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

Should you visit Phuket or Can Tho?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Can Tho, 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 energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Phuket travel costs.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a friendly, cultural, and unique city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Can Tho travel costs.

Phuket and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Can Tho?

You'll generally find more things to do in Can Tho than Phuket. Can Tho is bigger than Phuket, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Can Tho is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Can Tho and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. Also, Can Tho is famous for Cai Rang Floating Market.

How is Phuket different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Can Tho 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 Can Tho can be an interesting and educational experience. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Can Tho can be difficult as they are each excellent 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."

Can Tho has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Phuket is a world class party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Phuket is a perfect 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.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Phuket is a very popular vacation 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.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Can Tho?

Can Tho 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 Can Tho make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

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 Can Tho More Beautiful?

Phuket is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Phuket is a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Families?

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

Can Tho is a very kid-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

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 Can Tho Better for Couples?

Phuket and Can Tho are both excellent 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.

Can Tho is a great resort island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Phuket or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Can Tho is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Can Tho is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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 Can Tho Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Phuket is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Phuket or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Phuket and Can Tho both are notable 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.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable resort island. The city center is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Phuket Worth Visiting? and Is Can Tho Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Phuket or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Phuket than Can Tho because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 1-2 days is enough time in Can Tho.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

One day in Phuket or Can Tho?

In Phuket, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Phuket or Can Tho?

In Phuket, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Can Tho is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Can Tho?

Phuket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phuket has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. In Phuket, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Can Tho. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Can Tho, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Can Tho would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Can Tho 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket than you might in Can Tho.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Can Tho?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Phuket or Can Tho in the Summer?

Both Can Tho and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets less rain in July than Can Tho. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 168 hours of full sun.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Can Tho in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Can Tho. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Phuket is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Can Tho averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Can Tho in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Can Tho. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Can Tho. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 240 hours of full sun.

In January, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Phuket or Can Tho in the Spring?

Both Can Tho and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Can Tho during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

Phuket is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Can Tho fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Phuket