A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pattaya vs. Zhengzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pattaya or Zhengzhou?

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 Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou?

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.

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Pattaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $65. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pattaya $27
    Zhengzhou $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pattaya $54
    Zhengzhou $42
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Zhengzhou

Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Zhengzhou? 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.

Hotels in Pattaya


Hotels in Zhengzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pattaya $13
    Zhengzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya

Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Waterpark with Transfers: $65
  • Full-Day Enduro Adventure in Pattaya with Hotel Transfers: $205
  • Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $43
  • Admission Ticket to Underwater World Pattaya with Return Transfer: $54
  • Airport Private Transfers from Pattaya City to Suvarnabhumi BKK: $74
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Airport to Hotel (UTP): $36
  • Airport transfer in Rayong from Hotel to Airport (UTP): $36
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Pattaya: $58
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Rayong/ Koh Samed: $86
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya 3D Museum with Private Hotel Transfer: $43
  • Bangkok Airport Private Transfer To or From Pattaya City: $84
  • Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Zhengzhou?

Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pattaya $43
    Zhengzhou $36

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: $45
  • Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
  • Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
  • Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
  • All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pattaya $24
    Zhengzhou $5.03

Tours and Activities in Pattaya

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.

  • Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.15
  • Pattaya Floating Market Tickets: $3.19
  • Pattaya Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch: $5.00
  • Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.73
  • Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
  • Pool Party and Foam Experience for Indian Tourists at Pattaya : $6.41
  • Pattaya Coral Islands Tour with Lunch: $8.05
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
  • Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $9.00
  • Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
  • Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $10
  • Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $10

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
  • All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
  • Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
  • Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pattaya $9.42
    Zhengzhou $4.04


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Zhengzhou, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.

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


Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Zhengzhou?

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

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Zhengzhou. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. In the summer, Pattaya often gets less sunshine than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pattaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?

Both Zhengzhou and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Pattaya is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during autumn. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pattaya. In October, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pattaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Zhengzhou in the Winter?

Both Zhengzhou and Pattaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Zhengzhou in the winter. In the winter, Pattaya is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pattaya in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 1°C (34°F).

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the winter, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun.

Pattaya usually gets more rain in January than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pattaya 27°C (80°F) 
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Pattaya or Zhengzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

In April, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 30°C (86°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during spring. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pattaya 30°C (86°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Pattaya

Pattaya Zhengzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 30°C (86°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 30°C (85°F) 202 mm (7.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)