A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Canberra for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Pattaya or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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 active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Pattaya and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Canberra?

Both Canberra and Pattaya have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Canberra is more popular for its museums, hiking, and big city activities. Pattaya is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Pattaya different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Canberra 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 Canberra?

Canberra is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pattaya and Canberra.

Pattaya has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Pattaya is a must-see party destination. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

Pattaya is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a city with good options for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Canberra?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Pattaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Canberra are excellent 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.

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Canberra are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pattaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good resort city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pattaya is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Pattaya or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Pattaya and Canberra both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Pattaya or Canberra a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pattaya and Canberra. In our opinion, Pattaya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pattaya than Canberra. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pattaya than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pattaya than Canberra if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pattaya.

One day in Pattaya or Canberra?

The resort city of Pattaya offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Canberra?

Pattaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pattaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Canberra?

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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 Canberra?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Canberra, 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 Pattaya or Canberra?

Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In July, Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Canberrain January. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Canberra. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Pattaya is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.

Should I visit Pattaya or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Canberra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Pattaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

Pattaya is much warmer than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Pattaya