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

Should you visit Bangkok or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura 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 spirited, colorful, and vibrant capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bangkok travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a charming, laid back, and ancient coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Kamakura travel costs.

Bangkok and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Kamakura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Kamakura, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bangkok is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamakura is known for its beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Kamakura is popular for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches.

How is Bangkok different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Bangkok that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Kamakura specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Bangkok is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kamakura. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to see the historical old town. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kamakura. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Kamakura?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamakura. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura More Beautiful?

Bangkok is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bangkok is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The temples and energy are what give this impressive city it's own form of beauty.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Families?

Bangkok is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kamakura is a family-friendly capital city. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bangkok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Bangkok is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bangkok. 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.

Kamakura has some public transit options. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Bangkok or Kamakura a more walkable city?

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

Kamakura is somewhat walkable. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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 Kamakura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Kamakura. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bangkok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Kamakura. 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 Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamakura, you'll find nightlife and food. This coastal city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bangkok or Kamakura?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Bangkok or Kamakura?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamakura is a great place to explore. 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 Kamakura?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamakura. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kamakura. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Kamakura, we can see that Kamakura is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kamakura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamakura 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 Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Kamakura?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Kamakura in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Kamakura. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Kamakura averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 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 Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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, the winter months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura 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. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Kamakura in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Kamakura. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Bangkok