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

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

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Dubai and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

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

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Koh Phi Phi is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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

Dubai 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.

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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.

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for its live music scene. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Koh Phi Phi is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Koh Phi Phi.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

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.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for hiking. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Dubai 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, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Dubai is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Dubai and Koh Phi Phi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

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

How long in Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this stunning 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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubai is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city 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. 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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. 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.

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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubai 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. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find nightlife and food around the rustic 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 The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Koh Phi Phi?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 1140 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai 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 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. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

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

Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Dubai is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Dubai