A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Bangkok vs. Pattaya for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangkok or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya 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 colorful, vibrant, and high energy 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a vibrant, high energy, and colorful resort city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bangkok and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Pattaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Pattaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.

How is Bangkok different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

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

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.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Pattaya 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 Pattaya is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a great destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.

In Pattaya, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a great destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Pattaya?

Bangkok is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Pattaya are great 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, Pattaya is very family-friendly. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

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.

Pattaya is a good capital city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya 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 Pattaya.

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 Pattaya offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Is Bangkok or Pattaya a more walkable city?

Bangkok and Pattaya both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Bangkok is generally not very walkable. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

Pattaya is generally not a very walkable capital city. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Pattaya?

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

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

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

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort 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 Pattaya?

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer.

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

Five days in Bangkok or Pattaya?

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

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Pattaya, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Pattaya?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Bangkok or Pattaya in the Summer?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Pattaya. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Bangkok or Pattaya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pattaya. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya 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 Pattaya during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Bangkok or Pattaya in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Pattaya. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Pattaya. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Bangkok or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. In April, Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pattaya. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Bangkok