A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fraser Island vs. Koh Phi Phi for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a breathtaking, idyllic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Fraser Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Fraser Island 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. Fraser Island is well known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

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

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

Neither Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi offer quality museums and landmarks.

Fraser Island offers a few options for museum-goers. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its resorts. However, Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi both offer amazing beaches.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi, and they are superb.

Fraser Island is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not a good place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Fraser Island 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, Fraser Island is very family-friendly. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi both amazing destinations for a couple.

Fraser Island is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Fraser Island?

How long in Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fraser Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking island of Fraser Island. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 remote 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the idyllic destination of Fraser Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the idyllic island of Fraser Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 stunning 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Fraser Island. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in 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 Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fraser Island as well as Koh Phi Phi. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Fraser Island is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Fraser Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Fraser Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fraser Island usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Fraser Island gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Fraser Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Fraser Island is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fraser Island in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Fraser Island usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Fraser Island gets 87 mm (3.4 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Fraser Island during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Fraser Island in the winter for the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In July, Fraser Island is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Fraser Island average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Fraser Island usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Fraser Island gets 59 mm (2.3 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 Fraser Island or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fraser Island and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Fraser Island is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Fraser Island averages around 21°C (71°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Fraser Island usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Fraser Island gets 75 mm (2.9 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 Fraser Island