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

Should you visit Bangkok or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bangkok travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a natural, world-renowned, and diverse town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Bangkok and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Rotorua?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Rotorua. Bangkok is bigger than Rotorua, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua is more popular for its hiking. 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. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Bangkok different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Bangkok or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Rotorua?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Bangkok and Rotorua both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Bangkok and Rotorua are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Rotorua are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua 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. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bangkok. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Bangkok or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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 Rotorua, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

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 Rotorua, 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 Rotorua has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Rotorua?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Rotorua. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In July, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua 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 visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Bangkok