A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a dramatic, iconic, and world renowned national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known for its museums and hiking. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is popular for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Koh Phi Phi has something for everybody. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi can be found for those interested. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very family-friendly. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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

Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi are good when it comes to walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

How long in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

The stunning destination of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

The dramatic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the rustic island of Koh Phi Phi. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 26°C (78°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In July, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In January, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

Should I visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park