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

Should you visit Phuket or Nagasaki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Nagasaki, 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 stunning, activity-filled, and energetic resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Phuket travel costs.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming 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 Nagasaki travel costs.

Phuket and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki than Phuket, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nagasaki is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Phuket is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Nagasaki and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also home to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

How is Phuket different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can be an interesting and educational experience. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Nagasaki can be difficult as they are each very good 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."

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

People head to Phuket just to party. 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.

Nagasaki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Nagasaki?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nagasaki and Phuket.

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.

Nagasaki has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki More Beautiful?

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

Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Phuket and Nagasaki are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket. 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.

Nagasaki offers lots of family activities. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Phuket is a very popular place for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Phuket makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Phuket or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Phuket and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Phuket and Nagasaki both are good 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.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable resort island. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Nagasaki?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phuket and Nagasaki. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than in Nagasaki. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nagasaki.

Families should spend more time in Phuket than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Phuket than Nagasaki 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 Phuket or Nagasaki?

The resort island of Phuket offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nagasaki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Nagasaki?

Phuket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Phuket is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phuket, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Phuket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phuket has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Nagasaki. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Nagasaki, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Nagasaki?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Nagasaki. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Should I visit Phuket or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

Phuket is much warmer than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Phuket