Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Bangkok?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Bangkok, 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.
Santorini
Santorini is a stunning, historic, and romantic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Santorini and Bangkok: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
Bangkok
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw
Is there more to do in Santorini or Bangkok?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Santorini. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.
How is Santorini different from Bangkok?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangkok and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Bangkok?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Bangkok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok is not a resort destination.
Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Bangkok is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini is a island with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Bangkok is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Bangkok is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Bangkok?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Families?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is a great capital city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.
Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Couples?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini and Bangkok are both first-rate to visit as a couple.
Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Bangkok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Bangkok
Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.
Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Is Santorini or Bangkok Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini and Bangkok both offer nice public transit to get you around.
While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Bangkok has a few public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.
Is Santorini or Bangkok a more walkable city?
Santorini
Bangkok
Santorini is a island with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
Santorini is somewhat walkable. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
Bangkok is generally not a very walkable island. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Bangkok Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Bangkok?
Both Santorini and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Bangkok has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bangkok than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.
Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bangkok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Bangkok. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santorini that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Santorini 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 Bangkok.
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How many days in Santorini or Bangkok? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Bangkok 2-7
One day in Santorini or Bangkok?
In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Bangkok?
In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Bangkok?
Santorini 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 Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
People visit Bangkok because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this capital city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Bangkok?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Bangkok €70
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is €70. 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 Santorini and Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Bangkok €38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Bangkok €76
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Bangkok? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Bangkok €5.33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfers: $137
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Arrival Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Economy Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station€2.02
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Skytrain Ticket€4.04
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket€0.81
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Ferry Ride€0.66
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Taxi From Airport€6.31
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Short Taxi Ride€2.27
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Boat Taxi€1.26
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Trains to airport€4.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $300
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Transfer to Pattaya: $290
- Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $290
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $261
- Don Mueang Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Koh Chang: $243
- From Damnoen and Maeklong Markets Private Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $216
- Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $216
- Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $213
- From Pattaya Private Day Trip with Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer from Don Muang Airport to Koh Chang Hotel: $199
- Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Santorini 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 daySantorini €48Bangkok €17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $85
- Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $87
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $97
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $108
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $124
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)€23
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)€5.05
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2 Rotis (Bread)€1.14
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Mango & Sticky Rice€0.76
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)€5.05
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Pad Thai€1.77
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Airport Lunch for 2€14
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Lunch for 2€19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $25
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Bangkok €14
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $24
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Kayak Rental Adventure in Watersports Santorini: $33
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Tour: $38
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket€4.04
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket€8.83
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket€1.26
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)€5.05
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Club Cover Charge€9.46
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)€61
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Fish Pedicure€3.78
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Wat Pho entrance ticket€2.52
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Siriraj Museum (2)€10
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $50
- Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $59
- Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $17
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $113
- 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $224
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Bangkok €5.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
- 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $87
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $107
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $126
- Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
- Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $142
- Intimate Santorini - Small Group Shore Excursion and Wine Tasting: $142
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer€1.01
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Bangkok, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Bangkok is in Asia, 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 Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Bangkok, 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.
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.