A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Koh Phi Phi for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Bali and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Bali, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its museums, while Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Bali is well known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Koh Phi Phi is well known 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.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is renowned 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.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Bali 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.

Bali is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Bali and Koh Phi Phi.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

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.

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

Bali and Koh Phi Phi both offer world-class scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

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.

Is Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Bali and Koh Phi Phi are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

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.

Is Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Bali and Koh Phi Phi.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Bali is well-known for its shopping. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Bali is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Koh Phi Phi are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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.

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

Both Bali and Koh Phi Phi are world-class destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island 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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bali and Koh Phi Phi offer notable public transit options.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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

Is Bali or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

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

How long in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the spiritual island of Bali. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Bali. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning island of Bali. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

The tropical island of Koh Phi Phi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Bali and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Bali is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Koh Phi Phi. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Bali is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bali is October to March. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Bali is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

October to March is the rainy season in Bali. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Bali usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bali is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Bali