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

Should you visit Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Koh Phi Phi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Brussels travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

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

Brussels and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Brussels have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

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

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

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

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels 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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. 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.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

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

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Brussels 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, Brussels is very family-friendly. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Brussels is a historic city where you can fill many days. 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 city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Brussels is a cosmopolitan 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Brussels is a colorful 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 1020 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi?

Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the summer, Brussels is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels gets 186 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Brussels for 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 October, Brussels is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Brussels gets 114 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels gets 70 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, 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, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels gets 67 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 Brussels or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Brussels gets 147 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 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 Brussels