A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur 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 active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pattaya travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Pattaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Pattaya different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Dining out in Pattaya is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Pattaya just to party. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Pattaya to choose from. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Pattaya for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur are very good 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.

Kuala Lumpur is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. 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.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Pattaya has a few public transit options. 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.

Is Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Pattaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pattaya, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Pattaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Pattaya 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

In Pattaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant resort city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Pattaya is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful destination of Pattaya. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Pattaya is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

Pattaya is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

In April, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya