Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phuket or Pyeongchang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Pyeongchang, 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.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Pyeongchang?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.
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 from Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $105Pyeongchang $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, while the average daily cost in Pyeongchang is $114. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phuket and Pyeongchang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Pyeongchang $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Pyeongchang $124
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Pyeongchang
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Pyeongchang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Phuket Hotel Prices and Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Pyeongchang $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplining Hanuman Experience in Phuket with Roundtrip Transfer (SHA Plus): $86
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $27
- Transfer to or from Phuket International Airport by Sedan: $17
- Transfer from Phuket Hotel to Phi Phi Island: $28
- Transfer from Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotel: $21
- Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Hotel: $50
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $30
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to LAGUNA Beach Area (SHA Plus): $25
- Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket including Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $52
- Simon Cabaret Show from Phuket with Transfer (SHA Plus): $46
- Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Included Tickets and Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Pyeongchang?
Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang and Phuket change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayPhuket $22Pyeongchang $27
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
-
Thai Noodles$2.45
-
Bananas$0.68
-
Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $47
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Twilight Stylish Sky Set Dinner - The SIS Kata Resort : $54
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Pyeongchang $51
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$25
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
-
Thai Oil Massage$17
-
Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $219
- Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
- Private Tour: Amazing Phuket Island Tour with Big Buddha : $66
- Water Rafting 5 km Tour & ATV 1 hour - Real Adventure: $100
- Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $119
- Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $108
- 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45
- 2-Hour ATV Tour from Phuket: $77
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $58
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $6.35Pyeongchang $8.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
-
Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $78
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Pyeongchang, we can see that Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Phuket or Pyeongchang?
Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Pyeongchang. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°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 Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?
Both Pyeongchang and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Phuket is much warmer than Pyeongchang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pyeongchang during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pyeongchang. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Pyeongchang in the Winter?
Both Pyeongchang 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.
Pyeongchang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 0°C (33°F).
It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 190 hours of full sun.
Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Pyeongchang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Pyeongchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pyeongchang this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Pyeongchang during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 204 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 Pyeongchang. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Phuket
| Phuket | Pyeongchang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.