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

Should you visit Pattaya or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko 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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Pattaya and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Mashiko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Mashiko 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, and beaches, while Mashiko is known for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Pattaya is more touristy than Mashiko 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. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Pattaya different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Mashiko. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Pattaya is a great resort city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Resorts?

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

Pattaya is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Pattaya. 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Mashiko is a town with good options for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Mashiko?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Mashiko both offer plenty of high quality 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 Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Mashiko are high quality 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.

Mashiko is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko Better for Couples?

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

Mashiko is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Pattaya and Mashiko both offer good 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.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Pattaya or Mashiko a more walkable city?

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

Mashiko is a very walkable town. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pattaya or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pattaya than Mashiko 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 Mashiko.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pattaya than Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Mashiko, we can see that Pattaya 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 Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Mashiko?

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko 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, the summer months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pattaya is a little warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

In October, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 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.

Should I visit Pattaya or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mashiko. Pattaya is much warmer than Mashiko in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Mashiko. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Mashiko averages at about 12°C (53°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 Mashiko. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 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 Mashiko and Pattaya