A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Phuket for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Phuket. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Phuket

Phuket is a stunning, activity-filled, and energetic resort island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tarutao and Phuket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phuket. Although Koh Tarutao and Phuket are both popular with visitors, Phuket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Phuket is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also home to The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Phuket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phuket and Koh Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Phuket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Phuket is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Phuket is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Phuket is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Resorts?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Phuket for its luxury resorts. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Phuket both offer world-class beaches.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Phuket. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Phuket is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Phuket are good family-friendly destinations.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Phuket both great destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Phuket is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Phuket has some public transit options. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Phuket a more walkable city?

Phuket is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Phuket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phuket or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Both Koh Tarutao and Phuket have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Koh Tarutao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Phuket.

Families should spend more time in Phuket than Koh Tarutao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Phuket, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Phuket than Koh Tarutao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Phuket that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic resort island of Phuket. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the party-hard destination of Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This resort island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the activity-filled resort island of Phuket. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this resort island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Phuket, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket in the Summer?

Both Phuket and Koh Tarutao during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Phuket. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Phuket. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Phuket. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Phuket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Phuket. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Phuket. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Phuket in the Spring?

Both Phuket and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Phuket. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Phuket. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Phuket and Koh Tarutao