A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Pattaya for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Can Tho or Pattaya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Pattaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a cultural, unique, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a high energy, colorful, and active resort city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Can Tho and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Pattaya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Can Tho than Pattaya. Can Tho is bigger than Pattaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Can Tho is better known for its museums & sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Can Tho and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Also, Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market.

How is Can Tho different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pattaya and Can Tho. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Pattaya?

Can Tho is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Can Tho. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

Is the Food Better in Can Tho or Pattaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Can Tho and Pattaya offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Can Tho has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is great for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is great for the beache. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Pattaya?

Can Tho is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Can Tho draws large crowds to its stores. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Can Tho or Pattaya.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Can Tho is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Pattaya is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Couples?

Can Tho is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Can Tho is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Pattaya is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pattaya is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pattaya offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Can Tho or Pattaya a more walkable city?

Can Tho is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Pattaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Pattaya?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Can Tho than Pattaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Can Tho that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho than Pattaya 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 Can Tho.

One day in Can Tho or Pattaya?

In Can Tho, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort 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 Can Tho or Pattaya?

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

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

Five days in Can Tho or Pattaya?

Can Tho 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.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Can Tho or Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Can Tho and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Can Tho would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Can Tho 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya than you might in Can Tho.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Can Tho Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Pattaya?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho and Pattaya, 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 Can Tho or Pattaya?

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 Can Tho or Pattaya in the Summer?

Both Pattaya and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during summer. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Pattaya in the Autumn?

Both Pattaya and Can Tho during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in October than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Pattaya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during winter. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Pattaya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Pattaya. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho usually gets more rain in April than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the spring, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Can Tho