Several honeymooners and other lovers visit Thailand to enjoy a romantic time. Pattaya and Phuket are two of the topmost places they often consider as these two cities provide a wide range of amenities that make it easy for them to enjoy every moment of their stay. But if you’ve to choose between the two for a couple’s trip, which is the better option?
Generally, the correct depends on the couple you are because the two cities offer varying experiences to lovers. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Pattaya is perhaps the better choice of these two. On the hand, Phuket is more family-oriented than Pattaya; hence, it may be more suitable for some couples.
Before choosing any of these two cities, take a closer look at their offers and consider the destination that satisfies your need the most. In this post, we’ll shed more light on deciding the better city for a couple’s trip.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Destination experience
Although both cities are in Thailand, they’re relatively different in terms of their look and the kind of experience they offer. As stated by Holidify.com, Phuket is a large island with a laid-back vibe. The island doesn’t have the hustle and bustle associated with Bangkok and other big cities. The environment is serene, cool, and relaxing.
Pattaya, on the other hand, provides a different experience when compared to Phuket. The city is the hub of parties and adventures in Thailand. So, it’s not surprising that partygoers, adrenaline junkies and adventure lovers have turned Pattaya into their preferred destination. In addition, Pattaya is not far from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. As a result of this, Pattaya receives lots of visitors.
So, if you and your spouse are looking for a relaxing experience, go to Phuket. However, for a more engaging, adventurous encounter, Pattaya is the right choice.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Budget
When planning a couple’s trip, your budget is perhaps the most crucial factor that’ll determine where you’ll go. For lots of vacation-loving Westerners, Thailand is a relatively affordable place as its living cost is lower than the living cost of many other countries.
According to Numbeo.com, Pattaya is cheaper to live in or visit than Phuket. The source says Phuket is around 14% more expensive to stay in than Pattaya. Accommodation, eating out, transportation, etc. are pricier on the island than in Pattaya.
So, if you’re searching for a budget-friendly holiday destination for you and your partner, Pattaya is undoubtedly a better choice. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that Phuket is too expensive as the difference between the costs of living in the two cities is marginal. Regardless, don’t overlook this vital factor.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Safety
The last thing you want to experience during your couple’s trip is any safety or security challenge. Therefore, you shouldn’t overlook this essential factor when you’re deciding to visit Phuket or Pattaya. In general, the two destinations are safe as you can hardly experience violent or serious crime in the areas. However, you still have to pay attention to basic safety measures to avoid falling victim to any crime.
Pattaya is a bit notorious for having lots of ‘ladyboys’ who are transvestites or trans-genders. These people often look for ways to exhort tourists; therefore, you and your spouse must be fully aware of their antics. In Pattaya, you may also experience chain-snatching, bag-snatching, and other related petty crimes.
Comparatively, Phuket is slightly safer as the rate of petty crimes is a bit lower than what you’ll likely encounter in Pattaya. Nevertheless, you should be cautious of common scams such as jet-ski scams, tuk-tuk scams, etc. These scams are usually targeted at tourists that don’t know much about the island. Don’t let anyone convince you to do whatever you don’t have plans to do. Also, ascertain any information from trusted or multiple sources before giving out your hard-earned money.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Transportation
Traveltriangle.com says Pattaya and Phuket have similar transportation systems. The cities have rental bikes, buses, songtaews, and tuk-tuks for intra-city movement. Since Phuket has varying connected islands, the area also features ferries and boats.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Beaches
Do you plan to spend some time at the beaches during your stay in Thailand? Both Pattaya and Phuket have tons of beaches. However, Phuket is a better choice between the two cities. Firstly, the island has more options for beaches that you can visit. In addition, many of its beaches are more beautiful and cleaner than those at Pattaya.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Nightlife
If you are a nightlife and party lover, the two destinations have their fair share of nightlight scenes and locations. As stated by Asianhighlights.com, Patong Bangla Road is Phuket’s most popular nightlife area, whereas Pattaya Walking Street is the home of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and lots more in Pattaya.
As long as nightlife is concerned, Pattaya is ahead of Phuket. In fact, only Bangkok comes close to Pattaya when it comes to nightlife and parties in Thailand. Lots of people often travel to the city with the sole aim of enjoying its astounding nightlife.
So, if you and your lover enjoy the nightlife, Pattaya is a better choice for your couple’s trip.
Phuket vs Pattaya: Shopping
Would you like to shop for various items during your couple’s trip to Thailand? These two cities have amazing shopping centers and markets where you can shop for different things. From local Thai handicrafts to Thai massage ingredients, exotic handmade goods, and lots more, you can find almost anything you want in both locations. There are shopping malls, bazaars, and night markets dedicated to all these shopping activities.
Conclusion
Phuket and Pattaya are great places for a couple’s trip. Although the two cities have similar offerings, they differ in certain areas. While one is a bit laidback, the other is more boisterous. So, read the information above to understand the difference between the cities and choose the one that best suits you and your heartthrob for your proposed trip.