Comparison · Bangkok vs Jakarta · Thailand / Indonesia
Bangkok vs Jakarta
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Bangkok for Grand Palace and Street food; choose Jakarta for National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua. Jakarta is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,328 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,328 km
- Less expensive
- Jakarta
- Best time for Bangkok
- November–February
- Best time for Jakarta
- May–September
Side by side
| Bangkok | Jakarta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Indonesia |
| Known for | Grand Palace, Street food and Buddhist temples | National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and Istiqlal Mosque |
| Best time to visit | November–February | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $80–$160 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 35°C (95°F) | August, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 31°C (88°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BKK, DMK | CGK, HLP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bangkok for…
Grand Palace and Street food. Bangkok is a sprawling, humid megacity on the Chao Phraya River where gilded temples, canals and street-food stalls sit beside glass malls and rooftop bars. The old royal island of Rattanakosin holds the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, with Wat Arun across the…
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Choose Jakarta for…
National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua. Indonesia's capital is a sprawling metropolis of more than ten million people on the north coast of Java. Most visitors focus on three zones: Kota Tua, the old Dutch Batavia with its cobbled square and museums; Merdeka Square around the National Monument…
Top sights compared
| # | Bangkok | Jakarta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew | National Monument (Monas) |
| 2 | Wat Pho | Istiqlal Mosque |
| 3 | Wat Arun | Jakarta Cathedral |
| 4 | Chatuchak Weekend Market | Fatahillah Square and Jakarta History Museum |
| 5 | Chao Phraya Express Boat | Wayang Museum |
Food compared
| Bangkok | Jakarta |
|---|---|
| Pad thai | Soto Betawi |
| Tom yum goong | Kerak telor |
| Som tam | Nasi uduk |
| Khao man gai | Gado-gado |
Which is cheaper?
Jakarta is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $80–$160 per person there, against $90–$180 in Bangkok (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jakarta on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,328 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bangkok or Jakarta cheaper?
Jakarta is usually less expensive: about $80–$160 a day mid-range against $90–$180 (estimates).
+Is Bangkok or Jakarta better for a first trip?
Pick Bangkok for Grand Palace and Street food, or Jakarta for National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua.
+How far is Bangkok from Jakarta?
About 2,328 km in a straight line.