A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Arrowtown for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Phuket or Arrowtown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Arrowtown, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a stunning, activity-filled, and energetic resort island. Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Phuket travel costs.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quaint, quirky, and historic town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Arrowtown travel costs.

Phuket and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Phuket and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Phuket attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Arrowtown and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Arrowtown is famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement.

How is Phuket different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Phuket is not a skiing destination.

People head to Arrowtown specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Phuket is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phuket or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Arrowtown can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Phuket. 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."

Arrowtown has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is terrific for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Phuket is a must-see party destination. 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Phuket is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Phuket is a perfect choice. 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.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Phuket is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Phuket is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its old town. However, Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Arrowtown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

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.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown More Beautiful?

Phuket is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Arrowtown is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. 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 Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Phuket and Arrowtown are both excellent to visit as a couple.

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.

Arrowtown is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arrowtown is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Phuket and Arrowtown.

You'll find some public transit in Phuket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

While Arrowtown offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Phuket or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Phuket and Arrowtown both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable resort island. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Phuket or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Phuket than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Phuket if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Arrowtown.

One day in Phuket or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Phuket. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the party-hard destination of Phuket. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Phuket or Arrowtown?

You'll find nightlife and food around the party-hard resort island of Phuket. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

A week in Phuket or Arrowtown?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phuket, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Arrowtown, 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. Even though Phuket is in Asia and Arrowtown is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Arrowtown?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Arrowtown, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.