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

Should you visit Bangkok or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg 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 vibrant, high energy, and cultural capital city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Bangkok attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bangkok travel costs.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. The famous beauty of Salzburg is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Salzburg travel costs.

Bangkok and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Salzburg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bangkok than Salzburg. Bangkok is bigger than Salzburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bangkok is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Salzburg is more popular for its music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Bangkok and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Bangkok is well known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. Also, Bangkok is famous for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.

How is Bangkok different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bangkok on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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

Bangkok is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Salzburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Salzburg and Bangkok.

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.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg More Beautiful?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Salzburg is one of the main draws. This stunning city is known for its beautiful churches and hillside views.

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.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Families?

Both Bangkok and Salzburg 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, Salzburg is very family-friendly. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Both Bangkok and Salzburg are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bangkok is a great capital city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bangkok is a very popular capital city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Salzburg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg Better for Students?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg 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 Salzburg.

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.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Bangkok or Salzburg a more walkable city?

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

Salzburg is very walkable. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Salzburg?

In either Bangkok or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than Salzburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Salzburg 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 Salzburg?

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 Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Salzburg?

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 Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bangkok or Salzburg?

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.

Salzburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salzburg has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Salzburg?

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 Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg 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 Salzburg is in Europe, 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Salzburg?

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Salzburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Salzburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Salzburg. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Salzburg. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Salzburg. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 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 Salzburg in the Winter?

Both Salzburg 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 Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Salzburg. In the winter, Bangkok is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Salzburg in the Spring?

Both Salzburg 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, many visitors come to Salzburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Salzburg. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Salzburg. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Salzburg and Bangkok