A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Cesis 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 Cesis 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.

Cesis

Cesis is a authentic, natural, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Cesis and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Cesis and is popular 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. Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

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

Cesis is adequate for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Cesis. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Cesis is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

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 Cesis or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Cesis and Koh Phi Phi both are notable when exploring on foot.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dramatic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Cesis is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning destination of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Cesis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Koh Phi Phi?

Cesis 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 Cesis or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Cesis is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Cesis is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cesis in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 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 Cesis or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. In January, Cesis is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around -5°C (23°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Cesis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Phi Phi. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Cesis or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Cesis is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 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 Cesis