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

Should you visit Koyasan 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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a serene, spiritual, and traditional town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a remote, tropical, and dramatic island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Koyasan is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Koyasan and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

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

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

Koyasan is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Foodies will find both Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koyasan. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

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.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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 Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is great for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Is the Shopping Better in Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is not so good for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Koyasan offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

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

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

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 Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

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.

Koyasan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi.

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

While Koh Phi Phi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than in Koyasan. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koyasan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Koyasan is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi?

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Koyasan is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Koyasan is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

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

Koyasan 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 Koyasan or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koyasan during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Koyasan is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. Koyasan usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koyasan and Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Koyasan is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koyasan in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Koyasan gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koyasan usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Koyasan as well as Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In January, Koyasan is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Koyasan average around 6°C (42°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Koyasan often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Koyasan usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Koyasan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Koyasan is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Koyasan averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Koyasan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Koyasan. In April, Koyasan usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Koyasan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Koyasan