A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Lombok for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Pattaya or Lombok?

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 Lombok 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Pattaya travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a cultural, stunning, and peaceful island. Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Lombok travel costs.

Pattaya and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Lombok?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lombok than Pattaya, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lombok is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pattaya is more popular for its nightlife. Pattaya is more touristy than Lombok and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Lombok is well known for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. Also, Lombok is famous for Mount Rinjani.

How is Pattaya different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

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

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 Lombok is an experience not to be missed. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Pattaya and Lombok have very good options.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Lombok to choose from. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

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.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok is terrific for the beach. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for the beach.

Lombok is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

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.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is a great island for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lombok for the hiking trails. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Lombok?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Lombok both offer plenty of very good spots.

Pattaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Pattaya or Lombok More Beautiful?

Lombok is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Lombok 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.

Lombok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Is Pattaya or Lombok Better for Couples?

Lombok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for couples.

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lombok is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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 Lombok Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pattaya is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok 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 Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Pattaya or Lombok a more walkable city?

Pattaya and Lombok are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Pattaya is generally not a very walkable resort city. 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.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Pattaya Worth Visiting? and Is Lombok Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Lombok?

Pattaya and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Pattaya 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 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok 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 Lombok.

One day in Pattaya or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Pattaya. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Pattaya or Lombok?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Lombok, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Pattaya or Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Pattaya. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. In Lombok, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Pattaya or Lombok?

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 Lombok in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Lombok is May to September. In July, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Lombok. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Should I visit Pattaya or Lombok in the Autumn?

Both Lombok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. Lombok 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 Lombok. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Lombok in the Winter?

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

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Lombok. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Lombok during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Pattaya or Lombok in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Lombok. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Pattaya is around the same temperature as Lombok in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Pattaya