A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Koh Phi Phi for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

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

Krabi

Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Krabi and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Krabi 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, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Krabi 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. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

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

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

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

Krabi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

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 Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Is Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a very popular vacation 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.

You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Is Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

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.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

Krabi is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Krabi is well-known for its shopping. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

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 Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Krabi 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, Krabi is very family-friendly. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

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 Krabi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

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

Koh Phi Phi is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi 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 Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Is Krabi or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Krabi and Koh Phi Phi are nice when it comes to walkability.

Krabi is somewhat walkable. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

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 Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant town of Krabi. 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 nightlife and food that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Krabi. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

The local town of Krabi offers shopping and museums. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Koh Phi Phi. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Koh Phi Phi?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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 Krabi 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 Krabi or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Krabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 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. In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi 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 Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi 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. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi 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 Krabi is December to March. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Krabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 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 Krabi. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

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

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

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 Krabi. Krabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 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 Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Krabi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi 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 Krabi