Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pattaya or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata 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.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Tanah Rata?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pattaya and Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Tanah Rata? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Tanah Rata $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark with Transfers: $65
- Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
- Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $43
- Admission Ticket to Underwater World Pattaya with Return Transfer: $54
- Airport Private Transfers from Pattaya City to Suvarnabhumi BKK: $74
- Airport transfer in Rayong from Airport to Hotel (UTP): $36
- Airport transfer in Rayong from Hotel to Airport (UTP): $36
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Pattaya: $58
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Rayong/ Koh Samed: $86
- Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Museum with Private Hotel Transfer: $43
- Bangkok Airport Private Transfer To or From Pattaya City: $84
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $155
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Pattaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPattaya $43Tanah Rata $87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Tanah Rata $39
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.15
- Pattaya Floating Market Tickets: $3.19
- Pattaya Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch: $5.00
- Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.73
- Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
- Pool Party and Foam Experience for Indian Tourists at Pattaya : $6.41
- Pattaya Coral Islands Tour with Lunch: $8.05
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $9.00
- Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $10
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Tanah Rata?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Pattaya or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Tanah Rata. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Pattaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tanah Rata. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Pattaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.