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

Should you visit Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hiroshima and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Hiroshima and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

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

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

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima are world-renowned. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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

Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

Hiroshima is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Hiroshima is well-known for its shopping. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Hiroshima offers lots of family activities. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Hiroshima has some very good public transit options. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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

Is Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the meaningful city of Hiroshima. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the meaningful destination of Hiroshima. This city 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

The meaningful city of Hiroshima offers shopping and museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hiroshima. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in 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 Hiroshima and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 1140 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for 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 the summer, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hiroshima in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during summer. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In July, Hiroshima usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Hiroshima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In October, Hiroshima is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 17°C (63°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Hiroshima often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. Hiroshima is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Hiroshima usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 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 Hiroshima or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Hiroshima is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hiroshima in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Hiroshima often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 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 Hiroshima