A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Eilat vs. Pattaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eilat or Pattaya?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Pattaya? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Eilat or Pattaya?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pattaya

Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.

Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.


Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $66. 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 Eilat and Pattaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Pattaya $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Pattaya

Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Pattaya? 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Pattaya


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Pattaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Pattaya $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya HTL-APT (BKK): $59
  • Tiffany's Show Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $61
  • Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
  • Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
  • Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
  • Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $45
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $43
  • Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.12
  • Private Transfer from Sattahip to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Sattahip to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Pattaya?

Prices for flights to both Pattaya and Eilat 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Eilat $35
    Pattaya $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya

For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Pattaya $21

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.

  • 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $102
  • 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
  • 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
  • A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
  • ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
  • Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
  • All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
  • Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
  • Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
  • Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket (3D Art ): $12
  • Art in Paradise: 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Pattaya $8.18


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

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


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Pattaya?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat 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 Eilat or Pattaya in the Summer?

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

In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Pattaya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Pattaya. Eilat 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 Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Pattaya. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 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 Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

Eilat is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Pattaya 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Pattaya in the Winter?

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

In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Eilat is much colder than Pattaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Pattaya averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat 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 Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Pattaya. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

In April, Eilat is generally cooler than Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F)

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Eilat

Eilat Pattaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)