A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jaisalmer vs. Bangkok for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Bangkok?

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

Should I visit Jaisalmer or Bangkok? 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: Jaisalmer or Bangkok?

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Jaisalmer?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $76. 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 Jaisalmer and Bangkok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaisalmer $13
    Bangkok $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaisalmer $26
    Bangkok $82
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Bangkok

Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Bangkok? 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 Jaisalmer


Hotels in Bangkok


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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Bangkok $5.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Sam / Khuri Sand Dunes: $18
  • From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $43
  • Jaipur to Jaisalmer Transfer: $170
  • One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $44
  • One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
  • One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $12
  • One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Hotel To Airport: $12
  • Pokhran Airport transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $297
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $288
  • Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $288
  • Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $261
  • Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $241
  • From Damnoen and Maeklong Markets Private Transfer: $219
  • Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $216
  • Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $214
  • Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $213
  • From Pattaya Private Day Trip with Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Don Muang Airport to Koh Chang Hotel: $199
  • Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Bangkok?

Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer $13
    Bangkok $18
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
  • Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
  • Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55

Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.

  • Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaisalmer $12
    Bangkok $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

  • Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $6.14
  • Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $12
  • Explore Jaisalmer with Professional Tour Guide: $12
  • Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
  • Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
  • Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Golden City Photography Guided Tour to Capture City Hues: $13
  • Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Explore Jaisalmer in Nightlights -2 Hour Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
  • Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
  • Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
  • Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
  • Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
  • 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
  • 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $113
  • 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaisalmer $9.23
    Bangkok $5.97

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Bangkok, 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.