A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Surfers Paradise, 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. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Phuket travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Phuket and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Phuket and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Phuket is known for its impressive beauty. Phuket is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Surfers Paradise is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

How is Phuket different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Surfers Paradise can be difficult as they are each superb 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."

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Phuket or Surfers Paradise has a better nightlife scene.

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.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, amazing resorts can be found in both Phuket and Surfers Paradise.

Phuket offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find superb snorkeling or scuba diving in both Phuket and Surfers Paradise.

Many visitors go to Phuket to enjoy 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.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Both Phuket and Surfers Paradise have amazing 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.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise More Beautiful?

Phuket is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

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

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Phuket and Surfers Paradise are both superb 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.

Surfers Paradise is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

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 Surfers Paradise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Phuket or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Phuket and Surfers Paradise both are good when exploring on foot.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable resort island. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Phuket. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. 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.

A weekend in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the energetic resort island of Phuket. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. 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.

A week in Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

Phuket is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Surfers Paradise. This city 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Surfers Paradise, 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. Even though Phuket is in Asia and Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Surfers Paradise?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Surfers Paradise. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (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.

Should I visit Phuket or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phuket is much warmer than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Phuket is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Phuket