A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Darwin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangkok or Darwin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Darwin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a cultural, alluring, and spirited capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bangkok travel costs.

Darwin

Darwin is a authentic, local, and tropical town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Darwin travel costs.

Bangkok and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Darwin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Darwin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Darwin attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Darwin is famous for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Bangkok different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Darwin and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Darwin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bangkok is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a must-see party destination. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Beaches?

Darwin is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Darwin is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Darwin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Bangkok or Darwin More Beautiful?

Bangkok is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Bangkok is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Darwin are high quality to visit with kids.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Darwin is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Darwin is a good capital city for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is terrific for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

Darwin is a good capital city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Is Bangkok or Darwin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangkok is notable for its public transit. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bangkok can get you around easily. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Bangkok or Darwin a more walkable city?

Darwin is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Darwin is somewhat walkable. There are biking and walking paths around town.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangkok and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Darwin. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Darwin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bangkok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Darwin if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bangkok.

One day in Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Darwin, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Darwin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Darwin has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Darwin is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Darwin, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin than you might in Bangkok.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Darwin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Darwin?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Darwin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok or Darwin?

Darwin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Darwin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.

Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Darwin during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Darwin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Darwin. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

In October, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Darwin in the Winter?

Both Darwin and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Darwin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Darwin in the Spring?

Both Darwin and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Darwinin October. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Bangkok