A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darwin vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Darwin

Darwin is a local, tropical, and multicultural town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Darwin and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Darwin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Darwin is more popular for its museums and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Darwin 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. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

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

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

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

Darwin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Darwin and Koh Phi Phi.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Darwin. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for the beache. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Darwin and Koh Phi Phi are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Darwin is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Darwin. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Darwin 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, Darwin is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Darwin is a good town for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

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

Koh Phi Phi is terrific for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Darwin is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

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

Both Darwin and Koh Phi Phi offer notable public transit options.

Darwin has a few public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

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

Is Darwin or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Darwin is a somewhat walkable place. There are biking and walking paths around town.

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

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

How long in Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Darwin and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Phi Phi than Darwin. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical town of Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

The local town of Darwin offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the tropical destination of Koh Phi Phi. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi?

Darwin 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 Darwin or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Darwin is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the summer, Darwin often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin July. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Darwin usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene 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 autumn, Darwin is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Darwin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Should I visit Darwin or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Darwin during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In July, Darwin is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Darwin. In the winter, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin January. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Darwin or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Koh Phi Phi. The beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Darwin is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Darwin usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Darwin