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

Should you visit Phuket or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Bergen, 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 party-hard, stunning, and activity-filled resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Phuket travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bergen travel costs.

Phuket and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Phuket than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Phuket, Phuket has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Phuket is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Phuket is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. It is also home to The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Phuket different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Phuket is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Phuket is an experience not to be missed. 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."

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Phuket is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Phuket is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Phuket is a great choice. 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.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Phuket. 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Phuket is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Phuket. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Bergen?

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

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen More Beautiful?

Phuket is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

Phuket and Bergen are both very good 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.

Bergen is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Phuket and Bergen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Bergen is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Phuket or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for students. However, Phuket is not popular with students.

Bergen is popular with students. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen can get you around easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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 Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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 Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phuket and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Bergen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

One day in Phuket or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phuket. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Bergen?

Phuket 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.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the activity-filled destination of Phuket. This resort island 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic destination of Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen is in Europe, 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 Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Phuket is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Bergen. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Bergen. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Bergen. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.

Should I visit Phuket or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. Phuket is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Bergen. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.

Should I visit Phuket or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Phuket during the spring 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 Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bergen. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Phuket