A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Dewa Sanzan for Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Dewa Sanzan, 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. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Phuket and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Phuket than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Phuket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its museums and hiking. Phuket is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Also, Phuket is famous for The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Phuket different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Dewa Sanzan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Phuket is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Phuket has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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."

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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 Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Phuket is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Phuket. 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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Phuket is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Phuket is a family-friendly resort island. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly resort island. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Phuket is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Phuket makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good resort island for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

Phuket is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Phuket or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Phuket is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phuket and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phuket than Dewa Sanzan 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 Phuket.

One day in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the activity-filled 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Dewa Sanzan. 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.

A weekend in Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the activity-filled 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. This religious site 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 Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Dewa Sanzan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dewa Sanzan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dewa Sanzan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Dewa Sanzan.

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

When is the best time to visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Dewa Sanzan. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking.

Phuket is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Should I visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

Phuket is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Phuket