Bangkok Vs Phuket - Choose Your Next Vacation Destination

₹ 11,000 onwards View Packages
When traveling to Thailand, one is definitely spoilt for choice making it especially hard to pick between its two biggest destinations Bangkok vs Phuket. Filled with places to see, things to do, and food to try out, Thailand has so much for tourists. Offering completely different holiday experiences, one is often torn between the one-stop-shopping destination, Bangkok, and the unforgettable beach escape, Phuket.

Highlights of Bangkok vs Phuket

The capital city of Bangkok welcomes thousands of tourists every year and offers something to cater to the interest of every kind of traveler. Popular for its nightlife and shopping escapades, Bangkok also offers tourists a variety of eatery options, boat rides through floating markets, magnificent temples, and unique cultural monuments. Bangkok is a favorite destination for shopaholics, where one can spend time bargain-shopping at the city's luxury malls, boutiques, street stalls, and floating markets without feeling the pinch.

Phuket, a beautiful island surrounded by the Andaman Sea, is one of the best places to visit for rest and relaxation away from your busy life. The untouched beaches of Phuket, with their crystal clear waters, make it a favorite destination among beach lovers. Often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Andaman', Phuket offers a unique balance of relaxation and adventure. It is also popular as one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Thailand and hosts a variety of marine life in the waters around Phuket Island.

Bangkok, Bangkok or Phuket
Bangkok skyline at night
Source

Weather in Bangkok Vs Phuket

While planning a trip, the weather is important to factor in. With a tropical climate, choosing between Bangkok vs Phuket is not easy as they both have a warm and humid climate throughout the year. However, some months tend to be cooler than others.

The hottest months are from March to June, with high temperatures and humidity. The monsoon season lasts from July to October. November to February enjoy much cooler weather, with lower temperatures and less humidity in Bangkok and Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok vs Phuket

When considering the weather, the best time to visit Bangkok vs Phuket is during its cool season, from November to February. The temperatures and humidity are lower during this time, but there is no cold winter season here like in other cooler countries. However, this time of the year is also the peak tourist season, which would require booking in advance, and will also prove to be quite expensive compared to other times.

If you visit Bangkok or Phuket during monsoon season, you will be able to take advantage of lowered rates of hotel rooms and also enjoy a peaceful atmosphere as compared to the crowds during peak season. September and October are the rainiest months, but it is less likely to have continuous days of rainfall. However, going at this time may not be suitable for water-related activities due to dangerous water conditions.

The weather condition between November and April is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and boating activities. To get the benefits of lower fares and cool weather, the best time to visit Bangkok and Phuket is between late November to early December, thus beating the crowds.

Bangkok
Bangkok
Source

Cost of Travel in Phuket Vs Bangkok

Bangkok truly has everything from backpacking hostels to luxury hotels and street food to haute cuisine and road bazaars to fashion boutiques. Often regarded as one of the cheapest travel hubs in the world, it offers tourists a wide range of accommodation, travel, food, and shopping options, so how much you decide to spend is completely up to you and your budget! Compared to other places in Southeast Asia, alcohol is relatively expensive in Bangkok, with one bottle of beer (0.33-litre bottle) costing approximately THB 70 to 180.

Tip: Try out the local street food to save on spending, it is famously cheap and tasty!

Phuket is considered as one of the most expensive places in Thailand, and thus may not be the best destination for shopping unless you wish to splurge. Although most accommodation options along the beaches are a bit pricey, affordable options are available further into the town. Despite this, Phuket is a hit among most beach-lovers and water-sport enthusiasts.

Tip: Planning your trip during the off-peak season will help to save on costs!

Hotels in Phuket, Bangkok vs Phuket
Source

Accessibility - Bangkok vs Phuket

As for favorite tourist destinations, Bangkok and Phuket are accessible and easy to reach. Bangkok is home to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the Don Mueang International Airport, easily accessible by flight from many countries worldwide. Some airlines, including budget ones, offer flights going to Bangkok - direct and indirect. You can also arrive in Bangkok via rail at Hua Lamphong Station. You can arrive at your accommodation using a taxi, rental car, sky-train, bus, or walking from the airports or train station.

You can reach Phuket by flight, arriving at the Phuket International Airport, which is regarded as Thailand's third busiest airport (after Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport). From here, go to the destination by taxi, mini-bus, rental car, or bus. The airport is approximately 33 kilometres (40-45 minutes) from the main Phuket town. You can also get here by intercity bus from Bangkok's Southern Terminal Station.

There are no direct trains going to Phuket, but you can take the train from Bangkok to Singapore and get off at the Phun Phin station. From there, you can reach Phuket by bus within 5 hours. You can also opt for the train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station, get off at Surat Thani, and take a bus or mini-bus to Phuket.

Skytrain in Bangkok, Bangkok vs Phuket
Skytrain in Bangkok
Source

Things To Do in Phuket Vs Bangkok

The type of vacation you're looking for also has a major influence on your destination - solo traveling, a family trip, or a romantic getaway.

Although shopping and delectable cuisine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bangkok, there is more to Thailand's capital than you know. The bustling city can be an excellent destination for a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation or even great for solo travellers. Whether it's dining with a view at one of the several posh eateries or rooftop bars in Bangkok, or visiting breathtaking cultural and historic sites together, or having a unique couple's spa experience, Bangkok's beauty can make for a perfect romantic trip for you and your partner.

Bangkok's food, attractions, and hotels make it ideal for family vacations, with endless options for all ages. From art galleries and live shows to aquariums and theme parks, Bangkok is a great place to spend time with your loved ones without anyone getting bored. It is also home to some interesting family attractions like Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, Art in Paradise, Dream World theme park, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Safari World, Siam Park City water park, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Niramit show and Muay Thai live.

Siam Park City water park, Bangkok or Phuket
Source

A serene escape from our fast-paced everyday lives, Phuket provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere for your vacation. Plenty of special services are available for couples, including romantic dining, cruises, couple's spa, snorkeling, diving, island hopping, and several luxury resorts to stay in. Phuket also has several beaches on the island, perfect for couples who can enjoy sunset views and go on romantic strolls along the beach's white sands.

With its picturesque beaches and the wide variety of water sports available, Phuket also makes for an unforgettable family vacation or some much-needed 'me-time'. It has many activities and attractions for kids, teenagers and adults, such as the Phuket Trickeye Museum, James Bond island tour, Surf House, Splash Jungle water-park, Fanta Sea theme park, Phuket Aquarium, Phuket Zoo, Phuket Bird Park, Ghostinium and Upside Down House. Adventure enthusiasts can also participate in elephant trekking safaris, go-karting, river rafting, zip-lining, water zorbing, surfing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, windsurfing, snorkeling and more!

Scuba diving in Phuket, Bangkok vs Phuket
Scuba Diving in Phuket
Source
 
When one thinks of sea, sun and sand, Phuket is one of the places that first come to mind. Similarly, when you think of shopping, culture and food, Bangkok first comes to mind. Yet, these places do not differ much in what they offer to travellers. The tasty cuisine, cultural and historical monuments, exciting nightlife and range of family activities are what make Bangkok vs Phuket such a common conflict of choice. It's no surprise that they are the one of the busiest, most visited and most popular destinations in the Land of Smiles!

This post was published by Saanya Lulla

Share this post on social media
Google +

Thailand Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

View All Packages For Thailand

Related Articles

Experiences

Experiences

Thailand In April - Weather, Best Places and Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Smoking in Thailand - The Essential Smoker's Guide

Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Thailand - Things to Buy, Street Shopping & Malls in Thailand!

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Currency of Thailand: A Guide to the Baht

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Languages of Thailand : A Glimpse Into Thai Dialects, Phrases and Meanings

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Safety in Thailand - Safety Tips When Travelling in Thailand

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

20 Interesting Facts About Thailand You Must Know Before You Visit

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

22 Travel Tips to Thailand To Follow For A Hassle-Free Holiday

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Smoking in Thailand: All About Thailand's Strict Laws & the Penalty

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Online Visa For Thailand - Necessary Details For a Hassle-Free Thai Trip

Adventure

Adventure

Visa Free Stays For Indians In Thailand Soon!

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand in October - Weather, Best Places, Events & Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand in February - Best Places, Weather, Events and Festivals and Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand in November - Weather, Best Places, Events, Festivals and Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand in July - Weather, Best Places, Events and Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand vs Maldives - Choosing the Best Vacation Spot

Shopping

Shopping

What to Buy in Thailand - 18 Souvenirs To Get On Your Next Trip

Adventure

Adventure

Surfing In Thailand - An Upcoming Surfing Paradise

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience!

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

10 Traditional Dresses of Thailand That Portray Thai Fashion Culture

Top Places

Top Places

Cities in Thailand

Transport

Transport

Transportation in Thailand - A Quick Guide On Thailand's 9 Transport Modes

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Mangoes in Thailand - Your Guide To The Famous Thai Ma-Muang!

Adventure

Adventure

7 Best Places for Kitesurfing in Thailand - The Complete Guide

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Food of Thailand - 14 Thai Dishes to Get You Drooling

Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Places to Visit in Thailand with Family

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Ruins of Thailand: Stories of Ancient Glory

Adventure

Adventure

Camping in Thailand - 11 Beautiful Camping Spots For Adventurers

Thailand – A Traveler’s “Not� To Do List

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

4 Dances in Thailand - Traditional Thai Dance Forms and Their Origin

Experiences

Experiences

Elephant Rides in Thailand – The Regal Elephant Experience

Comments on this post

Browse Package Collections

View Packages