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

Should you visit Pattaya or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Pattaya and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Pattaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums, and big city activities, while Pattaya is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Sapporo and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park.

How is Pattaya different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Pattaya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great city for skiing. However, Pattaya is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Pattaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pattaya or Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Sapporo is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Sapporo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Sapporo both offer plenty of great 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 Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Sapporo are great 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.

Sapporo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Pattaya or Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you around easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and 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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

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

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo 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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Sapporo?

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

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

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

One day in Pattaya or Sapporo?

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.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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 Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In the summer, Pattaya is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo 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, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 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 Sapporo in the Winter?

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

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Pattaya is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Sapporo. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°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 Sapporo. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 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 Sapporo and Pattaya