Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pattaya or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen 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.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Xiamen?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pattaya and Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Xiamen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Xiamen $6.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Underwater World at Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $40
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Pattaya HTL-APT (DMK): $67
- Tiffany’s Show Pattaya – VIP Gold/Diamond with Transfers: $75
- Tiffany's Show Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $70
- Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $73
- Tiffany Show Pattaya Tickets With Transfers: $53
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.43
- Ramayana Water Park with Transfer from Pattaya : $89
- Ramayana Water Park at Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $63
- Ramayana Water Park Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen and Pattaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPattaya $43Xiamen $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $44
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $53
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $53
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $59
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Xiamen $16
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Andamanda Waterpark Phuket Ticketed Fun: $52
- Private Wachira Benchathat Tour with Transportation: $285
- 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $71
- 6 Hour Private Selfie City Tour in the Landmark of Pattaya: $101
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $38
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya Admission Ticket: $50
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $48
- Art in Paradise in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $14
- Baliblue Sunset Yacht Cruise Party with Music, Dancer at Pattaya: $134
- Baliblue Sunset Yacht Party Cruise with Music and Dancer: $273
- Bangkok Temples Private Tour from Pattaya – Full Day: $155
- Bangkok Tour from Laem Chabang Port including Canal Cruise: $213
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Xiamen $17
When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Xiamen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Xiamen averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Xiamen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Xiamen. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Pattaya is generally a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Pattaya is much warmer than Xiamen in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Xiamen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Xiamen in the Spring?
Both Xiamen 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.
In the spring, Pattaya is a little warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Xiamen averages at about 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.