A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pattaya or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pattaya travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Pattaya and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Pattaya and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Pattaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pattaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also home to the Sanctuary of Truth. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Pattaya different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Pattaya is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Pattaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Pattaya is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Pattaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is an amazing resort city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Pattaya has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Pattaya and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound is a great fiord if you're traveling as a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Milford Sound are good 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Pattaya has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Pattaya or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Pattaya is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable resort city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Pattaya and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Pattaya than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Pattaya. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of Pattaya. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pattaya or Milford Sound?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort city of Pattaya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pattaya is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Milford Sound?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Milford Sound, 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.