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

Should you visit Phuket or Picton?

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

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

Picton

Picton is a relaxing, picturesque, and scenic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the museums, food, and beaches. See Picton travel costs.

Phuket and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Phuket. Although Phuket and Picton are both popular with visitors, Phuket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Picton is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and small town charm. Phuket is more touristy than Picton and is known 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). Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Phuket different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Picton can be difficult as they are each great 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."

Picton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is very popular for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Phuket is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Resorts?

Phuket is very popular for its resorts. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Beaches?

Phuket is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Picton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Picton 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.

Picton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Phuket or Picton More Beautiful?

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

Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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.

Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Families?

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

Picton is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

Phuket and Picton 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.

Picton is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Phuket or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Picton is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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 Picton 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 Picton.

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 Picton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Phuket or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Phuket or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Phuket than Picton 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 Picton.

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

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

One day in Phuket or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Picton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Picton?

Phuket 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.

Picton 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the activity-filled destination of Phuket. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Picton, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia and Picton 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 Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Picton?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Phuket is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Picton in the Autumn?

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

In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

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

Phuket is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.

Should I visit Phuket or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton 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 small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Picton and Phuket