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

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

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly 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 Can Tho travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Can Tho and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Can Tho, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Can Tho and is 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. Can Tho is well known for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

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

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

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

Can Tho offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Can Tho 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.

Can Tho has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is great for hiking. However, Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Koh Phi Phi for the hiking trails. 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.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Can Tho draws large crowds to its stores. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Can Tho 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, Can Tho is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Can Tho is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Can Tho and Koh Phi Phi are notable when it comes to walkability.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

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 Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Can Tho. 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.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unique destination of Can Tho. 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.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

The unique city of Can Tho 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.

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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, 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 Can Tho and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Can Tho much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Can Tho would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Can Tho 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Can Tho.

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

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho 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 Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In July, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Can Tho in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Can Tho, it's very sunny this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho receives a lot of rain in the spring. Can Tho usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 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 Can Tho this time of the year. In the spring, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Can Tho