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

Should you visit Cesis or Phuket?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Phuket can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a traditional, quaint, and small town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Phuket

Phuket is a activity-filled, energetic, and party-hard resort island. Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Phuket travel costs.

Cesis and Phuket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Phuket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Phuket than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Phuket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Phuket is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Also, Phuket is famous for The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Phuket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phuket is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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."

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Phuket is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Resorts?

Phuket is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Beaches?

Phuket is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a town with a few options for its old town. However, Phuket does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Cesis. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Hiking?

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

Cesis has hiking trails worth exploring. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Phuket?

Phuket is a resort island with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Phuket More Beautiful?

Cesis and Phuket are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

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.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Phuket are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cesis. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

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 Cesis or Phuket Better for Couples?

Phuket is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Cesis or Phuket Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Phuket are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cesis is a good town to visit for backpackers. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

Plenty of backpackers visit Phuket. 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 Cesis or Phuket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Phuket is a resort island with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Phuket a more walkable city?

Cesis and Phuket both are notable when exploring on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Phuket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phuket or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Phuket?

Both Cesis and Phuket have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Phuket.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Phuket than Cesis 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 Phuket.

One day in Cesis or Phuket?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Phuket, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this energetic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Phuket?

Cesis 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Phuket?

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

Phuket is a fun place to experience. In Phuket, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Phuket?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Phuket, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this energetic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Phuket, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Phuket is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis than you might in Phuket.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Phuket?

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

Cesis 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 Cesis or Phuket in the Summer?

Both Phuket and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Cesis is much colder than Phuket in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Phuket. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Phuket in the Autumn?

Both Phuket and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Phuket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Phuket averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Cesis or Phuket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Phuket. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Phuket. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Cesis or Phuket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Phuket. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.

Cesis is much colder than Phuket in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Phuket. Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Phuket and Cesis