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

Should you visit Phuket or Sapporo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Sapporo, 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 energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Phuket and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Phuket, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sapporo is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Sapporo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park.

How is Phuket different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

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

People head to Sapporo specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Phuket is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phuket or Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Resorts?

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

Phuket is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a great resort island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Phuket is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Sapporo?

Sapporo is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Sapporo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Families?

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

Sapporo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

Phuket and Sapporo are both high quality 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.

Sapporo is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sapporo is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great destination for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a great city to visit as a student. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Phuket is not popular with students.

Is Phuket or Sapporo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you around easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phuket and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Sapporo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

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

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

One day in Phuket or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the park-filled big city of Sapporo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Phuket is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Sapporo. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sapporo can be very cold during winter. Phuket is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Phuket