A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Coffs Harbour attracts visitors for its museums & sights, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

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

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

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

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

The people in Koh Phi Phi know how to have a good time. 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

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.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Coffs Harbour is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Coffs Harbour is a very family-friendly destination. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Is Coffs Harbour 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 times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat walkable. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable vacation town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun vacation town of Coffs Harbour. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Coffs Harbour. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This vacation town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing vacation town of Coffs Harbour. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Coffs Harbour. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this vacation town.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Coffs Harbour is in Pacific 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Coffs Harbour is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coffs Harbour in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coffs Harbour usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Coffs Harbour gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coffs Harbour usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin July. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Coffs Harbour is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phiin October. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 20°C (67°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In the autumn, Coffs Harbour often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin October. Coffs Harbour gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coffs Harbour usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phiin October. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Coffs Harbour is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Coffs Harbour gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phiin January. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Coffs Harbour during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the spring, Coffs Harbour is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coffs Harbour in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. In the spring, Coffs Harbour often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phiin April. Coffs Harbour gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phiin April. Coffs Harbour 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. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Coffs Harbour