Where is it better to relax - Pattaya or Phuket? Pattaya or Phuket: which is better?

Believe me, the clear answer to the question is what better than Phuket or Pattaya, hardly anyone will give it to you. In fact, everything here very much depends on what will be your priority on vacation - clear sea, night parties, or the opportunity to get to know the historical and natural attractions of Thailand.

If we talk purely about climate, then the winner in this matter is undoubtedly Pattaya resort, because here is definitely the most better climate in Thailand. During the dry season, which lasts from November to April, precipitation occurs here no more than once or twice a month, and even then the rain lasts for a maximum of half an hour. Well, the rest of the time the gentle sun shines, which is so lacking in these winter months at our home.

During the rainy season, which in Thailand lasts from May to October, precipitation in Pattaya is not so frequent - once or twice a week, but it can last a whole week and the next week will be dry. True, the sky during this period is usually overcast and the sun does not appear very often. But why be surprised? After all, it’s the rainy season; in Phuket at this time everything is much worse.

In Phuket, during the dry season it rains about once or twice a week, but during the rainy season it can rain almost every day for an hour or even much longer. So in terms of weather, Pattaya takes the lead. But as far as the cleanliness of the air is concerned, everything is just the opposite. Among the disadvantages of Phuket, one can also note very high waves and even dangerous currents in low season.

If you look at which of these two resorts has a better and cleaner sea, then Phuket definitely wins. In Pattaya, this is essentially not a sea at all, but just one name, not to mention the purity of the water. An incredibly large number of water motor activities are concentrated on the main beach here, which cannot but affect the cleanliness of the water in the sea. Well, plus, of course, the crowds of tourists are not well-mannered and throw anything they can into the sea.

In Phuket, especially in those places where there are few tourists, it is much cleaner, of course. Recently, many vacationers have adapted to renting a hotel in Pattaya and going for a swim to nearby islands - for example, to Koh Larn, where both the water and the beach are very clean.

The beaches are certainly better in Phuket. There are much more of them there and in general they are wider than in Pattaya. Therefore, in Phuket it is very easy to choose a quiet and peaceful place for your holiday. If you wish, there is, of course, the opportunity to find noisy party beaches. But in Pattaya you can’t find sparsely populated beaches at all - it’s full of people everywhere.

As for the environment, Phuket undoubtedly wins here, because almost half of the island there is occupied by forests, and in Pattaya itself there are practically no parks left where one could at least breathe clean air. Of course, we can’t talk about such strong gas pollution as, for example, in Bangkok or in the same Moscow, but still, from an environmental point of view, Phuket is much better.

But in terms of sightseeing, the first place remains with Pattaya. Although there may not be many of them in it itself, you can easily get anywhere from it. So in this regard, the island located in the Andaman Sea is much inferior to the resort of Pattaya.

There are all sorts of different entertainments here and there, so in this regard Pattaya and Phuket are on equal terms. But prices for accommodation are indeed much higher in Phuket; it is generally considered the most expensive resort in Thailand. So the choice is yours, weigh all the pros and cons and decide.

Or Phuket? Let's try to understand this dilemma... Very often I hear from my friends who are flying to Phuket a proposal for a meeting. I'm always up for meeting friends, but the distance of more than 1000 km stops me.

Any problem becomes easier if you break it into several parts, we will try to do the same.

Climate and nature

Thailand has a length from North to South of 1860 kilometers and a climate of extreme points is strikingly different. The terrible combination of words “Rainy season in Thailand” stops many and dissuades them from vacationing in Thailand. But, for example, the rainy season in Pattaya is not at all terrible; you can relax here all year round. But Phuket is clearly playing around in this regard, here the rainy season is scary not so much with rain as with high waves, so many excursions to the islands are cancelled, and you won’t be able to do much snorkeling. During the rainy season, Phuket is a good place for windsurfers to relax when the waves are high.

But Pattaya clearly loses in the beauty of nature, or rather “nature” is completely absent here. Almost everything is cultivated, plowed and processed. Phuket, as a resort, with its islands and beaches, clearly wins in this regard.

Beaches and sea

If you are only interested in a beach holiday, then the beaches of Pattaya will disappoint you; in the city itself the sea is quite dirty, there are a large number of tourists. In Pattaya, a good alternative to the city beach are the beaches of the nearest island Koh Larn or Military Beach. In this position, Phuket definitely wins! The beaches here are cleaner and more beautiful, there are many more islands around. The most popular beach in Phuket is Patong Beach. It should be mentioned that in Pattaya you will have to swim in the Gulf of Thailand, South China Sea, and this is the water area Pacific Ocean. In Phuket you will sail in the Andaman Sea, part of the Indian Ocean.

Entertainment and excursions

There is a lot of entertainment in Phuket and Pattaya and you won’t be able to experience it all for yourself in 10 days of vacation. Pattaya is famous for its entertainment for men, excursions to the River Kwai, crocodile farm, Nong Nooch Park, the proximity of Bangkok with its shopping and entertainment centers also makes Pattaya a big plus. In Phuket, excursions have a maritime bias, numerous boat trips, trips to the islands, diving. In terms of variety of excursions, according to the general opinion of people living here, Phuket loses to Pattaya. But this statement is very controversial, since to each his own.

Pattaya has much more nightlife for both men and women, Walking Street, Beach Street and Second Street and many other places in Pattaya offer adult-only establishments. In other words, there is more debauchery in Pattaya, but this cannot be attributed to a disadvantage, everyone is looking for what they need.

Prices

Phuket is one of the most expensive provinces in Thailand and prices here are slightly higher than in Pattaya. In Phuket, be prepared to pay more for a taxi, food, even a sun lounger on the beach will cost more. Phuket taxi is a separate article, an article about the emergence of the mafia, which does not allow the market to develop freely. Be prepared for the fact that your transportation costs will be comparable to living in a good condo. If you do not drive a motorbike, then budget for transportation costs of at least 500-1000 baht per day.

How to get from Pattaya to Phuket and back?

A direct bus from Pattaya to Phuket departs from North Street in Pattaya. If you stand with your back to Sukhkumvit, then from Northern bus station About 100 meters straight on the left side is the office of the transport company.

The office is open from 08:00 to 18:00
Ticket price: 848 regular and 1131 bai VIP class.
Departure: at 18:00 from the office. You will be in Phuket by 08:00.
The return journey is not much different. On bus station where they brought you, buy a ticket for the same money and leave for Pattaya at 18:00.

You can buy a bus ticket online through the Thai ticket booking system. It is now in Russian.

Most of our tourists, going to Thailand, ask the sacramental question: where is the best place to go? On one side of the scale - sexy and cheap Pattaya, on the other - quiet and respectable Phuket. Each of these resorts has its own pros and cons, which we will try to highlight in this article.

Pattaya and Phuket on the map

The island of Phuket is located in the south of Thailand and is washed by Andaman Sea. In addition to the fact that Phuket is the largest Thai island, it is also independent province. Moreover, she is quite wealthy.
The province extends over 590 km² and includes 39 small islands. 850 kilometers to the north lies Bangkok.

An interesting detail: the island is connected to the mainland of the kingdom through the half-kilometer Sarasin Bridge.

Pattaya, being part of the Chonburi province, is spread over east coast Gulf of Thailand. Only 165 km separates it from Bangkok. Getting here is easier than getting to Phuket, and many travelers see this as an undeniable advantage.

Getting there from Bangkok

Let's compare the delights transport communication both resorts with Bangkok. We previously wrote that it is better to fly to Bangkok and then move around the country using domestic passenger lines.

It’s easy to guess that getting to Pattaya is much easier and cheaper than getting to Phuket. Let's make a mental note.

Distance from Phuket to Pattaya

Phuket and Pattaya are separated by 993 kilometers, which are easily overcome by several types of transport. Most travelers prefer buses.

Moving from Phuket to Pattaya

Back in 2011, there was no regular bus service between Phuket and Pattaya. However, over the past 2 years the situation has changed noticeably. By paying about 1,300 baht for a VIP seat in a comfortable bus, you can easily reach the coveted island. Pleasant bonuses will be free food and water with a bun included in the fare.

Travel time will be approximately 14 hours. Departure daily at 18.00. This is the only flight connecting Pattaya to Phuket, so try to be punctual. Departure point - North Street.

Resort comparison

Comparing Phuket with Pattaya is a thankless task. Each of these resorts occupies its own niche in the tourism sector, each has its own adherents. And yet, let’s risk going over the main criteria for a quality vacation.

Weather in Phuket

Vacation in Phuket best between October and April. Other months will be remembered only for endless heavy rains, since monsoon winds prevail in those latitudes. This climate is called tropical monsoon.

The air temperature here in the hot season is 28-32ºС. Rains - quite a rare event. In the low season there is also a chance to catch good weather. However, we do not recommend swimming in a storm.

Compare with the weather forecast in Pattaya for a week:

Today	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Partly cloudy	Thunderstorms possible	Partly cloudy	Partly cloudy

Pattaya's weather conditions can be divided into three seasons:

Cool (November-February). The average daily temperature is 30-32ºС. At night the mercury does not drop below 21-23ºС. Sometimes there are short showers. With the arrival of February comes a sharp warming.
Hot (March-June). In some cases, the thermometer shows +40ºС. The night temperature stays at 26 degrees. The sun is extremely active, so you can easily get sunburned. High humidity makes the local climate a living hell for the inhabitants of the middle zone.
Rainy season (July-October). The air temperature drops to 32 degrees. The rainy peak occurs in August-September - at this time the humidity exceeds 90%. The sky is mostly cloudy. Mosquitoes appear.

Beaches at resorts

Pattaya, although a resort, is still a large city, so there are not enough beaches here. And those that exist are significantly inferior in terms of ecology to the beaches of Phuket. The sandy strip stretching along the coast is narrow. The natural limiter is the road. The sea is calm but cloudy. Vacationers seeking tropical nature with its rocky and sandy beaches, you will have to take an excursion to the nearby islands.

Phuket is confidently ahead of its depraved competitor in terms of beach culture. The sand here is presented for every taste - from snow-white and fine to coarse, crispy like snow. Phuket also has plenty of secluded beaches, as well as recreational areas with developed infrastructure.

Everywhere - greenery, waterfalls, mountain rivers. The sea is transparent and clean. Each beach is unique, you will be pleased with the ecology, invigorated hiking and will bring a lot of impressions forays into neighboring islands.

Prices

Seasoned travelers have calculated that Phuket costs 1.5 times more than Pattaya. Since Phuket is young and rapidly developing tourist centre, all hotels on its territory are ultra-modern and recently built. A flight from Bangkok to Phuket will also cost more, since the island is remote from the center.

Clothing and food, when compared with Pattaya price tags, 10-20% more expensive. The same applies to taxis, but the prices charged by drivers are quite fair. The fact is that Phuket is a very vast island, and in Pattaya everything is at your fingertips.

Attractions

Pattaya has very few cultural attractions, unless you count clubs that organize transvestite shows as such. Eat interesting places in the vicinity of the capital of debauchery, but you still need to get there.

Here is a list of Pattaya “miracles” that are worth visiting:

Buddha Hill;
Orchid Park;
Mini Siam;
Sanctuary of Truth;
Floating Market;
Elephant Village;
crocodile farm;
park of million-year-old stones.

Phuket, on the contrary, boasts ancient temples, waterfalls, various natural monuments and educational museums.

We list the particularly interesting points of the excursion program in Phuket:

Mining Museum;
Tiger Temple;
Phuket Zoo;
Butterfly Garden;
Ton Prai Waterfall;
Sea Shell Museum;
Monkey Mountain;
Snake Farm;
Phra Nang Temple;
Tai Hua Museum;
National Park.

Entertainment

In principle, there is enough entertainment at both resorts. The only difference is their focus. In Pattaya everything is focused on the sex industry, and in Phuket you will be offered a lot of trekking, camping trips and exotic night fishing on octopuses.

For lovers nightlife, those who go to Phuket for “movement” will have to migrate to Koh Phangan beach— this is where most of the local discos, bars and nightclubs are concentrated. However, their prices will not please you.

Shopping

This is where Pattaya takes the lead. Firstly, this Big City, all shops and shopping centers of which are within easy reach. Secondly, the famous Floating Market operates here, which in itself is an attraction. And finally, the determining factor that pushes Phuket to the margins of shopping is its proximity to Bangkok’s Pattaya with its endless shopping arcades.

Reviews about Phuket or Pattaya

Analyzing the reviews of travelers who visited Phuket and Pattaya, we can draw certain conclusions:

If you're young and looking for an active nightlife, head to Pattaya. Holidays in Pattaya are best combined with trips to the tiny islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Then the beach will be a joy for you.
Strive for privacy and natural purity- save up more money and fly to Phuket. Pattaya beaches make a depressing impression on many.
Hotels in Pattaya cause a storm of conflicting opinions. Many people like their budget, but the level of comfort in cheap hotels leaves much to be desired. Stories about rats, cockroaches and unfriendly staff roam the Internet.
Some tourists paying tribute snow-white beaches Phuket, criticizes the paucity of the entertainment program.

Pros and cons of vacation

To summarize, let's try to highlight the negative and positive aspects of both resorts.

Pattaya. The advantages include: favorable climate, wide range of entertainment, cheap accommodation, service focus on Russians. Among the disadvantages are poor ecology, dirty beaches, and the difficulty of family vacations.
Phuket. Pros: the resort specializes in beach holidays, you are surrounded by luxurious natural landscapes, high level service. Cons: the island is remote from Bangkok, high prices, expensive accommodation, little entertainment.

The high season has arrived, which means it's time to make a decision. Both Phuket and Pattaya have their own unique charm, weaving an unforgettable atmosphere filled with fresh sensations around the European. Which of the two resorts attracts you more depends on your temperament and wallet size. One way or another, Thailand will certainly live up to all your expectations and will settle in your heart forever.

A selection of typical photos of Phuket for comparison

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Let's figure out which resort in Thailand is better - Pattaya or Phuket. We compare the sea, beaches, excursions, prices and reviews of tourists about Phuket and Pattaya - 2019 to understand where it is good to go on vacation on your own or on a last-minute tour.

Where are these resorts located?

Pattaya and Phuket on the map of Thailand:

Which resort to choose in Thailand:

Phuket: holidays with children, swimming, beach holidays;
Pattaya: excursions and attractions, entertainment, fun.

The main argument of Pattaya supporters is “Phuket gets boring after a few days.” But this is an individual opinion: whether it will be boring or fun depends only on your needs.

Below in the article we will compare all aspects of holidays at these resorts in Thailand so that you can decide for yourself where it is better to go - to Phuket or Pattaya.

At the end of the article you will find a comparative table of the advantages of each resort, which will help you make the right choice.

Pattaya or Phuket: where is the weather better?

When choosing Phuket or Pattaya for a holiday in Thailand, it is worth having an idea of the climate in these regions of the country.

Holidays in Phuket

It is better to relax in Phuket from mid-November to April-May - at this time there is no rain, strong winds and waves on the sea, the water is clear, and the beaches are best suited for swimming. It is about vacations during this period that tourists leave the most enthusiastic reviews about Phuket.

The rest of the time (May-October), the rainy season lasts in Phuket: the sky is often cloudy and gray, there are waves on the sea, and the water can be cloudy. It rains often, but mainly in the evenings and at night.

Holidays in Pattaya

In Pattaya good season The period from early November to mid-May is also considered for recreation. But the rainy season in this part of Thailand is weak, so you can relax comfortably in Pattaya both in summer and autumn. Moreover, due to geographical location there are never big waves in Pattaya.

Read more about the climate and holiday seasons here:

Thus, if it is important to you good weather, it is worth going to Phuket or Pattaya in the following months:

Phuket: early November – mid-May
Pattaya: all year (but better - from November to the end of May)

Phuket or Pattaya: where is the sea better?

If the purpose of your trip to Thailand is swimming and beach holidays, Phuket will be preferable to Pattaya. If you are going on vacation with small children, you shouldn’t even consider the option of Pattaya - the sea and beaches there are much worse, and you definitely shouldn’t go to those with a child.

Sea in Phuket

During the holiday season, the sea in Phuket is clean, with clear azure and blue water; excellent photographs are taken on the shore. The bottom is clearly visible at great depths, the entry into the water on popular beaches is gentle: you can swim and relax even with small children. The cleanliness of the sea is also indicated by the presence of representatives of the animal world - crabs, lizards, small fish.

Video of the sea at Patong Beach in Phuket (November):

Sea in Pattaya

In Pattaya the sea is much worse than in Phuket. There is often debris in the water; it is cloudy and green in color. Almost no one swims within the city limits; for this, tourists go to the beaches in the vicinity of the city or to neighboring islands - and this will require spending time and money.

The sea in Pattaya is not so terrible that swimming in it is dangerous or prohibited, but such swimming will bring much less pleasure than in Phuket.

Video of sea and water in Pattaya:

Which is better: the beaches of Phuket or Pattaya

In our opinion, the beaches in Phuket are generally better suited for relaxation than the beaches in Pattaya - they are more beautiful and cleaner, but not so rich in clubs, bars and other entertainment.

One of the main advantages of Phuket beaches over Pattaya beaches is also the proximity of the sea: to get to a good beach in Phuket you need to walk 200-400 meters from the hotel, and in Pattaya you will have to drive at least an hour.

Beaches of Phuket

Phuket has over 20 beaches, all located on the western side of the island. The beaches are different, you can find the one that suits you.

There is the popular and party Patong - generally similar to Pattaya, but on a smaller scale. There are many bars and discos there, there is even its own equivalent of the depraved Walking Street - here it is called Bangla Road. Patong has many hotels, restaurants and entertainment for those who love fun.

There are quiet and beautiful beaches without tourists and hotels, where you can admire the aquamarine water and natural beauty - these are Tri Trang, Nai Harn, Freedom, Mai Khao.

Finally, there are good beaches Karon, Kata and Kamala - something between the developed Patong and a quiet deserted coast. It is not as noisy and crowded as Patong, but it is beautiful, clean and has all the infrastructure necessary for recreation.

Panorama of Karon Beach in Phuket in low season, September (click on one of the arrows if the picture is not visible):

Pattaya beaches

There are also many beaches in Pattaya, but the best of them are those that are located further from the city center - for example, Jomtien. However, even Jomtien does not suit many tourists - not everyone swims there.

Panorama of the central beach of Pattaya (Pattaya beach) in the season - December (click on the arrow if the photo is not visible):

Other beaches within the city are usually even worse. Judging by the reviews of tourists, many people like to meet Pattaya beaches sunsets, but for swimming and beach holiday tourists prefer to go out of town or to the nearest islands - for example, Koh Larn or Koh Samet.

On the islands the sea is quite clean, there are beaches with good sand and no garbage. The only negative is that you need to spend at least an hour and 50-100 baht to get to the island.

The best beach in the vicinity of Pattaya is Military Beach. It is located 30 kilometers south of the city, getting there by moped or car is still more convenient than sailing to the island of Koh Larn. Military Beach is valued for its cleanliness, good sand, clear sea - all this is quite a rarity for Pattaya. Entrance to the beach is paid (100 baht = 190 rubles), and on weekends many tourists and locals gather there to relax.

There are also nice beach Nong Ram - it is located a little further, and some tourists like it even more than Military Beach.

Entertainment in Thailand

Which is better in terms of entertainment - Phuket or Pattaya?

Pattaya has more good bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. In Phuket, of course, they also exist, but not in such large quantities. In addition, prices for food and entertainment in Pattaya are lower.

Pattaya is known as the "city of depravity" thanks to its Walking Street. At the same time, in Phuket there is a similar street (on Patong Beach) - Bangla Road. There, anyone can find everything the same as on Walking Street in Pattaya.

Sights and excursions

It is believed that Pattaya is better Phuket from a cultural perspective: There are more attractions there, and excursions are more varied.

Indeed, in Pattaya itself and its surroundings there are many attractions, and getting to them is easier: after all, Pattaya is a city, and Phuket is the whole island. In addition, from Pattaya it is easy to get to other cultural places Thailand - for example, to Bangkok or ancient Ayutthaya.

Pattaya's attractions include beautiful park complexes (Nong Nooch Garden is especially worth noting), monasteries, and zoos.

There is also something to see in Phuket, but there are not many attractions, and to get to them you need to rent a moped or take an expensive taxi (prices start from 800 rubles per train). Excursions in Phuket are mainly by sea - to neighboring islands or to the province of Krabi.

Our maps will help you navigate the sights of Thailand:

Photo: Temple of Truth in Pattaya

Shopping centers and shopping

In terms of shopping and shopping, Pattaya beats Phuket: there are many large ones in the city shopping centers , and if necessary, you can go to Bangkok, which will satisfy the needs of any shopaholic.

Prices for trips to Pattaya are a little more expensive - from 62,000-70,000 rubles for two people (7 nights). For this price you can go, for example, to a popular hotel (breakfast included).

Are you planning to fly on a tour? The material Prices for all-inclusive tours to Thailand - 2019 will be useful to you, where we analyzed the cost of tours to different categories of hotels (3, 4, 5 stars) and to different resorts in the country (Phuket, Pattaya, Samui).

Last minute tours to Thailand: Pattaya or Phuket

In 2019, last-minute tours to both Pattaya and Phuket are often among the trips to Thailand. It is convenient to search for such tours through special search engines that compare the price of tours from all tour operators - for example or.

The cost of last-minute tours to Phuket starts from 34,000-39,000 rubles for two people (7 nights).

Last minute tours to Pattaya can be cheaper - we came across options for 30,000 rubles for two.

Transport at the resorts

According to reviews from many travelers, transport in Phuket is more expensive than in Pattaya and not as convenient.

Buses and minibuses

Minibuses (songthaews) run around Pattaya around the clock, the ticket for which costs only 10 baht (19 rubles). You can get to almost any part of the city by songthaew.

In Phuket, minibuses operate only on the “beach – Phuket town” route; a ticket costs 30 baht. That is, to get to the neighboring beach by public transport, you need to go through the center of the island - this is long and inconvenient.

Taxi

Taxi in Phuket is generally the most expensive in Thailand: even for short trip on nearby beach the driver will charge you 400-500 baht (800-1000 rubles). In Pattaya, the price of boarding a taxi is 30-40 baht (60-80 rubles), plus 6 baht (12 rubles) for each kilometer.

Where is it cheaper to travel on your own?

If you are traveling to Phuket or Pattaya on your own, the cost of the flight from Russia may influence your choice of resort.

In 2019, the difference in airfare prices is insignificant, but you will most likely be able to get to Pattaya cheaper.

Flight to Phuket

Unlike Pattaya, Phuket can be reached by direct flight from Russia. Aeroflot tickets cost from 26,800 rubles in summer and autumn, at other times of the year the price rises to 28,000-30,000 rubles.

To get from the airport to your hotel or beach you need to spend another 120-180 baht for a minibus/bus or 700-800 baht for a taxi.

Read about the cost of flights to Phuket and prices for travel from the airport here:

Calendar with prices for flights to Phuket:

Flight to Pattaya

There is U-Tapao Airport 32 kilometers from Pattaya, but planes neither from Russia nor from Bangkok fly there. So, to get to Pattaya, you need to fly to Bangkok and then take a bus or taxi.

For the car.

Calendar with prices for flights to Bangkok:

Phuket or Pattaya: which is safer?

Experienced travelers claim that Phuket is safer than Pattaya.

In Pattaya, thefts and muggings (for example, bags being cut off and wallets being stolen) are more common, especially in the center. The city has both completely safe areas and those where it can be dangerous in the evening. How worse place– the higher the risk of running into scammers and pickpockets.

Phuket is quieter and calmer, there are much fewer security problems there: although thefts do occur, they are much less common than in Pattaya.

At the same time, if in Thailand you behave appropriately and not provocatively, the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation in both Phuket and Pattaya is extremely small. Just watch your bags and belongings more carefully, and don’t conflict with the locals.

Pattaya or Phuket: which is better to choose for a holiday?

So that you can decide where to go on vacation in Thailand, we have made a convenient table with the advantages of each resort.

Which is better in Phuket or Pattaya:

If you are traveling to Thailand with small children, it is definitely better to choose Phuket. In other cases, the decision will depend on your preferences: for parties and excursions you should go to Pattaya, for a beach holiday and clear sea- to Phuket.

Video: what is better to choose from Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui:

A perennial travel dilemma among travelers to Thailand is choosing a holiday destination. Moreover, the two most popular resorts compete in this. Which is better for tourists – Phuket or Pattaya, depends, first of all, on the criteria applied to the holiday. It is not possible to get a clear answer to this question. However, it will help you make your choice detailed review these criteria for each region.

Before exploring the key characteristics, you need to mention the location of the selected resort points. Phuket Atoll is an independent Thai province, settled on the very big island country, which is connected to the mainland by the half-kilometer Sarasin Bridge. It is almost 900 kilometers from here to Bangkok. Coastal zone washes the Andaman Sea.

Pattaya is located on the mainland itself, on east coast Gulf of Thailand. The distance to the capital is 150 kilometers, which becomes a significant advantage in the eyes of visitors. Accordingly, the path here is simpler and shorter. At the same time, there are many more transfer options and the payment is lower - train, bus and taxi. Advanced hotels can boast of free transportation for their guests.

You can get to the second resort from the capital city by bus, but it will cost almost 700 baht. The second way is to take a train to Surat Thani, and then change to a bus, but in this case you should prepare for a daily trip. Additionally, it is proposed to take a flight from the capital port of Don Mueang, payment for tickets is similar to the bus route.

Pattaya - beaches and hotels.

Travel between resorts is not fast. The journey by vehicle will take from 12 to 14 hours. Fast travel is only available by plane. Ease of travel and proximity to Bangkok play an important role when tourists evaluate the resort area.

Sea and climate

When choosing where it is better to relax in Pattaya or Phuket, the key parameter is the opportunity to swim. Leadership belongs to the second point. The sea water here is cleaner and more transparent. The only negative that tourists often complain about is the tingling sensation while swimming. They say that this is due to small plankton. However, you quickly get used to the phenomenon and stop paying attention.

The mainland sea cannot be called clean. Of course, swimming in it is allowed, but some parts, especially the central one, do not evoke much desire to do so. The water is slightly cleaner towards the southern and northern directions. Therefore, vacationers often go sailing to the nearby Ko Lan archipelago. Transportation is carried out by ferry, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

This comes with additional costs. Firstly, for the trip itself, and secondly, prices in coastal cafes for food, drinks and fruit are much higher. Even the toilets are paid.

When deciding where to go in Thailand, you should take into account the season in which your vacation falls. The temperature conditions of the territories differ little from each other, the air in the high season heats up to 30 degrees, water - up to 28. The dry period lasts from November to March. There is precipitation, but only a couple of times a month.

But if you manage to fly to Pattaya at almost any time of the year, even during the rainy season, which occurs once or twice a week, then on the atoll, for example, in September, there is a risk of running into downpours. They go daily. This is the main difference between the points in terms of weather.

In addition to rain, the ebb and flow of the tides are more pronounced on the atoll, and there is the possibility of waves and even small tsunamis. This contributes to the formation of dangerous currents, so extra caution is a good idea. From April to October the winds often blow.

Beaches

Based on the fact that Phuket sea water is more pleasant, spending time near the shore in 2019 also occupies a leading position. There are both large sand spits and small secluded places. And it’s not just the number of such zones – they are distinguished by improved infrastructure, cleanliness and width. Snow-white crispy sand completes the picture.

Some travelers make complaints about Patong - itself famous beach places. They mainly complain about the large number of people, dirt and garbage. But most often these complaints are not justified. Patong has many more advantages than disadvantages.

Their list includes:

convenient location allows you to quickly get to it;
no extraneous noise;
space allows you to accommodate a large number of visitors;
few street vendors;
the rest area is cleaned regularly;
There are almost no shells and stones, both in the sand and at the entrance to the reservoir, the risk of injuring your leg is minimized;
Numerous palm trees provide shelter from the scorching sun.

A significant drawback of Patong is the lack of changing cabins.
Those who love tranquility are invited to go to the nearby archipelagos - Similan, Phi Phi, Racha, where, in addition to silence, they will be able to enjoy picturesque natural landscapes.

The mainland beach scene is characterized by crowds and a not-so-clean coastline. The three main beach lines are supplemented by a number of small areas, but you definitely won’t find privacy here – it’s crowded everywhere. The sand is very ordinary, yellow in color, and the picture is spoiled by the intrusive traders who live near the shore.

Reviews say that the water is dirtier than at central beach called Pattaya Beach, you won't find it anywhere else. A highway runs past it, along which vehicles constantly move. Jomtien is located nearby, there are not so many cars there, but there are not enough eateries. But various massage parlors are operating.

According to reviews from tourists, it is better to go north to Wongamat. The sand on it is whiter, it is cleaned more often. However, those who like to eat right by the water will have to walk a long way to the nearest shops, since the coastal area has been chosen by hotel complexes.

The biggest advantage of a Pattaya beach holiday is the views of Thai nature that open up. These include palm thickets, hills, and picturesque islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

Attractions and entertainment

When assessing which is better Phuket or Pattaya in terms of inspection remarkable places, the championship laurels go to the second resort. Those who do not want to spend all their time in a pond or on a sun lounger will enjoy the variety of local entertainment. Fauna lovers should visit the elephant and crocodile farms, as well as a large aquarium made in the form of a tunnel. The latter is especially attractive for families with children - the fish and other marine life passing by are a real delight for them.

Colorful photographs will remain after visiting the orchid park and tropical garden, where, in addition to exotic plants, various species of butterflies are kept. Photography with a tiger, chimpanzee and other animals is also available. A park called Mini Siam is also interesting. This is a permanent exhibition of miniature things, which includes not only copies of architectural structures, but also small trees, rivers and fountains.

Who doesn't know that Pattaya is considered the city of sins? For adult travelers, famous transvestite shows are available - Tiffany and Alcazar, many strip clubs and other night entertainment. If one resort is not enough for a traveler in terms of sightseeing, then it is worth going to Bangkok or the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya. Objects of the country's cultural and architectural heritage are concentrated here. In addition, you can visit Cambodia, and even Laos, by purchasing a two or three-day excursion.

Phuket areas are much poorer in this regard. Basically, all attractions are of a natural nature - observation decks, unusual islands, National parks. Other objects include various temples and a monument Big Buddha which was recently erected. On the way you will meet a small village of elephants, where you will be able to ride them.

Additionally, you can spend time on the Ton Prai waterfall, zoo, snake farm and monkey mountain. Historical monuments there is no. Almost all architectural structures were built simultaneously with the development of tourism.
But in relation to active entertainment such as diving and snorkeling, this is a winning option. This fact is due to the cleanliness of the sea, which is so important for diving. The Similan Islands, located nearby, are among the top ten mandatory places world for divers to visit. It is best to engage in this sport in February.

In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are worth noting for diving. Samui Atoll is also interesting for divers. These points are located closest to the Pattaya area. In the region itself, diving is difficult due to the dirty, opaque water.

When choosing your preferred destination - Pattaya or Phuket, you need to take into account that groups for most of the best Thai excursions are formed from the first point. On the atoll sightseeing tours are also present, but there are fewer of them and the cost is higher.

Prices

In terms of cost of living and transportation fees, the island territory is considered the most expensive resort area in the state. A vacation here costs one and a half times more than on the opponent’s territory. This also includes expensive transportation from Bangkok.

Clothing and food are 10 or even 20% higher compared to mainland prices. The high demands of taxi drivers are due to long travel distances. Even a trip to the beach line will cost 300-400 baht. Along the sea there are only expensive hotels, which not everyone can afford.

Housing

Pattaya and Phuket in Thailand do not have any special differences with each other in terms of living costs. Island space is expensive by this criterion, but even here you can find an inexpensive room in a condominium. They are in particular demand among those who come here for the winter. The average price tag for both directions is 400-500 baht per day. But this assumes a decent distance from the home to the sea coast.

Directly by the sea, hotel room rates start from 1000-1500 baht. For that kind of money, the level of service is more acceptable than in a cheap resort.

Long-term rental of apartments on the atoll will cost 10-15 thousand baht, depending on the location of the residential property, the quality of repairs and the occupancy of the apartment. The Pattaya minimum is slightly higher – from 12 thousand. When renting for six months or more, the tenant receives a significant discount. Together with renting an apartment, guests get access to a rich infrastructure hotel complexes– swimming pool, gym, parking, massage parlor and other pleasant little things.

A good alternative to accommodation in Pattaya is to rent a villa, but this option is mostly available for tourist groups. In this situation, living costs will be significantly reduced. In terms of one person, the price will be the same as for a room in a two or three star hotel. The average price tag for a house with a swimming pool is 6-9 thousand local units.

Nutrition

The answer to the question - where is better in Pattaya or Phuket in terms of food costs, the answer is clear. Victory goes to the first location. Food, fruits and drinks are almost half the price.

Even in ubiquitous shops, a Pattaya lunch will cost 30-40 Thai units, while on the island it will cost 60-70. The price tag for kebab is 10 and 20 points, respectively, for pancakes - 40 and 60. It is less expensive to purchase in large supermarkets, but Phuket supermarkets set high prices for fruits.

So for a mango the buyer will pay 160 bp. per kilogram, for four apples, per kilogram of orange and papaya - 70, mangosteen - 200. Prices are especially inflated on the popular Phuket beaches - Patong, Karon and Kata. To find inexpensive fruit, it is preferable to head to Phang Muang Sai Kor Road, towards the Banzaan night market. There along the road there are cars from which they sell fruits at almost half the price.

At the market itself, fruits are expensive. Only kebabs, some drinks, pancakes and other things can be cheap there. street food. Speaking of drinks, the price for Pattaya beer is lower. You can often see a sign on a cafe saying that all beer is 50 bp. In Patong you will have to pay 80 bp for a bottle.

Shopping

In this regard, the undisputed leader is Pattaya. Great amount shopping centers and boutiques are located in walking distance. You won't have to go anywhere. The presence of a floating market, which is an attraction in itself, allows you to purchase souvenirs and other small items at low prices. The cheapest place to shop is at night markets, for example, Teprasite. Everything there is sold for 100-300 local units.
However, if this is not enough, there is always the opportunity to go to the capital, which is considered the center of Thai shopping.

The island space is not much different in terms of the cost of clothes and souvenirs, but choosing a place for shopping is difficult. The largest shopping center called Jang Ceylon is located in Patong, where you can really buy anything. Reduced prices are available when visiting clothing markets.

Transport

In Pattaya public transport Songthaews are introduced instead of buses. These are open pickup trucks with a roof, also called “tuk-tuk”. A map of the routes of such pickups is sold in the 7/11 supermarket chain. The ticket costs 10 local units.

For a taxi you will have to pay from one to four hundred. There are cars with a meter, but drivers do not always agree to use them, since in this case the trip will be cheaper. Car rental is also available. Small models cost from 1000 b. per day, SUVs - from 3 thousand. Rent for a classic sedan it is 2000-2300 b. in a day.

Bus service on the island is poor, direct message there is no between coastal zones. A ticket costs 30-40 bp. Therefore, you have to use a taxi, and it cannot be called cheap. For a transfer to a nearby beach, which will take about 10 minutes, a driver can charge 400 to 500 local units, due to the significant level of demand and the lack of other convenient transport.

An alternative is to rent a bike. In a few days a tourist will pay 200-300 rubles, in a week - from a thousand to one and a half. The more days of hire, the lower the daily fee. A liter of gasoline sells for 28-30 bp.

Advantages and disadvantages

To make your choice easier, you can use a brief listing of the positive and negative aspects of each resort area.

Phuket advantages:

Well-groomed coastline, clean sea water, developed beach infrastructure.

The air is cleaner, due to the distance of the area from the mainland.

The atmosphere is favorable for relaxation and quiet rest. An excellent option for travelers with children.

Good level of security in terms of pickpockets and petty scammers.

Minuses:

Inflated prices for food and clothing.

Poor selection of shopping centers for large-scale shopping.

Few attractions.

Expensive taxi.

Pros of Pattaya:

Inexpensive food, clothing, plenty shopping complexes, the presence of a floating market.

Varied excursion programs, the opportunity to visit attractions.

Ease of movement by public transport.

Proximity to the capital.

Availability of visits at any time of the year.

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