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. At the disposal of energetic and inquisitive tourists are nightclubs and discos, excursions to ancient Thai temples, delicious and exotic food, clear and warm sea.
The epicenter of the cultural and resort life of Pattaya is the main pedestrian artery of Walking Street. Prices in this part of Thailand are considered the most democratic. The thing is that the village is located just two hours from Bangkok International Airport, the runways of which have been chosen by low-cost airlines.
Strengths of Pattaya:
- low prices;
- plenty of entertainment;
- dynamic;
- proximity to transport hubs in Thailand;
- extensive and clean beaches.
Phuket
As forthe second most popular resort in the country, it is chosen by a respectable and respectable public. Luxury 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 appreciate the pristine nature. The beauty of the local beaches is mesmerizing. Karon Beach was created for fans of active sports. Surfers have chosen its beaches. The city is a place to meet friends and shop. 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;
- we althy European public;
- large selection of programs designed for families with children.
The main disadvantage of the resort is its remoteness from the capital 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 funds. Let's figure it out!
Best for kids
Traveling with kids, parents carefully plan their route. Choose a hotel and scrupulously study the reviews. Therefore, the question: "Pattaya or Phuket?" is especially important for them. Experienced tourists claim that the beaches of both resorts are equallydegrees are suitable for families. They have a developed infrastructure and everything you need for swimming.
Battle of the Beaches
If you believe the reviews, then the cleanliness of the coast of Pattaya is still inferior to the order that reigns in the recreational areas in Phuket. The beaches are noisy and crowded. The cleanest parts of Pattaya are Naklua and Jomtien. Near them there are cafes and restaurants, sports equipment rentals. Children ride on inflatable "bananas", and adults 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 stepped on, emits 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, in Pattaya or Phuket? Both resorts have a gently sloping coastline. 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. Ends storm at the end of October.
The sea in Phuket has a meek disposition. But in some places of Naithon beach there are underwater pits. They are very shallow, but those who come here with small children need to be extremely careful. High waves at all resorts on the island are rare.
Issue price
And yet, what to choose - Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the best and cheapest place to stay? abundanceentertainment facilities, which are concentrated in Pattaya, allows the resort to receive travelers all year round. The cost of living, 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 the reviews of the Russians, a rating of the best hotels in Pattaya was compiled:
- Nova Platinum Hotel.
- Venu Residence Cabaret Spa.
- Dranken Duck Guesthouse.
- Vogue Wanted.
- Siam Guesthouse.
- Whitehouse Condotel.
- Mosaic Luxury Apartments.
- Centara Pattaya Hotel.
- Zing Resort Spa.
- High Lords Residence.
In Phuket there are hotels of 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 charge up to 40,000 rubles per night. List of hotels with the highest ratings from tourists:
- Lofts Boutique Hotel Apartments.
- Sawasdee Village.
- Centrara 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.
Food
Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the best and tastiest food? A set lunch in the Pattaya beaches area will cost300 rubles. In Phuket, they are already asking for 500 rubles for lunch
The most popular and affordable eateries in Pattaya are Yasmin's Cafe, Bronx Pizza, Daves Cantina, Dosa Hut, Imli Grill, Tinnis Thailand, Pool Siam, Rinapp Restaurant”, “La Strada Cafe”, “Kiss Food”.
In Phuket, Russians choose Taverna and Noti Nuris Phuket restaurants, Le Brooklyn Patng and Pad Thai Shop, Golden Prades Restaurant, New Cafe, Mister Coffee, Yes Puccio Restaurant, Tandoori Flames, Halvey Inn and Sandwich Shop Cafe.
Petish expenses
So where should a tourist stay - Pattaya or Phuket? What to choose? How much money to prepare? Not without additional costs. On the beaches of Pattaya, they ask for 300 rubles for renting a sun lounger and an umbrella. This is the standard rate. It is valid everywhere in Thailand.
True, in Phuket you will have to fork out additionally if your plans include independent travel around the island. Renting a moped costs 400 rubles. A trip by public transport will cost 500 rubles.
Warm edges
What to choose in Thailand? Pattaya or Phuket? Both resorts are suitable for year-round recreation. The high season in Pattaya starts at the very end of October and ends in early March. Phuket is warm and quiet in November, December, January, February, March and in the first half of April. Therefore, the answer to the questions posed depends on the date of the planned trip to Thailand.
Wind of wanderings
Where is it better - to Pattaya or Phuket - to go in the off-season? Pattaya is a resort where tourists are welcome at any time of the year. In herabout 150,000 people live. Almost all of them are employed in the service sector. Therefore, the local infrastructure is considered the most developed in all of Thailand. In the high season, the beaches of Pattaya are crowded, there are few empty seats. But in the off-season, the coast is empty, and housing prices are fifty percent lower.
In Phuket, hotel rooms are more expensive even during the wet monsoon season. But entertainment during the calm period is much less than that of the neighbors. Therefore, here Phuket loses to noisy and dynamic Pattaya.
Crime
Reviews about Pattaya or Phuket say that both resorts are safe for foreign tourists. The crime rate is low here. But since youth companies gather in Pattaya, and alcohol flows like water, caution should be exercised in this part of Thailand.
Don't take large sums of money with you if you go for a stroll along Walking Street. Experienced tourists do not recommend wandering alone at night through unknown quarters where locals live.
Order reigns in Phuket. There are no wild parties on the island. The local people are good-natured and friendly people. You can only face theft in the market square or in nightclubs. The police arrive at the scene promptly. Tourists are assisted in the restoration of documents, they are allowed to contact friends and relatives.
Attractions
Where to go on a trip - to Pattaya or Phuket? Where is the best place to relax? Where are the mostinteresting excursion programs? Unfortunately, Pattaya cannot boast of an abundance of architectural monuments. True, several Buddhist structures are concentrated on the territory of the resort:
- Temple of Doom.
- Temple of Truth.
- Temple of the Big Buddha.
There are practically no 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 Koh Phai, Koh Lan, Koh Sak.
List of available trips from Pattaya:
- River Kwai (2 days).
- Metropolitan Bangkok.
- Discovery 7 in 1.
- "Madagascar".
- Kao Keo.
- Ramayana (water park).
- "Cambodia" (2 days).
- Nong Nooch.
- Ko Samet.
- Wat Yan Temple Complex.
Phuket is home to ancient Thai shrines. The visiting card of the region is a colossal Buddha statue. 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, Krabi.
Phuket Travel Agency's range of sightseeing trips:
- Main Attractions of the Island (8 hours).
- Pearl Farm.
- Crocodile World.
- "Botanical Garden".
- "Dolphinarium".
- Upside Down House.
- Tiger Kingdom.
- Khao Lak.
- Kao Sok.
- "Shoppingtour.”
Active Leisure
Which is better - Pattaya or Phuket? In the reviews, surfers recommend the first option. Fans of water entertainments also agree with them. A large number of diving, windsurfing and kiting schools are concentrated on the coast of the resort. Tourists are entertained with rides on 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.
In Phuket, entertainment has a slightly different character. Travelers are carried on elephants. They are offered to go through the most difficult tracks 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.
Shopping
Which is better - Phuket or Pattaya - in terms of shopping? There is no single opinion on this matter. Shopaholics claim that the cheapest souvenirs and beach accessories are sold in Pattaya stores. But there are practically no boutiques selling authentic things in the resort. The risk of running into a Chinese fake is very high. For costume jewelry, souvenirs created 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 plastic and versatile material are very popular with visitors. The estimated cost of production is 4,000 rubles.
Local jewelryshops are famous for affordable natural pearl jewelry. Buyers praise crocodile leather accessories. Clothing of European brands is sold in specialized departments of large shopping centers.
Cultural program
Celebration of the New Year is the most important event in Thailand. Photos of Pattaya or Phuket are the best confirmation of this. Resorts are literally changing. But the main fun happens on the first night of the new year. Residents of Pattaya take to the streets and pour water over themselves and those around them from head to toe. Tourists, armed with water pistols, also take an active part in the holiday.
Meeting 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: “Sawadi pi mai.”
Travel Reviews
Those who have rested in Thailand are strongly recommended not to be limited to acquaintance with only one region of the country. If you are in Phuket, feel free to leave the island and rush to Pattaya. During the day, artists and musicians perform on its streets. Ice cream vendors beckon to the cafe. Eateries beckon with spicy aromas of fried vegetables and meat. The bars serve amazing fruit cocktails. Children will remember going to the water park for a long time.
Travelers with kids traditionally go to Phuket. The resort guarantees safety and high quality service. And there are plenty of things to do on the island. But youth companies need to think carefully about everything. You will have to choose between the crystal clear seaPhuket and the fun nightlife of Pattaya.
CV
The table shows the main criteria by which tourists evaluate their holidays in the resorts of Thailand.
| Youth Holidays | Children | Safety | Sea | Shopping | Attractions | |
| Pattaya | + | - | + | - | + | - |
| Phuket | + | + | + | + | + | + |
Have a nice trip!
