A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Phuket vs. Pattaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Where Should I go: Phuket or Pattaya?

Phuket

Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Phuket?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $114, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $68. 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 Phuket and Pattaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phuket $63
    Pattaya $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phuket $126
    Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Pattaya

Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Pattaya? 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.

Hotels in Phuket


Hotels in Pattaya


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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Pattaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phuket $11
    Pattaya $12
Typical Local Transportation prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.41
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Phuket Private Coral Island + Promthep Sunset Yacht with Private transfer: $1,100
  • Phi Phi & Khai Private Speedboat Tour From Phuket with Transfer: $826
  • Arrival Transfer : Phuket Airport (Private ): $611
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer via Speedboat to Santhiya Koh Yao Yai: $516
  • Phuket Jet Ski Tour To 7 Islands Include Pickup Transfer - Best Seller: $221
  • Phuket’s Top Tours DISCOUNTED with Private Airport Transfer : $215
  • Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $170
  • Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $149
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $144
  • ATV Bike 1 hr + Zipline Adventure 35 platforms with meal and Free Transfer : $144
  • Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platform & Transfer RoundTrips: $129
  • Private Transfer:Van Charter incl Airport Pick Up or Drop Off (SHA Plus): $126

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $12
  • Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $39
  • Thailand Highest Bungy Jump Adventure from Pattaya including Transfer: $118
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Airport to Hotel (UTP): $40
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Hotel to Airport (UTP): $40
  • Alcazar Cabaret Admission Ticket With Round Transfer, Pattaya: $36
  • Alcazar Cabaret Show at Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $57
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Pattaya: $52
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Rayong/ Koh Samed: $77
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $141
  • Coral Island Indian Lunch, Transfer, Hindi staff (India Travelers +AR): $17
  • Coral Island by Speed Boat Pattaya (LUNCH & A/C TRANSFERS): $9.32

Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Pattaya?

Prices for flights to both Pattaya and Phuket 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Phuket $22
    Pattaya $23
Typical Food prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $8.10
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.76
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.52
  • Bananas
    $0.70
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.

  • Set Dinner by Millennium Patong: $33
  • Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $37
  • Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 3 Dishes Menu): $40
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $44
  • Coral Island Trip & SunSet Dinner Cruise by Catamaran Yatch : $46
  • Phuket Sunset Dinner Cruise by Catamaran: $46
  • Phuket Local Treats Half Day Food Tour with Transfer: $47
  • Sunset Cruise Tour and Dinner At Promthep Cape by Catamaran: $48
  • Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $49
  • Thai Cooking Class By Suuko Wellness Spa Phuket : $49
  • Siam Niramit Phuket Show Ticket With Dinner And Transfers: $52
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53

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 Pattaya With Cabaret Show and Unlimited Beer: $42
  • Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $60
  • Koh Samui: Private Tour with Jet Skiing and Sunset Dinner: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phuket $44
    Pattaya $21
Typical Entertainment prices in Phuket

Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $25
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $70
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $18
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.41

Tours and Activities in Phuket

Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
  • Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
  • Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $227
  • James Bond Island Highlights Tour from Phuket with Lunch: $119
  • James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Canoe Tour with Lunch: $101
  • Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $63
  • Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser from Phuket with Buffet Lunch: $116
  • Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
  • Private Tour: Amazing Phuket Island Tour with Big Buddha : $69
  • Sightseeing 8 popular beaches with Thai food lunch in Phuket: $86
  • Water Rafting 5 km Tour & ATV 1 hour - Real Adventure: $103
  • Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $123

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.

  • FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $2.87
  • FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $2.87
  • Pattaya sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $3.60
  • Skip the Line Ticket of Flower Land Pattaya at Sun Leisure World : $5.02
  • FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $5.74
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $5.74
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
  • Mini Siam Entry Ticket: $7.01
  • LAZGAM Laser Game in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $7.35
  • LAZGAM Laser Game in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $7.35
  • LAZGAM Laser Game at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $7.35
  • Underwater World Pattaya (Ticket Only): $7.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phuket $6.53
    Pattaya $8.41
Typical Alcohol prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $5.61
  • Beer
    $2.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $20
  • Pub Crawl Tour: $20
  • All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $56
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $80
  • Night Time Pub Tour with Music and Photos: $172
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $179

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Pattaya?

Pattaya is bigger, and its population is about 9% larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the population of Phuket vs. 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 and the activities 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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Pattaya 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. 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phuket 27°C (81°F) 
    Pattaya 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phuket 28°C (82°F) 
    Pattaya 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. 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phuket 29°C (84°F) 
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F)

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Phuket

Phuket Pattaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 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.
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