A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Adelaide travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Phi Phi and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Adelaide is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Phi Phi. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi has a large number of nightlife venues. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Phi Phi. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Adelaide is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koh Phi Phi is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Adelaide is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Adelaide offers lots of family activities. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Phi Phi. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Adelaide is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Koh Phi Phi has a few public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Adelaide is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Phi Phi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Adelaide 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Adelaide. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

The welcoming city of Adelaide offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 1070 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi?

Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Adelaide is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Adelaide is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin October. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Adelaide is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.

Should I visit Adelaide or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the spring, Adelaide is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phiin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Adelaide