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

Should you visit Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Koh Phi Phi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bergen travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful, rustic, and remote island. You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Bergen and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Bergen and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

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

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

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

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Both Bergen and Koh Phi Phi offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bergen area. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great 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.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

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

Bergen is a popular place for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergen. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Bergen is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Koh Phi Phi as well. 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.

Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Bergen 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, Bergen is very family-friendly. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular island to visit 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Bergen 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 Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Bergen or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun 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 Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bergen and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Phi Phi than Bergen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Bergen. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

The nostalgic city of Bergen offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the rustic destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, 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 Bergen and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Koh Phi Phi?

Bergen 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 Bergen or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Koh Phi Phi. The summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Bergen is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In October, Bergen usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Bergen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bergen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Bergen