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

Should you visit Pattaya or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pattaya travel costs.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nagasaki travel costs.

Pattaya and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Nagasaki?

Both Nagasaki and Pattaya have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Nagasaki is known for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Pattaya is more touristy than Nagasaki and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

How is Pattaya different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Nagasaki is an experience not to be missed. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Nagasaki?

Pattaya is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pattaya. 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Pattaya is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pattaya. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Nagasaki are good 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.

Nagasaki is a good resort city for couples to visit. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Nagasaki are good 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 Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its public transit.

The public transit in Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Pattaya has a few public transit options. 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.

Is Pattaya or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable place. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the 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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Nagasaki?

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

Families should spend more time in Pattaya than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Nagasaki?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Pattaya usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

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

In October, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 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 Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pattaya is much warmer than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki 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. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 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 Nagasaki and Pattaya