Because Phuket and Hua Hin are both interesting travel destinations for tourists and families, people often find themselves stuck between them when it comes to selecting a destination. These travel destinations are for sure two of the most beautiful places to visit when planning a trip to Thailand, hence the confusion and as such, the primary objective of this article is to help you choose by shedding light on both travel destinations hoping you be the judge.
Hua Hin Night Market | istock Photos
Which One Would You Choose? Phuket vs Hua Hin
Between Phuket and Hua Hin, one isn’t better than the other as they both have a lot to offer. However, making a choice may depend on a lot of factors such as the activities you want to engage in, your travel budget, your ideal experience, and if you are traveling by yourself, as a couple, or as a family.
At this point, it is safe to say there is no vivid comparison between both, only that Phuket is a larger island with lots of resorts, breathtaking beaches, and scenery. On the other hand, Hua Hin is much smaller in size with average size beaches compared to Phuket, however, it is a fun city with interesting history, nearby sites to explore, and organized longer day trip excursions.
Compared to Phuket, food and transportation are a lot cheaper, with food stalls at almost every corner. The beaches at Hua Hin may be average-sized but are preferred by many because of their reserved nature which makes it a good spot to have a quiet time and reflect on nature. Hua Hin is less commercial in every way when compared with Phuket and there is a lot more “Thai” feel in the city.
To help you make a choice, let’s take a look at the differences between both travel destinations in terms of the above-mentioned factors.
Phuket
Phuket is a southern province in Thailand and has the country’s largest island (the island of Phuket) including other 32 islands just off its coast. Phuket consists of sandy beaches, blue waters, exotic scenery, and the famous Thai spicy cuisines, all of which are responsible for the continuous inflow of tourists and travelers from all over the world seeking adventure and relaxation.
Possible Activities in Phuket
In terms of activities, there are lots of interesting things to get involved with to make your trip memorable, below are just a few of them.
Chilling at the Beach
Patong, Kata, and Karon beach amongst others in Phuket all have beautiful sceneries and activities to engage in. However, Patong beach is the longest and was once the most beautiful and reserved until tourism and development transformed it into a bustling avenue for a variety of activities. Unlike other beaches with quiet spots to chill, read, and think about life, you may be unable to have such an experience in Patong, however, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. You can find many resorts and the best luxurious hotels on the island in Phuket beach.
You could decide to go strolling on the golden sand of kata beach or swim in the sapphire waters of Karon beach, all of which are more peaceful experiences when compared to Patong beach.
Engage in Island Boat Tours
Phuket has many stunning seascapes up for discovery, all of which are beautiful enough to tempt you into wanting to glue yourself to the beaches throughout your entire stay. Signing up for island boat tours could yield the best experience if you decide to visit Phuket for an island getaway.
You could decide to tour Koh Poo located on the west coast as well as Nakha Yai, Maphrao, and Nakha Noi (east coast), and finally Racha Noi, Koh Kaeo, or Racha Yai (southern tip). Opt-in for organized tours as they are designed to ensure you get the best experience and see all the highlights.
Go Snorkeling and Diving
In all of Thailand, Phuket Island offers the best snorkeling and diving experiences in perfect conditions. The waters are crystal clear with temperatures ranging from 26 – 30 degrees Celsius. Phuket island features colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, beautiful seashores, and even manta rays.
Many scuba divers from different parts of the world come to Thailand seeking certified courses because of the quality experience and affordability compared to other countries.
A location such as the Similan islands national park with 11 uninhabited islands is popular for its remarkable diving experience.
Hiking
Hiking your way up to the vantage point of south Kata Noi Beach is therapeutic in the sense that you are presented with a lovely view of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket – Karon, Kata Yai, and Kata Noi Beach. From this viewpoint, you can witness one of Phuket’s most iconic views featuring blue seas, white surf, emerald hillsides, and everything that makes a view picture-perfect.
Experience Nature
Witness nature takes its course first-hand in Sirinat and Nai Yang National Park. The Sirinat National Park offers a more quiet experience in this tourist isle. It is a coastal park situated on the northwest coast of the island featuring marine spots and other relatively preserved beaches.
Two out of these preserved beaches (Hat Mai Khao and Hat Nai Yang) are the only ones in all of Phuket where you can witness leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the shore at night. The perfect time to have this experience is from November – February. Their eggs are protected by locals who patrol the beaches.
What Is The Cost of Visiting Phuket?
For an individual, visiting Phuket for a 7-day trip will cost an average price of $1,455, $2,613 for a couple, and a family of 4 – $4,899. The price range of hotels in Phuket range from $17 – $143 for a night. Other accommodation rentals could cost from $80 – $1000 per night for a family. For engaging in certain activities, you may want to set aside a budget of $27 – $48 per day per person for both enjoying local restaurants and transportation.
In general, the cost of living in Phuket is quite expensive, however, there are the cheapest times to visit – January to April (except the first week of April) and August to December (excluding the first week of October). Above all, the best time to visit Phuket without spending much is in early November.
In these times an average trip to Phuket for a week could cost from $829 to $2,289 per person, with a daily average spending of $118 – $327, $2,324 – $4,262 for couples with an average daily expenditure of $332 – $609, and $2968 to $7,494 for a family of 4 with an average daily expenditure of $424 to $1,071.
Travel, sightseeing, and food will have an average daily cost of $27 – $48 per person, $54 – $96 per couple, and $108 – $192 for a family of four. Accommodation could range from $29 to $57 for a night in a 1, 2, or 3-star hotel, and $91 – $111 for a night in a one-bed vacation rental per person, the same price range for a couple, but $58 – $114 for a night in a two or three-star hotel, and $146 – $167 for a night in a two-bed vacation rental.
How To Travel To Phuket On a Budget
If you can stand the thought of dealing with inconveniences, and taking standby flights then you can visit Phuket on a low-size budget to limit travel expenses but still have all the fun, however, it will require an average daily cost of $89 per person to do so. There are a few rentals with a price range from $1 – $100 for accommodation per night. Note, that these low-budget rentals may not be situated in the best of areas and must be booked as early as possible. One-star hotels will be the most available offering $13 for a room per night.
Hua Hin
Located in the western part of Thailand, Hua Hin is a fashionable seaside resort in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, famous for being a getaway destination for both Thai locals and foreigners, and also a holiday or retirement home destination 2-hour drive away from Bangkok. Unlike the Phuket province, the Hua Hin seaside resort is smaller in size but rapidly developing, and both the provincial and local authorities tend to shield it from the overheated blight other resorts are facing in Thailand.
Possible Activities in Hua Hin
Formerly belonging to the Thai royal family in the early 1920s, it used to be a quiet seaside resort not open to the public, but today Hua Hin has become one of the most vibrant seaside cities in all of Thailand, offering lots of tourist-like activities to engage in. Below are just a few of them.
Visit the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
In the 1920s the Maruekhathaiyawan palace was built for King Vajiravudh (VI) and was meant to be a summer retreat. Feel like royalty while taking a tour in and around this historical piece of architecture made of teak wood and sits on well-decorated pillars. The palace is spacious and has several sections all linked by long corridors perfect for air circulation and windows large enough to allow proper ventilation, natural lighting, and improved temperature. There exist a corridor that leads to the Queen’s used-to-be bathing pavilion and beach. This site is perfect for taking pictures and making memories.
The palace has the King’s chambers partially decorated with some of his authentic possessions. You could visit the king’s study where he composed poetry while staring at the ocean. Visitors are also allowed access to the surrounding well-trimmed gardens and grasses, the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
Visit Santorini Park
Santorini Park by Diana Bocco
Perfect for a family vacation, Santorini Park is a shopping and attraction village which is located just fifteen minutes away from Cha Am, the neighboring town of Hua Hin. From here it is almost impossible to behold the beautiful sight of the ocean as you would in the actual Santorini, however, this park is still breathtaking as it brings the greek island to live in Hua Hin.
There exist rows of whitewashed modern buildings all lined up on the streets with stone-paved roads, passing through shops, souvenir stores, and cafes. An outdoor performance area is present together with an amusement park equipped with adrenaline and climbing rides for both children and adults, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel.
Explore The Pranburi Mangrove Forest
While in Hua Hin you can visit the Pranburi Mangrove forest to explore nature in its purest form. What’s here to see are the exceptional boardwalks that pass through the Pranburi river and further into the ocean. As you walk by you could take some time to appreciate the small fishing village and peeks of wildlife.
After exploring the Pranburi Mangrove forest, you could head out to the park’s beach which is just a few steps away from the park. Fortunately, just a few tourists are aware of this park and as such you are most likely to have the beach all to yourself while you enjoy the quiet alongside its beautiful scenery.
Explore The Hua Hin Night Market
The local night market in Thailand portrays the untainted Thai market culture, and there is no upscale shopping in Thailand that beats the authentic feel, experience, and atmosphere of the local Thai market, and that of Hua Hin is no different. From fine arts, and traditional Thai crafts, to cheap snacks and stalls selling apparel are all the features of the Hua Hin nightlife.
Because tourists are also attracted to Hua Hin’s night market, you will find stalls offering cheap but comfortable beach wears, travel souvenirs, and Buddhist tokens. You can also find many street vendors selling essentials for every day-to-day life in Hua Hin.
Explore The Khao Takiab Beach and Hill
Escape to Khao Takiab beach and hill for impressive scenery and experience. This spot is home to a few of the best restaurants that focus on serving seafood in the city, as well as the most impressive Buddhist temples in all of Hua Hin.
The Khao Takiab temple, popularly known as “Monkey Mountain” is inhibited by many wild macaques. Exploring this area could be fun so long as you do it with caution because these wild macaques are notorious for stealing from tourists.
Explore the Cicada Night market
Cicada Market by Diana Bocco
The cicada market is an outdoor market that’s all about arts and crafts and opens only during the weekends. The atmosphere here comes to life during sunset and for this reason, it is preferred by many locals and tourists. Here is where you can find the best of home decor items and fashion for sale, including an art gallery, live music and shows with dance groups, bands, good DJs, and exceptional pantomime performances. There’s also a massive outdoor food court.
Cicada Market is popular for a variety of reasons, one of which is its style which sets it aside from other night markets in Thailand. Most of the souvenirs here are hand-made and as such aren’t cheap compared to souvenirs you could elsewhere. You can also find authentic sculptures and paintings, art displays, and witness artists work live sketches and glass blowing.
Unlike other night markets, Cicada isn’t just focused on shopping, instead, it is an avenue for artsy retail therapy, with lots of opportunities to just chill and absorb the surroundings as it is closer to the beach.
What Is The Cost of Visiting Hua Hin?
A 7-day trip to Hua Hin will require an average cost of $546 per person, $1092 per couple, and $2184 per family of four. Hotels in the center of Hua Hin city have an average cost ranging from $50 – $125 for a night, while other establishments like Airbnb rentals could cost $16 for a night for an entire apartment. Setting aside $25 per day per person for local restaurants and public transportation is highly recommended.
How To Visit Hua Hin on a budget
Just like Phuket, visiting Hua Hin on a low-size budget is possible and with the same repercussions such as inconveniences under different circumstances. On a low-size budget, it will cost an average of about $329 per person on a 7-day trip. Furthermore, there are hostels in Hua Hin that offer $6 – $7 for a room per night, while 2 to 3-star hotels are more likely to cost $50 per room for a night.
Songthaew or local buses are popular transportation mediums in Hua Hin and they cost about $0.30 – $0.6 per trip.
Conclusion
If you are in it for the scenery and food, both destinations are equally up to the task although some beaches in Phuket are farther away from the city while that of Hua Hin are close by making it easier to explore. Seafood is quite popular in Hua Hin as it has functioning fishing spots. If you are the kind who enjoys fishing, this could be fun for you as well.