Many people dream of visiting Thailand. The food, the beaches, the people. Settling on Thailand as your next vacation destination is not enough on its own. While there are truthfully several places in Thailand you might like to visit, it will probably only come down to two: Phuket or Bangkok. Which one is best for you can be more than just a matter of personal preference.
There are several things you may want to consider. The price, the nightlife, nature, the food is pretty amazing regardless so you can’t go too far wrong there, and the other activities.
This article will hopefully make your decision a little easier.
The nightlife
Let’s not beat around the bush. Many people who choose to visit Thailand do so for the crazy nightlife. Thailand is famous for throwing wild parties and raves. But, not everyone wants to rave. In some cases, you may want to avoid this kind of thing altogether. Not everyone is there to party, some people just want to see what this beautiful country has to offer without the partying and drinking.
Why visit Thailand if you are going to be too drunk to remember what you did and what you saw? With this in mind, the important question is do you want to party and rave? If you do, you are better off visiting Bangkok. If you would rather take it easy and enjoy doing other things than just partying, then Phuket is the vacation destination for you.
The nature
All of Thailand is beautiful. Every city on Thailand’s coast will have nice beaches and beautiful views. But, Phuket’s are the best. Bangkok is great but it is far more like your traditional city in the sense that it is crowded, busy, polluted, and very built up. Phuket island is quieter and far more at one with nature. There are going to be beautiful beaches and forests no matter where you are so don’t feel like you are missing out by picking one location over the other.
That being said, Phuket is in a league of its own. Bangkok is beautiful, Phuket is truly a natural paradise. If being out in nature where you can be at peace and relax in the quiet is more important to you, visit Phuket. If you are more interested in the sights and sounds of the city, visit Bangkok.
Accessibility
Which city is best for you may depend on how accessible it is. Depending on where you are in the world, you may not be able to get a direct flight to your destination of choice. Having to get a connecting flight may drive the price of flights up. As many people who are visiting Thailand do so to save money this could be an important question for you to consider.
Both cities have international airports (Bangkok has two) so getting flights to either shouldn’t be too hard. If you don’t plan on getting a hire car, you will need to take a bus from Phuket airport to the city itself. It is only a 30-minute transfer. Bangkok also has good rail access, so you can make it there via land not just air travel.
Shopping
Both cities have amazing shopping. Bangkok may be better known for its street stalls selling not just food but general products. You are likely to find pretty much everything you could want or need in both cities. But, it may cost a little more in Phuket. This isn’t a problem as it is still going to be far cheaper than it would cost in the west.
Bangkok is going to have more department stores simply because it is larger. If you plan to spend time shopping as an activity in itself, not just because you are looking to buy something, Bangkok is best. If you are looking for some good street vendors and a department store now and again but aren’t too bothered about spending the day going store to store, then Phuket is perfectly fine.
The food
As mentioned above, you are going to find amazing street food no matter where you go. You may have heard just how great Bangkok is when it comes to food, you heard correctly. Their food is truly amazing. You can get some of the best food in the world here for pennies. The cost of this street food could be $20 in the states. In Bangkok, it could be $0.25. Their reputation for amazing food is truly deserved. But, that doesn’t mean it is better than Phuket.
Phuket doesn’t have the same reputation that Bangkok does but it is just as good. As you would anywhere, use your common sense when assessing if a vendor’s food looks good or not. Overall they are very hygienic and very high quality, there will be bad eggs here and there though. This is the same whether you are in Bangkok, Phuket, or anywhere in the world.
Scuba diving
If you are hoping to get some scuba diving in during your vacation, there is no better place than Phuket. Phuket has some of the best scuba diving not just in Thailand but in the entire world. The water is warm, crystal clear, and full of interesting things to see. Because the water around Phuket is so shallow it makes it perfect for beginners to learn in.
Scuba diving can be very hard to learn, it is pretty intense for a lot of people. Luckily, by learning in very shallow water the chance for mistakes to happen is minimal. If you can push off from seafloor and breach the surface in just a second or two learning to dive can be a lot less intimidating.
Bangkok vs Phuket. Where to go?
So, what to choose? You’ll get to know the right answer very soon…! For easy comparison we’ll use four criteria:
1. Natural Attractions
Phuket is one of the most beautiful islands of Thailand surrounded by the Andaman Sea.
Phang Nga Bay is one of the region’s jewels! You’ll see there the largest mangroves in Thailand, and awesome sea cliffs, caves and grottoes.
Part of the bay is included into the National Park Ao Phang Nga; there are a lot of wild monkeys, eagles, flying foxes and other exotic animals. Popular tourist tour of Phang Nga Bay will allow you to admire the views from the large ship, and then delve into the caves reseeding inflatable canoe!
Location: Royal Phuket Marina Thep Krasattri Road, Phuket, Thailand
Length of visit: 5-6 hours
Tour price: from $114.95, departs: daily 11:00 am
Phuket advantages:
– a pristine wilderness area, gorgeous landscapes!
– excursions through the beauty of tropical nature: waterfalls, walks to the sea, traveling to nearby islands.
You won’t see any of these in Bangkok!
2. Beach Recreation
You will have an unforgettable beach vacation in Phuket!
Moreover, you can find quiet solitary beaches with the crystal-clear sea water which you will never find in Bangkok!
Karon Beach is one of them. This beach is perfect for comfort and relaxation lovers. This peaceful place suits the best for exploring the huge waterfront. You should watch quiet romantic sunsets there! Restless youth will feel better on the northern part of the beach. There are more places for entertainment here. Also you’ll find there a lot of cafes where you can have a good cheap lunch! Lots of restaurants offer seafood.
Location: 144 Karon Road, Karon Beach, Phuket Karon Beach 83100 Thailand
Length of visit: 4-5 hours
Working hours: 8.00-20.00
Pricing: FREE
Phuket advantages:
– a wide range of beaches for any taste and any activity!
– crystal-clear water, wild untouched places.
3. Architectural Heritage
Phuket is one of the most important cultural centers in Thailand.
One of the most famous attractions here is Big Buddha Temple. Buddha statue has glorified this place which is a little unfinished but still magnificent.
49-meter Big Buddha statue is located on the mountain between Katoyand Chalong. The mountain’s height is 350meters so you’ll have an opportunity to see the southern and the eastern parts of the island: Rawai, Chalong and Phuket Town.
Due to the nature of the local terrain you’ll never see anything similar in Bangkok!
Location: Yot Sane 1 Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Length of visit: 1-2 hours
Working hours: 9.00-18.00
Pricing: FREE
Phuket advantages:
– a large number of unique attractions!
– you can get to any place without wasting time in traffic jams!
4. Fun
Thailand is a combination of high culture, historical monuments and a vibrant nightlife, famous for its delights.
And Phuket is not exception!
Bangla Road is considered to be the epicenter of night life in Phuket. This is a street which leads to Patong beach. Every night from dusk to dawn it comes alive, vehicular traffic is closed and various places of entertainment begin to work!
Or you can sit quietly in one of the pretty quiet bars on Soi Tiger in the evening. Soi Tiger – a noisy place, famous for Sharky bar with dancers in a school uniform and Hot Rock café with surprisingly low prices!
Location: Soi Bangla Phuket 83150, Thailand
Length of visit: 5-6 hours
Working hours: 20.00-6.00
Pricing: mostly FREE
Phuket advantages:
– stormy nightlife: night clubs, live entertainment!
So what will be the fair conclusion? Yes, the best place to stay in Thailand is Phuket!
How to get a car?
Thailand public transport is very crowded and unpredictable. It’s important not to depend from public transport or taxi. A rental car will be the best choice for your journey!
It’s very easy to rent a car in Phuket. Numerous multinational car rental companies are represented there to help you!
Moreover, a car rental vehicle is the most convenient way to travel in Thailand. We recommend you to book a vehicle with GPS-option.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a good idea about the differences between Phuket and Bangkok. Both cities are amazing places to visit with so much to offer, they just might be better suited for different people. If you are looking for a relaxing time, to see the sights, and chill out by the water. Phuket is for you. If you are looking for a party atmosphere with lots of drinking and lots of shopping, Bangkok is the place to be.
