A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Alice Springs for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pattaya or Alice Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Alice Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a high energy, colorful, and active resort city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Pattaya and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Pattaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pattaya is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Alice Springs is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Alice Springs and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also home to the Sanctuary of Truth. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Pattaya different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pattaya and Alice Springs.

Pattaya offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alice Springs. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Pattaya or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pattaya is a great resort city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pattaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

People head to Pattaya just to party. 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 Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a great resort city for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

In Pattaya, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a great resort city for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. 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.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is terrific for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Around Alice Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Pattaya is a great resort city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Alice Springs are great to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pattaya is very family-friendly. 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.

Alice Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

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

Alice Springs is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Pattaya is a good resort 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 Pattaya or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known 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 Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Pattaya or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Alice Springs is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

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 Pattaya Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Pattaya or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

One day in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the colorful destination of Pattaya. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alice Springs has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Pattaya. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pattaya or Alice Springs?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort city of Pattaya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pattaya is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Alice Springs?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Alice Springs, 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.