A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a high energy, colorful, and active resort city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pattaya travel costs.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a peaceful, relaxing, and natural national park. The beauty of Chichibu-Tama-Kai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Chichibu-Tama-Kai travel costs.

Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also well known for the Sanctuary of Truth. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Pattaya different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pattaya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Pattaya is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pattaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Pattaya. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

People don't go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the nightlife. Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

In Pattaya, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is great for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Pattaya attract visitors from all over. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Pattaya is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai More Beautiful?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for its scenery and beauty. However, Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Chichibu-Tama-Kai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This park is perfectly positioned to offer a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. It's filled with beautiful forests and serene hiking trails that make for a wonderful day away.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are great to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pattaya is very family-friendly. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Pattaya is a good resort city for couples to visit. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are nice places to visit.

Pattaya is a good resort city to visit for backpackers. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pattaya offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great national park for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable national park. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Pattaya Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pattaya than Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pattaya than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Pattaya.

One day in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Pattaya, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant resort city of Pattaya, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Pattaya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In July, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Pattaya is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.

Should I visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Pattaya is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In January, Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pattaya