A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hefei vs. Koh Phi Phi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hefei or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Hefei 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.

Where Should I go: Hefei or Koh Phi Phi?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Hefei?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $78, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hefei and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hefei $29
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hefei $58
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Hefei or Koh Phi Phi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hefei


Hotels in Koh Phi Phi


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hefei $17
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Hefei change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hefei $36
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hefei $19
    Koh Phi Phi $52

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hefei $11
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.

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


Which is Bigger, Hefei or Koh Phi Phi?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 1390 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Hefei 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 Hefei or Koh Phi Phi?

Hefei 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 Hefei or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Hefei during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Hefei is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. Hefei usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hefei 29°C (83°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Hefei is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hefei in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hefei 18°C (64°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hefei. In January, Hefei is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Hefei usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Phi Phi. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hefei 3°C (38°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

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

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

Hefei is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Hefei usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hefei 16°C (61°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Hefei

Hefei Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)