A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Okinawa for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Phuket or Okinawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Okinawa, 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. 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 Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Okinawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Phuket, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Okinawa is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Phuket is known for its nightlife and resorts. Phuket is more touristy than Okinawa and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Okinawa is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands.

How is Phuket different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Okinawa is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Okinawa is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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."

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife.

Phuket is a world class 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.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury 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.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Phuket is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Okinawa have world-class beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Phuket are among the best in 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.

Okinawa is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Okinawa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Okinawa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Okinawa 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.

Okinawa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Families?

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

Okinawa is an amazing family-friendly archipelago to visit. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Phuket is a great resort island if you're traveling as 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.

Is Phuket or Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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 Okinawa 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 Okinawa.

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 Okinawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Phuket or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Phuket is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable resort island. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Okinawa?

Both Phuket and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Okinawa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Okinawa than Phuket. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa 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 Okinawa.

One day in Phuket or Okinawa?

In Phuket, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Okinawa. 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 Okinawa?

In Phuket, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Okinawa?

Phuket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phuket has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. In Phuket, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene destination of Okinawa. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Okinawa, 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Okinawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Okinawa?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Okinawa in the Autumn?

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

In October, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 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 Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa 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 Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phuket is much warmer than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.

Should I visit Phuket or Okinawa in the Spring?

Both Okinawa 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the spring, Phuket is a little warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Phuket