A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Mai vs. Koh Phi Phi for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a friendly, cultural, and welcoming city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is famous for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Koh Phi Phi is famous for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises.

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

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

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai are world-renowned. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai 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, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

Koh Phi Phi offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai 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, Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for hiking. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Chiang Mai draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Chiang Mai 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, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi are amazing places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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.

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

Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi are nice when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Chiang Mai. 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 Chiang Mai than Koh Phi Phi 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Chiang Mai is a friendly city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the rustic island of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Chiang Mai is a temple-filled big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Chiang Mai is a natural 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Chiang Mai 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 1000 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 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. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. 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 Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chiang Mai is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Chiang Mai