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

Should you visit Pattaya or Picton?

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 Picton 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. See Pattaya travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Pattaya and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Picton are both popular with visitors, Pattaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Picton is known for its hiking and small town charm. Pattaya is more touristy than Picton and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also home to the Sanctuary of Truth. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Pattaya different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

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

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 Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Pattaya to choose from. 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.

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Beaches?

Both Pattaya and Picton are considered to be very good beach destinations.

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Picton for it's beautiful beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton is a great town for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Picton?

Pattaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Picton are very good 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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Pattaya or Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Pattaya and Picton 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.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Pattaya or Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Picton?

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

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

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

One day in Pattaya or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Pattaya. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Picton has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Pattaya. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Picton, we can see that Picton 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. Even though Pattaya is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Picton?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pattaya is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Pattaya usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

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

Pattaya is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton 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 Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 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 Picton and Pattaya