Better Phuket or. Pattaya or Phuket: which is better to choose for relaxation. Where is it better to relax, price comparison in Phuket and Pattaya

The Asian direction today has become especially popular among Russian tourists. Thailand has become a favorite holiday destination for travelers.

Among the most famous places according to reviews, cities are distinguished Pattaya and Phuket.

These two resort destinations are in constant competition with each other and when deciding where to go on vacation, you should carefully read the advantages of each of them.

Pattaya or Phuket: Sea

Pattaya - you have to swim in the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea.

Due to the large number of tourists sandy beaches may not seem as golden, and the water is not as clear as you see it on the brochures.

However, the temperature even in winter time year here will not be less than 26 degrees, and average depth only 10-15 meters.

Phuket, washed by the Andaman Sea, in terms of water quality has a number advantageous benefits. No wonder crowds of divers have long chosen this particular island.

But, although the beauty of underwater caves, coral reefs and exotic fish invariably attracts tourists, one should not forget about the considerable depth inherent in these dangerous currents. , an average of 1043 meters. The average water temperature here all year round is not lower than 27 degrees.

According to official statistics, it was found that south direction the higher the water quality in Thailand.

BUT the type of rest is also important. For couples with children, the safer option will still be optimal - the water area Gulf of Thailand with soft waves and a smooth descent.

How to get there?

In order to get from Bangkok to Pattaya, you have to cover a distance of 150 kilometers and spend 2.5 hours on it.

But getting to Phuket is much longer, unless of course you fly by plane. In this case, instead of 12 hours, you will spend only an hour on the road.

Types of transport communication:

• Taxi. Right at the airport there are special information desks where you will be happy to help you make an order. The cost of a private car will be about 2500 baht
• Bus. More a budget option the fare will cost 124 baht. You can buy a ticket at the box office on the first floor. It is important to specify the place of departure!
• Train. The road will take maximum amount time, but will be minimal in cost, maximum - 80 baht per person. Will need to get to railway station, best option use the subway. Important! The train leaves once a day at exactly 6.55

A longer journey awaits those who decide to travel from Bangkok to Phuket, there are two options:

• Bus. Departures either from the South or from Northern bus station. There are different classes, from comfort to economy. Depending on their choice, the price will add up. Minimum 600 baht per person.
• Airplane. The most convenient and fastest way. five airlines are ready to provide their services. The minimum price is from 1000 baht, the price depends on the chosen company.

Thailand will definitely please fans of hitchhiking.

Where to find the best beach?

Both the water and the beaches of Pattaya are far from ideal. But if you wish, you can choose the appropriate option.

Consider some of the most popular available:

• Central Beach. This beach is for the lazy ones. Dirty, noisy, high degree of gas pollution due to the highway running nearby. The place is not suitable for families with small children. Pros - Good developed infrastructure, it is worth reaching out, and the cocktail is yours.
• Jomtien beach. The area is not inferior to the Central Beach. There are many cafes for tourists. bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, exchangers, everything your heart desires. Despite the efforts of the Thais, the beach can hardly be classified as perfectly clean, although entrepreneurs make a lot of efforts to attract vacationers.
• Pratumnak Beek. It is rightfully considered one of the cleanest and most well-groomed. Has a wide coastline and natural area rest, where you can hide from the scorching sun - a grove.
• Cozy Beach. It should be noted right away that the path to the beach is not the easiest. No species goes there public transport You will have to rent a car or take a taxi. But the road will pay off clean, calm beach. Here you can relax from the bustle of the city.
• Wongamat beach. In terms of water quality and cleanliness of the coastline, it has earned first place among city beaches. Located in the North. Having chosen it, you should take care of a large umbrella, otherwise it will definitely not work to hide there under the shade of palm trees in the very heat.

There are a lot of beaches in Phuket, as well as in Pattaya.

Consider some of the most popular and their advantages:

• Patong. The liveliest and famous beach Phuket. Compared to other local beaches, the water here is not the most transparent, but the tourism sector is the best developed here. Lots of bars, cafes, shops restaurants and hotels.
• Nai Harn. Very calm secluded place With clean water And white sand. You can hide from the heat in a nearby grove. Not far from the beach there is a temple and a pond. There are practically no hotels, cafes and restaurants nearby.
• Bang Tao. Very clean and calm beach, few people even in season - strong waves. Of course, if you come with small children, this is not the best choice. Although there is a grove nearby where you can hide and wait out the very heat, one of the pluses is the availability of cafes and hotels.
• Kata Noy. The beach is separated from the motorway by a line of hotels. clean, small, quiet beach is popular with tourists. It is easier to get on a motorcycle, with a car there may be problems with parking.

Almost all the beaches of Phuket are distinguished by the transparency of the water and clean sand medium sizes.

Of the shortcomings - often encountered steep entries and waves, coastline not replete with many cafes, bars and restaurants.

Pattaya will have calm water, but the purity and quality of the sand and water will be inferior to the beaches of Phuket.

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Attractions

lovers cultural recreation will make you happy. In Phuket, you can enjoy the beauty of numerous temples and get acquainted with the integral religious component of Thai life.

Famous temple complex with a 49-meter Buddha statue plus an observation deck have become a favorite place for tourists.

The entrance will be free for you. Before visiting the female half, you should pay attention to your clothes. Shoulders and knees must be covered!

The temple has a rich history. By visiting it, you can not only see, but also participate in local rituals. And also, according to legend, it is in this temple that the relics of the Buddha are located.

Fans of flora and fauna can go to the aquarium or visit the Botanical Garden. Phuket has a real orchid garden.

Here you can not only admire the beauty of these flowers. but also try ice cream made by the hostess herself. A visit to the zoo will take at least 2 hours.

The city of Pattaya is also rich in temples. Be sure to visit the Temple of the Big Buddha and the Temple of Truth.

The latter is made of wood and, as local guides say, without a single nail, although in fact there are nails in the structure, but they are not driven in to the end. Attention should be paid to the mini park - Siam.

Here the sights of the whole world are recreated in miniature.

Animal lovers will not be bored here. Real elephant village, crocodile village and tiger zoo Sirracha will gladly open their doors.

The Museum of Bottles is very popular with exhibits of various times and purposes.

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Phuket and Pattaya has become the sea and beaches, but cultural values ​​should not be ignored either.

Availability of entertainment

Entertainment in Pattaya can be very diverse:

• Night clubs and discos. The most popular are Insomnia, Lucifer, WalkingStreet Pub, Marine Disco, For the most part, all clubs provide free entry, but the waiters will constantly offer you to drink a cocktail or order a hookah. On average, the price for them is around 80 baht.
• Large amusement park. You can get there during the day and in the evening, admission is free for the little ones. Here you can ride the attractions, at your disposal are six water slides, cable car, real roller coaster and carousels.
• A wide range of entertainment for adults. Your choice of bars with GO-GO dancers, massage parlors, developed sex industry
• Alkazar show. This is a bright musical performance of transsexuals.

Of course, the range of entertainment in the city is great, but the most popular here is the direction of sex tourism, nightlife.

In Phuket, you will also never be bored:

• Amusement park fantasy. here you will ride carousels and slides, plunge into fairy world exotic animals, see a show in the style of Las Vegas. Both adults and young guests will not be bored here. The price of pleasure is not small, more than 2000 baht. entrance from 4 years is already paid
• Diving. Fans of this sport will appreciate undersea world with its exotic flora and fauna.
• Bungy Jump. This is entertainment for the most daring lovers extreme tourism. This free fall from a height of 50 meters. The pleasure will cost around 2200 baht. And if you get into the taste, you can purchase a package of offers, the price for several jumps will become more profitable.
• Underwater motorcycles- Another option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Phuket and Pattaya are places that are ready to provide the tourist with a wide range of all kinds of entertainment. affordable price. The main thing is to decide on the direction.

Prices in Pattaya and Phuket: where is cheaper?

• Taxi. Comparing prices, you should immediately note the difference in distances. In Phuket, the price for a trip will be more than twice as high, but the distance traveled will also be 4 times more. On average, a taxi ride in Phuket will be 400 baht, in Pattaya 150 baht.
• Public transport. It will cost 10 baht to travel by minibus - by local tuk-tuki in Pattaya, it moves along almost all streets. The same minibus in Phuket will cost at least three times more.
• Accommodation. The cost of living will definitely be higher in Phuket.
• Transport rental. The price is standard in Thailand 200-300 baht per day for a motorbike.

1 Thai baht today is about 2 rubles. Prices for food and accommodation both in Phuket and Pattaya are more than adequate for Russians.

For those who plan the most budget trip It is worth stopping at the choice of the city of Pattaya.

The price of fruit and food

How much money you have to take for food depends on your needs, but if you want to save money, it is cheaper to buy it in large supermarkets.

Average fruit price in Pattaya:

• Mango about 70 baht per kilogram;
• Strawberries - about 55 baht per 300 grams;
• Watermelons 25 baht per kilogram;
• Tangerines 55 baht per kilogram;
• Grapes 90 baht per kilogram.

Meat products are considered the most expensive, for example, a kilogram of chicken will cost about 70 baht, and pork is twice as expensive.

Garnish in the form of vegetables - about 30 baht per kilogram of potatoes. Cucumbers and tomatoes are about the same price, about 30 baht.

In supermarkets, food prices in Pattaya and Phuket do not differ, the difference may be in the markets.

The price of fruits and vegetables practically does not differ, this is clearly seen in large supermarkets such as Big C.

Upon closer examination, you will notice that there is a difference of 5-10 baht. So it's cheaper to eat in Pattaya.

Transport in Pattaya and Phuket

In Pattaya, you will not find the usual transport for Russians. Trams and trolleybuses do not run here.

But to get from point A to point B will help you:

• Special tourist bus. Buses are painted in three colors, which indicates the route.
• Knock-knock. Summer fixed-route taxi, no roof.
• Minibuses. Standard public transport has its own schedule and route with mandatory stops.
• Mototaxi. For those who are ready for a fast ride without traffic jams.
• Taxi. Classic variant. You can order directly from your hotel.

In Phuket, as in Pattaya, there are tuk tuks, taxis, motorcycle taxis, buses or songteos. I must say right away that traveling by bus is not quite easy. They do not go from beach to beach, use tuk-tuks.

It will be beneficial to take a taxi only from the airport to the hotel and back, and in case of moving to a nearby province. Taxi prices are great!

The modes of transport in Phuket and Pattaya are identical, the difference is in distances and prices.

For lovers of outdoor activities and travel, independent movement on a scooter will be optimal in terms of price and level of mobility.

Flight from Russia: how to get to Phuket and Pattaya

There are currently no direct flights. From Russia it will be most convenient to get first to Bangkok. On this moment 158 companies make direct flights.

The cheapest flight will be from Moscow. It is logical that flights with transfers will cost less than direct ones. The most demanded winter period.

It is more convenient to monitor flights through the search engines Aviasales and Skyscanner.

And already from Bangkok, depending on the chosen direction, it will be possible to get by taxi, bus, train or plane.

How to find accommodation while traveling? Hotels and apartments

You can always use specialized Internet sites, such as Booking.com. But from an economic point of view, it will be more profitable to rent a house or apartment right on the spot upon arrival .

Average price for a typical one-bedroom house no more than 15,000 baht per month. Naturally, the earlier you book, the cheaper your accommodation will be.

It is optimal to place an order somewhere six months before the desired arrival time.

Experienced, courageous tourists are not afraid to look for a place in a hotel or hostel right on the spot. Everyone will be able to find housing according to their financial capabilities.

For example, a three-star hotel will cost about 1,500 thousand per day.

Staying at a hotel means making your life as easy as possible. But renting a small apartment will be more profitable from an economic point of view, especially if you are going to relax with a large company.

Tsunami threat

One of the main issues that always worries tourists in Thailand is the likelihood of natural disasters. The possibility of a tsunami in Pattaya is minimal, and in Phuket a little higher.

Of course, the rescue services are always ready to help and the district keeps abreast of 12 warning towers every day.

But here no one can give 100% guarantees. Not much time has passed since the tragic events of 2004.

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Safety in Thailand

• Firstly, there is a danger of earthquakes and as a result the possibility of a tsunami.
• Second question- theft. Unfortunately the case is not rare. Therefore, you must first protect yourself. Should not be worn evening walk expensive jewelry or leaving a mobile phone on the beach.
• Third, exotic food. Be careful and watch your diet.

Consuming a wide variety of exotic foods can trigger an allergic reaction or food poisoning.

Cleanliness and comfort

The cleanliness of the beaches in Pattaya, despite the fact that it is monitored by local entrepreneurs, sometimes leaves much to be desired.

In Phuket, the level of cleanliness is an order of magnitude higher. As for the comfort of Thai hotels, everything here, as a rule, is at the highest level.

If you decide to plan a trip to Thailand on your own, then it’s worth it in advance, ideally six months in advance, take care of a number of questions:

• Buy tickets in advance. The most expensive flight
• Decide question of residence
• Visa. Not needed if you are traveling with a tourist purpose for a period not exceeding 30 days
• First aid kit. Prepare all necessary medication.
• Plan your itinerary around the country, purchase a map or download it to your mobile phone
• Learn the mode of operation public transport

Resort transport

Of the public transport in Thailand, there are buses, minibuses, taxis and motorcycle taxis.

Tuk-tuks have become the most optimal mode of transport today.

They have a number of advantages:

• price;
• work both during the day and at night;
• the most unusual exotic look transport.

Finding the best insurance

Insurance not included in the list binding documents , but for your own peace of mind it is better to have it. You can apply at any travel agency in a few minutes.

It is optimal to arrange it yourself via the Internet online - this is the most budget option.

Search for cheap flights

If you want to purchase a ticket at the lowest price, without extra charges and fees, then you should deal with the issue at least half a year in advance. Use the internet portal Airsales and Skyscanner.

Watch the flight should be with transfers and most often the flight is carried out from the capital - the city of Moscow.

Find out the best price for a hotel

To find the best price, you first need to decide on the category of the hotel. In general, in Thailand there are all possible options from luxury class to super economy options.

If you look at something in between three stars, then the hotel can be found even by best price 500 rubles per night.

Solo travel to Thailand

Cancellation of the ticket independent planning traveling is great unless you have small children.

So, let's start preparing and planning:

• Select country, city and island;
• Choice of time of year and duration of the tour;
• Decide on the composition of the participants;
• Prepare a travel itinerary;
• Search for cheap air tickets;
• Search for accommodation;
• Draw up the minimum required budget, taking into account expenses for accommodation, food, transport chalk expenses;
• Learn local customs.

Vacation preparation

It is better to start packing for a trip, especially if you are planning a tour on your own, six months in advance. This gives you the opportunity not only to prepare well, but also to spend the minimum amount of money.

Prepare to family vacation with children it is more convenient together with a travel agent, they will help you plan your vacation as comfortably as possible.

A ready-made tour immediately removes many questions, for example, how to get from the airport to the hotel.

The main task will be to prepare things for the road:

• cloth;
• swimming accessories;
• cosmetics, means from and for sunburn;
• medicines.

When choosing Pattaya for your vacation, keep in mind that rest here will be noisy and active. Lovers of clean sea will have to work hard to find the best beach.

There are always a lot of people at this resort. The direction of sex tourism is well developed.

Phuket

Choosing Phuket guarantees you clean beach and clear water. But it is difficult to call it ideal for couples. Entry into the water is quite steep everywhere, and the depth is great, plus the waves.

Prices here will be slightly higher than in Pattaya. Holidays here are more secluded and peaceful.

Koh Samui

It is one of the three largest islands in Thailand. Rest is focused on tranquility and solitude. Noisy night parties in in large numbers you won't find it here.

Enjoy a huge number of beaches with clear water. The pricing policy is average for Thailand, both in terms of accommodation and food.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand will please all lovers of shopping with prices. The city is beautiful, rich cultural property but very noisy.

For amateur tourists beach holiday there is absolutely nothing to do here. But the nightlife is the liveliest.

When the time comes for a long-awaited vacation, many of us wonder how to spend it in the most interesting way, so that it will be remembered for a long time? Where to go for these unforgettable experiences? Very often the choice falls on Thailand, but even here the questions do not decrease. An unsolvable dilemma immediately presents itself: what to choose or.

The choice is quite difficult, since these two resorts have a lot of advantages. No wonder they are the most popular in. To decide on a place of rest, first of all, it is worth realizing what exactly our soul desires. Entertainment to the fullest, active and noisy pastime or peace and quiet in a secluded paradise among pristine nature. Indeed, in this sense, Pattaya and Phuket are very different.

Entertainment

Pattaya in Lately gained the status of the most "party" resort town in the country. Life is in full swing there 24 hours a day. Diverse entertainment establishments can be found on every corner. Restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, Thai salons, shops, and street performers and clowns amuse passers-by right in the middle of the streets. So you won't be bored for a minute. Pattaya is especially famous.

With the onset of twilight, the city, no less noisy during the day, takes on a new breath. The streets are filled with people who want to relax and forget about all the problems and have fun. From all sides, colorful signs of nightly entertainment venues are lit with multi-colored lights and the sounds of music are heard, attracting visitors. It seems that even the air is filled with some unusual energy from which, willy-nilly, you forget about everything in the world and become a participant in the general fun.

Based on the above facts, it can be concluded that Pattaya is the best option for young people, single men wishing to relax in every sense of the word, well, everyone active tourists who love to spend time energetically and cheerfully.

In the city of entertainment, the main attraction is Botanical Garden Nong Nooch, which is calling card Pattaya. It has the largest collection of palm trees in all of Thailand, and also has a garden of orchids, bromeliads, cacti, and even a rock garden. Architectural masterpieces from all over Europe can be seen in Mini Siam Park. It presents reduced-sized copies of all the unique buildings in the world. Having visited it, you will no longer need to wander around different countries and the continents to see the Roman Colosseum or the Statue of Liberty, leaning tower of pisa, Big Ben, Cheops Pyramid, Tower Bridge and many other world-famous attractions.

You can see Pattaya at your feet by going up to the observation deck Playground View Point, which is located on Mount Khao Pratamnak. When you go there, be sure to take your camera with you. Photos of the city taken from above are incredibly beautiful. Another of the most visited attractions is the Temple of Truth. It is the largest wooden temple in the world built without a single nail. In addition to all this, Pattaya has many museums, water parks, a dolphinarium, snake and crocodile farms.

Resting in Phuket, you can visit all the nearby islands. The most popular and lovers natural beauties enjoy visiting the butterfly park and the orchid farm. And to see the most beautiful sunset on the island, you should go to Cape Phromthep. For families with children, visits to the aquarium, zoo and Phuket Fantasy amusement park will be exciting.

One of the main attractions of the island is the temple of Wat Chalong, where the relics of the Buddha himself and huge statue Buddha towering above the island on Mount Nak Kood. A huge structure 45 meters high can be seen from anywhere in Phuket. Also from the observation deck near the statue opens great view to the whole island.

Prices

Often, when choosing a resort, one of the first thoughts that comes up is whether a vacation on it will hit the family budget a lot. And if you compare these two resorts in terms of the possibility of spending your vacation more economically, then Pattaya is undoubtedly the leader in this matter. In Phuket, everything is much more expensive. Prices for accommodation, food and even amenities on the beach are higher than in Pattaya. Especially shocking is the cost of a taxi on the island. In Pattaya, in addition to the Hilton Pattaya type, there is, and transport costs in general are scanty.

Shoppers, of course, are better off. The city has a huge number of large, chain supermarkets, shops, shops and various markets. So Pattaya can safely be called a paradise for shopaholics. In addition, it is not far from the city to Bangkok where you can buy a lot of wonderful things at lower prices.

Having considered Phuket and Pattaya for all points, you can opt for one resort, which is more suitable for the availability of amenities, entertainment and many other factors. But still, the best option would be to visit both of them and not deprive yourself of the opportunity to see all the beauty that is hidden in Pattaya and Phuket.

Where is better - in Pattaya or Phuket? We spent great comparison two major resorts Thailand, according to various criteria (sea, beach, prices for hotels and food, transport, flights), wrote a review and made conclusions where it is better to go on vacation.

Phuket and Pattaya - two major resorts. Usually tourists choose between them, because few people fly to Krabi or Koh Phangan. We decided to help our readers with a choice - read and choose where it is better to relax.

Prices are indicated for the high (winter) season.

Exchange rate: 1 Thai baht (THB) ≈ 2 RUB.

Pattaya or Phuket: Sea

Phuket. The sea is a million times better than in Pattaya! It is clean, you can see crabs and colorful fish that swim in flocks in shallow water. Diving and snorkeling is popular. The entrance is gentle almost everywhere, which is convenient for families with children. The color of the water is deep blue.

Pattaya. The sea is green murk with garbage. I don't want to go into the water. There are several beaches where the situation is better - Jomtien, Wong Amat, Pratumnak. Behind clear sea you need to sail to the neighboring islands - Koh Lan, for example. It seems that everyone goes there to swim, because in Pattaya tourists exclusively sunbathe. The sea on the island is cleaner, but it’s expensive to swim there every day: it takes 2 hours and 120 baht a day for two to travel by ferry, plus food, drinks and fruits on the island are more expensive.

Beaches in Phuket and Pattaya: where is better?

Phuket. For a relaxing holiday, head to Phuket - the beaches there are picturesque and clean. Even unloved by tourists was rehabilitated. This is not a heavenly place, but the most comfortable in Phuket for living and recreation. Sand with silver can be sung individual praises.

There are many beaches on the island - you can choose the right one. We liked Kata Noi, Nai Harn, Yanui, Banana Beach and Mai Khao.

Pattaya. Pattaya beaches we didn't like it. They are almost all dirty, crowded and noisy. Even if you manage to retire, merchants will overtake you. The sand is the most common yellow. The central beach is filled with paid sunbeds and umbrellas.

Where better beaches , in Pattaya or Phuket? Our opinion is that Phuket is much cleaner and more beautiful.

Sights of Phuket and Pattaya

Phuket. Phuket attractions are mostly natural - numerous idyllic islands, beaches and viewing platforms. Besides this, there is Big Buddha, Wat Chalong Temple, Old city Phuket Town, Soi Bangla and colorful shows and performances. The main attractions are other islands: Phi Phi, James Bond, Similan, etc. They mainly go there with excursions.

Pattaya. It is richer in attractions: islands, the Temple of Truth, an elephant village, a floating market, the Khao Keo Zoo, the Alangkarn Theater, the Nong Nooch Tropical Park, etc. Much of this can be seen on a bike.

Pattaya has a convenient location - only about two hours by bus, and that's where the expanse for lovers of cultural recreation is! In addition, from Pattaya you can get to Ayutthaya - ancient capital kingdoms of Ayutthaya.

Last minute tours to Thailand. Which is cheaper: Pattaya or Phuket?

Trips to Thailand can be very cheap! Often, a ready-made tour package costs as much as an air ticket. See examples in .

Last minute tours for two to Pattaya from Moscow for 7-10 nights high season can be found from just 60 thousand rubles! Phuket tours usually cost the same or a little more. Tours are cheaper in summer.

Vouchers from St. Petersburg to Pattaya and Phuket usually cost from 80-100 thousand rubles.

How to find a really hot tour? Search on search engines, and - they will find best deals among different tour operators. Be sure to check out ours - it will help you save!

Contingent

Phuket. Chinese couples rule the ball here (young ladies are always in romantic dresses) and families with children. Indians in Rolexes haughtily walk around, and elderly Europeans and Americans drive up to go-go girls in bars. Russians feel at home and try to convey something to the Thais in louder Russian. Perhaps the most Russian speakers are in popular resorts: Patong, Kata, Karon and Surin.

Pattaya. The resort is dominated by elderly Europeans and Americans looking for a hot girlfriend for the rest of their vacation days. There are many young and middle-aged men attracted by the breadth of views of local workers and workers of the most ancient profession. And - oddly enough - full of Russian tourists with children, decorously walking along the promenade.

In general, Pattaya is more of a retirement resort, and Phuket is a youth and middle age resort.

Hotel prices in Pattaya and Phuket: where is it cheaper?

Pattaya. There are many hotels in Pattaya - from cheap nameless to expensive and well-known. Cheap guesthouses near the beach cost from $13 per night. In the middle price category, we recommend The Pattaya Park 3 * for $ 22 per day. Of the expensive ones - we recommend Siam @ Siam Design 4 * from $ 75 per day. This hotel has a huge number of excellent reviews and a rating of "excellent".

Advice: rent an apartment or a villa on Airbnb.ru - it's more interesting! fabulous beautiful villas in Phuket they cost from $50. For Pattaya - huge selection apartments.

Prices for food and fruits

If you choose which is better, Pattaya or Phuket, based on the prices of food, fruits and drinks, then Pattaya should be preferred. At the resort, even in tourist establishments, food prices do not go off scale. But in restaurants in Phuket prices are closer to those in Moscow. However, on the island in local cafes, night markets and macaroons.

Flights from Russia

From the cities of Russia you can fly to Pattaya and Phuket. There are direct flights and transfers. Usually tickets to Bangkok are a little cheaper than to Phuket (but sometimes vice versa).

You can get to Pattaya through Bangkok, and from there by low-cost airline, transfer or bus. There are also direct flights from Siberian cities to Pattaya Utapao Airport.

If you don't want to understand local transport and get with transfers, order a taxi - it's safe and easy. We used KiwiTaxi when we traveled from Patong to the airport.

Intro image source: © nathanh100 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0.

Going to Thailand for the first time, many are wondering - which is better: Phuket or Pattaya? No wonder, because these are the two most popular resorts in this Asian country. We'll try to help you figure this out.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better. Firstly, a lot depends on the time of the year for which your trip falls. And secondly, from the goal that you are pursuing. If you are interested in wild discos and adult entertainment - this is one thing. But if you intend to relax with a child or prefer a beach holiday, then this is different.

Let's talk more about this.

Season and weather

What is better in terms of weather Pattaya or Phuket? The correct answer is that they are the same. But keep in mind that the so-called rainy season in Pattaya is winter and autumn, and in Phuket it is spring and summer. If you are planning a beach holiday, keep this in mind. However, possible rains almost always come in the afternoon or at night and interfere little with rest.

Rest

• Pattaya- a bustling resort city, with appropriate urban entertainment. At your service also: cafes, restaurants, discos, massage parlors, strip bars and ample opportunities for shopping. That is, it is not worth going here for a beach holiday.
• Phuket– classic beach resort Plus it's an island. Here at your service are hotels with all the infrastructure, beaches, the cleanest sea and the corresponding marine entertainment. There are, of course, discos with bars, as well as shops, but compared to Pattaya, they are much more modest.

Beaches

Let's move on to the beaches of these two places. If you are primarily interested in them, then, of course, you should prefer Phuket. It is not even worth comparing these two places according to these parameters - Pattaya definitely loses and very much.

• Phuket beaches— clean, beautiful, offering a variety of services. The sand on them is coral, which means it is snow-white and tender. The sea is calm and clean, and the shores are buried in the greenery of palm trees and tropical vegetation. Coastal reefs - perfect place for snorkeling and diving. But know that surfers love to come to Phuket in the rainy season for a reason. During this period, there are quite strong waves. For the attention of fishing enthusiasts, Phuket hosts a regular fishing championship in November.
• Pattaya beaches- these are rather classic city beaches, with all the ensuing consequences, and they are not very suitable for a relaxing holiday. True, many small islands, not far from Pattaya, can offer a lot of interesting things for lovers to lie in the sun, but you need to go there, spending time, money and effort.

Entertainment, excursions and prices

Where is cheaper vacation in Pattaya or Phuket? And here Pattaya, as a city, will be in the black - here more possibilities For budget holiday, prices for housing and food compare favorably with the resort of Phuket. The nightlife in Pattaya is second to none, it is undeniably much more fun here, famous entertainment Patonga is just a pale shadow of what Pattaya has to offer in this respect. It also leads in terms of excursion opportunities, because it is located close to

Need to choose between Pattaya and Phuket? We will help you!

Inexperienced tourists traveling to Thailand for the first time are most often tormented by one problem: Pattaya or Phuket? What's better? Where will the vacation be spent as richly and interestingly as possible? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these popular resorts? In terms of popularity, they are real rivals, and in order to determine where it is better to go on vacation, it is worth comparing both places in three positions. Firstly, by the availability of convenient conditions for a beach holiday, secondly, by the financial cost of food, and thirdly, by the availability and accessibility of various entertainment.

Where are the best beaches?

On the first point, Phuket can be called a real leader - this island, on which summer reigns all year round, consists almost entirely of beaches, therefore spa vacation here is perfect. In Pattaya, there are fewer beaches and places for swimming and sunbathing, and there are a lot of tourists (mainly our compatriots). The only thing that this Thai resort can oppose to Phuket is the neighboring island of Koh Lanconnecting to Pattaya ferry service where there are several very cozy corners.

Estimating Potential Food Costs

If you plan a trip to Phuket or Pattaya, evaluating both resorts in terms of high cost, then the latter is more profitable for tourists. Phuket makes its guests fork out pretty much, and this is not only because the number of tourists who come here every year is constantly growing, but also because many products are brought to the island, which is a resort, from the mainland. In general, food here will be about 10-25% more expensive than in Pattaya.

Availability of entertainment in Pattaya and Phuket

It is quite easy to determine which resort is better in terms of entertainment available to guests. lovers beautiful scenery, untouched nature and a relaxing beach pastime can go to Phuket - it's both interesting and inexpensive. For lovers of vibrant nightlife and modern entertainment infrastructure, Pattaya is the place to be, with everything from great shopping opportunities to adult-only pleasures. A variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs are also here.

Advantages of Pattaya resort

Comparing both resorts, one cannot fail to say that there are no common standards for evaluation, and each tourist makes a decision solely according to his own preferences. Pattaya has a number of advantages that are worth paying attention to. Firstly, it is a great climate that allows you to swim, sunbathe and exercise. water sports sports all year round, as well as magnificent natural conditions. Secondly, these are democratic prices for accommodation, food, and entertainment, and everything is of the highest quality. Third, local population accustomed to tourists and giving them the most cordial welcome.

• good climate
• democratic prices in hotels
• any entertainment
• population is more familiar with Russians

What is remarkable vacation in Phuket?

The most important advantage of the Phuket resort is that it gives its guests a huge amount of experience and positive emotions. Generous sun, gentle sea, inviting beaches, an abundance of fresh fruits - this is very close to what is called heavenly pleasure from vacation.

• the opportunity to admire the natural scenery
• more adapted to a beach holiday
• relatively high cost of living and food

To decide on a resort, let's summarize

Pattaya. Its advantages are in the affordability of prices, in proximity to the old and new capital of the kingdom and their attractions, in a milder climate and lack of precipitation. And also - in an active nightlife and abundance shopping centers. Disadvantages in poor ecology, dirty sea and coast, crowded, few beaches. Therefore, Pattaya is more suitable for young travelers, friendly companies, party-goers, lovers of "strawberries", as well as for people on a limited budget.

And what awaits tourists on an island with picturesque landscapes? Cleaner coast and air clear waters, forests, exciting underwater walks, fishing, snorkeling. There are more beaches in Phuket, they are cleaner and more diverse, and there are also much fewer vacationers here. Among the shortcomings of the resort are more high prices, a small number of attractions, a lot of precipitation during the wet period. Therefore, holidays here are recommended for family travelers with children, couples in love, lovers of a peaceful beach holiday and almost untouched nature. For those who do not crave a rich excursion program.