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

Should you visit Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a historical, youthful, and vibrant port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Antwerp 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 beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Antwerp, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

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

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

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

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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

Antwerp is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Antwerp has a huge number of terrific restaurants. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Phi Phi is a perfect choice. 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.

Antwerp is not a resort destination.

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

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi is not to be missed. 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.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a very popular vacation 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.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp 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.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Antwerp is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antwerp draws large crowds to its stores. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. 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.

Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Phi Phi 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.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Antwerp is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Antwerp is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

While Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Antwerp 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.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable port 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 Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Antwerp. 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 Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Antwerp. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

The youthful port city of Antwerp offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, 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 Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antwerp 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp 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 Antwerp Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Antwerp is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°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 Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 202 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. Antwerp usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Koh Phi Phi. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Antwerp is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 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, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Koh Phi Phi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°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, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 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 Antwerp or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Antwerp is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Antwerp gets 158 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, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Antwerp