Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mandalay or Pattaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Pattaya, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Pattaya?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
-
Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesPattaya Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Pattaya $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $88. 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 Mandalay and Pattaya in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Pattaya $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Pattaya $52
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Pattaya
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay 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.
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: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Pattaya $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $230
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfers from Pattaya City to Suvarnabhumi BKK: $71
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Ticket with Transfer From Hotel: $28
- Alcazar Show Pattaya with private hotel Transfer: $35
- All Star Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Museum with Private Hotel Transfer: $43
- BKK Airport Private Transfer to Pattaya Hotel (Toll Included): $30
- Bangkok Airport Private Transfer To or From Pattaya City: $80
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $96
- Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $16
- Colosseum Show Pattaya Ticket with Private Hotel Transfers: $29
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Pattaya Option Transfer: $46
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark with Transfers: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Pattaya?
Prices for flights to both Pattaya and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Pattaya $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Squid Fishing and Dinner on Chic Floating Cafe: $20
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $35
- Pattaya Ocean Sky Floating Dinner Boat Buffet & Cabaret Show: $45
- Pattaya Optical Illusion Cooking Class: $49
- Pattaya Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Pattaya Plates Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $51
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $52
- Atlantis Pattaya Floating Dinner Boat with Buffet & Shows: $61
- Atlantis Pattaya Bay Night Dinner with Buffet and Cabaret Show: $65
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $73
- Pattaya Catamaran Cruise and Sunset Party with Dinner, Transfers: $83
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Pattaya $22
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayah Villages Full Day Tour (Pan Pet & Hta Nee La): $260
- 1-night in Pyin Oo Lwin next day to Gokteik tour: $226
- 2 Days Private Tour in Mandalay: $176
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Adventure to Dee Dote Waterfalls from Mandalay: $63
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing: $75
- Ancient Cities, Pagodas, and Sunset Tour from Mandalay: $194
- Ancient City Tour in Mandalay: $70
- Around Mandalay Tour in 2 Days: $100
- Day Trip Tour From Mandalay To Pyin Oo Lwin: $130
- Full Day Adventure: $153
- Full Day Mandalay Tour: $130
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.04
- Pattaya Park Tower Amusement Park Ticket and Revolving Restaurant: $3.06
- Coral Island Getaway: Pattaya Day Tour with Scenic Beaches: $4.37
- Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.52
- Pattaya Underwater World Admission Ticket: $5.52
- Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Museum Admission Tickets: $7.00
- Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch: $7.95
- Mini Siam Miniature World at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.84
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.84
- Pattaya Sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $10
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Pattaya $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Pattaya
Also in Pattaya, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pattaya Bar Crawl: $6.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Pattaya?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.