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

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a idyllic, small, and local island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Koh Lipe 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 and resorts, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Koh Lipe 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. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

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

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

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

Koh Lipe offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Lipe or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Koh Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

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 Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Koh Phi Phi know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Phi Phi is a perfect choice. 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.

Koh Lipe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

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

Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi both offer world-class scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe is not to be missed. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

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.

Is Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

The beaches in Koh Phi Phi are among the best in 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.

Is Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

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.

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

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

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 Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe is very family-friendly. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Lipe or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options 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 Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

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

Koh Lipe 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.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable island. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Koh Phi Phi. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local island of Koh Lipe. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the local destination of Koh Lipe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local island of Koh Lipe. 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.

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 Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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 Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lipe in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. 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. Koh Lipe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lipe 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. Koh Lipe usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe 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 Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October. 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 Koh Lipe. In April, Koh Lipe usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lipe in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe