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

Should you visit Bangkok or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bangkok and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Wollongong?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Wollongong. Bangkok is bigger than Wollongong, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wollongong is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Wollongong 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. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Bangkok different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bangkok is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Wollongong?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Wollongong are excellent 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, Wollongong is very family-friendly. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Bangkok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Wollongong is popular with students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong 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 Wollongong.

Public transit in Bangkok is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Is Bangkok or Wollongong a more walkable city?

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

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Bangkok or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bangkok due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.

In Wollongong, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Wollongong?

Bangkok, a popular capital city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this capital city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this capital city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. 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 Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Wollongong?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong 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 visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Bangkok is much warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 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 Wollongongin April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 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 Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Wollongong. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin July. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong 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 beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Bangkok