A Phuket Vs Pattaya comparison isn’t an easy one. While Phuket offers a more rejuvenating and peaceful experience, Pattaya is a rather loud destination with a constant, frenzied party atmosphere. While Phuket is best suited for families, kids and couples, Pattaya is for the adventure freaks, adrenaline junkies and the spoiled part of the population. But no matter how diverse and different they are, we bet it won’t be easy picking one out of either Phuket or Pattaya. That is why, we have devised the following data to help you decide and choose the most suitable holiday destination for yourself.
Destination Synopsis
Geography:
Pattaya: East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand
Phuket: West Coast of Thailand.
Landscape:
Pattaya: Coastal resort
Phuket: A beautiful stand alone Island
Best time to visit:
Pattaya: November to February
Phuket: November to April
Climate:
Both the destinations have a Tropical wet and dry climate.
How to reach:
Pattaya: 120 km (1 hr drive) from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
Phuket: 840.6 km (1 hr 20 min) flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
Road trip from Bangkok to Phuket- Approx 24 hours
Average spend:
When it comes to travel budget, Pattaya would sweep it away in any Phuket vs Pattaya comparison. The average cost of a Pattaya tour package for 1 person for 6 days 5 nights costs INR 30,000/-, whereas one for Phuket costs INR 45,000/- per person for 6 days 5 nights.
Getting around:
Pattaya: Songtaews, tuk-tuks, buses, rental bikes
Phuket: Boats & ferries, Songtaews, tuk-tuks, buses, rental bikes
Both cities have almost the same kind of modes of intra-city transport. However, Phuket also has local boats & ferries to get to the many islands.
Must Read: 12 Exciting Water Sports In Phuket You Should Not Miss On Your Thailand Trip
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Attractions In Phuket And Pattaya
Be it Phuket or Pattaya, both are diverse and unique in what they provide and will probably have you tearing the hair off your head in confusion. Which is why we have provided a quick Phuket vs Pattaya analysis to help you figure out what attractions and activities you might find where:
Pattaya – The Spiritual Emphasis
The Sanctuary of Truth, Big Buddha Hill, and the Buddha Mountain are some of the major places in Pattaya for sightseeing that you cannot afford to miss. If you’re coming with kids you must not miss Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is an absolute favourite among couples.
Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Phuket: Your Guide For An Incredible Romantic Experience
Phuket – Abode Of Nature’s Wonders
The list of places to visit in Phuket is a really long one! The Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples, the Old Phuket Town are some of the main attractions there. If you’re with your family and kids, according to our Phuket vs Pattaya for family
analysis you must visit the Butterfly Farm, Phuket Aquarium, the Trickeye Museum, the Dino Park, and the Splash Jungle Water Park.
Honeymooner’s Tip: Don’t miss the Phang Nga Bay and Kata Noi beach experience!
Activities In Phuket And Pattaya
There may not be many opportunities in Pattaya for sightseeing as compared to Phuket, but when it comes to fun activities and adventurous experiences, Pattaya would win away any Phuket vs Pattaya comparison:
Pattaya – Heaven For Adrenaline Junkies
The city is a heaven for all those looking for an adventure. From scuba diving, paramotoring, parasailing, skydiving, bungee jumping to trekking & hiking, there is nothing that Pattaya does not provide to give you an instant adrenaline rush.
Traveler Tip: Families & kids can engage themselves into elephant trekking, feeding crocodiles and posing with lions!
Suggested Read: 10 Budget-Friendly Hostels In Pattaya For A Comfortable Stay
Phuket – Delight For Honeymooners
For honeymooners and kids, there is an awesome array of things to do in Phuket. Families with their little ones can enjoy Go Karting, zorbing, wakeboarding, and mini golf. Kids shall also enjoy the various activities at Baan Teelanka and the Water Park. Couples and honeymooners can indulge in couple’s spa treatments, go canoeing in the pristine bay of Phang Nga, explore the enchanting Phi Phi islands, walk or dine on a deserted beach, or go sunset cruising.
Honeymooner’s Tip: Sleep on the Racha Island, an epitome of romance, and wake up to its divine beauty!
Suggested Read: Koh Samui Vs Krabi: How To Choose One Over The Other?
Food In Phuket And Pattaya
A Pattaya vs Phuket evaluation is incomplete without mentioning one of the most important aspects of a trip, which is the food. Here’s a complete rundown on the food served in Phuket and Pattaya:
Pattaya – Alluring Thai Delicacies
The food in Pattaya is mainly Thai cuisines, which is normally blended with Chinese food. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Pattaya, check out this link.
Traveler Tip: Looking for desi food in Pattaya? Try Indian By Nature and Annapurna.
Phuket – Blend Of Different Cuisines
Phuket food is a blend of Southern Thai, Malay, Chinese and Indian food. In other words, one can enjoy a lot many types of South Asian cuisines if they’re in Phuket. To explore the best dining options in Phuket, click here.
Traveler Tip: Want Indian food in Phuket? Go to Live India and Badsha.
Suggested Read: Pattaya Nightlife: 15 Popular Nightclubs, Go-Go Bars & More For A Truly Lit Experience!
Nightlife In Phuket And Pattaya
PPhuket vs Pattaya nightlife – which one should you pick? If you’re a night crawler looking for the best experiences in the dark, then Pattaya beats Phuket hands down when it comes to nightlife. Check out our Phuket vs Pattaya for bachelors analysis:
Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
Pattaya – The Youth’s Paradise
An absolute delight for night crawlers and party animals, Pattaya is well known, or rather notorious, for its lively and naughty nightlife. The city has a fabulous range of pubs, discos, beach clubs and shows, which is why this destination is a popular choice amongst youngsters. Along with that, it has many go-go bars and massage parlours for its wilder and more wicked visitors!
Phuket – Glamour And Glitter
There are a lot many things to do in Phuket other than visiting bars and discos at night. The island is better known for its colourful, vibrant and glittering nightlife. Phuket’s assortment of cultural shows revolving around dance and storytelling is something that families can enjoy with their children.
Suggested Read: Krabi Vs Phuket: Which Exotic Destination Fits Your Holiday Plans?
Shopping In Phuket And Pattaya
How can one ever return from a holiday empty handed? It is imperative to bring back a part of that place so that you can keep reliving the experiences you had.
Pattaya – The Floating Market
Pattaya is known for its famous Floating Market which is a must visit for all going to the city. Another well-known shopping avenue of Pattaya includes the Mimosa, a colourful remake of a French colonial city. Other than these, Pattaya has many malls, night markets and bazaars.
Phuket – Handicrafts And Shells
Along with beach bazaars and malls, Phuket has its Weekend Markets that are a delight among tourists for their unique and exotic handmade goodies. The weekly Phuket Walking Street market has recently been established and is a hit among tourists. Phuket is renowned for its handicrafts made from coconuts and sea shells.
Further Read: Budget Resorts In Phuket: 10 Properties Under 5K For A Joyous Vacation
Why wait? Book your holiday to Thailand with Travel Triangle right away! You will not be disappointed by the exciting range of things that Thailand has to offer you. We hope this Phuket vs Pattaya analysis helps you pick the best destination for your type of a holiday.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phuket vs Pattaya
Is Phuket better than Pattaya?
You will find Phuket better than Pattaya in terms of cleanliness. For instance, the beaches of Phuket are cleaner than the beaches of Pattaya.
What is the best time to visit Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket is from November to April. During these months, you can easily indulge in beach activities.
Which is more safe amongst Phuket and Pattaya?
Both Phuket and Pattaya have their own experiences to offer. Both of them are safe and you will not find hassle in exploring them.
What can you do for free in Phuket?
Some of the free things to do in Phuket for free are visiting the temples, sunbathing on the beaches and more.
What is Phuket known for?
Phuket is known for a shoot of a famous movie The Beach that was released in the year 2000.
What is Pattaya famous for?
Pattaya is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful temples, cabaret shows, seafood and more.
What should we do in Pattaya?
Some of the best things to do in Pattaya are partying at Walking street, taking a stroll in the botanical garden, shop at the floating market, and more.
What can you do in Pattaya for free?
You can stroll at the beaches, night markets, temples, gardens in Pattaya for free. Some of those places are Jomtien beach night market, Big Buddha temple and more.
Is Phuket cheaper than Pattaya?
Both the destinations offer a budget trip, it all depends on your choice of accommodation, food and other things.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
