A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Pattaya vs. Koh Tao for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pattaya or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a laid back, mellow, and beautiful island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Pattaya and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Pattaya, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Pattaya is more touristy than Koh Tao and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Pattaya different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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).

Koh Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

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

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 Koh Tao is an experience not to be missed. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Pattaya is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Koh Tao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Pattaya and Koh Tao have high quality options.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Koh Tao is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is terrific for the beache. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for the beach.

Koh Tao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Many people visit Pattaya for it's beautiful 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.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao is a great island for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao for the hiking trails. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

Pattaya is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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 Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Families?

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

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.

Koh Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a great island for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Koh Tao is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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 Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Koh Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination 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 Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Pattaya or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a great island for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

Both Pattaya and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Pattaya. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

One day in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Koh Tao, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Koh Tao?

In Pattaya, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pattaya has to offer.

In Koh Tao, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Koh Tao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tao has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. In Koh Tao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Koh Tao, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Koh Tao?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Pattaya or Koh Tao in the Summer?

Both Koh Tao and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Pattaya usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

Both Koh Tao 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Pattaya is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Koh Tao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Koh Tao in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Pattaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Pattaya