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

Should you visit Phuket or Katoomba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Katoomba, 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 party-hard, stunning, and activity-filled resort island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a relaxing, breathtaking , and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Phuket and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phuket. Although Phuket and Katoomba are popular destinations, Phuket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Phuket is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Katoomba and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also well known for The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Phuket different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

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

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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."

Katoomba is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Phuket just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Katoomba is not a resort destination.

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.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Phuket offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Katoomba draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Katoomba?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Katoomba and Phuket.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Katoomba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Phuket and Katoomba are both great 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.

Katoomba is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Phuket or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is a great destination for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Katoomba is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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 Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Phuket or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Phuket and Katoomba 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.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable resort island. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Phuket or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Phuket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

Couples should spend more time in Phuket than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

One day in Phuket or Katoomba?

The resort island of Phuket offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Katoomba?

Phuket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phuket, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Phuket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phuket has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Katoomba 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Phuket.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Katoomba?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Katoomba, 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.

When is the best time to visit Phuket or Katoomba?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Katoomba. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Phuket is much warmer than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.

Should I visit Phuket or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.

Should I visit Phuket or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain October. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Phuket