Comparison · Bangkok vs Manila · Thailand / Philippines
Bangkok vs Manila
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 Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights. Manila is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,209 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,209 km
- Less expensive
- Manila
- Best time for Bangkok
- November–February
- Best time for Manila
- December–March
Side by side
| Bangkok | Manila | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Philippines |
| Known for | Grand Palace, Street food and Buddhist temples | Intramuros, San Agustin Church and Manila Bay sunsets |
| Best time to visit | November–February | December–March |
| 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) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 31°C (88°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BKK, DMK | MNL, CRK |
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 Manila for…
Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights. Manila is the historic core of Metro Manila, a capital region of more than 13 million people on Manila Bay. Its walled Spanish city, Intramuros, holds Fort Santiago and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, while the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Bangkok | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew | Intramuros |
| 2 | Wat Pho | Fort Santiago |
| 3 | Wat Arun | San Agustin Church |
| 4 | Chatuchak Weekend Market | Manila Cathedral |
| 5 | Chao Phraya Express Boat | Casa Manila |
Food compared
| Bangkok | Manila |
|---|---|
| Pad thai | Adobo |
| Tom yum goong | Sinigang |
| Som tam | Lechon |
| Khao man gai | Sisig |
Which is cheaper?
Manila 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). Manila on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,209 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bangkok or Manila cheaper?
Manila is usually less expensive: about $80–$160 a day mid-range against $90–$180 (estimates).
+Is Bangkok or Manila better for a first trip?
Pick Bangkok for Grand Palace and Street food, or Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights.
+How far is Bangkok from Manila?
About 2,209 km in a straight line.