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

Should you visit Bangkok or Nara?

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 Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. Nara is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nara travel costs.

Bangkok and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Nara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Nara. 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 Nara attracts visitors for its historical sights and hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Nara 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. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Bangkok different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a world class 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.

Nara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Nara to see the historical old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Nara?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Bangkok or Nara More Beautiful?

Bangkok is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Nara are excellent 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, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Bangkok or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Nara.

Public transit in Bangkok is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Bangkok or Nara a more walkable city?

Nara is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Nara 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 Nara.

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

Bangkok is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nara, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 Nara?

Bangkok is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nara, 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 Nara has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Nara?

Bangkok is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This capital city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nara 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 Nara?

Bangkok is a spirited capital city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Nara?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nara during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara 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 Nara. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Nara in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°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 Nara. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 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 Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara 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 Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. Bangkok is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Nara. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara 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, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Nara. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Nara and Bangkok