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

Should you visit Bangkok or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama 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 spirited, colorful, and vibrant capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a laid-back, diverse, and bright 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 Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Yokohama?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Yokohama, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bangkok is more touristy than Yokohama and is known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Yokohama is popular for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night.

How is Bangkok different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bangkok that are not to be missed. 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 Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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

Bangkok is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Bangkok or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is terrific for nightlife. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Bangkok is a must-see party destination. 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.

Many people head to Yokohama for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Yokohama?

Bangkok is terrific for shopping. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Bangkok or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for romance. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Yokohama is a great capital city if you're traveling as a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

Is Bangkok or Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is terrific for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Yokohama is a good capital city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Bangkok or Yokohama Better for Students?

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

Yokohama is popular with students. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama is fairly effecient and thorough. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

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

Yokohama is very walkable. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Yokohama, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Yokohama?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Yokohama, 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 Yokohama has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Yokohama?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yokohama. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yokohama. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Yokohama?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Yokohama. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?

Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?

Both Yokohama and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Yokohama in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Yokohama fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Yokohama in the Autumn?

Both Yokohama 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. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Yokohama averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Yokohama in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Yokohama. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Yokohama for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Yokohama in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Yokohama. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Yokohama in the spring for the activities around the city.

Bangkok is much warmer than Yokohama in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Yokohama fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Yokohama. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Bangkok