A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Okinawa for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Pattaya or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa 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 colorful, active, and vibrant resort city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pattaya and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Okinawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Pattaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Okinawa is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya is known for its nightlife and shopping. Pattaya is more touristy than Okinawa and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands.

How is Pattaya different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Okinawa is a great archipelago 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 Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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 Okinawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Pattaya or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. 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.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Pattaya or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Pattaya and Okinawa have very good 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 Okinawa to choose from. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Pattaya or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

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 Okinawa Better for Beaches?

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

Okinawa is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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 Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Around Okinawa visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Okinawa?

Pattaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Pattaya or Okinawa Better for Families?

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

Okinawa is an extremely popular archipelago to visit for families. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Pattaya is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Pattaya or Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Okinawa is a great archipelago for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Pattaya and Okinawa 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.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Pattaya or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Pattaya and Okinawa are decent when it comes to walkability.

Pattaya is generally not a very walkable resort city. 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.

Okinawa is generally not very walkable. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Pattaya Worth Visiting? and Is Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Okinawa?

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

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Pattaya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Okinawa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa 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 Okinawa.

One day in Pattaya or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Pattaya or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa. In Okinawa, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa 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 Okinawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Okinawa?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Pattaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Okinawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Pattaya often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Okinawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.

Should I visit Pattaya or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Okinawa. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Pattaya is much warmer than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pattaya is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Pattaya