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

Should you visit Pattaya or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-rated, often overlooked, and under-the-radar city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nagoya travel costs.

Pattaya and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Nagoya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagoya than Pattaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nagoya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Pattaya is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Pattaya is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Nagoya is popular for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. It is also home to the Nagoya Castle.

How is Pattaya different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagoya. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Pattaya is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Nagoya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Resorts?

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

Pattaya is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Nagoya?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pattaya and Nagoya both offer plenty of excellent 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 Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its family-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

Pattaya is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Couples?

Both Pattaya and Nagoya are good 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.

Nagoya is a good resort city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Pattaya or Nagoya Better for Students?

Nagoya is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Pattaya is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Pattaya is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya is a great city 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 public transit in Nagoya can get you around easily. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is a very walkable city. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Nagoya?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pattaya and Nagoya. In our opinion, Nagoya has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagoya than Pattaya. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Pattaya or Nagoya?

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.

Because Nagoya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Nagoya?

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.

Because Nagoya 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagoya has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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 Nagoya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nagoya in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagoya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Nagoya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Nagoya. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.

Should I visit Pattaya or Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. Pattaya is much warmer than Nagoya in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Nagoya in the Spring?

Both Nagoya 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. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Nagoya averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Nagoya. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Pattaya