A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) 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.

Where Should I go: Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Pattaya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Pattaya and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pattaya $24
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pattaya $48
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Pattaya


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.
    Pattaya $12
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

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

  • Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $11
  • Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $37
  • Admission Ticket to Underwater World Pattaya with Return Transfer: $37
  • Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Pattaya Hotel Transfer: $95
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $142
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Transfer: $39
  • Bus transfer between Pattaya and Bangkok: $3.69
  • DMK Airport to Pattaya Hotel Transfer (Private): $68
  • Departure Private Airport Transfer : Rayong/Koh Samed Hotel to Bangkok Airport: $97
  • Flower Land Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $59
  • Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $24
  • Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Pattaya 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
    Pattaya $22
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya

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

  • All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pattaya $21
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

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

  • Floating Market Entry Ticket: $3.18
  • Pattaya sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $3.60
  • FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $4.97
  • Fairy Sweet Village Pattaya Entry ticket: $5.41
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
  • Mini Siam Entry Ticket: $6.62
  • Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $7.18
  • Pattaya : Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch & Pick Up from Hotel: $7.59
  • Half-day Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch from Pattaya: $7.73
  • Pattaya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44
  • Mini Siam Miniature World at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pattaya $8.18
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Pattaya often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Pattaya is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pattaya. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pattaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Pattaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Pattaya is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

In April, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Pattaya

Pattaya Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)