Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata 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.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Tanah Rata?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bangkok and Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok or Tanah Rata? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.49Tanah Rata $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
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Skytrain Ticket$5.02
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
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Ferry Ride$0.82
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Taxi From Airport$7.85
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Short Taxi Ride$2.83
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Boat Taxi$1.57
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Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Bangkok City: $33
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $58
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $107
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $26
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $135
- Arrival Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok City by Sedan: $71
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Bangkok change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBangkok $36Tanah Rata $87
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
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Pad Thai$2.20
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Tanah Rata $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$5.02
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
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Fish Pedicure$4.71
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
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Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.00
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bangkok City Session Walking Tour: $8.18
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.66
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $10
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $10
- Half Day Coral Island Tour from Pattaya With Lunch: $11
- Erawan Museum at Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
- Explore Brilliant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Tanah Rata $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Tanah Rata?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 730 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Bangkok or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Bangkok during the autumn 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tanah Rata. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Tanah Rata. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.