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

Should you visit Bangkok or Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern, trendy, and high energy port 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 Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Rotterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Rotterdam. Bangkok is bigger than Rotterdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is more touristy than Rotterdam 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. Rotterdam is well known for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Bangkok different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and 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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Bangkok or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Rotterdam?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Bangkok or Rotterdam Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Rotterdam 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, Rotterdam is very family-friendly. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Is Bangkok or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Bangkok or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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 Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Bangkok or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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 Rotterdam a more walkable city?

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

Rotterdam is very walkable. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangkok and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Rotterdam. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Rotterdam, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city 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 Rotterdam?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Rotterdam, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rotterdam has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Rotterdam?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer.

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. 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 River Cruises in Netherlands, and The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Rotterdam?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

Both Rotterdam 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bangkok is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Rotterdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Rotterdam. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Rotterdam in the Spring?

Both Rotterdam and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Bangkok