A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come to Kyoto because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kyoto 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Kyoto, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Kyoto 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. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

Kyoto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its resorts. However, Kyoto is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Kyoto is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for the beach. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

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

Kyoto is renowned for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

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.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi are somewhat similar when it comes to the terrific scenery.

The famous beauty of Kyoto is one of the main draws. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

Many visitors also come to Koh Phi Phi because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Kyoto 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, Kyoto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto 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 and backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi Better for Students?

Kyoto is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Koh Phi Phi is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Kyoto is renowned 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.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Koh Phi Phi. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kyoto than Koh Phi Phi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kyoto that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. 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 remote 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Kyoto. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

The cultural city of Kyoto offers shopping and museums. 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 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the remote 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 from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 1460 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto 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, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Koh Phi Phi. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Kyoto is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Kyoto 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. Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Koh Phi Phi. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°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, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 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 Kyoto or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Kyoto is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Kyoto 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 Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 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 Kyoto