Phuket vs Bintan: Which Weekend Getaway is for You?

For Singaporeans craving a break that doesn’t involve long-haul flights or annual leave gymnastics,Bintan and Phuket have always been the popular choice. And solid options they are! Both are within an hour of Singapore, both offer beaches and resorts and have tons of fun things to do. But as I’ve come to learn, they aren’t as similar as they appear, and the two actually serve up very different holiday vibes.

If you’re wondering which one deserves your next long weekend, this side-by-side guide breaks down the vibes, budgets, and best things to do  so you can pick the island that fits you.

Also read: Phuket Adventures: I Didn’t Choose The Farm Life, The Vanich Farm Life Chose Me

The vibe

Phuket

Phuket is for the traveller who wants to do something during their holiday. Between night markets, island-hopping day trips, vibrant beach clubs, and cultural landmarks like Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, your itinerary will be packed. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure destination that can swing from wild to wholesome depending on the crowd you’re with.

Bintan

Bintan is what you pick when you don’t even want to look at a schedule. It’s not about cramming your day with activities, but more about long, quiet mornings, mid-afternoon swims, and resort robes you basically never take off. It’s the island equivalent of pressing “Do Not Disturb” on your life. Especially good for couples or burned-out urbanites who need rest that restores.

Also read: 7 Top Resorts in Bintan That Singaporeans Must Experience

Beaches

Phuket

Phuket’s beaches are famous for a reason. You’ll find everything from party hotspots like Patong to hidden coves like Ao Sane. Want to jet ski? Nap in a cabana? Snorkel with fish? It’s all within reach. That said, the more popular beaches can get crowded, especially during peak season, so timing and location matter.

Bintan

Bintan feels more curated. The beaches are often part of private resorts, with soft white sand and calm turquoise water. At places like Trikora or White Sands Island, you might not see more than a handful of people for hours. You get clean beaches, quieter waves, and, most importantly, space. Not just physical space, but the mental space to slow down.

Cost

Phuket

Phuket offers great value, but how much you spend depends on how you travel. Street food, hostels, and local tours can be very affordable. On the flip side, beachfront resorts, island tours, and fancier dining add up. Phuket gives you options so that you can ball out or budget, depending on your travel style.

Bintan

Bintan, on the other hand, leans into luxury and you’ll feel it in your wallet. Most visitors stay in resort enclaves where dining, spa sessions, and transfers are all bundled in, making the trip smoother but more expensive. Room rates start around $100+, and many resorts expect you to dine in. That said, what you’re really paying for is the ease. Your 3D2N of being taken care of without you having to stress out about any logistics or transport, which could bring you a real peace of mind.

Activities

Phuket

As you may have already gotten a sense of, Phuket is a playground of possibilities. You can spend a day island-hopping to Phi Phi or James Bond Island, visit an elephant sanctuary, take a Muay Thai class, or roam Old Town’s colourful streets. There’s plenty for kids too, with attractions like water parks, aquariums, even cabaret shows (some family-friendly, others less so…just remember to do your research properly before booking!)

Bintan

Bintan takes a different route. Activities are designed to be less about adrenaline and more about connection. The vibe’s more like kayaking through mangrove forests, horseback riding along the beach, cycling through quiet village roads, spa treatments in huts that open to jungle or ocean or golf courses with sea views. There are still a bunch of things to do here, but it just feels more slow-paced and relaxed compared to the thrill that Phuket’s activities might lean more towards.

Family friendliness

Phuket

Phuket is family-friendly in a chaotic kinda way. There are plenty of attractions for all ages, from tiger parks to cultural attractions like temples. But be prepared to manage transport, transitions, and crowds. If you want something more convenient for the family, then Bintan might be more up your alley.

Bintan

Bintan’s self-contained resorts make parenting logistics a breeze. Kids can jump from pool to playground while parents sneak off for a quick massage. Places like Treasure Bay even have inflatable water parks and glamping options. You barely need to leave the resort, which is great if you’ve got younger kids or just want a stress-free stay.

Also read: 10 Fun & Free Things to Do in Phuket

Nightlife

Phuket

Phuket’s nightlife scene is legendary. You can walk down the neon blast that is Bangla Road or sip cocktails at a breezy beach bar in Kata. It’s got options for everyone, from rowdy backpackers to more laid-back loungers. Bars, night markets, clubs, rooftop spots…if you can name it Phuket probably has it.

Bintan

Bintan is where the night winds down instead of up. You might find a live band playing at your resort or sip cocktails with sea views, but the vibe is intimate, not electric. Ideal for people who associate “a good night” with a slow dinner, soft lighting, and early bedtimes.

Also read: 10 Best Spots to Experience the Phuket Nightlife

Shopping

Phuket

Once again, there’s a large range in Phuket, from night markets and local handicrafts to huge air-conditioned malls. You can haggle for souvenirs, pick up beachwear, or even shop high street brands. The fun lies in the chaos that lies in having such a wide range of options!

Bintan

Bintan doesn’t try to compete. It’s not where you go to buy things; it’s where you go to let go of wanting them. You’ll find some curated shops, but if you’re looking to shop, then Phuket wins in that category.

Transport

Phuket

Phuket is just a short flight from Singapore, typically around 1 hour 45 minutes. There are multiple budget and full-service options daily, and flights are generally affordable if booked in advance. Once you arrive, transport is a bit of a mixed bag. You’ll likely rely on taxis or Grab, and traffic can be unpredictable in more crowded areas like Patong. Renting a scooter is an option, but it may not be ideal for families. That means that getting to Phuket is straightforward, but getting around Phuket may require a bit more planning, especially if you’re travelling with kids or prefer door-to-door ease.

Bintan

Bintan is reachable via a 1-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. The ride is short and scenic, and once you arrive, most resorts provide direct transfers from the terminal meaning you’re on holiday mode the moment you dock. You probably won’t need to arrange your own transport at all unless you’re exploring beyond the resort area. If we’re talking convenience, then Bintan probably wins this one.

Also read: Thailand Flight Delay Law 2025: New Passenger Rights Travellers Need to Know

What do you need this weekend?

Still unsure? Here’s a quick gut-check:

If you want a weekend with variety (keywords: temples, beaches, markets, nightlife) go with Phuket. It’s vibrant, spontaneous, and packed with things to do.

If you need a weekend that feels longer than 3 days (keywords: luxurious bathrobes, stillness, sea breeze, and resort ease) Bintan might just be the gentle reset you’ve been craving. Here, you trade the mall for mangroves, the crowds for clouds. It’s perfect for those who just want to disappear.

Neither is better. It’s more of which is better for you right now. So hopefully, this breakdown made the choice a little easier for you!