A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Chang vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a rustic, remote, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Koh Chang and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Koh Chang 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 hiking, while Koh Chang attracts visitors for its shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Koh Chang 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. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

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

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

Neither Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Chang. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Both Koh Chang and Koh Phi Phi offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

In Koh Chang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Both Koh Chang and Koh Phi Phi have fantastic beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Koh Chang are among the best in the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Chang is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Koh Chang 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, Koh Chang is very family-friendly. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Chang and Koh Phi Phi are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

Koh Chang has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Koh Chang is a great island to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Koh Chang and Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Chang has some public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

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.

Is Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Phi Phi is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat walkable. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

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

How long in Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic island of Koh Chang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the tranquil destination of Koh Chang. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the stunning 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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the serene island of Koh Chang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical 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 Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, and The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

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

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

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Chang usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang gets 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Koh Chang usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Koh Chang gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Chang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

In October, Koh Chang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koh Chang average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Chang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang is November to February. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Koh Chang usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Koh Chang gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Chang averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. Koh Chang usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. In the spring, Koh Chang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Chang gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Koh Chang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Chang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Chang