A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Ise for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Pattaya or Ise?

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 Ise 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 vibrant, high energy, and colorful resort city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pattaya travel costs.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Ise travel costs.

Pattaya and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Ise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pattaya than Ise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pattaya is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Also, Pattaya is famous for the Sanctuary of Truth. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Pattaya different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pattaya and Ise.

Pattaya offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Is the Food Better in Pattaya or Ise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pattaya and Ise.

Pattaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Ise is an experience not to be missed. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is well known for its resorts. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a resort city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ise 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.

Ise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is well known for the beach. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Ise?

Pattaya is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pattaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Families?

Pattaya is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pattaya is a very kid-friendly resort city. 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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Ise are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pattaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Ise is a good resort city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Ise are notable 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 Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

Is Pattaya or Ise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pattaya and Ise both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Ise has a few public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Pattaya or Ise a more walkable city?

Ise is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pattaya and Ise. In our opinion, Pattaya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pattaya than Ise. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

Families should spend more time in Pattaya than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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 Ise?

With museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Pattaya, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ise, you'll find museums and food. 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 Pattaya or Ise?

Many people visit Pattaya for a weekend. With nightlife and food around the vibrant resort city of Pattaya, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ise, 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 Ise has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Ise?

The destination of Pattaya offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Ise 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 Pattaya or Ise?

Pattaya, a popular resort city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Ise, we can see that Ise is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise than you might in Pattaya.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Ise?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Ise, 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 Ise?

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Ise. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Pattaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pattaya is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Ise during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Ise. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 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.

Should I visit Pattaya or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ise can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Ise. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pattaya or Ise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ise for the beaches during these months.

Pattaya is much warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Ise during spring. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Ise. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 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.

Typical Weather for Ise and Pattaya