A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Phuket or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Milford Sound, 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking.

Phuket and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phuket. Although Phuket and Milford Sound 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, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Milford Sound 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). Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Phuket different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Phuket is not a skiing destination.

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

Phuket is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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."

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is an amazing resort island to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Phuket is an amazing resort island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Phuket is an amazing resort island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an amazing fiord to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Milford Sound?

Phuket is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly fiord. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Phuket and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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 Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Phuket or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Phuket is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable resort island. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Milford Sound?

Phuket and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Phuket than Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Couples should spend more time in Phuket than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-hard destination of Phuket. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-hard destination of Phuket. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the resort island of Phuket. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned destination of Milford Sound. This fiord 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Milford Sound?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Milford Sound, 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.