Comparison · Boracay vs Phuket · Philippines / Thailand
Boracay vs Phuket
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Boracay for White Beach, Sunsets and a short break; choose Phuket for Beaches, Phang Nga Bay and day trips. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,616 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,616 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Boracay
- January–May
- Best time for Phuket
- December–March
Side by side
| Boracay | Phuket | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Philippines | Thailand |
| Known for | White Beach, Sunsets and Paraw sailing | Beaches, Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Islands day trips |
| Best time to visit | January–May | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $90–$200 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | May, 32°C (90°F) | March, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 29°C (84°F) | September, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 3 | 6 |
| Beaches | White Beach | Kata Beach |
| Airports | MPH, KLO | HKT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boracay for…
White Beach, Sunsets and a short break. Boracay is a small island about 7 km long off the northwest tip of Panay, best known for White Beach, a roughly 4-km stretch of fine pale sand on its west coast divided into Stations 1, 2 and 3. Most visitors fly into Caticlan, cross to the island by a…
Choose Phuket for…
Beaches, Phang Nga Bay and day trips. Thailand's largest island, about 50 km long, lines its west coast with sandy bays from lively Patong to calmer Kata, Kamala and Nai Harn, all facing the Andaman Sea. Inland, rubber plantations and forested hills hide the Big Buddha and waterfalls, while…
Top sights compared
| # | Boracay | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Beach | Big Buddha |
| 2 | Willy's Rock | Old Phuket Town |
| 3 | Puka Shell Beach | Wat Chalong |
| 4 | Island hopping | Promthep Cape |
| 5 | Sunset paraw sailing | Karon Viewpoint |
Food compared
| Boracay | Phuket |
|---|---|
| Fruit shakes | Phuket Hokkien noodles |
| Calamansi muffins | Moo hong |
| Chori burger | Khanom jeen |
| Seafood paluto | Phuket dim sum |
Which is cheaper?
Boracay and Phuket cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $90–$180 in Boracay and $90–$200 in Phuket (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Boracay on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,616 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 13 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boracay or Phuket cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $90–$180 in Boracay and $90–$200 in Phuket (estimates).
+Is Boracay or Phuket better for a first trip?
Pick Boracay for White Beach, Sunsets and a short break, or Phuket for Beaches, Phang Nga Bay and day trips.
+How far is Boracay from Phuket?
About 2,616 km in a straight line.