A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Pha Ngan vs. Koh Phi Phi for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is a party-oriented, high energy, and funky party island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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 Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Pha Ngan. Although Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Pha Ngan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Pha Ngan is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Koh Pha Ngan is famous for its wild Full Moon Parties, large backpacker crowds, and strikingly beautiful beaches. It is also well known for the Full Moon Parties. Koh Phi Phi is famous for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises.

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

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

Koh Pha Ngan is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Koh Pha Ngan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors come of the natural beauty, outdoor sports, and hardcore parties more than the sights and museums. Kuan Yin Temple is worth visiting, as is Wat Pho and Wat Phu Khao Noi.

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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Koh Pha Ngan offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.

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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Pha Ngan is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Koh Pha Ngan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Koh Pha Ngan 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.

With a selection of resorts, Koh Pha Ngan makes a nice vacation spot. Much of the island caters to the backpacker crowd, but there are some luxury resorts to choose from as well. Many resorts take advantage of the beautiful nature on the island or intentionally prioritize a serene environment where you can relax by the pool.

Is Koh Pha Ngan 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. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi is not to be missed. 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 Pha Ngan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The island has its share of dive shops and a nice underwater setting where you can see coral and a variety of marine life. The island doesn't draw the huge diving crowds like some of the other islands, but that isn't always a bad thing.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Koh Pha Ngan is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.

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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Pha Ngan. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.

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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan has some nice offerings. Although shopping isn't particularly popular on the island, it does offer a unique opportunity to support individual shop owners as there are more independently owned vendors on this island than in many other areas. Head to the markets and you'll find the most independent shops to support.

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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi as a family destination.

Koh Pha Ngan doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people think of Full Moon Parties and backpacker crowds when they think of this island. There are actually some quieter areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island that are good for families. The activities are best suited for older kids and include hiking, windsurfing, yoga, and shopping.

For families, Koh Phi Phi is not always the best place to visit. 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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Koh Pha Ngan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Phi Phi 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.

Koh Pha Ngan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy partying, yoga retreats, and outdoor exploration will find something for them on this island. There are beautiful hikes to waterfalls as well as nice beaches and, of course, the wild parties.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi are world-class places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Pha Ngan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This island is synonymous with backpacker vibes and full moon parties. Head to the southern side of the island around Haad Rin and Ban Tai for the highest concentration of backpacker crowds. Like much of Thailand, there is frequent turnover in hostel ownership, so most reviews that you read online will be out of date. It's best to talk to people on the road to get the most up-to-date perspective.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Is Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan is not particularly known 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 Pha Ngan. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.

Is Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi both are nice when exploring on foot.

Koh Pha Ngan is somewhat walkable. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.

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 Koh Pha Ngan Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Koh Pha Ngan?

How long in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Koh Pha Ngan. 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 Pha Ngan than Koh Phi Phi 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 Pha Ngan.

One day in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful party island of Koh Pha Ngan. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Pha Ngan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This party 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the party-oriented party island of Koh Pha Ngan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the rustic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Pha Ngan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 Pha Ngan and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Pha Ngan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Pha Ngan during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Pha Ngan gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Pha Ngan is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Pha Ngan in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. 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 Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Pha Ngan usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Pha Ngan gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Koh Pha Ngan is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koh Pha Ngan average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Pha Ngan as well as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Koh Pha Ngan usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Pha Ngan gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Pha Ngan is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Pha Ngan averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

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

The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Koh Pha Ngan usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Pha Ngan gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Koh Pha Ngan is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Pha Ngan in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Pha Ngan