A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katoomba vs. Koh Phi Phi for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Katoomba 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, and beaches, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Katoomba and is popular 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. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

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

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

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

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Foodies will find both Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi both to be nice destinations.

Katoomba offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Koh Phi Phi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Katoomba is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. 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.

Katoomba is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. 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.

Katoomba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Katoomba is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Katoomba is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Katoomba is a very family-friendly destination. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Both Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi offer nice public transit options.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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

Is Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi both are nice when exploring on foot.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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.

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

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

How long in Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. 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 beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Phi Phi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Katoomba is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, 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 Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Katoomba is in Pacific and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba 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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Katoomba as well as Koh Phi Phi. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the summer, Katoomba is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Katoomba in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In the summer, Katoomba often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin July. Katoomba gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Katoomba receives a lot of rain in the summer. Katoomba usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Katoomba gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Katoomba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Katoomba is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin October. Daily temperatures in Katoomba average around 18°C (65°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Katoomba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Katoomba gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Katoomba gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Katoomba during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Katoomba is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Katoomba averages around 11°C (51°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Katoomba. In the winter, Katoomba often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phiin January. Katoomba gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Katoomba usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Katoomba gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Katoomba and Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Katoomba is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Katoomba in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Katoomba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Katoomba gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Katoomba gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Katoomba