A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Koh Phi Phi for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tarutao and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Koh Tarutao and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

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

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

Neither Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Koh Phi Phi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

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.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao and Koh Phi Phi both offer amazing beaches.

Koh Tarutao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Koh Phi Phi, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

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

Neither Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Koh Tarutao can be found for those interested. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

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 Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Koh Tarutao offers lots of family activities. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

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 Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

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

How long in Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the remote island of Koh Phi Phi. 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.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Koh Tarutao. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi?

The undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao offers . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The rustic island of Koh Phi Phi offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Koh Phi Phi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao 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 April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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

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

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. 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 Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Phi Phi. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tarutao