A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Koh Phi Phi for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi, 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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come to Amsterdam because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Amsterdam travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Amsterdam and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Koh Phi Phi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amsterdam is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Amsterdam is well known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Koh Phi Phi is well known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises.

How is Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Amsterdam is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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 Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its live music scene. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Amsterdam. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Amsterdam is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Amsterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in the world. 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.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is great for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Amsterdam is well-known for its shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

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 Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Amsterdam and Koh Phi Phi are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

The famous beauty of Amsterdam is one of the main draws. With its beautiful canals, historic churches, and relaxing parks, this is a beautiful city.

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

For families, Koh Phi Phi is not always the best place to visit. 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 Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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

Amsterdam and Koh Phi Phi are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

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

Amsterdam is renowned 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.

Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned 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.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored 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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam than Koh Phi Phi 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam is a party-oriented city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the rustic island of Koh Phi Phi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 740 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Amsterdam is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Koh Phi Phi. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Amsterdam is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Amsterdam