Which is better - Pattaya or Phuket? This question is asked by everyone who is planning their first vacation in Thailand. Both resorts are on everyone's lips. These are huge recreational areas with an abundance of entertainment for every taste and budget. They are similar in many ways, but they also have differences.

Pattaya

The resort surprises with its dynamism. Pattaya consists of an endless cycle of events in which all its inhabitants are involved. Energetic and curious tourists have at their disposal nightclubs and discos, excursions to ancient Thai temples, delicious and exotic food, and a clean and warm sea.

The epicenter of Pattaya's cultural and resort life is the main pedestrian artery Walking Street. Prices in this part of Thailand are considered the most affordable. The thing is that the village is located just two hours from Bangkok International Airport, the runways of which are favored by low-cost airlines.

Pattaya's strengths:

• low prices;
• abundance of entertainment;
• dynamism;
• proximity to transport hubs in Thailand;
• extensive and clean beaches.

Phuket

As for the second most popular resort in the country, it is chosen by a respectable and respectable public. Fashionable family hotels are concentrated on its coast. The resort is divided into several large recreational areas:

• Patong.
• Kamala.
• Karon Beach.
• Phuket (municipality).

Nightclubs and discos are located in Patong. This is the noisiest part of the coast. Kamala is the choice of those who value pristine nature. The beauty of the local beaches is mesmerizing. Karon Beach is created for fans of active sports. Its beaches are loved by surfers. The city is a place for meeting friends and shopping. Its streets are lined with hundreds of boutiques and souvenir shops, restaurants and traditional Thai eateries.

Phuket's strengths:

• quiet and secluded beaches;
• clean and transparent sea;
• comfortable hotels;
• wealthy European public;
• a large selection of programs designed for families with children.

The main disadvantage of the resort is its distance from metropolitan region. Transport accessibility also leaves much to be desired.

Difficult choice

So, Pattaya or Phuket? The answer depends on the purpose of the trip, the composition of travelers and the availability of finances. Let's find out!

Best for children

When traveling with children, parents carefully plan their route. They choose a hotel and carefully study the reviews. So the question is: “Pattaya or Phuket?” especially relevant for them. Experienced tourists claim that the beaches of both resorts are equally suitable for family holidays. They have a developed infrastructure and everything necessary for swimming.

Battle of the Beaches

If you believe the reviews, the cleanliness of the Pattaya coast is still inferior to the order that reigns in the recreational areas in Phuket. The beaches are noisy and crowded. Naklua and Jomtien are considered the cleanest parts of Pattaya. Near them there are cafes and restaurants, rental shops for sports equipment. Children ride on inflatable “bananas”, and adults ride on “tablets”.

Phuket has a variety of beaches. The most popular among Russians is Karon. It is covered with imported sand with a high content of quartz, which, if you step on it, makes a characteristic crunch. There are no complaints about the sea in Phuket. The exception is Patong. It resembles the noisy and cheerful coast of Pattaya.

Safety

Where is the best entrance to the sea, Pattaya or Phuket? At both resorts the coastline is flat. The depth of the water increases gradually. The bottom is sandy everywhere. True, in Pattaya around May, strong excitement begins. Swimming becomes unpleasant and sometimes dangerous. The storm ends at the end of October.

The sea in Phuket has a gentle disposition. But in some places there are underwater holes. They are very shallow, but those coming here with small children need to be extremely careful. High waves at all resorts on the island are rare.

Price issue

And yet, what to choose - Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the best and cheapest place to vacation? The abundance of entertainment venues that are concentrated in Pattaya allows the resort to welcome travelers all year round. The cost of accommodation, food and tourist services in this part of Thailand is considered the lowest.

For a bed in a decent hostel they ask 500 rubles a day. For a room in a comfortable hotel you need to pay about 1,000 rubles. Based on feedback from Russians, the following was compiled:

• "Nova Platinum Hotel"
• Venue Residence Cabaret SPA.
• "Dranken Duck Guesthouse."
• Vog Wanted.
• "Siam Guesthouse".
• Whitehouse Condotel.
• "Mosaic Luxury Apartments".
• "Sentara Pattaya Hotel".
• "Zing Resort SPA"
• "High Lords Residence".

There are hotels in Phuket various levels. There are premium options and simple but cheap ones. The cost of living in local hostels is almost the same as in Pattaya. But hotels are more expensive. They ask for up to 40,000 rubles per night. List of hotels that received maximum ratings from tourists:

• "Lofts Boutique Hotel Apartments."
• "Sawasdi Village".
• "Centara Karon Resort Phuket".
• Marriott Phuket Resort SPA.
• Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort.
• "Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket."
• Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.
• "Suga Marina Resort".
• "Movenpick Resort SPA Karon Beach Phuket."
• "Racha."
• "Nap Patong".

Nutrition

Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the food better and tastier? A set lunch in the Pattaya beaches area will cost 300 rubles. In Phuket they are already asking 500 rubles for lunch.

The most popular and affordable eateries in Pattaya are Yasmins Cafe, Bronx Pizza, Daves Cantina, Dosa Hut, Imli Grill, Tinnis Thailand, Pool Siam, Rinapp Restaurante, La Strada Cafe", "Kiss Food".

In Phuket, Russians choose the restaurants “Taverna” and “Noti Nuris Phuket”, “Le Brooklyn Patng” and “Pad Thai Shop”, “Golden Pradice Restaurant”, “New Cafe”, “Mr. Coffee”, “Da Puccio Restaurant”, “ Tandoori Flames, Halfway Inn and Sandwich Shop Cafe.

Minor expenses

So where should a tourist stay - Pattaya or Phuket? What to choose? How much money should I prepare? You can't do without additional expenses. On the beaches of Pattaya they charge 300 rubles for renting a sun lounger and umbrella. This is the standard rate. It is valid everywhere in Thailand.

However, in Phuket you will have to fork out extra money if your plans include independent travel around the island. Renting a moped costs 400 rubles. A trip by public transport will cost 500 rubles.

Warmer climes

What to choose in Thailand? Pattaya or Phuket? Both resorts offer year-round recreation. The high season in Pattaya begins at the very end of October and ends in early March. Phuket is warm and quiet in November, December, January, February, March and the first half of April. Therefore, the answer to the questions posed depends on the date of your planned trip to Thailand.

Wind of wanderings

Where is it better to go to Pattaya or Phuket in the off-season? Pattaya is a resort where tourists are welcome at any time of the year. It is home to about 150,000 people. Almost all of them are employed in the service sector. Therefore, the local infrastructure is considered the most developed in all of Thailand. During the high season, the beaches of Pattaya are crowded, free seats few. But in the off-season the coast is empty, and housing prices drop by fifty percent.

In Phuket, hotel rooms are more expensive even during the wet monsoon season. But during the quiet period there is much less entertainment than among the neighbors. Therefore, here Phuket loses to the noisy and dynamic Pattaya.

Crime

Reviews about Pattaya or Phuket say that both resorts are safe for foreign tourists. The crime level here is low. But since youth groups gather in Pattaya, and alcohol flows like a river, caution should be exercised in this part of Thailand.

You should not take large sums of money with you if you go for a walk along the Walking Street. Experienced tourists do not recommend wandering alone at night through unknown neighborhoods where locals live.

Order reigns in Phuket. There are no riotous parties on the island. The local residents are good-natured and friendly people. You can only encounter theft in the market square or in nightclubs. The police arrive at the scene promptly. Tourists are provided with assistance in restoring documents and are allowed to contact friends and family.

Attractions

Where should you go on a trip - to Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the best place to relax? Where are the most interesting excursion programs? Unfortunately, Pattaya cannot boast of an abundance of architectural monuments. True, several Buddhist buildings are concentrated on the territory of the resort:

• Temple of Fate.
• Temple of Truth.
• Temple of the Big Buddha.

There are practically no nature reserves in the Pattaya area either. To admire the inhabitants of tropical nature, you need to go to the archipelago located nearby. Tourists are most interested in excursions to the islands of Ko Phai, Ko Lan, and Ko Sak.

List of available trips from Pattaya:

• "River Kwai" (2 days).
• "Capital Bangkok".
• "Discovery 7 in 1".
• "Madagascar".
• "Khao Keo."
• "Ramayana" (water park).
• "Cambodia" (2 days).
• "Nong Nooch"
• "Koh Samet".
• "Temple complex Wat Yan."

Phuket is the abode of ancient Thai shrines. Business card region - a colossal statue of Buddha. Its height is forty-five meters. You can get acquainted with the so-called Sino-colonial style in architecture in the municipal center of the island. The most popular among guides are walks along the streets of Phang Nga, Thalang, and Krabi.

Range of sightseeing trips at the Phuket travel agency:

• “The main attractions of the island” (8 hours).
• "Pearl Farm".
• "The World of Crocodiles."
• "Botanical Garden".
• "Dolphinarium".
• "Upside Down House"
• "Kingdom of the Tigers"
• "Khao Lak".
• "Khao Sok"
• "Shopping tour"

Leisure

Which is better - Pattaya or Phuket? In reviews, surfers recommend the first option. Fans also agree with them water activities. The resort's coastline is concentrated a large number of diving, windsurfing and kiting schools. Tourists are entertained by riding ATVs, scooters, and playing airsoft. The Ramayana water park invites you to relax with the whole family. The ticket price for an adult visitor is 2,500 rubles. Children receive a 50% discount.

They have a slightly different character. Travelers are carried on elephants. They are offered to go through the most difficult trails in the Extreme Jungle Park. There is also a small zoo here. There is a go-kart. The scale of the local water park is inferior to the scale of the famous Ramayana in Pattaya.

Purchases

Which is better - Phuket or Pattaya - in terms of shopping? There is no consensus on this matter. Shopaholics claim that the cheapest souvenirs and beach accessories are sold in Pattaya shops. But there are practically no boutiques selling authentic things at the resort. The risk of running into a Chinese counterfeit is very high. For jewelry, souvenirs made by local artisans, and colorful clothes, it is better to go to the flea market.

The basis of trade in Phuket is latex. Pillows and orthopedic mattresses made from this flexible and versatile material are extremely popular among visitors. The estimated cost of the product is 4,000 rubles.

Local jewelry stores are famous for their affordable natural pearl jewelry. Buyers praise crocodile leather accessories. Clothing of European brands is sold in specialized departments of large shopping centers.

Cultural program

New Year celebrations are the most important event in Thailand. Photos of Pattaya or Phuket serve the best confirmation. Resorts are literally transformed. But the main fun takes place on the first night of the new year. Residents of Pattaya take to the streets and douse themselves and the people around them with water from head to toe. Tourists, armed with water pistols, also take an active part in the holiday.

Celebrating the New Year in Phuket is exactly the same. All the inhabitants of the island take to the streets of the resort and joyfully greet: “Savadi pi mai.”

Pattaya or Phuket - which is better? If you have this question, most likely you are traveling to Thailand for the first time. Which resort should you prefer? We will analyze in detail all the pros and cons of Pattaya and Phuket so that you can make the right choice.

Pattaya or Phuket?

Deciding which is better, Pattaya or Phuket, is actually very easy. Just answer a number of questions for yourself that will be asked in this article and by the end of this review your opinion will be clear. We are all different, we have different goals and priorities for our vacation, so both resorts have their fans quite rightly.

Which city should you prefer? Vacation on an island or the Gulf of Thailand? Where is it cheaper - Phuket or Pattaya? Where better beaches? how much does a trip to Phuket cost, and how much to Pattaya?
There are many similar questions, the answers to which you will find below. Let's compare the climate, weather, beaches, prices in Phuket and Pattaya, the cost of rental housing, transport, excursions and other important components of any vacation to make it easier to choose.

Where to go to Phuket or Pattaya?

Let me start by saying that I have lived in Pattaya for many years. For permanent residence, Pattaya is without question much better than Phuket. At the same time, Phuket is a wonderful seaside resort where you can come for a week or two to relax and leave warm memories. The main thing is to understand what to expect from this vacation, otherwise surprises will await unprepared tourists at both resorts.

Weather and climate in Pattaya and Phuket

Pattaya the sunniest city in Thailand. The sun shines here 330 days a year, and the average annual temperature is 28 degrees. Excursions are available all year round (all).
Pattaya has consistently smooth, identical weather all year round, with the exception of a short period of rain, which, however, even during the rainy season does not interfere with rest, since it occurs at night and for a short time.
In Pattaya all year round it is +30 +35, in winter the temperature drops to +25 in the morning.

There is no distinct rainy season in Pattaya; you can go on holiday here in any month. The main precipitation falls in late October - early November.

Phuket– a completely seasonal resort. From the end of March to November is the low season when it rains, red flags are put up on the beaches and you cannot swim. Even most of the excursions for these 7 months go on break and are mothballed. So you can relax comfortably in Phuket only from November to March.

The weather in Phuket can bring a lot of surprises to vacationers. Firstly, Phuket has a pronounced seasonality, just like the other islands of Thailand.
If it waits in Phuket, then it can pour like buckets for several weeks in a row.

The most favorable months for a holiday in Phuket are from December to March; in other months, the weather is unpredictable, you can come on vacation and spend the whole time in your room because of the rain.

Round weather and climate remains with Pattaya.

Natural disasters – Tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides

Recently, an earthquake occurred in Sumatra, Indonesia, and there were injuries and deaths. It would seem, what does Phuket have to do with it?
Despite the fact that everything is nearby, in Phuket there were tremors of magnitude 3, not strong, but unpleasant.
Remembering the 2004 tsunami in Phuket, like it or not, you’ll wonder how safe it is to go there. I have a family friend who died there during the tsunami.

Yes, in Phuket after the terrible tsunami of 2004, they provided safety measures, installed signal buoys in the sea, lights and equipped evacuation areas. And I must say that they have already come in handy more than once. The question is different. Do you need it while on vacation?

Pattaya - mainland. And we can end here. It never shakes here. There can be no tsunami or other natural disasters here. Even during the flooding of Bangkok in 2011, only pitiful echoes reached Pattaya and for a couple of days people walked ankle-deep in water.
It’s very unpleasant to read the nonsense that the Russian media write when they confuse Pattaya with Phuket and then they call and write to me in order to find out how we are here. Alive or not? Guys, it rarely even rains here, and there’s no talk of flooding, hurricanes, etc. It's always calm in Pattaya.

This point is also outside Pattaya.

Comparison of the sea and beaches of Pattaya and Phuket

You don’t need to be an expert here to say that the beaches and sea in Phuket are many times better than those in the city of Pattaya.

If you are traveling only across the sea to Pattaya, this is a mistake. The sea in Pattaya is mediocre, the city beaches have yellow sand, and the water is often cloudy. Not always, of course, and not everywhere, but the azure sea with white sand in Pattaya can only be found on nearby islands like Koh Larn and on military beaches in the suburbs.

During the high season in Pattaya, even within the city limits the sea is very clean and transparent, the beaches are clean. Because the weather (no storms, cool), and also because work is constantly being done to improve it.
They brought tons of new sand to Jomtien and Beach Road, which is poured into the sea, onto the beach, new palm trees are planted, the coastline is expanded, in general, they are trying to at least not worsen what is there.

There are more beaches in Phuket, the choice is wider, you can come and swim at any beach in Phuket.
During the season there are, of course, crowds of people on the beaches of Phuket, but due to the length of the coastline, everyone will find a secluded place. The most popular beach in Phuket is Patong, which is certainly not for introverts. Those who need peace and quiet should stay in less crowded areas, away from the center.

If you have transport in Phuket, then you will have access to such good beaches as Freedom, Paradise, Tri Trang Beach, if not, you can relax and swim in Patong.
Don't go sunbathing right next to Bangla Road, walk a few minutes to the side and get a free beach with clean water, in the shade of palm trees and without intrusive traders who try to sell something every five seconds.

The sea in Phuket is clean, there is almost no garbage in the sea, after all, this is an island that is washed from all sides, and even if there is garbage from ships and boats, everything floats safely back to the sea. But it happens that algae begin to bloom in the sea, which can spoil the joy of swimming.

Both in Pattaya and Phuket, it makes sense to stay in a hotel with its own beach, so as not to waste precious time on trips to it.
But, if you want a really good beach, then you should choose from hotels in the North of Pattaya( Centara , Cape Dara) or in the south outside the city – Ambassador, Movenpick, Ravindra , Dor Shada.
This is all the first line and the beaches will be swimmable. If you want “bounty” beaches, again the south is better. From here it takes 15-25 minutes to get to the military beaches.

Round beaches and sea outside Phuket.

The best hotels with a beach in Phuket are:

Katathani Phuket

The best hotels with a private beach in Pattaya are:

Also, for those who like a quiet holiday and solitude flying to Pattaya, I would advise, if not for the entire vacation, then at least for a few days to stay on the island of Samet, on a good beach.
For us, the ideal beach holiday is there.

Samet Island

You can also go overnight to the nearest island, Koh Larn. Instructions on how to do this:

How to get from the airport to Pattaya and Phuket

From Phuket airport it is cheaper and more convenient to order a transfer to the hotel you need through a Kiwi taxi, which will meet you with a sign and take you to the place for a fixed fee, than to catch local buses or try to bargain with bombers who overprice their services by at least twice.

The bus from the airport to Patong runs every two hours; if you arrive in the evening, this option is no longer available, since the last one leaves at 17:00.
Early in the morning or during the day, you can try to take a bus to Phuket town for 100 baht, and then transfer by tuk-tuk. This method is not very suitable for beginners, since you may not wait for what you need, confuse the stops, get lost and stretch out the pleasure after the flight for many hours.

Getting from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya is much easier. The distance from Bangkok airport to Pattaya is 120-150 km, (depending on the area where you are going), you can get to the bus station in Pattaya for 120 baht.

The disadvantage of this method is that upon arrival, especially during the season, it turns out that all tickets for the next flights are sold out and you will have to wait several hours for the next bus.
This option is not suitable for families with children, those who have had a difficult flight with transfers and the elderly.

I don’t recommend ordering a taxi at the airport, it’s expensive, they deceive you. The most profitable option Kiwi taxi. This is how we get from Pattaya to Bangkok airport and back.
A simple order and payment form, you don’t need to pay anything in advance, they often offer discounts, wait, and greet you with a sign.

Here is a review about Kiwi Taxi from our reader:

"Good morning! We arrived yesterday. The Kiwi taxi driver was waiting for us with a sign at the exit, which was written to us in advance on the confirmation receipt. The car is comfortable. We got to our destination perfectly)) the driver asked us to take a photo for a review, we didn’t mind)) Katerina, thank you for your work in collecting and writing useful information!)”

Phuket or Pattaya – prices for tours from Russia

And then Phuket loses to Pattaya. In most cases, the price of a trip to Phuket is more expensive than a similar one to Pattaya.

Let's figure out which resort in Thailand is better - Pattaya or Phuket. We compare the sea, beaches, excursions, prices and reviews of tourists about Phuket and Pattaya - 2020 to understand where it is good to go on vacation on your own or on a last-minute tour.

Where are these resorts located?

Pattaya and Phuket on the map of Thailand:

Which resort to choose in Thailand:

• Phuket: holidays with children, swimming, beach holidays;
• Pattaya: excursions and attractions, entertainment, fun.

The main argument of Pattaya supporters is “Phuket gets boring after a few days.” But this is an individual opinion: whether it will be boring or fun depends only on your needs.

Below in the article we will compare all aspects of holidays at these resorts in Thailand so that you can decide for yourself where it is better to go - to Phuket or Pattaya.

At the end of the article you will find comparison table advantages of each resort, which will help you make the right choice.

Pattaya or Phuket: where is the weather better?

When choosing Phuket or Pattaya for a holiday in Thailand, it is worth having an idea of ​​the climate in these regions of the country.

Holidays in Phuket

It is better to relax in Phuket from mid-November to April-May - at this time there is no rain, strong winds and waves on the sea, the water is clear, and the beaches are best suited for swimming. It is about vacations during this period that tourists leave the most enthusiastic reviews about Phuket.

The rest of the time (May-October), the rainy season lasts in Phuket: the sky is often cloudy and gray, there are waves on the sea, and the water can be cloudy. It rains often, but mainly in the evenings and at night.

Holidays in Pattaya

In Pattaya good season The period from early November to mid-May is also considered for recreation. But the rainy season in this part of Thailand is weak, so you can relax comfortably in Pattaya both in summer and autumn. Moreover, due to geographical location there are never big waves in Pattaya.

Read more about the climate and holiday seasons here:

Thus, if it is important to you good weather, it is worth going to Phuket or Pattaya in the following months:

• Phuket: early November – mid-May
• Pattaya: all year (but better - from November to the end of May)

Phuket or Pattaya: where is the sea better?

If the purpose of your trip to Thailand is swimming and beach holidays, Phuket will be preferable to Pattaya. If you are going on vacation with small children, you shouldn’t even consider the option of Pattaya - the sea and beaches there are much worse, and you definitely shouldn’t go to those with a child.

Sea in Phuket

During the holiday season, the sea in Phuket is clean, with clear azure and blue water; on the shore you get great photos. The bottom is clearly visible at great depths, the entry into the water on popular beaches is gentle: you can swim and relax even with small children. The cleanliness of the sea is also indicated by the presence of representatives of the animal world - crabs, lizards, small fish.

Video of the sea at Patong Beach in Phuket (November):

Sea in Pattaya

In Pattaya the sea is much worse than in Phuket. There is often debris in the water; it is cloudy and green in color. Almost no one swims within the city limits; for this, tourists go to the beaches in the vicinity of the city or to neighboring islands - and this will require spending time and money.

The sea in Pattaya is not so terrible that swimming in it is dangerous or prohibited, but such swimming will bring much less pleasure than in Phuket.

Video of sea and water in Pattaya:

Which is better: the beaches of Phuket or Pattaya

In our opinion, the beaches in Phuket are generally better suited for relaxation than the beaches in Pattaya - they are more beautiful and cleaner, but not so rich in clubs, bars and other entertainment.

One of the main advantages of Phuket beaches over Pattaya beaches is also the proximity of the sea: to get to a good beach in Phuket you need to walk 200-400 meters from the hotel, and in Pattaya you will have to drive at least an hour.

Beaches of Phuket

Phuket has over 20 beaches, all located on the western side of the island. The beaches are different, you can find the one that suits you.

There is the popular and party Patong - generally similar to Pattaya, but on a smaller scale. There are many bars and discos there, there is even its own equivalent of the depraved Walking Street - here it is called Bangla Road. Patong has many hotels, restaurants and entertainment for those who love fun.

There are quiet and beautiful beaches without tourists and hotels, where you can admire the aquamarine water and natural beauty - these are Tri Trang, Nai Harn, Freedom, Mai Khao.

Finally, there are good beaches Karon, Kata and Kamala - something between the developed Patong and a quiet deserted coast. It is not as noisy and crowded as Patong, but it is beautiful, clean and has all the infrastructure necessary for recreation.

Panorama of Karon Beach in Phuket in low season, September (click on one of the arrows if the picture is not visible):

Pattaya beaches

There are also many beaches in Pattaya, but the best of them are those that are located further from the city center - for example, Jomtien. However, even Jomtien does not suit many tourists - not everyone swims there.

Panorama of the central beach of Pattaya (Pattaya beach) in the season - December (click on the arrow if the photo is not visible):

Other beaches within the city are usually even worse. Judging by the reviews of tourists, many people like to watch sunsets on the beaches of Pattaya, but for swimming and beach holidays, tourists prefer to go out of town or to the nearest islands - for example, Koh Larn or Koh Samet.

On the islands the sea is quite clean, there are beaches with good sand and no garbage. The only negative is that you need to spend at least an hour and 50-100 baht to get to the island.

The best beach in the vicinity of Pattaya is Military Beach. It is located 30 kilometers south of the city; getting there by moped or car is still more convenient than sailing to the island of Koh Larn. Military beach is valued for its cleanliness, good sand, clean sea - all this is quite a rarity for Pattaya. Entrance to the beach is paid (100 baht = 190 rubles), and on weekends many tourists and locals gather there to relax.

There is also a good beach, Nong Ram - it is located a little further, and some tourists like it even better than Military Beach.

Entertainment in Thailand

Which is better in terms of entertainment - Phuket or Pattaya?

Pattaya has more good bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Of course, they are also found in Phuket, but not in such large quantities. In addition, prices for food and entertainment in Pattaya are lower.

Pattaya is known as the "city of depravity" thanks to its Walking Street. At the same time, in Phuket there is a similar street (on Patong Beach) - Bangla Road. There, anyone can find everything the same as on Walking Street in Pattaya.

Sights and excursions

It is believed that Pattaya is better than Phuket in terms of culture: There are more attractions there, and excursions are more varied.

Indeed, in Pattaya itself and its surroundings there are many attractions, and getting to them is easier: after all, Pattaya is a city, and Phuket is an entire island. In addition, from Pattaya it is easy to get to other cultural places in Thailand - for example, to Bangkok or ancient Ayutthaya.

Pattaya's attractions include beautiful park complexes (Nong Nooch Garden is especially worth noting), monasteries, and zoos.

There is also something to see in Phuket, but there are not many attractions, and to get to them you need to rent a moped or take an expensive taxi (prices start from 800 rubles per train). Excursions in Phuket are mainly by sea - to neighboring islands or to the province of Krabi.

Our maps will help you navigate the sights of Thailand:

Photo: Temple of Truth in Pattaya

Shopping centers and shopping

In terms of shopping and shopping, Pattaya beats Phuket: There are many large shopping centers in the city, and if necessary, you can go to Bangkok, which will satisfy the needs of any shopaholic.

Prices for trips to Pattaya are a little more expensive - from 62,000-70,000 rubles for two people (7 nights). For this price you can go, for example, to a popular hotel (breakfast included).

Are you planning to fly on a tour? The material Prices for all-inclusive tours to Thailand - 2020 will be useful to you, where we analyzed the cost of tours to different categories of hotels (3, 4, 5 stars) and to different resorts in the country (Phuket, Pattaya, Samui).

Last minute tours to Thailand: Pattaya or Phuket

In 2020, last-minute tours to both Pattaya and Phuket are often among the trips to Thailand. It is convenient to search for such tours through special search engines that compare the price of tours from all tour operators - for example or.

The cost of last-minute tours to Phuket starts from 34,000-39,000 rubles for two people (7 nights).

Last minute tours to Pattaya can be cheaper - we came across options for 30,000 rubles for two.

Transport at resorts

According to reviews from many travelers, transport in Phuket is more expensive than in Pattaya and not as convenient.

Buses and minibuses

Minibuses (songthaews) run around Pattaya around the clock, the ticket for which costs only 10 baht (19 rubles). You can get to almost any part of the city by songthaew.

In Phuket, minibuses operate only on the “beach – Phuket town” route; a ticket costs 30 baht. That is, to get to the neighboring beach by public transport, you need to go through the center of the island - this is long and inconvenient.

Taxi

Taxis in Phuket are generally the most expensive in Thailand: even for a short trip to a nearby beach, the driver will charge you 400-500 baht (800-1000 rubles). In Pattaya, the price of boarding a taxi is 30-40 baht (60-80 rubles), plus 6 baht (12 rubles) for each kilometer.

Where is it cheaper to travel on your own?

If you are traveling to Phuket or Pattaya on your own, the choice of resort may be affected by the cost of the flight from Russia.

In 2020, the difference in airfare prices is negligible, but you will most likely be able to get to Pattaya cheaper.

Flight to Phuket

Unlike Pattaya, Phuket can be reached by direct flight from Russia. Aeroflot tickets cost from 26,800 rubles in summer and autumn, at other times of the year the price rises to 28,000-30,000 rubles.

To get from the airport to your hotel or beach you need to spend another 120-180 baht for a minibus/bus or 700-800 baht for a taxi.

Read about the cost of flights to Phuket and prices for travel from the airport here:

Calendar with prices for flights to Phuket:

Flight to Pattaya

There is U-Tapao Airport 32 kilometers from Pattaya, but planes neither from Russia nor from Bangkok fly there. So, to get to Pattaya, you need to fly to Bangkok and then take a bus or taxi.

For the car.

Calendar with prices for flights to Bangkok:

Phuket or Pattaya: which is safer?

Experienced travelers claim that Phuket is safer than Pattaya.

In Pattaya, thefts and muggings (for example, bags being cut off and wallets being stolen) are more common, especially in the center. The city has both completely safe areas and those where it can be dangerous in the evening. The darker the place, the higher the risk of running into scammers and pickpockets.

Phuket is quieter and calmer, there are much fewer security problems there: although thefts do occur, they are much less common than in Pattaya.

At the same time, if in Thailand you behave adequately and not provocatively, the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation in both Phuket and Pattaya is extremely low. Just watch your bags and belongings more carefully, and don’t conflict with the locals.

Pattaya or Phuket: which is better to choose for a holiday?

So that you can decide where to go on holiday in Thailand, we have made a convenient table with the advantages of each resort.

Which is better in Phuket or Pattaya:

If you are traveling to Thailand with small children, it is definitely better to choose Phuket. In other cases, the decision will depend on your preferences: for parties and excursions you should go to Pattaya, for a beach holiday and clear sea- to Phuket.

Video: what is better to choose from Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui:

Pattaya or Phuket - that is the question! These are two of the most popular resorts in Thailand. However, Phuket and Pattaya are radically different from each other. In short, for a beach holiday, tropical vegetation and other exotic things, go to Phuket, and for shopping, transvestites and discos, go to Pattaya.

Pattaya or Phuket - which is better?

No one will give you a definite answer to this question. Because everything depends on the person and his interests. My opinion is that you can have a wonderful holiday in both Pattaya and Phuket, no matter what anyone says about these destinations. PTT also has a beach holiday on the island of Koh Larn, and in Phuket, of course, there are also various excursions, shopping and transvestites in Patong. There is even an analogue of Walking Street.

Phuket is worth going to if you prefer a relaxing holiday by the sea. So, to go from the hotel to the beach, swim, sunbathe, and one evening go to the city for a party or watch some show. In Pattaya, on the contrary, the city cannot boast of exotic lush vegetation, and to get to a normal beach, you will have to go through a difficult journey. But all shops, daytime and evening entertainment will always be within walking distance.

It is also believed that Pattaya is cheaper than Phuket, not only in terms of vouchers, but also in terms of prices in stores and markets. But in reality this is not true. In Phuket, prices for goods and food are the same as in Pattaya. Well, if you don’t buy food and fruit in stores near the sea, but move a little deeper into the area, the prices there will already be adequate. Only tours and air tickets are more expensive. Tickets to Bangkok are cheaper by about 3-5 thousand rubles.

Comparison of Pattaya and Phuket

Convenience of getting there

To get to Pattaya, you must first fly to Bangkok and then take a bus or taxi into the city. Travel time is one and a half hours. To get to Phuket, you need to fly to the island, and then also drive to the desired city. Travel time depends on the chosen city and on average no more than an hour. If you come with a package, the transfer will be included in the price. For independent travelers, the following links will be useful:

Hotels

I won’t say 100%, but it seemed to me that Phuket hotels are a little better. My personal opinion. Of course, there are very bad guest rooms there, but in PTT there are luxurious five-star hotels. It seems to me that in terms of the total number of quality hotels, this island is still ahead of Pattaya. Especially hotels with good view, close to the sea where you can swim.

Sea and beach holidays

Pattaya is a city resort, the beach there is not the best. Some tourists swim, but most are disdainful. IN tourist season, from November to March, even less clean sea and clear water, but in the off-season, from May to September, the beach and sea in PTT are very dirty. To swim in clean water you will have to go to the neighboring island (Koh Lan).

Phuket is a resort with an excellent beach holiday. One of best beaches Thailand. The sea is clean, the water is clear. Large wide beaches, Karon and Kata, resemble ocean beaches. During the low season there may be waves, causing the water to become more cloudy. Phuket is definitely better for swimming than Pattaya. If you are going to Thailand for a beach holiday, then only to the island of Phuket.

Beach in Pattaya in the Pratumnak area. Photos during the tourist season


But it’s so dirty on the beaches of Pattaya in the off-season. Swimming is canceled

Our beach holiday in Pattaya goes like this


Patong beach, Phuket


Karon beach, Phuket


Kata-noi beach, Phuket

Entertainment

Pattaya has a lot of entertainment for children and adults. Water parks, museums, exhibitions, attractions, restaurants, a miniature park, various shows, concerts, fashion shows, including transvestites, and much more. What is Volkin Street worth? Phuket also has all these entertainments, there are also several transvestite shows (Aphrodite, Sim Niramit), a zoo, a butterfly garden, Buddhist temples, etc. But perhaps there is a little less entertainment for children.

Walking street Pattaya. Bangla Road looks about the same, only wider

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience In this article

Excursions

Travel agencies in PTT offer a variety of excursions, show programs, visits to temples, the zoo, Ayurveda shops and factories. From PTT you can easily travel to Bangkok or Ayutthaya on your own or with a tour. You can also go to Cambodia or even Laos for a two- or three-day excursion.

In Phuket, tourists are offered not only sightseeing tours of the island with visits to temples and jewelry, latex and other factories, but also trips to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond, Similans, elephant riding, waterfalls, artificial rafting, ATVs, boat trips, diving and snorkeling, various shows of transvestites, elephants and shows for adults. You can take a 2-3 day excursion to and.

Please note that they say that Pattaya is cheaper... But! In Phuket, attractions are cheaper or even free (Wat Chalong Temple - free, Zoo 300 baht, Bird Park 300 baht). And in PTT, entrance everywhere costs an average of 500 baht per person (Temple of Truth 500 baht, Khao Kheo Zoo 500 baht, Nong Nooch Garden 500 baht)!

In terms of entertainment, it is difficult to say which is better, Pattaya or Phuket. Both resorts are rich in a variety of excursions and entertainment events, but Phuket is cheaper. .

Pattaya	Phuket

Observation deck in Pattaya Big Budda Hill
Bangkok

Phi Phi Islands

Public transport

Pattaya has excellent public transport. There are minibuses (songthaews) running along almost all the streets of the city, which for some reason are called tuk-tuks by locals. The fare is only 10 baht. Most minibuses operate 24 hours a day. It will not be difficult to get to any part of the city.

In Phuket, transport is also fine, but there are some nuances that can cause inconvenience. Firstly, the distances are much greater, because PTT is a city, and Phuket is a huge island. You should be prepared for the fact that the journey will take time, especially to remote beaches such as Nai Harn or Mai Khao. Secondly, due to this, buses are more expensive - on average 30-40 baht. Thirdly, they do not go as often as in PTT. And fourthly, buses only operate until 5-6 pm, and some finish even earlier. Therefore, moving around the island in evening time You can only take a taxi if you don’t have your own transport.

Minibuses in Pattaya. They go often and are cheap


Commemorative photo in front of a pink people transport truck in Phuket

Long term rental housing

Information for those who want to live in Thailand for a month or more. In both resorts you can easily find a decent condominium apartment on the beach. In both places there are houses for rent, which are often cheaper than apartments. There is a large selection of budget housing, and here and there you can live in a room for 5-6 thousand baht per month. Rental prices are approximately the same.

However, in Phuket, since the beginning of the high season, the cost of renting housing near the beaches has increased sharply, almost doubling. In the low season, from May to September, you can rent a good apartment in Patong for 10-15 thousand baht. But from November to March it will cost 20-25 thousand, while housing prices in the center of the island, in the areas of Kathu, Town, Chalong, do not change due to the season. This is the peculiarity.

Read more about all the nuances of self-renting housing in Thailand by following the links:

Product prices

The food price level is no different. Yes Yes exactly. Forget this myth that Phuket is an expensive island. I don’t know who came up with this, but we’ve been living here for 5 months now, and most groceries in supermarkets like Tesco, Big C, 7-Eleven cost exactly the same as anywhere else in Thailand. Down to the penny. Also, there is no significant difference in prices in the markets and in makashnitsa. High prices are always where there are a lot of tourists. But as soon as you move a little away from the tourist center, you will already be able to see the usual Thai price tags. Don’t be guided by mangoes on the beach; these same mangoes will cost 2 times cheaper at the market on the third street from the sea.

• - example of a market with inflated prices for tourists
• - example of prices in markets for locals
• - review of Thai food courts where two people can eat for 200 baht

Tsunami threat

In Pattaya, by virtue of its geographical location, there are no tsunamis, typhoons, earthquakes and others natural Disasters. The most dangerous thing that happened here was an ankle-deep “flood”. Phuket is more dangerous in this regard. In 2004, a tsunami in Phuket killed hundreds of people. Thailand now has a tsunami warning system in place, and authorities say they will never allow such casualties again.

Safety

In general, everywhere in Thailand is quite safe. However, according to statistics, Pattaya has the greatest concentration of any unscrupulous public. Since people from all over Thailand, Laos, Burma and Cambodia come to PTT to work, including from the poorest provinces. We recommend staying away from transvestites, they can distract you, and at this time they can quietly reach into your pockets/bags and take out all your valuables. During the 4 months of living in PTT, we had one case when money was taken out in a minibus.

Cleanliness and comfort

Pattaya is considerably inferior in terms of cleanliness of beaches and tourist areas. The city itself is even less clean during the high tourist season, but in the low season a lot of garbage appears on the embankment, on the beach and in the water.

The photo shows the promenade of Jomtien beach

Phuket or Pattaya - where is it better to relax and live?

If you want to know our opinion, then Phuket is better...

But, to each his own, as they say. Both resorts are good in their own way. Until we ourselves lived in PTT, we had a rather negative attitude towards this city and always gave preference to Phuket.

Public opinion has inspired us that Pattaya is dirty, a garbage dump, it stinks everywhere, there are rats and cockroaches everywhere, and there are more trannies and prostitutes on the streets of the city than tourists. Then life happened in such a way that we moved to live in Pattaya and...

Of course, Thailand is not Europe, and there are streets where it may not be very clean or stink of sewage, but these streets are usually far from tourist areas. Every city in Thailand has streets like this. There are also not as many Thai women and “men” of easy virtue as expected; separate streets are allocated for them, where you can rarely get there.

As for the island of Phuket, we always thought before that it was insanely expensive, and there was nothing to see there except for sea excursions... A few months ago we came to live on Phuket. Now, with full responsibility, I declare to you that all this is nonsense! Prices here are exactly the same as anywhere else in Thailand, there is public transport and excursions by land and water are no less varied.

So, if you have already been to Phuket and don’t know where to go, then don’t listen to anyone, but rather visit Pattaya yourself. Check from your own experience which is better, Pattaya or Phuket. Well, if you always come on vacation to PTT, guided by stereotypes about the high cost of Phuket, etc., then “take a chance” to see something new and boldly go to the island of Phuket!

What to choose, Pattaya or Phuket, if we are going to Thailand for the first time?

It usually happens that unprepared tourists, having seen enough beach photos from some travel agency, visit Patayka, see the dirty sea and dirty city beaches, and then begin to write bile reviews about their holiday in Pattaya, tell shocking facts to friends and colleagues, and claim that the whole of Thailand is like this, and in general, they will never go to Asia again... But you are not like that, since you came to this article.

A beach holiday in Pattaya looks something like this. Locals do not disdain dirty water

Therefore, to decide what to choose, Pattaya or Phuket, first of all decide how you want to relax? I have already mentioned more than once in the article that people do not go to Pattaya for a beach holiday. If you want to swim in the sea every day, then choose Phuket. A holiday in Pattaya means more entertainment, nightclubs and shopping. For vacationers and those living there, several trips to Koh Larn to swim are enough. You can swim in Pattaya itself, there is nothing dangerous about it, just the sea can be very dirty.

To avoid disappointment in Pattaya, keep in mind when choosing a trip that this is not a beach resort.

And you are unlikely to be disappointed in Phuket, since the island not only has excellent beaches, but also many entertainment venues and attractions. The island has more natural attractions - 30 excellent beaches, mountains, neighboring islands and provinces.

Is that all sorts of interesting things are located further from each other, since the island is huge, as I already said, the journey takes time. For example, you can get from Karon to Wat Chalong by bus in about 25 minutes, but the road to distant beaches, like , can take about 2 hours due to traffic jams and waiting for the bus at the transfer.

I believe that both resorts deserve your attention, and where it is better to go on vacation for the first time, decide for yourself, based on my recommendations.

Have you already been to Thailand? Where is your favorite place?

The category of tourists who have never visited Thailand knows little about the differences between them, assuming that if they exist, they are very insignificant. It is this circumstance that confuses many when it comes to making a choice - they want the maximum return at certain financial costs.

Tourists are divided in their tastes, some of them want fun, vibrant sensations, others strive for a completely different vacation.

If we define this by type, we get two groups:

• The former prefer sightseeing, visiting local parties, getting to know the local cuisine, relaxing on the beach from time to time, swimming in the sea.
• The latter choose to devote their time entirely to the sea, beach, active sports, diving, isolation from civilization at least partially.

Which is better: Pattaya or Phuket

Most tourists who have already visited Thailand claim that the differences between the resorts are very significant, it all depends on the requirements of the vacationers: the presence of sports grounds, or culinary establishments, sightseeing, or everyday spending on the beaches.

If we analyze everything more carefully point by point, separately touching on climate, prices, quantity interesting places, there are differences, and they are worth dwelling on in more detail.

Advantages and disadvantages

In Pattaya, with relative proximity to Bangkok, prices for all types of recreation and goods are lower, while the choice of entertainment programs and excursions has an expanded range. This is an undoubted advantage of the resort area.

Considering that throughout the year there are practically no heavy rains typical of this climatic zone, you simply cannot find a better place for shopping.

Single men who don’t mind trying local strawberries, budget tourists, partygoers, those interested in history, and just interesting places, Pattaya could not be better suited. Constant sunny weather does not interfere with excursions and trips to interesting places.

The few beaches are not very attractive due to the dirty water in the sea. They are not popular among fishing enthusiasts and “savages”; this is the main disadvantage of Pattaya.

The resort has a large number of tourists from Russia, India, and China, who fill the numerous bars, restaurants, clubs, and noisy events. For tourists looking for peace and solitude, Pattaya is not the right place.

Phuket It stands out for its large number of well-kept beaches. The water in the sea has a pleasant pearlescent hue and is extremely clean. There are a large number of beaches for savages, where you can accommodate both a single tourist and entire groups.

Excellent fishing and snorkeling, diving, dense greenery and ideal ecology attract millions of tourists. Phuket is an idyll for tourists who love beach holidays, entertainment and who are not interested in anything else. This is a plus of the resort area.

Phuket is essentially an island connected by two bridges to the mainland. The Similan Islands and the nearby Phi Phi Island have captivated sports enthusiasts; by the way, the Similan Islands are among the top ten the best places on the globe for diving.

The local staff uses the rainy season mainly for repairs, but small financial discounts can be provided for those who want to relax during this period. Even during heavy rains, the ecology contrasts in quality in better side from the continent.

Climate

Pattaya compares favorably in this regard - it is the most best resort in the country:

The rest of the country, including Phuket, does not look very attractive, especially during the rainy season:

• During the dry season in Phuket rain will definitely come once or twice a week;
• During the rainy season (April – October) precipitation falls almost every day for at least an hour;
• Regarding air purity everything is exactly the opposite - in Phuket it is much cleaner than other regions of the country.
• Relative aridity and warmth lasts for almost six months (November - March) in the middle of the first month of spring, air humidity is already clearly felt.
• April is the hottest month in this part of the country (up to +40 degrees), features of the period: frequent rains, thunderstorms, downpours.

Location

Pattaya- the closest major resort near the capital (170 km).

In addition, one of the most popular in Thailand and is located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, this is the southeastern part of the country.

The city is a resort part of the Chonburi province. This place is famous for the fact that almost its entire territory is an industrial zone of the country.

Phuket- an island resort located in the Andaman Sea (southwestern part of the country). The resort area is 50 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide.

The island is separated from the continent by the Pak Phra Strait. The western part of the island is connected to the mainland by two bridges (Thao Then Krasatri, Sarasin).

There is an airport on the island, and in the central part is the capital, which has the same name.

Housing cost

Comparing the prices of both resorts, accommodation is more expensive, and significantly, in Phuket. The explanation is relatively simple: Thai companies spend considerable sums of money to deliver goods and products to the island, the distance to which from the capital is about 800 km, and this has a corresponding impact on accommodation.

Prices at the Pattaya resort start from 5-6 thousand baht per month. In fact, it’s a penny, but the housing matches: narrow rooms, often without windows. Nearby, as a rule, there are noisy places: bars, dance floors. From 10 thousand life and conditions are significantly improved, since the price almost doubles, but still not every tourist who prefers comfortable conditions will agree to what is proposed.

Housing prices in Phuket the least will cost 15-17 thousand baht per month, subject to payment per day from 1 thousand baht. The service, the condition of the housing is several times higher than the level of Pattaya, in fact everything is very similar to family-type hotels with a classification of three-star establishments.

What to do and what to visit

Although Phuket is a small island, there are many places where you can relax or see something interesting:

• The butterfly garden is located near one of the lakes; there is a silk museum; Numerous exhibitions of beetles, butterflies and other insects.
• Orchid garden. Located in close proximity to a Thai village and butterfly garden, it is a uniquely beautiful place where breeders from all over the world constantly gather.
• There is a craft center nearby, it provides examples of folk traditions.
• Show program twice a day provides a classic version of national dances performed by indigenous people.
• Has its own water park, built in 2010 using modern technologies.
• A huge aquarium has been modeled for tourists to see., which contains the main species of the tropical aquatic world.
• There is also a zoo, located on 6 hectares of the island, it also has its own aquarium. Children really love visiting this place: you can ride an elephant and look at unique tropical animals.
• The island has its own temples and local shrines, with which many legends are associated. One of them, Wat PhraNangSang, is estimated to be 5 centuries old. According to legend, it was built by LuadXao, a lady who was executed for something she did not do.

Pattaya is a real abundance for tourists who love noisy parties, various shows, exciting excursions:

• Stone Park is located 15 minutes from the city center, which is filled with statues of varying heights. Next to it there is a farm whose task is the production and breeding of crocodiles.
• Elephant village. Tourists have a unique opportunity to observe how wild elephants are captured and trained for work (up to 13,000 of these animals are used in the country).
• The water park is one of the best in the country: Snow-white mountains of sand, unique attractions for all ages.
• Nong Nooch Garden is located in a village near the resort. The garden is surrounded by hills with fruit tree plantations.

These are not all of the places listed; nothing has been said yet about the historical past of Thailand, shopping and entertainment centers, or the famous Thai boxing. Unforgettable shows with crocodiles, elephants and other wild animals are a craft for the inhabitants of this country: the skills and secrets of training are passed on from generation to generation.

Service, hotels

The pricing policy for tourists staying in hotels and service differs, and this is also due to the location of both resorts.

One of them is an island, and its supply of food and other goods is in some sense limited by the number of service companies.

Although prices on the island for tourists living are higher, the service is pleasing: everything is sparkling clean, the staff is attentive and trained, the cuisine and other items do not differ from the level of European countries. The island has 158 hotels for vacationers of all categories.

Pattaya is inferior to the islanders in all areas of service, but in terms of price everything is also different - the cheapness is amazing. Hotels (about 300 in the center of the resort area alone) in Pattaya are ready to serve all categories of vacationers.

Renting a car in Thailand

Cost of the trip

In many ways, the price of a tour depends on the time and place of vacation. During the autumn months of the year, when prolonged rainy weather begins in our regions, a short holiday for two can be arranged in 7.5-9 thousand rubles . With a child it will be a little more expensive, but during this period it is very pleasant to stay a little longer at the mercy of the warm sea and bright sun.

Beaches

There are more beaches on the island and they are better maintained.

There are no noisy groups of people here, the beauty and cleanliness are ideal, the islanders care about the greater influx of tourists and this is noticeable for many reasons: immediately after the rainy and stormy season, the beaches are carefully cleared of garbage and beautified.

Pattaya is deprived of the number of beaches; there are three main ones and several secondary ones, but they are always crowded with vacationers.

Attractions

Almost all of the country's historical sites are located on the mainland; in this regard, the islanders are inferior.

Pattaya is surrounded by unique places, both historically and otherwise: culinary establishments, architectural structures, shopping centers, religion and its shrines.

The programs that are designed for tourists to see are very diverse and impressive; in this regard, Phuket lags significantly behind.

But not so much as to deny guests the pleasure of diversifying their vacation with interesting excursions.

Prices in Phuket and Pattaya

Shopping lovers are better off staying in Pattaya; here it is easier both in terms of price (close distance from the capital) and climatic conditions. Phuket's pricing policy is much higher; this requires additional expenses from guests of the country.

The main problem in this is the short distance from the country's shopping centers and additional costs for companies that provide the islanders with everything they need.

Order an inexpensive transfer - taxi in Thailand

Food and establishments

Tourists can afford two types of food during their vacation. The first option is possible for tourists staying in hotels: there you can make orders both directly during meals, and in advance, for the next day.

The second option gives you the opportunity to try the exotic food of the eastern country in local restaurants and bars. The food of Thailand is something, here you can find a variety of dishes typical of the inhabitants of maritime countries, taking into account local traditions. Some dishes are very unusual, but this only means that not everyone is ready to accept its uniqueness.

Many tourists, upon arriving home, often visit Thai restaurants to remember their vacation time, and simply to treat themselves to the dishes they liked.

Shops and shopping centers

The availability of shops and shopping centers is different: the location of the resort areas again played a role - there are fewer of them on the island and prices for goods are higher. To buy souvenirs and interesting things, you may need to sacrifice one day to travel inland; shopping centers and shops are available not only in cities, but also in recreation areas and cultural and historical places.