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

Should you visit Lhasa or Bangkok?

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

Should I visit Lhasa 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: Lhasa or Bangkok?

Lhasa

Lhasa is the famed capital of Tibet, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. It's name means "Land of the Gods" and the city dates back more than 1,300 years. It's elevation is 3,650 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the northern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains by the Lhasa River and is the second largest city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Lhasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lhasa is $96, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $103. 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 Lhasa and Bangkok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lhasa $42
    Bangkok $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lhasa $84
    Bangkok $98
Compare Hotels in Lhasa and Bangkok

Looking for a hotel in Lhasa 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 Lhasa


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lhasa $2.75
    Bangkok $6.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lhasa

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

  • Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup: $170
  • Lhasa Kongga Airport private Transfer: $260
  • [Airport Transfer] Lhasa Kunga Airport ⇔ Lhasa City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $89

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.46
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.91
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.98
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.80
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.67
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.76
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.53
  • Trains to airport
    $4.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • oneway transfer service Bangkok-Hua hin: $78
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Rayong Province: $96
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $83
  • Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $30
  • Transfer from DMK Donmuaeng International Airport to BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport: $33
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Huahin: $83
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to DMK Donmuang Airport: $33
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Ayuttaya: $50
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport to Rayong Province: $83
  • Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok City: $29
  • Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) to Bangkok City Center: $19
  • Suvarnabhumi BKK Airport Private Transfer to/from Bangkok/Pattaya: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Lhasa or Bangkok?

Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Lhasa 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
    Lhasa $48
    Bangkok $36

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)
    $28
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $6.14
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.38
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.92
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $6.14
  • Pad Thai
    $2.15
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $17
  • Lunch for 2
    $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

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

  • Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $24
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $25
  • Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $25
  • Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Chao Phraya River Meridian Dinner Buffet Cruise Tour: $28
  • Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $29
  • Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
  • Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $30
  • Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
  • Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $31
  • Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $31
  • Authentic Thai Cooking with the Largest market visit &TukTuk ride: $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lhasa $18
    Bangkok $18

Tours and Activities in Lhasa

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

  • 5-Day Private Tour with Potala Palace & Yamdrok Lake: $1,299
  • 17-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp: $3,759
  • 17 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration: $13,185

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
    $4.91
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $11
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.53
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $6.14
  • Club Cover Charge
    $12
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $74
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.60
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $3.07
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $12

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

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

  • 2 Days Ayutthaya Authentic Tour with the Local: $277
  • 2 Days Pattaya Sunset Boat Party Tour: $140
  • 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $30
  • 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat: $72
  • 2 Hours TukTuk Adventure Bangkok Highlights: $30
  • 2-Day River Kwai Adventure with 1-Night Stay at Resotel: $243
  • 2-hour SUNSET Canal Tour + FOODS Tasting with Tour Guide: $50
  • 3 Days Bangkok Experience with Accommodation & Top Sightseeing: $183
  • 3 Hours Private Bangkok Highlights Tour by Public Transport: $88
  • 3 Remarkable Temples Walking Tour in Bangkok: $62
  • 4 Dishes Thai Cuisine Experience at Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi: $59
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Bangkok: $107

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lhasa $7.39
    Bangkok $5.60

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Beer
    $1.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $21
  • GoGo Bar Crawl With Party Vehicle and Party Guide: $62
  • Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $69


When comparing the travel costs between Lhasa and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Lhasa or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lhasa. When comparing the sizes of Lhasa 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.