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Milford Sound for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Bangkok or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Bangkok and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bangkok is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bangkok is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Also, Bangkok is famous for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Bangkok different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Bangkok is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Bangkok is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

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

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Milford Sound are very good 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, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Bangkok is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Bangkok offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Bangkok or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Bangkok is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable capital city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. 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 Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Milford Sound?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 11730 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Milford Sound, 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.