A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Bangkok vs. Koh Phi Phi for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok. Although Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Bangkok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Bangkok and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw.

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

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

Bangkok 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, Bangkok is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok 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.

Bangkok is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bangkok 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.

Bangkok is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok 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.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

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.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok 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.

Bangkok is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Bangkok 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, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers 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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bangkok is a great capital city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Koh Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

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

How long in Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

One day in Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

Bangkok is a colorful capital city where you can fill many days. 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.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

Bangkok is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This capital 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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

Bangkok is a vibrant capital city where you can fill many days. 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.

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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

Bangkok 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5100 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. December to March in Koh Phi Phi 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 autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

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

Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is May to October. 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 April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok