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

Should you visit Pattaya or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Torquay travel costs.

Pattaya and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pattaya or Torquay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pattaya than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pattaya is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. Also, Pattaya is famous for the Sanctuary of Truth. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Pattaya different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Pattaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Pattaya is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Resorts?

Pattaya is great for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay is not a resort destination.

Pattaya is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay is a great surf town for hiking. However, Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Torquay for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Pattaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pattaya or Torquay?

Pattaya is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Pattaya or Torquay More Beautiful?

Torquay is a surf town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Pattaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Families?

Pattaya is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Pattaya or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pattaya and Torquay 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 Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Pattaya and Torquay 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.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Pattaya or Torquay a more walkable city?

Torquay is a great surf town for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Pattaya?

How long in Pattaya or Torquay?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pattaya than Torquay 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 Torquay?

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Torquay, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This surf town 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 Torquay?

In Pattaya, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pattaya has to offer.

In Torquay, you'll find food and shopping. 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Torquay has to offer.

Five days in Pattaya or Torquay?

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Torquay is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Torquay. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Torquay, we can see that Torquay 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. Even though Pattaya is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Torquay?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Torquay in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Torquay. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Torquayin January. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pattaya or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In the autumn, Pattaya is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 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.

Should I visit Pattaya or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pattaya or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Torquay. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Pattaya is a little warmer than Torquay in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Torquayin October. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 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.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Pattaya