A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Phuket vs. Pattaya for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Phuket or Pattaya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Pattaya, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a vibrant, high energy, and colorful resort city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Phuket and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Pattaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pattaya. Although Phuket and Pattaya are roughly the same size, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is better known for its museums & sights, food, and shopping, while Phuket is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is well known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Pattaya is well known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Also, Pattaya is famous for the Sanctuary of Truth.

How is Phuket different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pattaya is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pattaya. 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.

Phuket is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Phuket or Pattaya has a better nightlife scene.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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.

Is Phuket or Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Phuket is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its resorts.

Phuket is a world class resort vacation destination. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

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.

Is Phuket or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a great resort island for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

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 Phuket or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

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

Phuket is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

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 the Shopping Better in Phuket or Pattaya?

Pattaya is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pattaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Pattaya Better for Families?

Pattaya is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pattaya is a very kid-friendly resort city. 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.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Pattaya Better for Couples?

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

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Pattaya is a good resort island 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 Phuket or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Phuket and Pattaya.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

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.

Is Phuket or Pattaya a more walkable city?

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

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored 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 Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Pattaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Pattaya?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phuket and Pattaya. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Pattaya. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pattaya.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pattaya than Phuket 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 Pattaya.

One day in Phuket or Pattaya?

In Phuket, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Phuket or Pattaya?

In Phuket, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Phuket or Pattaya?

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

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.

A week in Phuket or Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. In Phuket, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Pattaya?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Pattaya, 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 Phuket or Pattaya?

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 Phuket or Pattaya in the Summer?

Both Pattaya and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Pattaya. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Pattaya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Pattaya during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pattaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Pattaya in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Pattaya. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Pattaya. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

In January, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Phuket