A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hanoi vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Hanoi travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

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

Hanoi and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Koh Phi Phi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hanoi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Hanoi and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake.

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hanoi and Koh Phi Phi.

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

Many people head to Koh Phi Phi for the nightlife scene. 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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its resorts. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the beach. However, Hanoi is not a beach destination.

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.

Hanoi is not a beach destination.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is renowned for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Hanoi is one of the most recognized in the world. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Hanoi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Hanoi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Hanoi is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

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

Hanoi and Koh Phi Phi are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular city 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.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

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

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Is Hanoi 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, Hanoi 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 mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi than Koh Phi Phi 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Hanoi is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 remote 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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Hanoi is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Hanoi is a high energy city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hanoi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the dramatic 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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Hanoi and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 1430 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Hanoi or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

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

Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Hanoi is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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 Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Hanoi is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Hanoi