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

Should you visit Pattaya or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pattaya travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Pattaya and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pattaya than Kanazawa. While Kanazawa is larger than Pattaya, Pattaya has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pattaya is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Kanazawa attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Pattaya is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also well known for the Sanctuary of Truth. Kanazawa is famous for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Pattaya different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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 Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Kanazawa is an experience not to be missed. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Pattaya is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is great for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pattaya. 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.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is great for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its old town. However, Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kanazawa. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Kanazawa both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Pattaya is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Pattaya is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Kanazawa are nice 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.

Kanazawa is a good resort city for couples to visit. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Kanazawa are nice places to visit.

Pattaya is a good resort city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Pattaya and Kanazawa both offer nice 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.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Pattaya or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pattaya or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pattaya than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

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

One day in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

Pattaya is much warmer than Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 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.

Should I visit Pattaya or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In the winter, Pattaya is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Kanazawa. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 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.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Pattaya