A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Halong Bay vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a breathtaking, stunning, and dramatic bay. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Halong Bay and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Halong Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Halong Bay is more popular for its museums & sights. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Halong Bay 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. Halong Bay is well known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.

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

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

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

Halong Bay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

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 Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Halong Bay and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halong Bay. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

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 Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

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.

Halong Bay is not a resort destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Halong Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Many people visit Halong Bay for it's beautiful beaches. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Both Halong Bay and Koh Phi Phi are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

Neither Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi offer decent shopping options.

Halong Bay has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

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.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Halong Bay 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, Halong Bay is very family-friendly. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

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 Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Halong Bay and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

Koh Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Halong Bay 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 its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Koh Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a island with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known 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.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable bay. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Halong Bay?

How long in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking bay of Halong Bay. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the spectacular destination of Halong Bay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This bay 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Phi Phi, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

The dramatic bay of Halong Bay offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Halong Bay or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Halong Bay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, 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 Halong Bay and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi than you might in Halong Bay.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Halong Bay Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.