Comparison · Koh Phangan vs Pattaya · Thailand
Koh Phangan vs Pattaya
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party and Haad Rin; choose Pattaya for Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and a short break. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 367 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 367 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Koh Phangan
- February–April and July–August
- Best time for Pattaya
- November–February
Side by side
| Koh Phangan | Pattaya | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Known for | Full Moon Party, Haad Rin and Yoga retreats | Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and Koh Larn |
| Best time to visit | February–April and July–August | November–February |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $70–$150 | $65–$140 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 33°C (91°F) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 28°C (82°F) | December, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 5 |
| Beaches | Thong Nai Pan Noi | Jomtien Beach |
| Airports | USM, URT | UTP, BKK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Koh Phangan for…
Full Moon Party and Haad Rin. Koh Phangan is a hilly, jungle-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 15 km north of Koh Samui. It is famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin's Sunrise Beach, but most of the island is far quieter: the west coast around Srithanu is a hub for yoga…
Choose Pattaya for…
Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and a short break. Pattaya is a beach city on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, about 150 km south-east of Bangkok, that grew from a fishing village into a major resort from the 1960s. Its curving city beach and Beach Road are lined with hotels and high-rises, Walking Street…
Top sights compared
| # | Koh Phangan | Pattaya |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Moon Party at Haad Rin | Sanctuary of Truth |
| 2 | Bottle Beach | Koh Larn (Coral Island) |
| 3 | Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai | Walking Street |
| 4 | Than Sadet waterfall and beach | Pattaya Beach |
| 5 | Phaeng Waterfall and Domsila viewpoint | Jomtien Beach |
Food compared
| Koh Phangan | Pattaya |
|---|---|
| Massaman curry | Steamed sea bass with lime |
| Southern sour curry | Grilled river prawns and crab |
| Pad thai | Tom yum goong |
| Som tam | Oyster or mussel omelette |
Which is cheaper?
Koh Phangan and Pattaya cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $70–$150 in Koh Phangan and $65–$140 in Pattaya (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Pattaya on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Koh Phangan and Pattaya are about 367 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Koh Phangan and 4 in Pattaya.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Koh Phangan or Pattaya cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 in Koh Phangan and $65–$140 in Pattaya (estimates).
+Is Koh Phangan or Pattaya better for a first trip?
Pick Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party and Haad Rin, or Pattaya for Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and a short break.
+How far is Koh Phangan from Pattaya?
About 367 km in a straight line.