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

Should you visit Bangkok or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Nagoya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Nagoya. Bangkok is bigger than Nagoya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is more touristy than Nagoya 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. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Bangkok different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors head to Nagoya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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

Foodies will find both Bangkok and Nagoya both to be terrific 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 Nagoya, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Is Bangkok or Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bangkok is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Nagoya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Nagoya?

Bangkok is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Bangkok or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

Bangkok is very popular for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bangkok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Bangkok or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Bangkok or Nagoya Better for Students?

Nagoya is a city with good options for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Nagoya is popular with students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Nagoya is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines 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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Nagoya?

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

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

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

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 Nagoya, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagoya has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya is a great place to explore. 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Nagoya?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Nagoya. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nagoya in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Nagoya. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya 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, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Bangkok is much warmer than Nagoya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 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 Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nagoya averages at about 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Nagoya. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Bangkok