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

Should you visit Bangkok or Picton?

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 Picton 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 vibrant, high energy, and cultural 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a relaxing, picturesque, and scenic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Bangkok and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Picton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bangkok is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Picton is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. 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. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Bangkok different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bangkok on the map. 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Bangkok is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Picton?

Bangkok is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Bangkok is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Picton 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, Picton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Couples?

Bangkok is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Bangkok or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a very popular capital city to visit 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.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Is Bangkok or Picton 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 Picton.

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 Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Bangkok or Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Picton 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 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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 Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bangkok or Picton?

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 Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Picton?

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.

Picton is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Picton?

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 Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Picton, we can see that Picton 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. Even though Bangkok is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Picton?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 1700 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

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

Should I visit Bangkok or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Picton. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Bangkok is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton 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, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Pictonin October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Picton and Bangkok