A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pattaya or Guangzhou?

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 Guangzhou 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.

Where Should I go: Pattaya or Guangzhou?

Pattaya

Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.

Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Pattaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $104. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pattaya and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pattaya $27
    Guangzhou $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pattaya $54
    Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Guangzhou? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pattaya


Hotels in Guangzhou


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pattaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pattaya $13
    Guangzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark with Transfers: $65
  • Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
  • Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $43
  • Admission Ticket to Underwater World Pattaya with Return Transfer: $54
  • Airport Private Transfers from Pattaya City to Suvarnabhumi BKK: $74
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Airport to Hotel (UTP): $36
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Hotel to Airport (UTP): $36
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Pattaya: $58
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Rayong/ Koh Samed: $86
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Museum with Private Hotel Transfer: $43
  • Bangkok Airport Private Transfer To or From Pattaya City: $84
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Shenzhen Day Tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Private Transfer: $255
  • Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $194
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $176
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
  • Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Pattaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pattaya $43
    Guangzhou $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya

For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
  • Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
  • Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
  • Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
  • All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pattaya $24
    Guangzhou $18

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.

  • Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.15
  • Pattaya Floating Market Tickets: $3.19
  • Pattaya Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch: $5.00
  • Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.73
  • Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
  • Pool Party and Foam Experience for Indian Tourists at Pattaya : $6.41
  • Pattaya Coral Islands Tour with Lunch: $8.05
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $9.00
  • Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
  • Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $10
  • Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $10

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
  • 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4-Hour Baiyun Mountain Yuntai Garden Private Guangzhou City Tour: $180
  • 4-Hour Flexible Private Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Options: $153
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience : $118
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pattaya $9.42
    Guangzhou $14


When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Guangzhou, 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 Pattaya or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Guangzhou. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. In the summer, Pattaya often gets less sunshine than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Guangzhou and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pattaya. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pattaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Guangzhou in the Winter?

Both Guangzhou and Pattaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Pattaya is much warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Guangzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

In April, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.

Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Pattaya

Pattaya Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)