Pattaya or Phuket which is better in March. Pattaya or Phuket: which is better? Our review. Prices in Thailand: where is it cheaper - in Pattaya or Phuket

City boundaries

The Rio de la Plata and Riachuelo rivers form the city's natural boundaries to the east and south. The rest of the perimeter is occupied by the semicircular Avenida General Paz highway, which surrounds the city from north to west, except for a small section of no more than 2 km between the highway and the Rio de la Plata, where the border with the province of Buenos Aires passes. This is because the freeway does not end at the river bank, but connects to the city street Avenida Intendente Cantilo. The motorway provides quick connections to the rest of Buenos Aires. The Rio de La Plata has a small border with the city, and other areas along the river's coast are part of the province of Buenos Aires.

Climate

The city's climate is subtropical humid, similar to the climate of Sochi. The direction of the wind varies depending on the time of year, more precipitation falls in the summer. Winters are mild, with long rains, and occasional light frosts. Sometimes it snows. Summer is very stuffy and long, characterized by hot weather and heavy rainfall. average temperature the air temperature in July is +10 degrees, and in January +24. The amount of precipitation in the city is 987 mm per year. The capital is located in the northeastern part of Argentina, on flat terrain, in a subtropical natural zone with a subtropical monsoon climate. Another feature of the city is the fogs that last for several days a year.

Climate of Buenos Aires
Index	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec	Year
Absolute maximum, °C	36	36	34	32,5	28	26,3	24,6	27	28	32,6	34,2	35	36
Average minimum, °C	18,6	17,9	15,9	13,3	9,4	6,7	5,6	7,3	9,0	12,7	15,4	17,9	12,4
Average temperature, °C	24,0	22,7	21,1	18,0	13,8	10,7	9,5	11,2	13,1	16,9	20,3	23,0	17,0
Absolute minimum, °C	10,4	9,7	7	5	1	−2	−2	−1	0	4	3	9	−2
Precipitation rate, mm	119	118	134	97	74	63	66	70	73	119	109	105	1146
Average maximum, °C	29,4	27,6	26,3	22,8	18,3	14,7	13,4	15,1	17,3	21,1	25,2	28,2	21,6

Water temperature, °C	26	25	24	23	21	18	18	17	17	20	23	24	21

Holidays in Thailand are a great opportunity to relax on tropical beaches at reasonable and affordable prices. It's no coincidence that this is exactly what tourist destination is very popular among tourists from all over the world: Russia, Europe, America, China, Japan, South Korea and even Australia.

As you know, Thailand is washed by two seas: South China and Andaman. The most popular resort The mainland city of Pattaya is considered to be on the South China Sea, and the island of Phuket is considered to be on the Andaman Sea. Therefore, when planning their holiday in Thailand, many travelers choose between these two “capitals” beach holiday.

Resort comparison

Characteristic /place	Phuket	Pattaya
Beaches	A huge number of clean, uncrowded and picturesque beaches(Mai Khao, Kata, Chalong, Kamala, etc.)	There is only one more or less clean beach on the mainland - Jomtien. Really clean beaches with clear water, white sand and no trash can only be found on the island of Koh Larn (40 minutes by ferry from Pattaya)
Clubs, discos, nightlife	Patong is a whole area for a rich club life, almost as good as Pattaya	The most popular party place in Thailand is Walking Street. Lots of clubs, pubs, Go-Go bars, famous transvestite shows “Tiffany” and “Alcazar”
Ecology, parks, green area	Many forests, parks, waterfalls, walking areas. The most popular parks: Safan Khin, Phra Thaew, Royal Park	Pratumnak Hill is the only area where vegetation has been preserved. There is also a relatively small walking area. Heavy smog in areas of the city far from the coast
Attractions, attractions and entertainment	Snake farm, Butterfly Garden, ancient temple complex Wat Chalong, snorkeling, diving, surfing	The unique wooden Sanctuary of Truth, the proximity of Ayutthaya and Bangkok - the main centers of culture and attractions in Thailand. Amusement park Pattaya Park, fishing on the sea and lakes, many Russian guides
Weather	Torrential downpours, gusty winds and storm surges during the rainy season: April to December	The sea is calm almost all year round; during the rainy season there is often clear, warm weather.
Distance from Bangkok	700 kilometers	165 kilometers

A comparison of Pattaya and Phuket clearly shows that Pattaya is more suitable for a secluded, relaxing holiday on the seashore, and Pattaya is more suitable for parties and entertainment. We can say that all of Pattaya is one continuous night club. During tourist season, which lasts from the first days of December to the beginning of May, there are always a huge number of tourists here. And since pedestrian sidewalks in Thailand are very narrow everywhere, in the evening on the central streets you can get into a real pedestrian traffic jam.

During the tourist season in Pattaya it is best to relax in large groups. It will be quite uncomfortable for one person here, since the atmosphere itself is conducive to constant celebration, noise and “extras”. When choosing a place to live, the best areas are Pratamnak and Jomtien, which differ from other places in their cleanliness and well-groomed appearance. Areas far from the sea are not very comfortable for long-term living, as there is often real smog due to exhaust gases and widespread street cooking.

If you are thinking about what to choose in Thailand, Phuket or Pattaya, then Phuket will certainly be more suitable for lovers of a full-fledged beach holiday. On this paradise tropical island travelers always have access to crystal clear sea water, great amount lush tropical vegetation, exotic fruits. In addition, this is where comfortable five- and four-star hotels are located, which have their own private beaches for their guests.

Prices

If we compare which is cheaper - Pattaya or Phuket, then the most budget resort will undoubtedly be Pattaya. Since Phuket is far from the mainland, transport to this island is more expensive for Thai companies. Accordingly, prices for food, entertainment and housing in Phuket are noticeably higher than in mainland Pattaya. As an example, we can consider the main categories of goods and services popular on resort holidays:

Restaurants. A full lunch (three courses for two persons) in a Pattaya restaurant will cost 500 baht. In Phuket this amount will increase to 800-1000 baht.
Have a snack in eateries like McDonald's (for one person) in Pattaya you can get it for about 150 baht, in Phuket - from 250 baht.
Supermarkets. Prices in Pattaya and Phuket will be approximately equal only for chips, snacks, cigarettes, and essential goods. Meat, fish, vegetables, cheeses and wines are about 30 percent more expensive in Phuket.
Transport. Travel on public songthaews (open minibuses) in Pattaya costs 10-20 baht, in Phuket – 30 baht. A taxi ride in Pattaya from one area to another will cost about 60-80 baht, in Phuket - 200 baht.
Housing. In Pattaya you can find rooms for 5 and 6 thousand baht per month. However, you need to take into account that such housing, as a rule, has a lot of disadvantages: lack of windows, small size, old furniture, proximity to noisy night bars. In Phuket, housing prices per month start from 15 thousand, with daily payment - from 1 thousand baht. However, apartments in Phuket are almost universally different high level comfort, even if it is a three-star hotel.

Pros and cons of resorts

The ideal option is to visit both resorts, because they both have their own interesting and unique features. There are many cultural attractions in Thailand near Pattaya, including ancient capital countries - Ayutthaya. There are many preserved here interesting temples, palaces and fortifications. There are fewer parties and attractions in Phuket, but there are many more clean, spacious beaches. In addition, it is more suitable for families with children. It is on this island that there are the most hotels that provide special baby food, as well as mini clubs and playgrounds for children. In addition, in Phuket it is easy to find a professional nanny from Russia who will stay with the child while the parents are busy shopping, visiting excursions or restaurants.

A holiday in Phuket will cost more, since prices there are 1.5-2 times higher. However, this applies not only to Phuket, but to all the Thai islands as a whole. If you think about it, such overpayments are fully justified, because only luxurious, clean beaches are available. For example, Phuket has ideal conditions for exciting sports such as diving, snorkeling or surfing. Therefore, if you want to explore the depths of the sea or ride a board on the waves, then go here.

When choosing between Pattaya or Phuket, the obvious advantage of the first place is its proximity to Bangkok. The hotel on the seashore can be reached by taxi from the airport in an hour and a half.

Rain season

What to choose if your vacation falls during the rainy season, but you still want to go to Thailand? In this case, Phuket Island is definitely not suitable. In the Andaman Sea, high waves always rise during the rainy months, and it is simply impossible to swim there. But in the Gulf of Thailand, where Pattaya is located, it is always quiet, calm and there are no storms. And it doesn’t rain as often here compared to Phuket.

Oddly enough, the rainy season is perhaps the most suitable period for a beach holiday in Pattaya. At this time there are few tourists here, the beaches are deserted and there is no garbage. As a rule, the weather is always clear and warm in the first half of the day, you can sunbathe, swim and enjoy aquatic species sports In the summer months, it generally rains quite rarely; the main peak of precipitation is October, November and the first half of December. If you want to have a cheaper holiday, it doesn’t hurt to know that in Pattaya during the “off season” you can generally live for mere pennies. At this time, you can rent spacious, comfortable apartments near the sea for 7-10 thousand baht per month.

Bottom line

Phuket is best suited for those who:

wants to soak up the sun clean beach, where there are no crowds of people
flies on vacation with children
not interested in cultural attractions, preferring beautiful nature

Pattaya is best suited for those who:

loves active nightlife
uses the services of moths
wants to save money
wants to visit local attractions

Pattaya or Phuket - which is better? Even those tourists who have already been to Thailand sometimes rack their brains about what to choose? Which city should you prefer? Pattaya or Phuket – holiday on an island or the Gulf of Thailand?
Where is it cheaper - Phuket or Pattaya? Where better beaches? how much does a trip to Phuket cost, and how much to Pattaya?
There are many questions that arise when planning a vacation, which I will try to answer today. Let's compare the climate, weather, beaches, prices in Phuket and Pattaya, the cost of rental housing, transport, excursions and other important components of any vacation to make it easier to choose.

Where to go to Phuket or Pattaya?

People ask me this all the time and although I live in Pattaya, I won’t say that Phuket is worse than Pattaya, or Pattaya better than Phuket A. Thank God we are all different, we have different preferences and tastes, different expectations from the holiday, plans for it, and so on. In today’s article, I will try to compare the two main resorts in Thailand as objectively as possible, list their pros and cons, so that you can decide for yourself what is best for you and where to fly, to Pattaya or Phuket.

Weather and climate in Pattaya and Phuket

If we talk about the weather, Pattaya is confidently ahead of all other resorts in Thailand on this point.
Pattaya has consistently smooth, identical weather all year round, with the exception of a short period of rain, which, however, even during the rainy season does not interfere with rest, since it occurs at night and for a short time.
In Pattaya all year round it is +30 +35, in winter the temperature drops to +25 in the morning.

There is no distinct rainy season in Pattaya; you can go on holiday here in any month. The main precipitation falls in late October – early November.

The weather in Phuket can bring a lot of surprises to vacationers. Firstly, Phuket has a pronounced seasonality, just like the other islands of Thailand.
If it rains in Phuket, it can pour like buckets for several days in a row. For example, now, during the dry season, the same Samui has been swimming all day in the water, but due to the season it should not.

The most favorable months for a holiday in Phuket are from December to March; in other months, the weather is unpredictable, you can come on vacation and spend the whole time in your room because of the rain.

Danger of earthquakes. Just yesterday, an earthquake occurred in Sumatra, Indonesia, and there were injuries and deaths. It would seem, what does Phuket have to do with it?
Despite the fact that everything is nearby, in Phuket there were tremors of magnitude 3, a little, but unpleasant.
Remembering the 2004 tsunami in Phuket, like it or not, you will wonder how safe it is to go there. I have a family friend who died there during the tsunami.

Phuket or Pattaya – sea and beaches in Phuket and Pattaya

It doesn't take an expert to say that the beaches and sea in Phuket will give Pattaya a hundred points ahead.
If you are traveling overseas to Pattaya, then this is a big mistake. The sea in Pattaya is mediocre, the city beaches have yellow sand, and the water is often cloudy. Not always, of course, and not everywhere, but the azure sea with white sand in Pattaya can only be found on nearby islands like Koh Larn and on military beaches in the suburbs.

For example, now in Pattaya, even within the city limits, the sea is very clean and transparent, the beaches are clean. Because the weather (no storms, cool), and also because work is constantly being done to improve it.
They bring tons of new sand to Jomtien and Beach Road, which they pour into the sea, onto the beach, plant new palm trees, expand the coastline, in general, they try to at least not worsen what is there.

There are more beaches in Phuket, the choice is wider, you can come and swim at any beach in Phuket.
During the season there are, of course, crowds of people on the beaches of Phuket, but due to the length coastline, everyone will find a secluded place. The most popular beach in Phuket is Patong, not for introverts of course,
but those who need peace and quiet should just stay in less crowded areas, away from the center.

If you have transport in Phuket, then you will have access to such good beaches as Freedom, Paradise, Tri Trang Beach, if not, you can relax and swim in Patong.
Just don't lie down right next to Bangla Road, walk a few minutes to the side and you'll get a free beach with clean water, in the shade of palm trees and without intrusive merchants trying to sell you something every five seconds.

The sea in Phuket is clean, there is almost no garbage in the sea, after all, this is an island that is washed from all sides and even if there is garbage from ships and boats, everything floats safely back to the sea. But it happens that algae begin to bloom in the sea, which can spoil the joy of swimming.

Both in Pattaya and Phuket, it makes sense to stay in a hotel with private beach so as not to waste precious time on trips and trips to him.
So when it comes to beaches, which is better, Phuket or Pattaya? Better than Phuket.

In my opinion, best hotels with the beach in Phuket it is:

Kathathani Phuket

The best hotels with a private beach in Pattaya are:

Also, for fans quiet rest and privacy for those flying to Pattaya, I would advise, if not for the entire vacation, then at least for a few days to stay on the island of Koh Larn, right on nice beach.
During the day there are few people there, and after 15, there are no people at all. You will be left to your own devices, the sea and the sun.

How to get from the airport to Pattaya and Phuket

From Phuket airport it is cheaper and more convenient to order a transfer to your desired hotel through a Qiwi taxi, which will meet you with a sign and take you to the place for a fixed fee,
than catching local buses or trying to bargain with bombers who overprice their services by at least twice.
The bus from the airport to Patong runs every two hours; if you arrive in the evening, this option is no longer available, since the last one leaves at 17:00.
Early in the morning or during the day, you can try to take a bus to Phuket Town for 100 baht, and then transfer by tuk-tuk. This method is not very suitable for beginners, since you may not wait for what you need,
mix up stops, get lost and stretch out the pleasure after the flight for many hours.

Getting from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya is much easier. The distance from Bangkok airport to Pattaya is 120-150 km, (depending on the area where you are going), you can get to the bus station in Pattaya for 120 baht.

The disadvantage of this method is that upon arrival, especially during the season, it turns out that all tickets for the next flights are sold out and you will have to wait several hours for the next bus.
This option is not suitable for families with children, those who have had a difficult flight with transfers and the elderly.
I don’t recommend ordering a taxi at the airport, it’s expensive. The most profitable option Kiwi taxi. This is how we get from Pattaya to Bangkok airport and back, if necessary.
A simple order and payment form, you don’t need to pay anything in advance, they often offer discounts, wait, and greet you with a sign.

Here is a review about Kiwi Taxi from our reader:

"Good morning! We arrived yesterday. The Kiwi taxi driver was waiting for us with a sign at the exit, which was written to us in advance on the confirmation receipt. The car is comfortable. We got to our destination perfectly)) the driver asked us to take a photo for a review, we didn’t mind)) Katerina, thank you for your work in collecting and writing useful information!)”

Phuket or Pattaya – prices for tours from Russia

And then Phuket loses to Pattaya. In most cases, the price of a trip to Phuket is more expensive than a similar one to Pattaya.

How to save on insurance?

Insurance abroad is required. Any appointment is very expensive and the only way not to pay out of pocket is to choose an insurance policy in advance. We have been registering on the website for many years, which give the best prices insurance and selection along with registration takes only a couple of minutes.

Quality excursions in Phuket and low prices can be found on the websites and

Today I still want to put an end to the eternal question: In what resort town Is it better for a Thai tourist to relax in Pattaya or Phuket? The question is really interesting and I will try to tell you in more detail about the pros and cons of these resorts in Thailand. I hope my review will be objective and help you make a difficult choice!

Territory.

The main advantage of this resort is its location, from here any tourist can quickly and inexpensively get to: Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore, Laos, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

In the image I’m at the gates of the state of Cambodia, it’s very cheap and quick to get here from Pattaya, the only thing when crossing the border back is that you will be fingerprinted, but that’s another story (see photo below):

Water purity.

The sea here is not very clean, but nearby there are islands with crystal clear sea water, such as Koh Chang and Koh Lan, where “tame monkeys” live.

In the photo, monkeys are mischievous from the island of Koh Larn, cute, almost tame ones, they love to eat a lot

(see photo below):

Entertainment.

Pattaya is also the center of Thai entertainment, there are night shows here - Alcazar, Tiffany, Colosseum and X-show and Working Street, where “cheap love” reigns and striptease in every bar.

For a ridiculous price there is boat trips with diving and fishing. Pattaya is rich in parks: Nong Nooch, Spice Garden, Million Year Stones Park, Mini Siam, where the sights of Thailand are presented in miniature, Ban Sukhawatdi Park and Art in Love Park. There are also amusement parks: Siam Park, where everything is divided into five zones - a water park, an amusement park and a children's area (meals are included in the price), Dream World Park and Kartun Water Park.

Animals.

In Pattaya, the large number of animal farms is amazing: there are dozens of tiger, snake and crocodile farms on every corner. And also a lot of different safari, you can go to one zoo all day and not see everything (and there is something to see, almost all the animals of the world are presented in one place).

In the photo there is a cute animal, this is a bear cat, the first cross between a bear and a cat, and they are also in the public domain at this zoo (see photo below):

Beautiful places.

No matter how sad it may sound, it is long, expensive and difficult to get from Phuket to the River Kwai and to the palaces of Bangkok or the kingdom of Lanna.

Traditional Thai cuisine is varied, tasty and very healthy (seafood, different types meat and more). And not very expensive. Here are approximate prices for fruits and vegetables: pineapples - 40 rubles / kg, coconut - 40, bananas (1 kg) - 60, apples - 10-20 rubles per small apple, mango (1 kg) - 60, papaya (1 kg ) - from 70, guava - 80, tangerines - 80 rubles per kilogram, potatoes - 35 per 1 kg, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers (1 kg) - 20-30 rubles.

Beauty and health.

There's not much in Pattaya expensive medicines for sale, spa treatments and Thai massage are also not expensive.

Pros in

Phuket.

Compared

Pattaya offers a quiet and leisurely holiday, it is much cleaner here, the water in the sea is clear, but there is much less entertainment. But for people who love calm and quality rest- this is most likely a plus than a minus. And in Phuket the most high prices than in all of Thailand.

If you are brave, dexterous and skillful and at the same time love leisure then a resort is more suitable for you

Pattaya, and if you love peace, quiet, cleanliness and service, then welcome to the city

Phuket.

Thank you to all readers for reading this review, I hope you liked it, I tried my best.

Thank you for your valuable time reading it!

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