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

Should you visit Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bangkok and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Surfers Paradise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bangkok is better known for its museums & sights, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Surfers Paradise is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. 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.

How is Bangkok different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Bangkok is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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, Surfers Paradise makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Surfers Paradise and Bangkok.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Surfers Paradise are first-rate 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, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Bangkok is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bangkok can get you to most places easily. 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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Bangkok or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Both Bangkok and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Surfers Paradise has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Surfers Paradise than Bangkok. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise than Bangkok 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Surfers Paradise?

People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Surfers Paradise?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Surfers Paradise. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Bangkok