A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mashiko vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Mashiko and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Mashiko 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 popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is known for its museums, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Mashiko 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. Mashiko is popular for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

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

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

Mashiko is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Mashiko offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Mashiko and Koh Phi Phi both to be good destinations.

Mashiko is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Koh Phi Phi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Koh Phi Phi has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Koh Phi Phi specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a great island for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Mashiko is well-known for its shopping. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Mashiko 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, Mashiko is very family-friendly. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Koh Phi Phi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Mashiko and Koh Phi Phi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Mashiko offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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

Is Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very walkable town. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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

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

How long in Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

Because Mashiko is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Mashiko 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 Mashiko Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Mashiko are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Mashiko is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Mashiko gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Mashiko. In July, Mashiko usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Koh Phi Phi and Mashiko during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Mashiko is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mashiko averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 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 Mashiko. Mashiko usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mashiko and Koh Phi Phi. The winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In the winter, Mashiko is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mashiko in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Mashiko usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Mashiko gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mashiko usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Mashiko as well as Koh Phi Phi. The small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In April, Mashiko is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Mashiko average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the spring, Mashiko often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mashiko usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Phi Phi. Mashiko gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Mashiko