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

Should you visit Pattaya or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. The beauty of Tauranga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Tauranga travel costs.

Pattaya and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Tauranga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Tauranga are both popular with visitors, Pattaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pattaya is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Tauranga is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Tauranga 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. Tauranga is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails.

How is Pattaya different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Tauranga. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Pattaya is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Tauranga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Both Pattaya and Tauranga are considered to be excellent 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 Tauranga for it's beautiful beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tauranga for the hiking trails. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Tauranga?

Pattaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga 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 Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga More Beautiful?

Tauranga is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tauranga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

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

Tauranga is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tauranga is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

Pattaya and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Pattaya or Tauranga a more walkable city?

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

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Tauranga?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pattaya or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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 Tauranga?

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 Tauranga, 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 Tauranga has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Tauranga?

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.

Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

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 Tauranga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tauranga. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Tauranga, we can see that Tauranga is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pattaya is in Asia and Tauranga is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tauranga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tauranga 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 Tauranga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Tauranga?

Tauranga has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Tauranga, 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.